"Thank ye," she said, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "I—I wasn't sure if I should even come tonight. I thought…" Her voice trailed off as she took in the soft glow of the lanterns illuminating the garden. The whole area was stunning and the perfect backdrop for Killian to find a wife. It dawned on Leah that she would be the one he would be announcing as his wife. But as she studied Killian with the blond-haired woman, she couldn't help but wonder if Killian might have changed his mind.
After all, the air was fragrant with blooming roses and thyme, and the party decorations were nothing short of stunning. Ribbons danced in the gentle breeze, intertwined with wildflowers and greenery, creating a magical atmosphere that would cause any woman to swoon. Leah's heart fluttered as shewondered if she'd ever have anyone do anything so extravagant for her.
"Killian," Mason muttered the name like a curse. He shook his head as he surveyed the scene. "He's gone overboard with this. It's like he's tryin' to impress the whole clan. As if they wouldnae see through his charade."
Leah forced a smile, though the tightness in her chest made it difficult. She was acutely aware of Mason's disdain for his brother, and the last thing she wanted was to deepen the rift between them.
"It's nae that bad," Leah interjected.
"Ye like this sort of thin'? Can ye nae see he's tryin' too hard?"
"Maybe that's a good thin'? Maybe Killian is tryin' to turn over a new leaf. After all, he is here to pick out a wife, is he nae? Surely, ye'd want yer brother to be happy with someone?"
"That would nae be a blessin' but a curse. I'd nae want anyone, maid or hag to be tied to Killian. He brings nothin' but death and destruction in his wake."
"But ye cannae deny the place feels festive," Leah encouraged.
"Festive, aye, but sincere?" Mason scoffed, crossing his arms. "That's a different story. Just wait until the clan starts drinkin' a bit more. That's when secrets start to slip and tongues wag. Stickaround long enough, and ye'll hear what they really think of the laird."
Leah nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't shake the uneasy feeling brewing in the depths of her being. The fact that Killian had plans to propose to her tonight was souring her stomach. What would Mason think when he found out? Would he support her? Or would he see it as another of Killian's ploys?
Leah's eyes shifted from the decorations to Killian. The moment their eyes met from across the garden, her breath hitched. It was as if he were the center of the universe, and everything revolved around him, including the young lasses all vying to be the next Lady MacMillan.
"Who is that?" Leah asked as she watched the blond-haired woman circling Killian as if he were prey.
"Alan's daughter, Abigale," Mason answered. "I wasnae expectin' to see her here."
"Do ye ken her then?" Leah asked, feeling like an outsider looking in. Her heart sank at the sight of Abigale as a wave of uncertainty crashed against her.
Has Killian found his bride? The thought sent a jolt of panic through her, and suddenly, her feelings for Killian felt like a tangled web she couldn't escape.
"Leah?" Mason's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. "Are ye all right?"
"Uh, aye. I just… I'm a bit thirsty. Would ye like somethin' to drink?" The question tumbled out as she searched for an excuse to escape the situation. She needed some excuse to pry her eyes off Killian and the woman stealing him right from under her.
Mason raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye. "I'm nae really in the mood for a drink. But what do ye say I introduce ye to Abigale? Surely the two of ye will have somethin' in common."
Leah's heart raced as Mason led her through the crowd, each step bringing them closer to Killian and Abigale. She felt like a tightrope walker teetering on the edge, her mind a whirlpool of confusion.
What if Killian changed his mind? Surely, he'd tell me, wouldnae he? He wouldnae just lead me on?
The thought sent a fresh wave of unease crashing over her. She couldn't bear the idea of hearing him announce his engagement to someone else. Although her engagement to Killian was supposed to be merely a ruse, her heart longed for him, her body craved his touch, and most of all, her soul ached to be entwined with his.
The moment she caught Killian's eye, the world around her faded, and all the noise of laughter and music dimmed to a distant hum. The uneasiness brewing within her ceased, and she knew Killian was a man of his word. He would be announcingher as his bride tonight; it would be her standing at his side. A surge of pride and longing rammed her like a hammer to a nail.
She watched as Killian sidestepped around Abigale, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath catch. In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was as if they were the only two souls in the garden.
"Leah, I was beginnin' to wonder if ye were goin' to show up at all," Killian said, his voice filled with warmth as he reached her. "I'm pleased to see ye made it and with Mason nonetheless. What are ye doin' here brother? I thought ye were to be in bed this evenin'."
"And miss yer big night? What sort of family would I be if I werenae here for one of the most monumental moments of yer life," Mason said with a smirk that caused a chill to race through Leah.
"Killian," she breathed as a smile broke through her tension. Her gaze drifted to Abigale.
"So, ye’re the new healer that's come to the castle. Me faither has told me about ye," Abigale said in a sing-song tone that rang like a warning to Leah's heart.
He turned to Abigale as he made room for Alan, and with a flourish, he introduced her. "Leah, this is Abigale, Alan's daughter."
"Tis a pleasure to meet ye," Leah answered, the words clogging her throat. In the corner of her eye, she noticed Alan twitching impatiently beside Mason.
