Page 109 of The Brigand Bride
“…It is time to set aside the hatred of the past and rebuild, for the future of Scotland, for the future of Great Britain. I swear on my love for everything I hold dear that I will continue to help Clan Fraser in this worthy task.”
Garrett turned and held out his hand to her, his eyes smiling into hers. Madeleine clasped his hand proudly and took her place by his side.
“As my husband has sworn to ye,” she stated loudly, her gaze sweeping her kinsmen, “so do I swear.”
Rousing cheers of approval met her declaration, heightening as Master Simon Fraser gathered their young son gently into his arms and held him up for all to see.
“This wee babe will grow to manhood among ye,” he shouted, his voice booming out over the din. “He’s one of yer own, a symbol of the blood tie between ourselves and our English countrymen. In him we’ll see our hopes for the future, and that we might live in peace. I give ye Hugh Geoffrey Marshall, heir to Mhor Manor and one day master of Farraline!”
Garrett squeezed Madeleine’s hand, his dream fulfilled more completely than he ever could have imagined. He stared into her stunning eyes, seeing a fierce love shining there that burned as brightly as his own.
“I will love ye forever, Garrett Marshall,” she said softly.
His heart was full. He bent and kissed her smiling lips, oblivious to all else, including his son’s lusty cries.
“Aye, that’s my fine Highland laddie,” Glenis crooned to the howling infant as Master Simon placed him in her arms again. She glanced at Madeleine and Garrett, her dark eyes twinkling. “Let ‘em know ye’re in Scotland!”
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