Page 59 of My Scarred Laird

Culloden snorted, “Aye I see them coming ta speak ta ye.”

They still hadn’t, but they stopped talking about him at least. That was all that mattered to Callum.

“I ken. But I’m not ashamed ta show my face now. I can be the Laird I’m meant ta be. It’s because of ye. Ye and Islay havin’ faith in me.”

Culloden studied him, and Callum nodded, “I doona need ye ta fight my battles anymore. I can do it. Ye have helped me in so many ways, and I kenned ye did it because ye think I saved ye from a fate worse than death. We were children Cull. I would have done anything ta spare ye from the pain and anger ye hold inside. Just ken, I am grateful ye have always had my back, and will miss ye greatly when ye find yer new life. Ye doona need ta protect me any longer. Yer vow to keep me safe has been fulfilled. Many times, over. Find yer joy with yer lass and ken tha’ I’m only wishin’ ye the best.”

Culloden swallowed a few times and then nodded, “Thank ye brother. I canna wait ta start a family with my lassie. She gives me strengh and peace. Brings me nothin’ but joy whilst I’m in her presence. I love her more than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

Callum nodded, “I understand how ye feel. ‘Tis how I feel about Islay. I would do anything for her. Die for her.”

Culloden nodded, “I’m tellin’ ye here and now if McGavin tries anything’, I will kill him.”

Callum grinned, “I will let ye.”

“Good. If he tries ta come for my lassie or Islay he will wish he hadna.”

Callum grinned wider, “I ken. He will wish he hadna tried ta come near our girls.”

* * *

After dinner,Callum walked Islay to her chambers with great reluctance.

“I doona wish ta let ye leave my side.”

Islay smiled up at him, “I ken. I doona wish it either. But we need ta. We have already broken all the rules by takin’ me like ye have.”

He growled, “Aye. I will take ye tonight if ye let me.”

She sighed, “I ken. I hate this separation. But our guests will be scandalized by our behaviour. It’s sinful.”

He growled again, “I care no’. The only thing I care about is ye. Only ye.”

She stood on tiptoe and kissed him, “I ken. I love ye. I canna wait ta be your wife.”

“The dawn canna come fast enough.”

She nodded, “Good night love. I shall hardly sleep tonight for missin’ yer arms around me.”

He groaned, “I ken. I will be doing the same.”

“I love ye Callum.”

“I love ye my heart.”

She stepped into her chambers and shut the door, and he dropped his head to the door, “‘Til the dawn.”

Then he walked to his chambers hating every single step.

He threw himself onto his bed, missing her already.

Wishing the night would pass quickly.

CHAPTER8

ISLAY

Islay woke slowly, feeling like someone was in her chambers with her.