His eyes were moist as he drew her close andkissed the top of her head.
“So, lass.Another adventure?”he murmured ashe held her a little away and studied her face.
“Aye.But it is so much better now that youare here to share it.”
He caught her bandaged hand and brought it tohis lips.“You are wounded.”
“Nay.A small cut.It is nothing.”Shesnatched it away and, eager to distract him, turned toward herbrothers.“Murray.”
The eldest wrapped her in his big arms andnearly smothered her in his warm embrace.Then, embarrassed by hisshow of affection, he quickly released her.
Donald lifted her high in the air and swungher around until she laughingly ordered him to put her down.
“I missed you,” he shouted.
“And I missed you.You must tell me later allabout your adventures with the lasses in Edinburgh.”
“Aye.”His voice lowered to a whisper.“Ifyou will tell me about yours with the Heartless MacDonald.”
Lindsey was shocked.“You are mistaken.I amhere at the command of the queen.”
“Aye, Lindsey.And the fact that JamieMacDonald is here has nothing at all to do with it.”
Ignoring his taunts, Lindsey turned toRobbie’s outstretched arms.The golden-haired lad drew her closeand kissed her cheek.
“You had us half-crazed with worry,” hewhispered.
“Forgive me.But you can see that I amfine.”
“Aye.”Robbie stared deeply into her eyesuntil she felt her cheeks grow hot.“I can see that you are morethan fine.You look...you look more a woman than the lass who leftthe Highlands for a wee journey to Edinburgh.”
She flushed and turned away from his scrutinyto her youngest brother.“Neal.I have missed you so.”
He gave her an awkward embrace.“I missedyou, too, Lindsey.”He patted her shoulder in a clumsy gesture ofaffection and gave her a quick, hard kiss, then drew away,embarrassed at the film that misted his eyes.
The queen watched their warm reunion withgreat interest.This love and easy affection was something she wasdetermined to give the babe she carried.
From across the room Jamie watched as Ianseparated himself from the others and caught Lindsey’s hand.Hegave her a long, lingering look before lifting her hand to hislips.“So, my lady.It seems we are fated to be togetheragain.”
Lindsey gave him a warm smile.“So it wouldseem.”
Ian continued to hold her hand.Jamie’s frowndeepened.
“We all grieved your unexpected departure, mylady.And I, for one, was prepared to ride to the ends of the earthto find you.”
“I am grateful for your concern, Ian.”Shewithdrew her hand and turned to include her family.“And I deeplyregret the unhappiness I caused all of you.”
“We are together now,” Douglas said, openinghis arms to his daughter.“And Jamie’s message that you were safewith him allayed all our fears.”
“Message?”
“Aye.He dispatched Justin MacLeod to tell usthat you were in the queen’s company.”
Lindsey glanced at Jamie with a look ofastonishment.This was one more kindness of which she had beenunaware, and his gesture of concern touched her deeply.
“Mistress Macnab,” the queen called.“Bringrefreshments for our guests.Theirs has been a long and arduousjourney, as we well know.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
