Twenty-Two
Laurel gazed at the stars as Brodie snored softly beside her. She knew she should be asleep, but it was her first night sleeping in the open in months. She’d traveled with the royal couple on summer progress each year the journey happened, but she’d always slept in a tent with at least four other ladies. This was the first time since her last trip to Balnagown that she lay out in the open. She imagined how the stars came to be, God placing each one. She picked out shapes by connecting the pinpricks of light. They’d made camp near a pine forest, and the heavy scent filled the air. It reminded her of how Brodie smelled after he bathed. She nestled closer to him, and he tightened his arm around her.
“Cold?” Brodie whispered.
“It’s all right.” Laurel patted the muscular arm around her waist.
“Can ye nae sleep?”
“I’m enjoying the stars too much.”
“Ye ken they’ll be there in four more nights when ye can watch them from our bed.” Brodie yawned as he drew Laurel as close as he could, his heat almost stifling her. He’d opted for taking a longer route back to Kilchurn, but it would keep Laurel far away from Lamont territory and allow them to travel on roads rather than overland.
“I ken. But I havenae seen them this bright in years.”
“Are ye happy, Laurie?”
“More than I could have ever imagined.”
“All it took was the stars?”
Laurel rolled over to look at Brodie, careful not to disturb the men sleeping around them. “It’s nae the stars that make me happy.”
“Could it be me?” Brodie’s grin made his teeth flash white in the dark.
“Arrogant mon.” Laurel tickled the spot she’d discovered their first night together. “Ye ken it is. Ye ken what it means to me to be away from Stirling and to be outdoors. I wouldnae have this without ye.”
“I would do aught to keep ye as carefree as ye’ve been today. Ye are the thistle I’ve always said ye are. Ye kept apace with ma men despite the arduous ride. Ye’ve weathered the storm that was yer life at court. And ye’ve blossomed being in the wild.”
“Then ye are the sunshine, rain, and rich soil I needed.”
“Nay, Laurie. Ye’ve always found those on yer own. But I am the lucky mon who watches ye bloom.”
Laurel’s fingers trailed over Brodie’s temple to his cheek bones before brushing his stubble. She longed to tell him how she felt, but she didn’t want to ruin the moment. She recalled Brodie’s handfast vows, and the ones said outside the kirk. She prayed one day he would feel the love he pledged. She never imagined it would mean so much to her. She certainly hadn’t when she met him. But now, she hoped to inspire it.
“What’re ye thinking aboot?” Brodie’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“That I couldnae conceive that we’d marry when I met ye. I didna believe I could be this happy. I nay longer fear that ye married me because of a wager or because ye were forced. I dinna even care how it came aboot.”
“It came aboot because ye were meant to be ma wife. I ken I should feel guilty that I dinna grieve Eliza, but I canna when I’m so happy to have found ye. I ken I should feel guilty for that too, but I canna muster aught but happiness.”
“I may never understand how ye knew me so well from the start. I ken now that we think much the same, but that didna guarantee ye would know me as I really am, or that ye would even like who I am. I still think it’s because ye’re auld.” Laurel stifled a giggle when Brodie tickled her. At twelve years her senior, she’d questioned what their life would be like as he aged sooner than she did. She feared being left a widow all too soon and the years she would be left on her own. But Laurel would seize every moment, every month and year she had with Brodie, and cherish all of them.
“Dinna question ma wisdom, lass,” Brodie chortled before he kissed her. “We have another long day tomorrow. Ye should sleep while ye can.”
“I ken. I’m ready to now.” As if on cue, Laurel yawned. “With the stars overhead, and ye beside me, I suspect it will be the best night’s sleep I’ve gotten in ages.” They shifted to be more comfortable, and by morning, Laurel knew she’d been right. She woke refreshed, ready to face another day that brought her closer to her new home.
* * *
Laurel rode in the middle of the party as they approached the village of Locherhead, which lay at the foot of Loch Earn. She’d never heard of the village, but it reminded her of all the other Highland ones she’d passed through over the years. People moved about the village square as women fetched buckets of water and men herded animals toward the ferry that would take them to St. Fillans at the other end of the waterway.
It was nearly midday, and Laurel’s belly rumbled. She was glad the ding of animals and people kept anyone from hearing it. She discovered that the fresh air did wonders for her appetite. It was also likely because the kirtle she wore was older and material had given. Coupled with Brodie loosening the laces, Laurel breathed easier and could eat more comfortably. She gazed at an enormous castle at the far end of the road they traveled. She also breathed easier knowing that they were nearing Campbell territory, and even members from a lesser sept lived in the area.
“Lass, we’ll stop for the midday meal and to let the animals rest.” Brodie broke into her musings as the group neared an inn. They’d traveled along the foothills to the Trossachs. She’d seen the peak of Ben Vorlich an hour earlier as they passed through a glen. The route had been rocky and uneven, so she was glad to let Teine rest before they carried on. She also looked forward to stretching her legs and giving her backside a reprieve after the jarring ride.
“Thank you. I’m quite hungry.”
“I ken. Your belly signaled it was time to eat nearly a half hour ago.” Brodie’s grin made Laurel scowl, but it was in jest. He helped her from the saddle and grasped her upper arms as she steadied herself. “Let’s feed you.”
