Page 45 of The Laird’s Wrong Wife

“I have spent all day thinkin’ about kissin’ ye.”

Before she could answer, his mouth descended on hers. Ceana caught his sleeve and rose onto her tiptoes, kissing him back as his hand tightened around her waist.

The kiss lasted longer than anything Ceana thought the audience deserved. She forgot herself long enough to curl her fingers more tightly into his sleeve.

A cheer broke out somewhere behind them, and she startled against him. Oscar lifted his head slowly, but he did not release her. His face remained close enough that she could feel his breath against her lips.

“Ye could have warned me,” she whispered, fightin’ the smile already forming.

“I did.”

“Tellin’ me ye had been thinkin’ about it wasnae a warnin’.”

“It was the only one ye were gettin’.”

Her laugh escaped before she could stop it.

Another round of applause rose from the gathered clansmen. Tommy was shouting louder than anyone, while Paisley stood beside Heather with both hands over her smiling mouth.

Oscar finally loosened his hold, though his fingers slid across Ceana’s waist before leaving her completely.

“Come, wife,” he said quietly, and the single word sent another rush of heat through her.

Ceana placed her hand in his, and together they turned toward their families and the celebration waiting for them.

CHAPTER 12

Later that afternoon, Tommy caught Ceana’s hand just as Mairi pressed a cup of ale into the other.

“Come, the fiddler is ready.”

“Careful, Lady MacKane. Ye are about to wear yer drink,” Mairi warned, rescuing the tilting cup.

Ceana missed a step. Her fingers tightened around Tommy’s as she glanced over one shoulder, searching for the woman Mairi had addressed. No one stood behind her.

Heat from the fireplace pressed against her face, mingling with the warmth of bodies gathered between the tables that had been pushed against the walls.

Lady MacKane.

A pair of servants passed the ale around the nearest table while boots struck the cleared boards in time with the pipes. Tommy tugged on her hand again, before an elderly widow she learned was named Esther reached her and offered a formal nod.

“Welcome among us, me Lady. The lasses will ask for an audience when ye next visit the lower village. They usually discuss shortages and health issues with the lady of the clan. Questions about apprenticeships and disputed allotments may come as well.”

David watched from beside Heather. Beyond him, Oscar accepted a clansman’s congratulations, then looked at Ceana. Lennan hovered nearby, watchful as ever.

“I shall meet them during the visit,” Ceana said to Esther. “I can promise them me attention and honest effort, but some answers may take time.”

The widow’s mouth softened as Oscar gave a slight nod of approval. Two maids near the ale table exchanged relieved looks.

“I shall learn which women intend to come,” Mairi said, following Ceana and Tommy. “We can set aside some time before the market gets crowded.”

David’s gaze shifted to Oscar, measuring him.

“The first dance belongs to family,” Tommy declared.

An older clansman extended his hand toward Ceana. “Custom gives an elder the first turn with our new lady, lad.”

“I asked first.”