Page 107 of Edge of Yesterday

Chapter Eighteen

Julianna locked her gaze on Crowe’s back. He took the final steps through the door ahead of Father Andrew and the tremble that had begun in her belly threatened to buckle her knees. When Crowe’s sword had slashed Cailean’s plaid, for one horrible moment, she’d been sure he had wounded Cailean.

Remain calm, she commanded herself. Cailean is safe and unharmed.

Crowe, on the other hand, would remember Cailean every day he saw his reflection or touched his face. Tears stung her eyes. Perhaps God was punishing her for seducing Cailean—and on holy ground.

Father Gabriel closed the door and faced them. “So, my children, all is well.”

“Thanks to you—and Cailean.” Julianna faced Cailean. “I am so sorry. It was my fault ye were nearly killed.”

He frowned. “I wouldn’t say that. It was little more than a good scuffle.”

She blinked. He almost sounded hurt.

“Cailean being here is your doing, Julianna?” Her brother turned a stern eye on her.

“Of course,” she said.

“I suppose, then, I willnae have to finish what Crowe started.”

“Lucky me,” Cailean muttered. “You were just defending me.”

“It wasnae Crowe’s place to defend Julianna. It is mine.” Lennox lifted a brow. “Still, I will enjoy seeing ye tell my mother that you married her daughter.”

Cailean grunted. “Ye are a perverse man.”

Lennox shrugged. “A man finds his amusement where he can.”

Julianna stared. “Have you two lost your minds?” She swung her gaze onto Father Gabriel. “Father, why did ye say that we were married? To lie is a sin.”

“It is a sin to bear false witness against a neighbor.”

“But that is what you did.”

“Was it?” Father Gabriel smiled. “Some would say I saved a man’s life—your husband’s.”

“What?” Cailean’s jaw dropped.

“This is no’ what I intended.” Julianna began to pace. “No’ at all.”

“What did ye intend?” Lennox stepped in front of her.

She halted and met his gaze. He knew full well what she intended—and that she had every right to such pleasure. Still, she hadn’t intended for Cailean to be placed in jeopardy.

She looked again to Father Gabriel. “What are we to do?”

The holy man shrugged. “Go home and introduce your new husband to your mother.”

“Are ye saying we are truly married?” Cailean stared.

Lennox’s eyes narrowed on him. “In front of over half a dozen witnesses, ye agreed with Father Gabriel that you had pledged yourself to Julianna. Do ye now say otherwise?”

Cailean shook his head.

“What does that mean?” Lennox took a step toward him. “Ye spoke the words before God and a priest. That is binding, man. Or will ye now deny what eight men saw?”

“Nae,” Cailean said in a soft voice that sent a ripple of fear down Julianna’s spine. “I know what I said.”