Page 53 of Never Kiss a Highlander

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Here’s an excerpt fromNever Marry a Highlander.

Prologue

"I am your brother. Since I would fight to the finish to save yer life on the battlefield, why wouldn't I help ye out with the mostimportant matter of yer life?" Craig MacKay sat across from his brother, Laird Robin MacKay as they shared a jug of whisky.

"Yer speaking of tying yerself to a woman ye don't ken that well—and doona even seem to like—for the rest of yer life." Robin stared at him; his shoulders slumped in defeat. Very unlike him, who as laird for the past four years, was a strong, fair, and powerful man and clan chieftain.

Robin had been forced to sign a betrothal agreement with Lady Lorena Gordon, widowed sister of Laird David Gunn. The wedding was in five days and since the soon-to-be bride had threatened to kill herself rather than suffer what her brother had planned for her if Robin didn't go through with the wedding, it had left him no choice.

"I've told ye before. Marriage means no'hing to me. I never expected to marry, and if I took yer place, I would marry the lass, bed her, and then continue on with my life just as before."

Robin took a sip of whisky. “Even though I want verra much to have ye step up, I must tell ye that yer idea of marriage will no' work. Women want attention, caring, ye need to listen to them, agree with what ye can."

"Who made ye such an expert on marriage?" Craig asked. He waved his hand at his brother. "I shall ride to Clyth Castle at first light. I will convince The Gunn that taking me in yer place is in everyone's best interest."

His brother's demeanor changed from crushed to hopeful. "Do ye really think Gunn would allow it?"

It had torn his heart these past couple of weeks watching his brother accept the pending marriage to Lady Lorena when he was in love with Helena Ross. Once she'd learned that Robin had signed the betrothal agreement, she left for Dornoch Castle where she had lived most of her life and before she visited them at Dun Ugadale to assist her sister with the birth of her firstbairn. Robin had been unlike himself since she left, and Craig had come up with the idea of taking his place.

"Aye, The Gunn will allow it because ye ken how charming I can be. I get the impression he wants Lorena off his hands and an alliance with the MacKays. He'll get both whether he marries her off to ye or me."

"If ye think ye can do this, I am riding in the opposite direction to Dornoch Castle the minute ye leave."

Craig stood and stretched. "Aye. 'Tis the best of ideas. Once my wedding is o'er, I will drop Lorena off here and continue with the search for the brigands who have been stealing from us and harassing our people."

Robin looked for a moment as if he would say something, but then thinking better of it, walked up to him and gave him a brother's hug. "Thank ye, Craig." With a bright smile he left the room and Craig poured himself another whisky.

So, he was to be married. He lifted a glass in a toast to himself.

Chapter One

September 1661

Craig, his cousin Giles MacKay and the six guards he brought with him approached Clyth Castle, the MacKay banner flapping in the wind as they rode. It was a typical Highland late summer day, but this one without rain. They'd had a dry trip from Dun Ugadale.

Giles looked around the area, taking in the hills and the brooch itself, and turned toward Craig. "Looks safe enough. I can think of a few things I would change."

Craig laughed. His cousin, who was as close to him as his two brothers, was always looking for problems and issues beforethey arose. It made him an excellent guardsman and someone Craig always wanted to go with him on trips.

"Who goes there?" A guard above them called down as they grew close to the castle wall.

Craig looked up, wanting to roll his eyes at the man's question since they obviously flew their banner. "Craig MacKay, brother to Laird Robin MacKay and Giles MacKay, cousin to The MacKay."

The guardsman waved him on, and they entered the outer bailey. The area was filled with vendors and crofters, along with clansfolk who moved from vendor to vendor, examining their goods.

Knox Gunn, the laird's son strode toward them, as tall and rigid as always. Craig couldn't actually say he liked the man, since he really hadn’t spent much time with him, but he looked like someone he would want to be on his side of a battle. "We were expecting yer laird." He looked around Craig as if Robin hid behind him. Craig slapped Knox on his back and moved him forward. "I understand that. However, I need to speak with yer da."

Knox drew away. "I hope ye're not planning on causing problems. The wedding is in two days, yer brother should be here verra soon."

Craig placed his hands on his hips. "About that…"

"Did I just see The MacKay ride in?" Laird David Gunn walked to where the men stood. and frowned "Where is yer brother?"

Craig glanced at his cousin and decided that he was probably looking for trouble. Nevertheless, his playful side came out that charmed the lasses so much. "I would say right about now Robin is in the middle of his wedding to Miss Helena Ross."