The delightful aroma of gingerbread and Christmas cookies filled the kitchen and dining hall. Isla and Mrs. Taylor were happily at work creating delicious treats, while Leana and Bridget decorated a bushy Scots pine with red velvet ribbons and delicate glass globes.

Jamie and Rory marched in, shaking the snow from their coats with each step.

“Ye’re making a fearsome mess,” Mrs. Davidson scolded.

“Come here, Da,” Isla said, offering him a cup of piping hot apple cider.

“So, that’s how it is…ye ignore yer poor famished uncle,” Rory said with a chuckle.

“I’ve cider for ye as well.” She handed him a cup and a piece of gingerbread. “I know it’s yer favorite.”

“Thank ye,” he said, taking a hearty bite.

“I’ve written a story about our voyage to America.” Isla flashed a beaming smile. “I used my journal entries as inspiration. Will ye read it, Uncle Rory?”

“Do ye doubt I would?” Rory’s brows hiked.

Her grin broadened. “Ye’re one of the characters.”

“Hand it here, Isla,” he said. “I’m eager to see if ye did yer uncle justice.”

Jamie made his way to where Leana stood with Bridget. The wee girl blew her da a kiss, then planted a real one on his cheek.

“Merry Christmas, Papa.”

“Ye’ve still got a day to go,” he said, ruffling her curls. “Clever girl, tryin’ to get to yer gift early.”

“I made a present for ye.” Bridget’s grin filled her small face. “But ye must wait ’til the mornin’.”

“I canna wait to see it,” he said, scooping the girl into his arms and planting a kiss on her forehead.

Pure contentment warmed Leana’s heart and she gave silent thanks for the love she’d found with Jamie and his family. She’d found her heart’s desire—and so much more—with the Devil of the Highlands.

Later, after the family dined on a sumptuous Christmas Eve supper and sang carols at the piano in their slightly off-key voices, Leana and Jamie tucked the girls into bed. Stretched out upon the settee by the hearth, Leana nestled in her husband’s arms. Drinking in the warmth of the fire and Jamie’s muscular body, she leaned her head against his shoulder and met his deep green gaze.

His hand splayed over her middle, the faintest of smiles teasing his mouth.

“I can feel the changes in ye,” he murmured. “Our babe is growin’ within ye. I love ye more than words can say, Leana.”

She cupped her palm to his cheek, delighting in the crisp texture of new beard etching the contours of his face.

“My heart bursts when I think of it, Jamie. Next Christmas, we’ll have another little one to love.”

Dipping his head, he kissed her, a velvet caress that spoke of love and hope, of dreams fulfilled and hearts mended.

He threaded his fingers lightly through her hair. An emotion far more powerful than desire blazed in his eyes. She’d been truly blessed to find love with this bold man of the sea who treated her with such passion and tenderness. He was hers to love. Forever more.

“Ah, Leana, how I love ye, lass. Now. And ’til the end of time.”