Epilogue
The dowry Clara’s grandda had gifted them, along with the king’s coin given to Reid, had been put to good use to build a stone manor much like the one Clara had lived in at Castleton.
While they were far safer up north in Scotland, the solid structure still provided a sense of security that put Reid at visible ease.
They even had an extra room built off to the side for Clara to use for helping those in need, whether it be with a hot bowl of stew or with her healing skills.
She was in that very room one summer afternoon, appreciating yet another beautiful sunset that streaked the sky in purple, red and gold when the sound of footsteps pulled her from the magnificent sight.
Reid stood there, his leine pushed up over his powerful forearms, regarding her with the same quiet joy as she did the sunset.
“Have ye come to watch the sunset with me?” She waved him over.
He approached and wrapped his strong arms around her. With a sigh, she sank back against his broad chest as the setting sun cast the sky in myriad colors upon its descent.
“Are ye feeling better?” His hand went tenderly to her lower stomach.
She’d told him several times he wouldn’t hurt the babe growing there, but still, every time he touched her, he did so with great care. It always made her smile at how gentle he was. It would be one of the many things that would make him a perfect father.
“Aye.” She leaned her head back against his shoulder. “I didn’t feel ill today. Only tired. So tired.”
“Mayhap after supper this evening, I can rub yer feet,” he suggested.
Clara gave a little moan of approval that earned her a chuckle.
Days ago, he’d affectionately massaged the ache she’d been complaining about from her feet, and after he saw how much she’d enjoyed it, he had often offered to repeat the gesture.
“Mayhap we could cancel going to the keep for supper tonight?” Clara suggested, feeling entirely as drained as she claimed. After all, they often ate at Dunscaith’s keep with Kinsey, William, Drake and Mum. One night to themselves was not terribly selfish.
Still, she did feel a pinch of guilt at the thought.
Reid nuzzled against her neck, and chills of pleasure prickled over her skin. “Drake says he has an announcement.”
“Drake?” Clara asked, her curiosity piqued.
Reid nipped at the place where her neck met her shoulder. “Mmhmm.”
She leaned her head back farther, giving Reid access to her body to kiss as they both pleased. “Mayhap, we should ready ourselves,” she said regretfully.
“Mayhap, but I think we have a bit of time before we must prepare,” Reid replied, his voice like velvet in her ear.
As it turned out, there was ample time for them to prepare and still arrive at the Great Hall along with the rest of Clara’s family. They sat at the main table with the MacLeod clan filling up the trestle tables laid out through the large room.
Kinsey was at the table's head with her husband, Sir William, acting laird while his father fought alongside the king. Beside Kinsey was Mum and Drake, with Reid and Clara beside William.
It was an incredible thing to see Kinsey so happy, her face constantly lighting with a smile around her husband as they laughed and teased throughout the meal.
Of all the siblings, Kinsey had struggled with her anger the most at their treatment growing up.
Clara often prayed she would find peace, and it appeared her younger sister finally had.
“So many anxious faces this evening,” William jovially declared as he glanced around their table with a sparkle in his eyes. “Do ye think they are anticipating news?” He lifted his brows at Drake.
Kinsey shook her head at him playfully. “Ye’re wicked.”
He whispered something to her, and a look passed between them.
“Ye canna leave us wondering all night,” Mum said. “What is it?”
William turned to Drake and held up a hand in an invitation for him to share whatever it was he needed to say.
Drake nodded and cleared his throat, his expression serious. Reid took Clara’s hand in his and gave it a little squeeze.
“The king has tasked me with a special mission,” Drake said. “And if I succeed, he has promised to knight me.”
Clara cried out with joy, as did everyone else.
“Ye knew, and ye didn’t say anything to me?” Kinsey asked of her husband.
William shrugged helplessly. “I knew he’d want to tell ye.”
A slight hint of color touched Drake’s cheeks.
Becoming a knight was a dream he had devoted his life to, a life he had modeled after the chivalric code in the hope of one day being a knight like their father.
Never had there been a man with higher morals than Drake, or even one more determined to be the best person possible.
Nor was there ever a man more deserving of a knighthood than he.
“Of course, Drake’s absence will leave me out a Captain of the Guard,” William said.
The gazes at the table shifted toward Clara and Reid. Clara’s mouth fell open as she looked at Reid, who appeared genuinely surprised. He’d spent their time in Skye working with the guards at the castle as a commander for the men, and one that had earned their respect.
“Reid, will ye do me the honor of being my Captain of the Guard for Dunscaith Castle?” William asked.
Reid grinned, his chest puffing with pride at the incredible honor. “Aye.”
“Then let us pour some wine,” William said. “For there is much to celebrate.”
And truly there was.
Clara had found a joy she hadn’t realized possible, and she hoped Drake would as well. Of him completing his mission, she had no doubt he would be successful. With his determination, nothing would sway him from his purpose.
Mayhap he might even find love to bring greater fulfillment to his life, as the rest of them had.
Aye, the night was one to celebrate indeed.
She edged closer to Reid, proud of the man who had put aside his greatest fear to afford them both the most beautiful happiness.
And never once did she regret the change in the vows that she’d ultimately ended up taking.
For they had led her to love and immeasurable happiness.