Page 8 of Rescued by the Highland Warrior (The MacKinloch Clan #4)

T he foal stood on wobbly legs while Ivory licked her newborn. Celeste smiled at the young animal, while Dougal seemed relieved that the birth had gone well. The baby horse had a blend of white-and-black markings, and his mother nuzzled close.

“He’s going to be strong and fast, like his father,” she predicted. Seeing the newborn foal made her heart ache, for within the next month, she hoped to hold their own baby.

Dougal stood back and wrapped his arms around her, his hands upon her swollen middle. He stroked their unborn child, dropping a kiss against her jaw. “I believe so, aye.”

She lifted her face to his, and turned to embrace him, smiling. “I have to stand sideways to hold you now. And I haven’t seen my feet in weeks.”

He kissed her, his palm upon her hardened womb. “So long as you’re in my arms, it doesn’t matter, a ghràidh .”

She touched his cheek, so thankful for the gift of this man. They had wed at the end of last summer, and it had not taken long before she’d discovered her pregnancy. Although their life together had been simple, she had found joy with Dougal. He never failed to provide for her, and when she wasn’t helping him with the horses, she’d joined Nairna and Laren, helping them with various tasks at Glen Arrin.

“Melisandre made a discovery yesterday,” she told Dougal. “Do you remember the chest belonging to my father?”

“Lord Eiloch sent it back to you a few days ago.”

“Yes. Melisandre and I had left it behind when we came here. It was empty, but Lionel thought we might want it. At least—” she paused and withdrew a leather pouch “—we thought it was empty.”

Dougal took the pouch and poured the contents into his hand. Seven gemstones—rubies, emeralds and pearls lay in his hand. “Where did you get these?”

“Melisandre found a hidden panel in the chest. The gemstones were inside it.” She’d been so startled by the discovery, she didn’t know what to do with their newfound riches. “I never thought my father had any wealth at all.”

Dougal replaced the stones and handed them back to her. “These did not come from your father, Celeste.”

She stared at him, “Then how did they get there?”

“It was Lord Eiloch’s way of replacing your lost inheritance. Without his wife’s knowledge.”

She sobered and tucked the gems away. It seemed strange to think of Lionel as their benefactor. “Do you think so?”

He nodded, taking her hand and leading her back home. “And it might be that Lady Marguerite’s father, the Duc D’Avignois, pointed out to Lord Eiloch that he was behaving like a common thief.”

Realization dawned over her that Dougal was responsible. The knowing smile on his face gave it away. “You did this,” she said. “Admit it.”

“I promised you on our wedding morn that I would take care of you. For always.” He opened the door to their home where their peat fire had died down to coals. “You’ll never starve or want for anything.”

She reached up to him, touching his face. “I know that.”

His hands came to cover hers, and he leaned in to her. “I love you, Celeste.”

“And I love you.” She rested her cheek against his heart, feeling the blessing of this second chance. “We’ll save the jewels for Melisandre’s dowry. Or perhaps our daughter’s, if it's a girl.”

He took them from her and set them aside. “I would lay the world at your feet,” he said. With a mischievous smile, he added, “That is, if I could find your feet.” He knelt down and touched her swollen ankles. “Oh, wait. There they are.”

“I cannot believe you said that.” She rolled her eyes at him, but in his face she saw a gleam of laughter that echoed in her heart. “It’s good that I love you, Dougal.”

And when he led her back to their bed, she knew that her husband was the best choice she’d ever made.