Page 72 of My Scarred Laird

A cheer rose up from the crowd, and when they broke their kiss, Callum pulled her up to stand and they turned to smile at the people there.

“Let the celebration begin!” Callum yelled. The cheering this time was louder than it had been and everyone filed back into the keep.

Callum kept her tucked against his side, pulling her through the crowd up to the high table, shaking hands every so often.

Well-wishers came up to congratulate them when they were seated, as did Callum’s allies.

Tavish sat down beside her, “Ye have quite the arm lass.”

She went pink, “Thank ye. My father taught me ta use anything ye can in a fight.”

Tavish laughed, and Callum leaned over, “My bride is ruthless.”

Tavish looked over at her, and Callum said, “Ye heard me say she killed her captors,” making Tavish nod, “Aye.”

“She killed them with belladonna.”

Tavish’s jaw dropped, “She didna. How the fook did ye find a belladonna bush?”

She shrugged, “They put me down by a stream, and there was a bush full of the berries. I simply took as many as I could and crushed the juice inta a canteen full of ale. I ken tha’ twenty berries can kill a grown man. So, I put tha’ many and a few more. Just for good measure.”

Tavish shook his head and the other lairds sat staring at her with wide eyes.

She lifted her chin, raising one brow, “It helps ta be a healer. I ken what can kill ye and what can help ye.”

Tague, the normally stoic one of Callum’s allies said, “Remind me no’ ta piss the lady off.”

Callum laughed, “Aye. She is fierce and no’ ta be toyed with.”

He cupped her face, turning it to kiss her quickly, and the men around them looked on.

“I have never seen Callum like this,” Tavish said quietly, and Islay smiled, “Ye arena the only one.”

“The Scarred Laird is in love. Make one believe tha’ ye have a chance ta.”

Islay sucked in a breath, offended for a moment for Callum, but he smiled, “Ye are right Tavish. I am in love. And if this gorgeous woman can agree ta be mine, then ye have hope.”

The other lairds nodded, and Islay leaned against Callum’s arm, happy.

Though today started in the most horrible way, the way it ended had been perfect.

She kissed Callum’s scarred cheek, and he nuzzled against her hair.

“Are ye ready ta retire lass? I ken ye havena slept.”

She nodded, and he stood, “Enjoy the celebration. My wife and I are retiring for the evening.”

Hoots, hollers and men yelled bawdy jests at them.

She turned her face away, and Callum waved everyone off.

Then he was leading her up to his solar, and when they were alone, he locked the door, leaning against it.

“Gods ye are beautiful. I canna believe ye are mine. My wife.”

She nodded, “All yers. Only yers.”

He pushed away from the door, walking up to her, cupping her face in both his massive ones, “I love ye Islay.”