She pulled the wide scarf around her neck, loving the touch of the sensuous fabric on her bare skin, then raised her face to his for a kiss. "I swear and vow that I will cherish this gift and you for all my live long days, David."
The kiss brought him into the bed for more laughter and passion. When their sated bodies settled into a peaceful embrace again, he said, "You know that I was traveling to my family home at Falkirk to celebrate the holidays with my family. Will you go with me so they can all see what a lucky man I am?"
She tensed. "Your terrifying sister Juliet will be there?"
"Yes, and I expect that you'll become fast friends." He chuckled. "Probably."
"That is not an encouraging comment, but yes, it will be my pleasure to go with you. My duty as well since we're now mates! I'll ask Andrew and his wife Jenny if they'll stay here at Braewood until we return."
"Perfect." He kissed her forehead. "As perfect as you are, my wife."
She laughed. "I'm far from perfect, but I'll do my best." She settled down alongside of him, her arm around his waist. "I love you, David."
"As I love you, Caitlin." He drew her close against him and whispered, "Now and forever, amen."
9
Christmas Eve, midday
Falkirk, Scotland
"There it is! Falkirk Castle!" David's voice bubbled with excitement as they rode into view of their destination. They'd spent several days on an unhurried ride up the Scottish east coast, with the weather mild for late December. Now they were arriving about the time they'd planned--which was surprising for Scotland in winter.
"Goodness, it really is a castle!" Caitlin said as she studied the massive stone and turreted structure that stood above the North Sea.
"The oldest bits are 15th century, but there have been many changes and improvements over the years," David explained. "The more recent lairds have made the family living quarters more comfortable. I look forward to seeing the improvements Ian and Laura have made. I'm sure that Christmas, Boxing Day, and Hogmanay will all be celebrated properly."
She pointed. "I assume that small mountain of logs and kindling will be the Hogmanay bonfire?"
"Yes, and a grand sight it will be!"
"After Hogmanay we can go home if I survive that long," she said in a grave tone that was only partly joking.
David halted his horse so she did the same. Catching her gaze, he said quietly, "It really won't be that bad, love. My family will be more than willing to welcome my bride for my sake, and once they get to know you, they'll be over the moon."
Her smile was not quite steady, but she knew his words were sincere. She was just uncertain if his rosy view of his family's welcome was accurate. But the intimacy and honesty they'd shared in their marriage bed had brought her to a level of love and trust beyond anything she'd ever imagined. Even if the Camerons were less than enthralled by David's choice of a wife, surely they could all manage to be civil for the fortnight of the holidays.
As they neared the castle stables, she remarked, "From what you say, the place must be packed to the rafters with guests. How long has it been since you've seen your mother?"
David thought, then winced. "Fifteen years. The family managed to get together when Juliet married Ross, but then we all headed to different corners of the empire. Ian and Laura are the ones I've seen most recently, a mere three years ago."
"A blink of the eye by comparison," Caitlin agreed. Despite David's efforts to reassure her, she was still anxious. She'd never had a large family and now she would be drowning in Camerons! "You're sure no one will sneer at my riding clothes? I want to look respectable for my first introduction to your family!"
"Not necessary." He grinned at her. "Respectability is not a very valued quality among Camerons."
She hoped he was right. They reached the open double doors of the stables and were greeted by a weathered old man who had the look of a head groom. "Captain David!" the man exclaimed. "His lordship said you were coming, but I said I'd believe it when I saw it!"
"Believe it!" David dismounted and caught the old man's hand. "It's grand to see you again, Auld Duncan! Have you thought about how within the next few years there will be trains running up the East Coast of Scotland?
"I'll believe it when I see it!" Auld Duncan said with amusement. "We'll still need horses, laddy boy, and that's a fine pair you and the lady are riding."
David grinned. "They're fine indeed! Now let me introduce you to my very fine wife, Caitlin Wallace." He turned and helped her from Maeve. She didn't need the aid, but she welcomed his touch.
"A Scottish lass?" the ostler said with interest.
"As Scottish as you are, Auld Duncan," Caitlin said cheerfully as she offered him a hand. She'd always been grateful that Scotland was less formal than England.
"I'll take care of your horses while you join the gathering," the groom said.
