"Abigale here, is poised to become the next Lady MacMillan," Alan cooed proudly. Killian stepped closer to Leah and shook his head.
"I'm afraid ye’re mistaken," Killian said as he took Leah's hand. The seriousness in his gaze rattled Leah, but she knew it was now or never. This was the moment she had promised to complete. Her future hung on this one moment.
"Me laird," Alan interjected as he tried to stop Killian from reaching Leah. But their fingers clasped, and there would be no turning back now.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Killian's voice rang through the crowd as Leah's heart pounded fiercely in her ears. "I've made a decision. Leah is to be me bride. I asked her last night, and she agreed."
Heat rushed through Leah as the crowd around them erupted into chaos. Some were thrilled for Killian, while others shouted their disdain and charged for the doors. Leah clasped Killian's hand tighter as she watched Abigale's smile twist into something sinister and vile.
"How could ye do this?"
It was Mason's exasperated question that caught Leah's ear. She turned to find him sucking in air faster than he could exhale it.
"Mason," she cried out, releasing Killian's hand. "Ye need to calm down. Ye're workin' yerself up into a frenzy."
"I've… done… nay such… thin'," Mason argued as his face grew paler.
"We need to get him back into the infirmary," Leah said as her arm curled around Mason's torso before he could collapse.
"I think I need to sit down," Mason mumbled. His voice was barely above a whisper, and despite being so close, Leah still couldn't hear him over the cheers and toasts. "I'm nae feelin' well."
"Aye, let us get ye back indoors," Leah said quickly, glancing at Killian, who nodded in understanding. "Come on, let's find a quiet spot."
Leah guided Mason away from the noise and commotion of the celebration and led him into a secluded corner of the garden. The noise was dampened by the oak trees and distance.
"How could ye? What did he do to ye?" Mason asked.
"Nothin'," Leah answered as guilt chipped away at her. "I dinnae want ye to find out that way. I thought Killian would tell ye in person."
Mason shook his head, a look of disbelief etched on his features. "Ye just daenae understand, do ye? Me brother, he's nae nice. He's a monster. But he's got ye enchanted somehow, and ye just daenae see it, do ye?" he said, his voice sharp with disappointment.
"What do ye mean?" she asked, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach.
He pulled a flask from his coat pocket, his hands trembling slightly as he looked defeated. "I've done nothin' but warn ye about that man. And now… ye're to marry him."
"Mason, I'm sorry, truly," Leah confessed as she dropped her head. "I never meant to hurt ye."
"I'm afraid ye're the one who will end up hurt in the end," Mason said as his voice was laced with defeat. "Are ye sure there is nothin' I can do to talk ye out of it? Say it was a mistake and that he tricked ye or somethin'?"
"It was nay trick. Yer brother has gotten under me skin and I care for him, just as I do for ye," Leah said as she watched Mason pull a flask from his vest pocket.
"Then I guess there is just one thin' I can do," he said, hoisting the small container to the sky. "A toast to yer happiness. May the good Lord protect ye from all evil."
He took a swig before offering the container to Leah. She hesitated a moment before grabbing the flask. "Mason, I really am sorry."
He met her gaze, and for a moment, the warmth of their shared history flickered between them like a candle in the dark.
"Aye, me too," he mumbled, his voice thick with emotion. "I just thought… I thought ye deserved better than this."
27
"The healer, Killian? Surely ye jest," Alan said as the lively melody played by the fiddles and flutes lingered in the air. The ceilidh pulsed with a joyous energy that was no doubt caused by Killian's announcement.
"She has a talent that this clan could utilize," Killian defended as he watched his guests dance about the terrace as the music played on.
"Are ye sure we're talkin' about the same talent? She's a healer, aye, but do ye nae already have one? Or are ye sayin' Elsie isnae as skilled as Leah?" Alan challenged, his voice barely rising over the merriment that surrounded them. "She doesnae have the backbone that is required of the Lady MacMillan. I understand that Sean may have brought her to yer attention. But how could there be anythin' between the two of ye? Ye barely ken the lass."
"I could say the same about yer daughter," Killian answered as he glanced at Abigale. While she was a sight to behold, shewasn't Leah. None of the women who had attended could stand beside Leah. Leah was far too bright and demanded respect in a way that wasn't overwhelming or domineering but tender and kind. She was like the warm summer sun casting a glow on the land and restoring it to its former glory. While the other ladies were attractive, all seemed to be stars compared to the likeness of the sun.
