How cruelly she had misjudged him, she thought dazedly, believing only the worst of everything he had done for her and her people. The truth had been plainly before her, yet she had refused to see it. She had been blinded by her prejudice and fears, instead of trusting her deepest feelings. She had sensed all along he cared, just as she did.
“I’m not the king’s spy,” Garrett finished, his eyes darkened to slate as he stared into hers. “I gained your pardon for only one reason. I love you, Maddie. You’re everything to me. I would have given my life to save you.”
Madeleine gasped softly but kept silent, overwhelmed. Her mind spun; her blood raced in her veins. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek, sending shivers streaking along her spine.
“You said it mattered,” he said, his voice dropping to an insistent whisper. His gaze was desperate, searching, as if he could divine the hidden secrets of her soul. “Why? Is there a chance you might care, Madeleine?”
All was suddenly still within her, a joy like none she had ever known unfolding. She trembled from its awakened power. It surged and swelled, sweeping away all fears, all mistrust, leaving nothing behind but the secret she had held for so long in her heart. Aye, she loved him! How she loved him!
Madeleine gazed at Garrett, so overcome she could not speak. There were no words to express the wonder she felt, no words to describe the tumult of emotion that enveloped her so completely.
She flew to him suddenly, and he opened his arms to her, shattering forever the bitter void that had separated them. She had made her choice. She would never turn back.
“Maddie,” Garrett whispered hoarsely against her hair, hugging her as fiercely as she embraced him. Time was lost while they held each other, sharing an infinite moment of radiant happiness.
It was Garrett who pulled away at last, smiling through the tears in his eyes. He tenderly kissed her face, her throat, her eyelids. His lips brushed against her damp lashes, then sought her mouth. She tasted the salt of her own tears as he kissed her until she was breathless.
“To think I had stormed around looking for you, and you were waiting for me all along,” Garrett said, holding her close once more. “Waiting with such news.” He swept back her hair and nuzzled her neck, kissing a delicate earlobe. “I owe everything to Glenis. Everything. Without her I might never have fulfilled my dream.”
“Yer dream?” Madeleine asked softly, delighting in the delicious sensations his touch aroused in her.
“You are my dream, Maddie,” he replied, his words punctuated by fervent kisses. “My wife—my love—my life.” He abruptly drew away from her, searching her face, his eyes full of concern. “Kitty said you weren’t feeling well today—”
“I’m fine,” Madeleine insisted gently, smiling up at him. “Glenis was right. ‘Twas a malady easily cured, by a kiss.” As she stood on tiptoe and did just that, a small, embarrassed cough sounded from the archway. They both turned to find Kitty standing there, looking at them strangely.
“Supper is ready, Maddie,” she said. “Major Marshall.”
“Ye must be famished,” Madeleine said as Kitty turned and walked back into the dining room.
“Yes, I am,” Garrett answered, a rakish smile lighting his handsome face. “Ravenous.” He swept her so suddenly in his arms she gasped aloud.
“Garrett!”
He chuckled deeply, raising his voice as he carried her up the stairs. “We’ll dine later, Kitty. Have Sergeant Fletcher escort you home. Oh, yes, and tell him everything is fine! Couldn’t be better!”
Madeleine felt his body tense as they neared their bedchamber, and she felt a wild tremor of excitement.
“If you’ll kindly open the door for us, m’lady,” Garrett said playfully, his warm breath tickling her ear.
She did as he asked and they entered the darkened room, then she swung the door closed behind them.
“Well done.” He set her down gently, cradling her face as he kissed her fervently. “Just a moment, love, while I light the fire,” he said, moving away from her.
Madeleine stood there shivering, missing him terribly even though he was so close. In a few moments a bright fire was blazing in the hearth. She rushed forward, holding out her hands to warm them.
“‘Tis grown so cold in here,” she said through chattering teeth, watching as he shoved the large tub into a corner.
“It will heat up soon enough,” Garrett said huskily, returning to embrace her. Then he was gone from her again, wrenching pillows, the tartan blanket, and the heavy bedspread off the bed. He quickly arranged them on the floor in front of the fireplace, then grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside him.
“How do you like our bower?” he said softly, running his fingers through her lustrous hair as they lay together before the fire. “Do you think it will do for our wedding night?”
Madeleine’s heart seemed to skip a beat, and she blushed in confusion. “Wedding night? But we’ve already—”
He silenced her with a lingering kiss, then drew back, staring into her eyes. “This is our wedding night, sweet Madeleine. From this night we start anew, you and I. Love has made it so.”
“Aye, love has made it so,” she repeated softly, tracing the sensuous curve of his mouth with her fingers. “‘Tis a fine wedding bower, Garrett.” She thought she might faint when he took her hand and tenderly kissed each fingertip in turn, his tongue teasing the hollow of her curved palm.
“I would that my hunger be sated, my lady wife,” he said, a wicked glint burning in his eyes.
