Page 104 of Truth of a Highlander
Irene’s eyes crinkled with delight. “Yes, well, love has a funny way of making everything fall into place now, doesnae it?” she replied with a grin. “And ye can thank me by living a long and happy life together.”
Lily smiled. “We intend to.”
Irene patted her hand affectionately and then gazed over at where the guests were gathered. “Aye,” she breathed softly. “Love and the Balance always finds a way, no matter how unlikely it may seem.”
Lily followed the line of the old woman’s gaze and saw that she was watching Anna trying to get Emeric to dance.
The sight of them brought a smile to Lily’s face. Anna was being her usual stubborn self, tugging at Emeric’s arm while he looked at her as though she’d grown a second head.
“Look at them,” Irene murmured, her words barely audible. “So much in store for them.”
She rose suddenly to her feet. “Well, I had better be going,” she said brightly. “Ye have a busy night ahead of ye, I ken.”
“Won’t you stay?” Lily asked, rising to her feet. “You’d be most welcome.”
“Aye,” Oskar agreed. “Ye would.”
Irene smiled and patted Lily’s hand and then Oskar’s. “That’s mighty kind but I’ve played my part in yer story and it’s time for ye to write the next chapter yerselves.” Off in the distance, the strains of a lively reel started up and Irene clapped her hands with glee. “Ah, that’s my cue! Off I go!” And with that she turned and ambled away, disappearing into the woods as completely as if she’d never been there at all.
Oskar’s arm slid around Lily’s waist, pulling her against him. “Our adventure begins now, lass,” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes, it does,” she agreed, tugging him along the path towards the party. “So let’s go get it started shall we?”
Hand in hand, they went to join their guests.
THE END
