Page 58 of The Highlander’s Iron Hold

Colin's hands tightened on her waist. "He may nae be very happy about the state of things at Armstrong at the moment."

Morag smiled. "He always said the bravest thing a person could dae was choose love over hate."

"So, are ye choosing love now, lass?"

"We shall see, Iron Laird."

They stood there in the rain, swaying gently, and Colin felt something shift in his chest. This woman—this brave, compassionate, beautiful woman—was his wife. And for the first time since their marriage had begun, that felt like the greatest blessing rather than the heaviest burden.

The rain continued to fall around them, but neither seemed inclined to seek shelter just yet.

Morag grasped Colin's arm, pulling him to a halt.

"What is it?" Colin asked, concern flickering in his eyes as he searched her face.

Instead of answering with words, Morag rose up on her toes and kissed him. It was soft but deliberate, full of the new intimacy they'd discovered the night before. When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed but her gaze was steady.

"I'm ready," she said simply, her voice quiet but certain.

Colin's brow furrowed slightly. "Ready fer what, lass?"

"Fer all of this. Fer being yer wife, truly. Fer whatever comes next." Morag's hands went up to rest against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms. "Last night changed everything fer me, Colin. I'm nae the frightened girl who was brought here. I'm ready tae stand beside ye, tae face whatever Fraser or anyone else might throw at us. I dinnae want tae wait any longer."

Colin's hands covered hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles over her knuckles. "Ye're certain? There's nay going back from this path we're on."

"I dinnae want tae go back," Morag said firmly. "I want tae go forward. With ye."

The smile that spread across Colin's face was like the sun breaking through storm clouds. He leaned down to kiss her again, deeper this time, pouring all his relief and gratitude into the gesture.

"Then we face it taegether," he murmured against her lips. "Whatever comes, we face it taegether."

"Taegether," Morag agreed, and the word felt like a promise, a vow more binding than any they'd spoken at their wedding ceremony.

"Let’s go inside."

Morag nodded gently, her gaze never leaving his face even as words failed her.

Colin pulled Morag into their tent, where they stood facing each other. He pulled off his clothing, and Morag gasped. “Ye’re beautiful,” she whispered, her eyes taking in the way his manhood throbbed full length.

“Nay. Ye are beautiful,” Colin said softly, his hands cupping her face. “Are ye sure about this, lass? Once we cross this line… we will be husband and wife in every way.”

“Nay holding back.” She echoed his earlier words, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart. “I want all of ye, Colin. Everything we’ve been holding back. I dinnae want tae wait any more.”

Something fierce and hungry took over his expression. He looked at her like a predator who’d finally been unleashed to hunt. His voice was rougher when he spoke her name. “Morag…”

“I want tae be yers completely. Taenight,” she said fiercely, her hands resting on his bare chest.

“Then ye’ll have all of me,” he said roughly. “Body and soul, lass. Everything.”

His hands moved to the laces at the back of her dress, pausing for one last moment of confirmation. At her nod, he began to untie them, his fingers reverent and gentle.

“I’ve dreamed of this,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing. “Of being with ye, of knowing what it feels like tae belong tae someone completely.”

“Ye already belong tae me,” he murmured against her ear as her dress pooled at her feet. “And I belong tae ye. This just makes it… official.”

Her soft laugh turned into a gasp as his lips found the sensitive spot below her ear. “Colin …”

“Tell me what ye want,” he said, his voice rough with need yet tender.