Page 121 of Highlander of Ice
His eyes shone. “Truly?”
“Aye.” She nodded. “Truly.”
He pulled her in, holding her with the tender care of a man who had learned the cost of absence and would not pay it again.
“Thank ye,” he whispered into her hair, “for giving me a life I never thought I would have.”
She leaned back to look at him. “Webuilt it together,” she said. “And we will keep building it. All of us.”
Finn tugged at Neil’s sleeve. “Dance with me,” he demanded. Then he added more politely, “Please,” because Davina was within earshot.
Neil bowed solemnly. “Aye, lad. But ye must lead. I am out of practice.”
Anna placed both hands on Kristen’s skirt and announced, “Spin.”
Kristen obliged, turning once so the blue hem fluttered like water.
Anna shrieked and clapped, and Maggie barked as if that settled the matter.
They moved back toward the high table with their fingers intertwined. Davina met them halfway and took Kristen’s hands in her own.
“Ye look like a princess,” she complimented, her voice thick. “Blue suits ye.”
“So I have been told.” Kristen smiled.
“She was always a princess to me. I am so happy for ye, sister.” Ailis whispered, squeezing her. She could not hold her tears.
Murdock drew near, his tone deep and fond. “I will fetch more bannocks before the bairns devour them all.”
“Ye are a saint,” Neil said.
“I am a hungry man with fast children,” Murdock drawled, then fixed him with a meaningful look. “Mind her, me Laird.”
Neil nodded. “I will.” No vow had ever sounded more natural on his tongue.
Music rose again, a slow tune to carry them into the afternoon. Kristen stood with Neil at the edge of it all and watched their life take shape.
“Ready?” Neil asked, inclining his head toward the dancers.
She nodded and stepped into his arms.“Aye, me Laird.”
The End?
