Chapter 15
Asoft, salty breeze rolled in off the sea and threaded through the tangled mess of Madison’s hair.
She leaned back slightly, steadied by Theodore's chest behind her. The horse's steady gait rocked them in a rhythm that should have unsettled her, but instead, she found herself lulled by the warmth radiating from Theodore and the solid strength of his arms on either side of her.
She pulled in a sharp breath as she realized she wasn’t tense.
There wasn’t a single muscle in her being that wasn't ready to spring despite his nearness. All she could focus on was the warmth of him at her back that seemed as sure and steady as the sun. For the first time in what felt like eternity, Madison realized she wasn’t afraid.
In his arms, she felt safe and secure, even dare she admit protected.
The thought startled her. The sheer idea of being at peace felt like a distant dream she could only grasp like smoke.
But now, in the laird’s embrace the feeling solidified.
Madison blinked and it was as if she were seeing the world for the first time.
The colors weren’t so dull, but had a glimmer of light to them that gave her hope.
She looked out across the wild landscape.
To the east, nothing but shimmering water and a vague hint of land rising from the mist. If she didn’t know any better, she would have thought she was dreaming, for the island was breathtaking, with wildflowers growing thicker than a blanket over the glen.
The air was alive with the song of gulls and sandpipers.
“Where exactly are you takin’ me?” Madison asked as they followed the shoreline, keeping the sea at their left. Despite his husky voice, Madison couldn’t hear him. She leaned deeper into him until the heat of his body scorched her back. “Come again?”
“Ye’ll see soon enough; we should be comin’ up on it any minute,” he answered as Madison tilted her head. She watched the land slope upward and then the spire as the sun kissed the tip.
“What is that?” she asked softly. Theodore’s breath tickled her neck as he answered.
“That? That’s the kirk.”
Every muscle tightened. “The kirk? Why? Ye said the marriage was a ruse. I never agreed to this.”
“To over-react? I figured it was par for the course,” Theodore answered in a playful note that pulled Madison up short. She glanced at him with her lips pursed together.
“If nae for marriage, then why go?” she asked as she tried not to let the ire lace her tone.
“Tis more than a kirk, it’s an orphanage, lass. Sister Marget and her wee ones live there. I come and check on them from time to time and see they’re cared for.”
Madison blinked as she let his words seep in. The way he said it so casually, as if it were merely a simple task and nothing more.
“But ye’re a laird,” she answered dumbstruck.
“Aye,” he answered. “Glad ye finally came to that realization. I was startin’ to wonder if ye ever would.” Theodore teased her.
“Nay,” Madison said as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “Lairds daenae go to orphanages.”
“If ye havenae realized, I’m nae like most other lairds, and I’d see meself run through before I become anythin’ like them.”
The conviction in his voice rang truer than anything anyone had ever spoken to her.
Madison instantly felt the stress and panic drain from her neck and shoulders until her body was no longer taut.
She bobbed her head and let his words seep into the very marrow of her being as they came up on the top of the ridge.
“That’s beautiful,” she managed to get out as Theodore stalled the horse for her to see the full view.
Nestled in the valley stood the majestic stone masterpiece with a spire rising to kiss the tip of heaven.
Even from far off, she could see the way the ivy grew along the west side, nearly consuming the stone structure.
“Wait till ye see the inside,” Theodore said as they started down the slope.
“The laird has come,” Madison heard a small voice proclaim. She whipped her head about to see where the voice had come from. Little heads started popped up from the garden wall and around trees.
“Theo!” a few children exclaimed as he slowed the horse to a stop. The children flocked to him with huge smiles and open arms.
“It’s him! It really is, he’s come,” another shouted as she noticed a few of the children darting for the kirk.
“And here I thought ye’d all forgotten about me,” Theodore said as he slipped from the saddle. The wall around Madison’s heart shattered as if it were as fragile as the stained-glass windows of the kirk. It couldn’t make any sense to her that a man, let alone a laird would have such a heart.
“Ye promised sweets,” a young girl said as she rocked eagerly, eyes wide and expectant.
“Did I?” Theodore teased. “Are ye sure? I daenae think Sister Marget would like it very much if I spoiled the meal she has prepared for ye with sweets.”
