Page 45 of Highlander’s Dangerous Love

Lady MacNeill heaved a deep sigh that she seemed to have drawn from her bones.

“Dinnae tell anyone else, please,” she said wearily.

“Oh, my lady,” Gemma breathed, eyes wide with compassion, “I wouldnae do such a thing.”

“It would cause such an uproar among the clan,” the Lady continued.

“Oh, I ken. Please, I willnae tell anyone, ye must believe me. I tell ye this because…” her voice trailed off as fat, hot tears plopped onto her skirts.

“Oh, my darlin,’ what’s wrong?” The lady asked in a soothing voice. It was incredible to think that Bryce was begot from this kind and gentle woman.

“It would be just as much damage tae me as it would tae ye,” Gemma explained.

“How so?”

Gemma gulped nervously.

“I…I cannae marry Bryce. I’m sorry. I dinnae love him.”

Lady MacNeill looked disappointed, but she did not lecture Gemma or blame her.

“I wondered. Ye didnae look well at the feast.”

Now was the moment. She’d been holding in these feelings for so long; had told no one but the object of her affections. It would be a relief to finally say it aloud.

“I love Colin.”