Page 148 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Nor did I."

"And she granted me my fondest wish. She broke that horrible curse!" Ma blinked back tears.

Brodie nodded. "She's a treasure."

"Oh, you're going to marry her, are you not?" his mother gushed amid more tears.

"If she'll have me."

"She will. She will," she assured him.

"I have nay even asked her yet, so keep it quiet."

"I'm good at keeping secrets," Ma whispered with excitement.

"Her brothers are coming a sennight hence."

"Oh, that's not long to prepare. I'll send for Father Helms." She rushed from the room.

Chapter 29

After eating a light meal in her chamber, Elsea bathed. The maids washed and styled her hair and helped her put on clean clothes. Cat and Dani had visited for a few minutes, and she'd told them everything that happened since she'd left with her brothers. They were thrilled that Brodie's curse was broken and that he'd confessed his feelings for her.

They left her to rest. Elsea had to admit she was bone tired, but still too excited to sleep. She wanted to see Brodie again. Was he finished talking to Gavin and Torr? She must check on him and see if he was hungry or in pain.

A few minutes later, she knocked at his door.

"Come."

She opened it and peered in, finding him alone and sitting on the chair by the table where a tray of half-eaten food sat.

He smiled at her warmly, just as he used to when they'd first been betrothed. It filled her heart with joy and love.

"You're up." She entered and closed the door behind her. "I'm glad you feel well enough to eat. Are you dizzy?"

"Nay much." He reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles. His warm lips sent tingles up her arm. "Ruskin helped me finish cleaning up and put on fresh clothes, then he brought this food. How are you feeling?"

"Braw," she said, mimicking his earlier word.

A broad smile crossed his face. "You look beautiful, lass." Propping his hand against the table, he stood.

She grabbed his arm. "Should you be standing?"

Lifting his hand, he tugged at the cord around her neck, which held the sapphire ring. "Take this off."

He didn't want her to wear it? Saints! He wanted it back. "Why?"

He tilted his head. "You're nay supposed to wear a ring as a pendant."

"I can if I want."

He gave a brief laugh. "You are so stubborn."

"And you're not?"

He immediately dropped to one knee, surprising her.

"What are you...?"