“So ye dinnae bring any?” the girl asked, her smile dropping to a pout. Madison pressed her lips together to suppress the smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Now I dinnae say I daenae have any,” Theodore said as he dove his hand into his saddlebag and drew out a bag. “Here. Go see that Sister Marget gets this, and I’m sure she’ll give ye one as a reward. Eliza was up all night makin’ these for everyone, so be sure ye share them.”
“I will,” the girl said as she grabbed the bag and darted for the kirk with half the children trailing after.
Theodore turned to Madison and offered his hand to help her off the horse.
She slipped down into his welcoming embrace.
Her heart fluttered as she looked up at him.
Had the kindness always been there? Or was she only now seeing it for the first time?
Madison didn’t know for certain, but what she did know was that she saw it now.
“Come, best see if any of the villagers need help,” Theodore said as a young blond lass stopped in front of them. She bobbed a curtsy, and stood staring at him with a gap toothed smile. .
The doors of the kirk opened, and a woman in a gray habit stepped out with her arms open wide and welcoming.
“Laird Theodore MacLeon,” she called, warmth in her tone as she stepped forward to greet him. “I have not seen ye for many a wee year.”
Theodore gave a low chuckle that was filled with real warmth. His expression though remained cool as he shrugged, the air around him suddenly thickening with his presence. “Aye, it has been a while since I could ride down into the village without havin’ clan duty to deal with.”
Sister Marget’s eyes flicked to the small bag of sweets in his hand, her mouth twisting into an exasperated smile. “And of course, ye remembered to bring the little ones a bag of sweets.”
Theodore’s gaze never wavered as he met her eyes, his voice measured. “Aye. I did.”
Sister Marget’s gaze lingered on Madison, sharp and assessing. She arched an eyebrow, clearly waiting for an introduction. “Are ye goin’ to introduce me to yer lady friend here, then?”
“This is Madison,” Theodore answered.
“And have ye come to wed? I’m sure the whole clan will be pleased with the news,” she said. Panic shot through Madison a moment as she shook her head in protest.
“There’ll be nay weddin’ today,” Theodore stated plainly as he shot Madison an understanding glance.
“And why nae? We arenae promised tomorrow, and when are ye goin' to have this weather again? Look around ye, it’s lovely today is it nae?” Sister Marget cooed as she hooked her arm around Madison’s and pulled her to the door.
“Another time,” Theodore stated more firmly. Madison watched the sparkle in Sister Marget’s eyes shift a bit before she waved at him.
“Then I’m forced to put ye to work,” she added as she flashed Madison a wink. Theodore smiled as Madison caught his gaze drifting to her.
“What will ye have us do?” Theodore asked.
“Ye are to fix the beams in the garden shed. The roof is cavin’ in and I daenae have a place for the goats to rest. And ye,” Sister Marget pointed to Madison. “Ye’ll come and help us with the meal. I’ll have ye catch the food with the young ones.”
“I’m sorry,” Madison said as her chest tightened a moment. “What is it ye want me to do?”
“Fish,” the sister said with a smile. “What else do ye think we’re to eat? Nae that the Good Lord doesnae provide our fruits and vegetables, but we need meat and fish too.”
“I cannae fish,” Madison answered as she felt tiny pricks radiate over her skin.
“What do ye mean ye cannae fish?” Theodore asked, arching an eyebrow as his gaze bore into her.
“I’ve never done it before,” she answered honestly as she started fiddling with the tips of her fingers.
“Never fished?” Theodore sounded both astonished and put out by the notion.
“There was never time for such…activities,” Madison answered, hoping she got her point across. Theodore’s expression softened.
“Well then, it’s time ye learned child,” Sister Marget interjected with a clap of her hands, startling Madison.
“Ye heard her,” Theodore said, his voice low and clipped, the weight of his presence filling the space. “She’s a woman of God. I’d nae be so quick to cross her, if I were ye.”
“Best ye remember that,” the sister said with a chuckle. “For I’ve got a higher power on my side.”
“Theodore’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he gave a stiff nod, acknowledging her words without humor. “Aye, nae one here would deny it. But if ye plan to curse me, I’ll be off to yer garden shed before ye can finish it.”