Page 35 of The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride (The Highlander’s Bride #3)

Ryan faced Conn over the windy moor. He’d sent a runner ahead to ask Conn to meet him here. He didn’t wish to be haring off all the way to Morven after his friend on his wedding day. At least, he hoped Conn still considered him a friend.

Conn’s face gave away nothing as Ryan recounted the previous week’s revelations.

“I could pummel ye right here for thinking such a thing of Gilda.” Conn squared off in tangible fury.

“Aye. And it appears ye would be right to do so.” Ryan spread his hands wide. “I dinnae deserve her after what I put her through, but for some reason, bless the sweet saints, she has consented to marry me.”

Conn made a disgusted sound. “Och, she is in love with ye, though I dinnae know why.”

Ryan grinned, relieved Conn did not seem inclined to follow through with his promise of a beating. “Nor do I, my friend. Her da has given us his blessing. We are to wed today. Are ye and I still friends?”

With a long look, Conn clapped his hand to Ryan’s shoulder. “We are brothers, aye?”

“Aye. We’ve been brothers since the day I placed a spider next to Mairead’s platter at supper.”

A grin split Conn’s face at the memory. “We’ve shared everything since then. Lessons, games, pranks, beatings.” His hand drifted unconsciously to his arse as though the last was recent enough to remember.

Ryan’s smile faded. “We willnae share my wife.”

“Nae. We willnae share yer pretty wife. I may come play with yer son from time to time. He is a braw lad and should have more than his disreputable father to look up to.”

“Agreed.” Ryan took a step back to the grove where they’d tethered their horses. “What will ye do now?”

Conn ran a hand admiringly down Shona’s neck and across her shoulder. “Och, I have a yen to own a horse or two like yer mare. She is a lichtsome lass.”

“Aye, she is a delight, though a bit mettlesome at times.” He ruffled her mane affectionately and Shona tossed her head. “Vain lass.”

“Ye say she is from Spain?”

“She is an Iberian horse. I can give ye a letter of introduction to my friend, Captain Rousseau. His son, Bray, traveled to Spain to purchase this mare and others. I am sure they would be happy to receive ye and help ye find one or two of yer own.”

“That sounds a good bit better than the betrothal Da is threatening me with. Mayhap a long trip to France and Spain will give me some breathing room.”

“A betrothal?”

Conn shrugged. “I dinnae think he was entirely pleased with the possibility Will would inherit Morven. He thought I planned to marry too far from the clan. He wants me to marry a young widow who brings land next to ours.”

“It could be worse.”

Conn cocked his head. “I saw how much ye loved Gilda and how much ye still do. I dinnae want an empty marriage.”

“Then be safe, my friend. Come back to Ard when ye return from Spain. Gilda and I would like to see ye again soon.”

Conn swung into his saddle and directed his horse down the trail, his soldiers falling in behind him as they disappeared into the trees.

With a feeling of overwhelming gratitude, Ryan picked up his reins and mounted.

* * *

The stone kirk was festive with pink and white heather wound with ribbon, and bright flames danced on the wicks of a hundred candles. Ryan faced Gilda before the priest in front of an enormous crowd. Gilda’s da and ma stood to his left, the twins pinned on either side, their scowling faces red, their eyes downcast. Doubtless they expected punishment for some mischief when they returned home. For now they were accounted for and silent.

On his other side Laird Macraig waited, his consent given, and perhaps, at last, even his approval. Closest was Lissa who beamed at them over the bairn she carried in her arms. Will gurgled and cooed as he kicked his legs and Ryan’s heart swelled as he turned his attention back to his bride.

He took one of her hands in his and brought it to his cheek.

“Gilda Macrory, thabharfainn fuil mo chroí duit .” I give you the blood of my heart.

“Ryan Macraig, t ugaim mo chroí duit go deo .” I give my heart to you, forever .

“I pledge my love to ye, Gilda, and everything that I own. I promise to honor ye above all others, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my vow to ye.”

Gilda glowed happily. “I pledge my love to ye, Ryan Macraig, and everything that I am. I will honor ye above all others, and it will be into yer eyes I smile each morning. I will love and cherish ye through this life and into the next.”

“ A stor , ye have given me a son. I am humbled by yer love and care, and amazed ye are willing to trust yer heart to me. Nothing I own now or ever will, could measure greater.”

Gilda leaned forward for his kiss. Her lips grazed his ear. “We have more bairns to discuss, aye?”

”Aye.”

There were definitely greater things to come.

~The End~

Connor will find his heart’s desire in The Highlander’s Outlaw Bride. , and you will fall in love with Kinnon and the woman to whom he gave his heart in The Highlander’s French Bride .

Read them today!