Page 61 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Aye, she wanted to be selfish and marry him now, but she thought about her family and clan. "Da wants to witness our vows."

"In a fortnight, then."

"Aye, a fortnight. The bans have not yet been read. And with so little time to prepare, Ma would throttle me. 'Twill spawn rumors."

"Rumors?" he growled. "The gossips had best keep their gobs shut."

She laughed at his fierce warning.

He grinned and kissed her again.

Loud pounding rattled the door. She jumped back away from him, her heart thudding.

"Enter," Brodie called, glaring at the door.

Kieran stuck his head in. "There you are, sister!" He grinned mischievously. "Will almost had an apoplexy when he couldn't spot you in the great hall."

"I was giving Brodie the dirk," she snapped, hating that they had been interrupted.

Will barged into the room past Kieran, his gaze boring into her. "Thank the saints. Da would string me up if...." He glanced at Brodie.

"You knew I was going to give him the dirk. Why are all of you acting daft?" she asked.

"Pray pardon," Will muttered.

"You don't trust me?" Brodie's gaze was most serious.

"Aye, of course I do, but you ken how Da is. Overprotective of his only daughter."

"We were just thinking we might marry before June." Brodie's tone shifted to slightly challenging.

Will's eyes widened. "Why? Have you...?"

"I told you," Elsea said to Brodie.

"Nay, we have done naught," Brodie growled. "But if you keep accusing me...."

"I'm nay accusing you," Will said defensively.

"You're hinting. You're implying that I'm a rake and a rogue."

"Nay, 'tis only that the lass is beyond smitten, m'laird."

Brodie glanced at her, his expression turning cheerful. "Are you?"

She sent him a faux glare, her face burning.

He winked. "Aye, well, so am I," Brodie confessed, sending a thrill of delight through her. "So, 'tis why I'm thinking we should marry sooner rather than later."

"We'll have to ask Da," Will said, ever solemn. "But he will assume you've compromised her."

"I can, if that would make everyone happier."

Elsea burst out laughing, then covered her mouth. Her face flamed even hotter.

Kieran guffawed.

Will, bright-faced and speechless, didn't appear to know what to think or do. He searched their faces, cleared his throat, then finally got his thoughts in order. "I think... 'twould be best if Elsea had a chaperone with her at all times."