Page 16 of His Secret Highland Bride

This time, she dreamed of her and Shane at the rock by the river and that near kiss. Only this time the kiss happened. The scene was foggy, as dreams often were when one didn’t know the details.

She woke again, later in the morning. From the bed, she watched Shane go about making their morning meal as he hummed a happy tune. She wondered if his proposal in the dark had been a dream, but when she moved to sit up, the pain in her head proved it had been real.

Shane MacPherson had asked her to marry him, and she was going to accept. It was her only real option, one that at least had some hope of offering a bright future.

Her arranged marriage would have been important for her people, an alliance between clans. Her father wouldn’t be pleased.

…

“You’re awake,” he said with a smile that warmed her to her toes. “Are you hungry?”

“My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut,” she said, making him laugh.

“I’ll bring you something to eat.”

“Nay. I must get up and move around.”

He came to assist her to her feet, and with one arm around her back, he led her around the small cabin so she could work out the stiff parts, Treun quick on her heels.

“The wee one guards ye,” he said of the dog. “If it hadn’t been for her, I might not have known you were lying out there on the path.”

She was moving more easily, but when she attempted to bend to pet her small friend, she realized it was too soon for such things. She sucked in a quick breath, and Shane hurried to support her. She nodded toward the chair. He helped her settle in, but before he’d taken his seat across from her, she blurted out a question.

“Did you ask me to marry you, or did I dream it?” If she had dreamed it, he would now know he inhabited her dreams. But she didn’t have time to be embarrassed, for he nodded.

“Aye. I hoped you would pick me over your scoundrel of an uncle.” He frowned as she shook her head.

“There is no question of who I would pick between the two of you.”

“Then the question is: Will you marry me?”

She studied him for a moment, trying to see if he wanted this as much as she did or if his proposal came only from a sense of protection, but his expression was well guarded, and she looked away knowing little more than she had. It seemed like such a question should take more thought, but answering him was one of the easiest things she’d ever done.

She nodded while catching her sore lip between her teeth briefly. After nodding more vehemently, she answered. “Yes. I’ll marry you.” Whatever happened when her father found out, Lindsay would manage it. But she could not let this opportunity pass her by. She had the chance to find happiness, and maybe someday even love. She couldn’t let it pass.

She hated to disappoint her father, but she thought being with Shane would be worth it. She would have to apologize to Shane eventually for lying about who she was, but for now, she would have this time for herself first.

As Shane’s wife.

…

Shane hadn’t expected the wave of emotions that crashed over him when Lindsay agreed to marry him. The largest being guilt. How dare he move on with another woman after what he’d done to Maria? Because of him, she had died, yet he planned to marry another.

Lindsay didn’t have many choices before her, but he was glad she’d agreed so he could protect her despite having forsaken Maria. He would not fail again. This marriage would not be like his first. He’d not be the eager groom waiting for the priest to declare them man and wife. Yet this wouldn’t be the cold ceremony he’d expected with an arranged wife who didn’t know him well enough to want him, either.

This would be a necessary agreement and friendship. It was the most he had to offer. He would need to apologize for lying about who he was. He’d hope she would adjust to her duties. He remembered the interest he’d received before he’d left. He knew the lasses may have liked the way he looked, but they liked the status he offered even more.

But Lindsay had said yes to him. As far as she knew, he was nothing more than a soldier returned from war. She wasn’t marrying him to become the laird’s wife or to make an alliance. Yes, she was also marrying him for the protection he offered, but he saw the smile on her face and knew it was due to more than just safety. “As soon as ye feel fit to stand, we’ll see it done.”

“Today.” She swallowed and smiled shyly. “If it suits you, I will be ready to marry you today.”

He wasn’t prepared for it to happen so soon. But he understood her haste. Every minute she was unattached was one her uncle could show up and claim her back. As her kin, he’d have the right to take her home. Not that Shane would allow that to happen. Even if it meant claiming his title and giving up his quiet peace in the woods, he would never allow an innocent lass to fall into the hands of such a man.

“Aye. It suits me. But you need more time to heal. I have some things to see to in the village. I’ll help you back to bed to rest before I take my leave.” He did have things to see to in the village before they left. But he also needed a moment to himself, to make sure he could go through with such a commitment.

She frowned. “You will come back, though?” He could guess what she was getting at. If he attacked her uncle, he could be carted off to the dungeon.

“Get some rest. I’ll be back,” he said before he turned to the dog. “You stay here and watch over her.” He slipped out the door and went to find the coward who’d hurt her.