Page 74 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

Taking her, Will turned her around sideways and offered a good tap on the back. Finally, Lissie coughed up deeply. Gently, Will placed his arm around her back and pulled her up gently.

"Better?" he asked.

"Better," she said, coming around. Inside, everything felt faint. All she wanted to do was lie there. And let him kiss her again. Then, she turned swiftly toward him.

"Dinnae fash, lad. Ye're going to do that wee thing again!" Her eyebrows raised. "And then, maybe I can get up."

"What wee thing?" said Will. He was looking at her with such hopeless confusion. How like an Englishman!

But Lissie just grinned. "This wee thing," she said, fingering him and bringing him closer. Then, she remembered something.

"Nay," she said, pushing him aside. "I cannae."

Will, who had been looking hopeful, now was uncertain.

"I mean, I cannae," she said, pouting. "Besides, I am nae a typical English lass. And I can nae be of any use to ye."

It was growing dark. All around, the night air thickened, bringing with it the chill of autumn. But watching her on the ground, Will just chuckled.

"Who says ye have to be of use?" he said unsurely. Then, he caressed her oval face with a comely smile. "And I am not the same man as I was before I met you. Lissie, you have changed me for the best."

Lissie just stared up at him, his eyes filling with tears.

"Aye," said Lissie uncertainly. "But I cannae be a proper Sassenach breed. Nor can I fit in that world. Will, London is nae me. But perchance, we can meet again."

"Lissie," said Will, solemnly taking her hand. As the light faded, the two of them carried on. "I don't want a perfect London bride. I want you. I always did. Even from the start."

Lissie's heart began erupting. She was not sure what was happening. This must be madness.

"Will," she said, trying again. She was still propped up on him. "Will, I cannae marry ye."

Raising her up, Will sniggered beneath his breath. "Well, if you cannot, you cannot, but I can wed thee, and we can do it in Scotland if you prefer. But I will tell you one thing: I am not leaving until you say you do!"

Eyes widening, Lissie gazed at the mess all around.

"Will," she said uncertainly as the lad pressed near. The specter of his kiss was just hanging close. Almost enough to see by. Like a light.

Then he did it. He delved closer and spiraled down to her, kissing her on the mouth. Wrapped in joy, Lissie gave into the moment.

"I love you, Lissie," whispered Will, "and I am going to be with you. Whatever you say, you cannot let them keep us apart!"

CHAPTER 18

Pure sunlight was streaming.

A brightened burst of light illuminated the windows, sending Duncan Hall into sudden heat.

The warm suntanned the faces of the crowd as Lissie hovered nervously by the door.

From behind her, Aileen tugged her arm.

"Go on, hen. Ye cannae keep him waiting!"

Clutching a small bunch of posies, Lissie hesitated shyly. Every eye in the room was upon her. It felt like the entire world had turned out to watch her. It was all too much. Suddenly, she felt her chest compress.

"I-I cannae," she hissed, breathless.

The light and the heat swirled around. A pressing Highland sun peered down from the top of the window as if it were hunting for her.