Page 45 of Sighs of the Highland Wind

It was not a frantic kiss but slow and tender, and as he caressed Kenna’s lips with his, Maxwell felt as though it was an act of worship. As if to prove it, his shaft stiffened; he pulled her even more tightly against him and heard her answering moan of desire. God, how he wished they were alone!

It was only when they drew apart a few seconds later that they heard the applause. Up until that moment they had been aware of no one but themselves, but when they looked around, somewhat embarrassed, they were aware that a little crowd had gathered.

Flora and Lindsey came rushing to embrace them, followed by the little more restrained congratulations of Laird and Lady McDonald, and they left with the cheers of the servants ringing in their ears.

In the carriage, Maxwell was unable to stop touching Kenna, although he held himself back from kissing her again. He wascontent to have her head on his shoulder, and as the Castle of Kirklieth came into view, he said softly, “Your new home, Mistress Forbes.”

“No, Max,” she murmured. “This is not my home. Wherever you are, my home is there.”

20

“You look absolutely enchanting,” Lindsey said, smiling widely as she stood back to look at Kenna. “Max will be thrilled. I can’t wait to see his face!” She began a slightly unwieldy dance around her future sister-in-law.

The dress itself was made of plain grey silk, with a modest round neck, long sleeves, and a skirt that draped softly from her waist to her ankles. Over it, she wore a fur-trimmed cloak in a deep buttercream color, and instead of carrying a bouquet of flowers, both of her hands were enclosed in a muff made of rabbit fur. She felt cozy, comfortable, but absolutely terrified that something would go wrong at the last moment.

Lindsey stepped back and almost bumped into a little table behind her. She was very large now, and Kenna watched every move she made with gentle concern, expecting her to topple over on her tummy at any moment. However, now she was more worried that her future sister-in-law would land on her back, and she leaped forward to catch her as she stumbled.

Luckily Kenna managed to grab Lindsey at the last moment and put her arms around her. She did not relax until the other woman was standing firmly on her two feet.

“Are you all right?” she asked anxiously.

Lindsey hugged her tightly.

“I am fine, lovely girl,” she replied fondly. “We both are. Now get ready. Your bridegroom is likely climbing the walls by now if I know him—and I do!” she giggled.

They laughed together for a moment, then Kenna shook her head in wonder as she looked at Lindsey’s protruding stomach.

“I could never do that,” she murmured. “It is too frightening.”

Lindsey looked down at her bump and laughed.

“Most women say that the first time, lovie,” she said, patting Kenna’s shoulder. “I have done it twice before, and I will not deny that the birth is painful, but the child is worth it. You will love them more than you love yourself. You would kill or die for them. When it is your turn, you will love the joy of being with child, and you will love the child itself. You will soon find this out if you are blessed with children, and I am sure you will be.”

Kenna smiled tremulously and smoothed out the creases in her dress.

“I am ready,” she declared, squaring her shoulders and tilting her chin. “At least I think I am.”

“Kenna, you are not going into battle!” Lindsey laughed at her fierce, determined stance.

“I suppose not,” Kenna conceded, “but I feel so scared.”

“So did I,” Lindsey told her. “So does every woman, Kenna, but you are not alone. I am here to help you. Don’t be afraid.”

She held her hand out, and Kenna laid hers in it.

“In a few more moments, we will be sisters,” Lindsey declared. “You will be part of the Forbes family, and you need never worry about your safety or security again—and your husband-to-be loves you to distraction. Now, let us go!”

“How do I look?” Maxwell asked his manservant.

Jock Taylor looked his master up and down, from his dark wavy hair, broad shoulders, and powerful body to his strong calves and feet. He wore the blue and green Forbes kilt and plaid, which made him look especially resplendent, and he carried a broadsword in a scabbard by his hip emblazoned with his clan motto:Grace Me Guide.

“Like a king, sir,” the other man replied, standing back and smiling. “The mistress will be thrilled wi’ ye!”

Maxwell ran a hand back through his hair in agitation.

“Thank you, Jock,” he said worriedly. “Now go to the church. I will be there in a moment.”

“Good luck, sir!” Jock called, then left.