Fixing Alexander with a very un-Christian-like look, the Father stumbled and mumbled something under his breath as Sutherland led him aside to a narrow ridge of stones.
With one last glance at his men, Alexander pulled in a deep breath and forced himself to enter the cave and make his way to Catriona.
“Where is Sutherland taking Father William?” Catriona rose from her stone seat and looked toward the mouth of the cave. “He told me to wait here but promise me he doesna mean to harm the man? Not a man of God?”
“Nay, m’lady.” Alexander hurried to reassure her. That’s all he needed was for Catriona to think them a band of soulless murderers. “Sutherland…” his words trailed off. What the hell should he say to her?
“Sutherland?” Catriona prompted, seeming a great deal more calm than when he’d first left her beside the fire.
Alexander made a mental note to thank the priest. He must’ve talked to the lass and eased her mind. “Never ye mind about Sutherland.” Alexander waved away her words then took hold of both her hands and held them between his. Such a beauty she was. Alexander gazed into the deep green of her eyes and a calm knowing came over him.Aye. This is the right of it. 'Tis surely meant to be.
“Catriona.” He took a step closer and cradled her hands to his heart.
“Aye?” Catriona said in a hesitant whisper, leeriness shining in her eyes.
“I would verra much like to take…” he paused. Nay. 'Twas no' how he should say it. He swallowed hard and started over. “If ye’d like to be…” He blew out an impatient huff. Nay. That wouldna do either.
“For God’s sake, Alexander, what are ye trying to say?” She looked as though she was about to cry.
“Be my wife, aye?” There. He’d said it. He held his breath, every muscle tensed as he waited for her answer.
She ducked her chin, her unblinking stare locked on the floor. After a long painful moment, she lifted her gaze and gave him a sad look. “Ye dinna have to do that, Alexander. I’ll be all right on my own.” She squeezed his hands. “I care about ye too much to burden ye with such.”
She cared about him. He caught hold of those words and held fast to them as he took a step closer, close enough that he felt more of her heat than that of the fire. “Ye are no' a burden, my lovely one. Ye would never be a burden.”
She opened her mouth to speak but Alexander pressed a finger to her parted lips. “Hear me out, lass. I beg ye.”
Catriona closed her mouth and hitched in a shaking breath before giving him a quick nod.
“I’ve nothing to offer ye.” Alexander opened her hands and pressed them on top of his heart. “No hearth. No home. No clan.” He folded his hands atop hers and pressed them against his chest. “All I can give ye is protection.” His voice lowered of its own accord. “And m’heart and soul.” With one hand still pressed atop hers in the center of his chest, he reached out with the other hand and cupped her face in his palm. “For all time, ye ken?”
Her mouth ajar a hair’s breadth, she gazed up at him a long moment then raced the tip of her tongue across the opened seam of her lips, mesmerizing him with the motion. She hitched in a shaking breath and blew it out. “Ye swear I’m no' a burden to ye?”
Flinching against the stiffness in his weak leg, Alexander lowered himself to the floor and took a knee before her. He pressed a kiss to the palms of her hands then clasped them tight between his own. “On m’life and soul, I swear it.”
The faintest of smiles quivered at the corners of her mouth.
Alexander held his breath, praying she’d know his words to be true and accept him. He didna have any idea where they would go nor how they would live but he did ken in his heart that they’d think it through and find a way. Together.
After what seemed like forever, she nodded and uttered a breathy, “Aye,” then hurried to steady him as he rose to his feet. “I will be your wife, Alexander…for all time.”
Fighting to restrain himself against the urge to catch her up against his chest and spin her around, Alexander brushed the chastest of kisses across Catriona’s parted lips.
She smiled up into his eyes and squeezed both his hands. “Is this why Sutherland pulled poor Father William away from the fire?”
“Aye.” Alexander returned her smile, sheer happiness coursing through him. “Poor wee man. We’ll all be condemned to Hell I’m sure if he has anything to say about it.” Lacing her fingers through his, Alexander led her outside the cave where everyone was waiting. He nodded as he kissed the back of her hand then kept it hugged to his chest. “Catriona has done me the honor of accepting.”
“Well done!” Magnus said.
Duncan and Sutherland unleashed a roar that echoed down the mountain.
“Fools!” Graham scolded. “Ye’ll cause a feckin' avalanche.”
They all went silent and turned and looked at the mountain rising above the cave. Thankfully, no such mishap occurred.
“Ye mean to marry this man?” The incredulous voice came from beyond the group close to the tethered horses. “This barbarian who leads a den of thieves that have no respect for the Cloth?” Grasping Sutherland’s oversized cloak around his small frame, the priest marched over to stand in front of Catriona and gave her a piercing stare. Eyes so squinted they were almost shut, he leaned close to her. “Say the word, lass. I’ll grant ye sanctuary and protect your virtue with the word of Almighty God. If they dare touch ye, they’ll burn in Hell for all eternity.” He turned and gave the warriors a smug look as though he’d just unleashed an invincible weapon and victory was nigh.
Alexander clenched his teeth to keep from laughing in the poor man’s face. No sense endangering his soul any further. He squeezed Catriona’s hand and waited.
