Page 15 of Bride Takes a Laird

She could barely draw a breath as mesmerized as she was by his words. Magnus appeared to be awaiting her response and so she said, “I want you to kiss me.”

His face shifted nearer to hers and his nose practically touched hers. He set his mouth on hers and gently kissed her lips. Magnus briefly pulled away at the touch of their lips but then set his mouth back on hers. Nothing mattered at that moment except for the kiss heshared with her.

Kendra placed her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. He tightened his hold on her and she marveled at the hardness of his arms. Everything about him taunted her to want more—more of his touches, his care, and his body. She returned the kiss and the soft mewing sound from her throat stiffened him. She felt him flinch.

Magnus heightened the kiss and he used his tongue to deepen the desire that surged between them. The pleasure of it nearly forced her to groan. No man had stirred her desire like Magnus had. For all the torment she’d endured over the past year, finally, something had gone her way. She’d marry the handsome Highlander and before the sun set that day, he’d be hers.

Chapter Six

The great hallwas crowded when supper was served. Kendra prepared for her wedding and wore her favorite gown, a tan overdress with billowing sleeves that had many pleats about the waistline and a modest bodice. Sewn at the edges was a pretty lace and the garment was belted with a thick band of brown silk. She rarely wore the dress but hadn’t had many occasions to wear it and she felt so becoming in the elegant gown.

She stood next to her father’s chair, where she’d settled him with John standing behind him. Earlier, during the brawls, John had kept her father safe and she’d found them in their chamber when she returned. Hopefully, her father stayed put when she was called for the wedding. He smiled and seemed content but likely he didn’t know where he was or why. She wished she was as eased, but alas, the next moments were about to change her life forever.

Queen Margaret approached and Kendra bowed and greeted her. “My Lady, good eve.”

“Your wedding will take place shortly. Oh, this is exciting and I am glad you chose Laird Cameron. He is such a worthy man and I trust you will please him. We’re just awaiting Alexander, but he is meeting with his advisors and shall come shortly. Will your father be joining us?”

Kendra moved closer to the queen so her father couldn’t overhear her. “It is best that he remains here. Our servant, John, will look after him while I attend the wedding. My father has been absent-minded recently and confused. I don’t want him to wander off or become upset when I’m taking my vows.”

Margaret took her hand and squeezed it. “Oh, Mistress Kendra, I am sorry to hear that. I too had a relative that happened to and witnessing his madness was difficult as I am sure it is for you. Such a shame when their minds don’t hold memories. I shall bid a servant attend to him and bring him supper and keep his cup filled so you need not worry.” She walked off and left the hall.

Kendra appreciated the queen’s empathy. She turned and searched the hall for Magnus, hoping he had come early so she could talk to him. Before the ceremony, she wanted to speak with him about her father. She hadn’t gotten a chance earlier when she had tended to his wounds because right after their kiss ended, he left her abruptly. She hoped he hadn’t changed his mind. Was he disappointed with their kiss? Vulnerability sank her shoulders and until she spoke with him, she felt helpless.

Magnus appeared and stood by the buttery. He’d changed his garments and wore a tan colored tunic and a red woven tartan with a dark green plaid. Magnus must have bathed because his hair was clean and curled at the edges and his face was smooth and free of whiskers. His handsomeness ceased her breath, even with the slight swelling of his lip and bruising beneath his eye. Kendra was awed by him, his manner, and everything about him.

She couldn’t believe she would soon marry him. He took a drink from a passing servant and his eyes found hers. His gaze lingered as if he called her to him but he made no movement to motion to her. Kendra nodded to John and the servant who was assigned to her father’s table. She ambled to where her future husband stood.

“Laird Cameron, might I have a word with you before the ceremony?”

“Certainly, and ye should call me ‘Magnus.’”

“In private?” She sighed, because the conversation she wanted to have with him was of a serious nature. Kendra tensed knowing she would have to ask him the unthinkable. What man would permit their father-in-law to accompany them home after the wedding? She prayed he would understand.

Magnus grabbed her hand and led her into the hallway. He continued and directed her outside onto a short stone-walled balcony. The late afternoon air chilled her but fortunately, the rains had stopped earlier that morning. With the trepidation of what she needed to ask him, she’d become overheated.

“I should apologize for earlier…” His voice was raspy and deep. “A laird should be noble at all times. I shouldn’t have kissed ye or been forward before our wedding.” Magnus peered beyond the balcony with his eyes focused on the trees in the distance.

Kendra tilted her head to the side. It was as if Magnus had repeated a mantra. Either that or he took his duties as a laird to heart and was gallant. Taken aback by his apology, she set her hand on his arm, gladdened to know what had caused his abrupt departure. “You haven’t changed your mind then? Do you still intend to marry me? You left so abruptly and I thought that you—”

He turned his head to her. “If I’d stayed, ye would’ve been in danger. The last thing I wanted to be was unchivalrous toward ye. Say ye forgive me, lass.” He peered now at her, waiting for her to speak.

Kendra swallowed hard. What did he mean by danger? Had he meant that he couldn’t control himself during their kiss? If that was so, then she had hope that their union would be passionate. She smoothed her hand on his arm. “Of course I forgive you.”

“What did ye want to discuss? Ye haven’t changed your mind, have ye?” He set his hand on hers and gently brushed it away.

She shook her head confused by his brisk manner. “Nay, nay, of course I haven’t. I just…”

He continued to gaze at her with a smoldering look in his eyes. At that moment all she could envision was their earlier kiss. How she wanted him to do so again but he was too noble for that, she supposed. Lord, how the man kissed her, and she was just as wanton in the return of it. Kendra wanted to ask what bothered him, but she decided to stick with the plan and discuss her father’s situation and her needs.

He nodded to her. “Go on, lass…Kendra. What is it ye wanted to discuss?”

Kendra took a deep breath. “I must ask you something and I worry that you will disagree before I might explain.”

“I will not stop ye. Say what ye will and if it is within my means, I shall not disagree.”

“My father is ailing and I had hoped to bring him with me when we travel to your home. There is no one at our keep to look after him, no family that is, but me. My brother has gone off to war and until he returns, my father has no one but me to care for him. I cannot leave him alone. Can we bring him with us when we leave?” She rushed through the explanation and ceased abruptly.

His brows furrowed slightly and he shifted back a step. “He ails? What is wrong with him? Will his ailment delay our travel? I cannot afford any detainment in returning home.”