Page 232 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

"Ye can read it?" she said, interested. Malcolm smiled faintly.

"Aye, I can read it, I wrote it...," she looked uncertain, Malcolm continued. "Aye, I mean, I actually chose the inscription," he said, placing it back on her finger. "Didnae ye ken? I had it made for ye....?"

Ainslee's eyes widened. Carefully, she fitted the ring back on, next to the black gem clan ring of their wedding. Surprised, she listened, as Malcolm lay his head on her shoulder.

"An' what does it mean?" she asked, breathlessly. She had wanted to know this since the first day she had owned it, but had felt embarrassed.

Malcolm leaned into her, she could feel his heart beating against her chest.

"Och, It translates as..."

He paused, then smiled wistfully..."It translates as ..I love ye, Ainslee, thank ye for waiting for me...,"

Ainslee hugged him, tears in her eyes.

"An' I love ye too, ye big walloper!"

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER...

"We are nae lost. I can see land!"

Malcolm's voice cut insistently through the seascape. But looking up, Ainslee sighed. They had been bobbing around the same section of water for an hour now, and somewhere, back on land, the day had started. It was a clear summer day in early June, and only the cawing of gull's marred the silent seas.

Ainslee raised her head wearily. The horizon had been the same since they left the island - blue, blue, blue... But Malcolm refused to back down.

"There, look, there's land. Nae fash, we'll make it back for the ceremony!"

Frowning, Ainslee rubbed her waist. The baby was squirming. He always did this when she sat still. Following Malcolm's finger, she squinted and looked.

Blue.

Exasperated, Ainslee sighed. "Fannybaws, there's naething there..."

"There is!"

Jings! Malcolm was just not letting this go. Looking again, Ainslee made out a very small white shape. She shrugged. "That's a wee rock... wheesht! What kind o' sailor are ye?"

Her eyes darted at his, hot and playful. Again, she rubbed her bump. This time the baby was definitely moving.

Malcolm's eyes went to her waist. Gingerly, he put his hand on her bump. "Och," he said, taken aback. "It seems the wee one has got something to say..."

Ainslee grinned. "At this rate, he might spout fins an' swim!" she cautioned.

It was a flippant remark, but Malcolm looked serious. For a moment, his green eyes brooded. "Look, I'll get us back, nae fash," he said, but he looked worried.

Taking the oar, he rowed steadily. Sinking into her seat, Ainslee sighed. The smell of rotting fish was all over. Covering her nose, Ainslee tried hard not to be sick.

"Remind me nae to come aboard wi' ye, next time ye go fishing," she grumbled, but even as she said it, she smiled. The weekend had been fun. A whole two days to themselves, sleeping, eating and catching fish… And doing a few other things besides!

Malcolm caught her eye, softly. His wistful glance reminded her that their privacy was soon to be shattered forever. But rubbing her bump, Ainslee could not wait. If only they could get to shore!

"Ye rest yer wee head, noo," said Malcolm, making her comfortable with the blanket. Ainslee harrumphed, but did not stop him. "Ye need all yer rest. When ye awake, we will be back on land, an' soon at the clan ceremony..."

His eyes sparkled at the mention of the day ahead. Finally, today, after a whole year of waiting, he was to be officially announced as the clan laird...if he ever made it back on dry land!

Ainslee groaned, but lay back anyway. Within minutes, she was asleep - adrift in a gentle haze. Pregnancy suited her. Her rosy cheeks aglow, Ainslee looked healthier than she had ever been in her life, and as for Malcolm, it seemed fatherhood suited him too.