Page 59 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

He loves me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Aleck fastened the tartan securely under Evanna’s chin. She smiled up at him, and his heart sang - she loves me, she loves me, she loves me. The sky was the clear blue of her eyes. The wind was wet and held the heavy scent of rain drenched earth. It was a wonderful world to walk back into.

But it still felt like a dream. The shame he had been cursed with all these years had melted away when Evanna had told him she loved him. The taint he had tried to wash away was now a distant memory instead of a constant companion.

Was it true? Did she really love him?

The memory of her skin on his, the tight warmth of her around him, the breathy moans in his ear convinced him he hadn’t been dreaming. She had lain with him willingly; she had given of herself for him to love.

Tender emotion filled him up every time he looked at her. She loves me, she loves me, she loves me. His heart beat that constantly in his chest, a giddy beat to rejoice his veins.

They lead the horses by the reins, their hands entwined. He was worried she might catch a cold still. Her clothes weren’t sodden anymore, but they were still wet enough to do damage. Riding back was impossible. The wind was occasional, compared to the constant freezing cold she would suffer on horseback.

“Do ye suppose he will be very upset?” Aleck asked.

“John?” she asked. “Nae, I dinnae think so. He hasnae proposed. And the way he was acting, I got the impression he didnae intend to.”

Aleck found that impossible to believe. Of the little he had gleaned from John’s brief conversation at the feast, it appeared he was very eager for marriage. It was only a matter of Laird MacLeod giving his wholehearted blessing to the union.

However, Evanna knew the man better than anyone else in Glenlivet. She had spent months getting to know him. She knew his family and the kind of people he interacted with. If she said he had no intention to marry, then it must be true.

There was no telling what he would do if John insisted on marriage. They would probably have to duel like Laird MacLeod had to do with William Spencer, but Aleck liked his chances. He would have no other man lay claim to Evanna’s hand in marriage.

The castle was not very far now, but they were in no hurry to return. They had just found love in each other. No one would begrudge them wanting to make that moment last as long as they could.

“Da will be pleased,” Evanna laughed.

“Anyone but an Englishman,” Aleck smiled wryly.

They could see the back of the castle looming ahead. The hunting party had long left, and the area was deserted. Aleck bent his neck and planted a quick kiss on Evanna’s forehead.

Evanna flushed prettily. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He was reminded of the pretty flush in her cheeks as she had sighed from slightly parted lips as he kissed her in the shack, her hips moving in rhythm with him, arching up to meet him stroke for stroke, her hands clutching to him. Evanna had given herself to him with such sincerity. If he had not believed her declaration of love before, he had believed it then.

They were yards from the castle when David, the footman, came running out to meet them. Aleck let go of Evanna’s hand. He watched Evanna smooth down her skirts as she waited for David to reach them.

“Thank God, yer alright. We were worried.”

“We got caught in the storm. We’re fine. Could ye have Alice prepare me a hot bath, please, David?”

“Aye, I’ll have it done so, but ye must hurry. The Laird had a fainting spell while ye were away.”

Aleck felt the earth slip from underneath his feet, but that was nothing compared to Evanna’s reaction. She was white as a sheet. Before he could help her, she was rushing to the castle. Aleck handed David the horses and ran in her wake. Nearly every man in Glenlivet was in the hall. Where a few hours ago there had been music and feasting, there was now a pall of grief and uncertainty.

He found Royce and Joseph in the crowd. “What happened?” he asked.

“Nae one’s sure. The physician has been sent for,” Joseph said.

“He was walking the grounds with Father Gilmore when he collapsed,” Royce said. “He’s nae been too well off late. It’s the Englishman that’s arrived has him feeling worse.”

“I must go see,” Aleck excused himself and made his way towards the Laird’s chambers.

Lockard, and all of the important nobles were outside the Laird’s door. Aleck nodded greetings to all of them and went inside the chamber. Hot grates of burning coal had been set in various spots inside the room to keep out the chill, but with no window open to let out the smoke, it was oppressive in there, like a hot smoldering oven. Evanna was by the Laird’s side, holding his pale hand. John was standing behind her, a comforting hand placed on her shoulder.

At first Aleck thought the Laird was sleeping, but Evanna was looking at him so intently, her head tilted as if listening to a faraway song. Then he saw that the Laird’s eyes were open, and he was speaking.

Aleck stood a respectful distance away. It was a private moment between father and daughter. It annoyed him that John was presumptuous enough to be privy to their conversation. His hand on Evanna’s shoulder also bothered him. The longer it stayed on her shoulder, the more Aleck wanted to rip his arm out.