Epilogue
Two fortnights later
The fringes of Clan MacCade lands
Near Loch Lomond, Scotland
“This was a most lovely idea, my knight, having Sir Brayden, Kam, and the others take a day’s lead on us so we may steal a moment alone before the festivities,” Callum heard Nella murmur as she laid her weight back against his chest while they rode Luss across the expanse in pine forest before it opened up into a brook in front of them.
“’Twas your suggestion, Nella,” Callum replied, spying the familiar curved waterway which gurgled along softly.
“Aye; however, it would not have happened if you hadn’t mentioned this bonny stream which is ahead,” she said as he slowed Luss into a walk.
“For me, I hear nothin’ but birdsong and buzz in bees upon the heathers and the water bubbling along like an ancient rhythm in time. With Luss’s hoofbeats, of course.”
He grinned. “Of course.”
“Luss.” The stallion perked his ears back towards her at his name being said. “Callum, was it the herb he was called for or in honor of where we met?”
Callum’s lips grazed her cheek. Ahh, she was soft as warm honey. “In honor of our meeting, my lady.”
“Speaking of meeting, I am so filled with anticipation to meet Aonghus, Alec, and Sir Brayden’s wives. Do you think they will care for me?” She bit her lip, appearing worried.
He inwardly growled at the innocent action which laced heat through his whole body, hotter than the sun’s rays beaming on them.
“Nae.” Her doe eyes widened. “They will love you like a sister. This I am certain, my Nella.”
A smile graced her lips. “The wedding will be wonderful to have at your clan’s keep with Abbot performing the service then Abbess present and Kameron with his lass.” Her mirth dismissed slightly. “It was a bit of a shame Sir Sean had to remain at Stirling.”
Callum chuckled. “I would not worry too much for him. Lady Dagny will more than make up for this given Lord Kolson offered his blessing to a betrothal between them.”
“Do you believe the grains have arrived at Clan MacHarris?” she questioned.
“The ship took leave of Perth the day following the treaty with the chief himself aboard after the king ordered the royal escort to make haste back to the isle. I think they should have arrived by now and once we set foot to Clan MacCade I will be speaking with Aonghus on the matter of trade between the clans given our abundance of grain and what MacHarris may offer.”
“Wonderful,” she whispered, her palms rubbing his thighs. His fingers tightened on her waist. “Callum, let us pause here for a moment.” Excellent idea.
Halting Luss, he threw his leg over the stallion’s rump and reached for her.
Slowly he lowered her while pressing every curve to his front.
By all the Saints she felt like heaven in his arms. When her feet touched the terrain he captured her lips for a full kiss.
Aye, heaven right here in the Highlands.
She lowered slightly to whisper, “You see to Luss? I wish to rinse my hands in the stream.”
“Aye.” He brushed his lips over hers once more before reluctantly letting her go.
As he turned away and began loosening Luss’s girth to give the steed a rest, he heard Nella declare behind him, “Callum, I was considering the day of the treaty when you spoke about second chances. I have been waiting for the best moment to unveil something regarding this very sentiment.”
“What was that, Nella?” he asked over his shoulder while setting Luss’s saddle against a pine trunk.
“You wished to see me once bare in the sunlight, do you recall?”
A carnal image flashed his mind. “More than you know,” he groaned.
“I heard that.”
He shook his head. Was he still getting used to having her hear everything? Aye.
“There was an ulterior reason I had this suggestion in being alone, Callum. If you would care to turn about, and see?”
He patted Luss on the neck, as the charger nosed through the bramble, then turned.
His feet halted on the soil. Nella. There near the stream’s shoreline, sunlight reflecting off the water onto her naked flesh was the vision which had graced so many of his nights.
He blinked several times. This was real.
She raised her hands and twirled once, and his mouth gaped wide.
As words failed him, her hands clutched at her sides.
“Um, Callum, I wanted a second chance at not bestowing myself to you in the sun’s light the day you saved my life.
” He swallowed as hard as the arousal which appeared at the sight of her.
Nella’s toes began stammering on the soil. “My knight, please say something.”
“Pardon, my lady.” He gulped for air. “You have taken my breath at the glory presented before me.”
Her toes stopped stammering and a wicked little smile appeared while she lifted her arms then spun again, letting her hair swing about in a wild way. “You said I would twirl with arms wide; however, do you wish for a swim as well, my Callum?” She paused and looked at him.
He had never shed his clothes so fast. She gave a small squeal with delight when he raced then scooped her up in his arms, heading for the awaiting water. As he kissed her soundly while he stood on the shore’s edge, she wove her arms about his neck.
“Callum MacCade,” she murmured against his lips, “do you promise we shall be together always?”
“Always and forever, my Nella.”
“Forever? Not always and a day?” She wondered at the vow he had given previously years ago.
“Aye, not a day, always and forever.” He kissed her breathless then promised, “Commencing right now, my love.” He kissed her smiling lips once again while her hands tightened on his neck. Aye, forever!