Page 93 of The Highlander’s Iron Hold

"Laird Colin!" Ruaridh's booming voice cut through the celebration as he approached with arms outstretched. "Braither! And me bonny sister who's caused us all such worry."

"Ruaridh!" Morag flew into her brother's embrace, laughing as he spun her around despite her fine gown. "I've missed ye so!"

"And I've missed ye, though next time ye decide tae single-handedly destroy an enemy clan, perhaps send word first?" Ruaridh set her down and gripped Colin's forearm in the traditional Highland greeting. "Well done, Armstrong. Da's practically beside himself with pride."

"How is faither?" Morag asked eagerly.

"Healthy as a Highland bull and twice as stubborn. He's been boasting tae anyone who'll listen about his daughter's courage." Ruaridh's expression grew more serious. "He also wanted me tae tell ye that three more Highland clans have requested marriage alliances with MacDuff daughters, hoping tae emulate yer success."

Colin's arm tightened possessively around Morag's waist. "Tell them the good ones are already taken."

"Possessive beast," Morag teased, echoing her earlier words.

"Aye, and dinnae ye forget it."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of other clan representatives. A silver-haired laird with shrewd eyes, approached with formal bows.

"Laird Armstrong, Lady Armstrong," he said respectfully. "Clan Campbell offers renewed pledges of friendship and mutual defense. The Highlands are stronger when we stand together."

"Graciously accepted," Colin replied with equal formality, though Morag could see the satisfaction in his eyes. Before Fraser's defeat, Campbell had been decidedly cool toward the Armstrongs.

Similar scenes played out throughout the evening as clan after clan reaffirmed their loyalty. The MacLeods offered trading partnerships, the MacDougalls proposed joint military exercises, and even some former Fraser men approached to swear new oaths of fealty.

"It's remarkable," Morag murmured to Colin during a brief lull. "Six months ago, ye were barely holding on. Now everyone wants tae be our ally."

"Victory has a way of attracting friends," Colin replied pragmatically, but she could hear the wonder in his voice too.

Near the great hearth, an ancient seannachie had begun telling the tale of their recent triumph, his voice rising and falling with practiced drama. The children gathered around him with wide eyes as he described Colin's heroic infiltration of the Fraser camp, his single combat with the enemy laird, and the rescue of his beloved wife.

"Bha an Tighearna Iarainn làidir mar dhia na h-oidhche," the storyteller intoned. "The Iron Laird was strong as a god of the night, his blade singing death to his enemies, his heart burning with love fer his lady fair..."

"They're already turning it intae legend," Morag observed with amusement.

"Good," Colin said firmly. "Let them. Our children and grandchildren should ken what their parents were willing tae sacrifice fer love and clan."

At the mention of children, Morag felt a flutter of nervous excitement. She'd been waiting for the right moment all evening, and now, with Colin's arm around her and their future stretching bright before them...

She stood on her tiptoes, bringing her lips close to his ear. "Speaking of children," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the celebration, "ye might want tae start thinkin’ about names."

Colin went very still. "What?"

"I'm with child," she breathed against his ear. "The healer confirmed it this morning."

For a heartbeat, Colin didn't react. Then his arms tightened around her with such fierce joy that she could barely breathe.

"Are ye certain?" His voice was hoarse with emotion.

"Very certain. We're going tae have a baby, Colin."

"Christ." Colin buried his face in her hair, his shoulders shaking slightly. "A baby. Our baby."

"Are ye pleased?" Morag asked, though his reaction had already answered her question.

"Pleased?" Colin pulled back to look at her, his eyes bright with unshed tears. "Morag, the only time I've been happier in me entire life was when ye married me."

He kissed her then, long and deep and filled with such love that Morag felt her own eyes grow misty. Around them, the celebration continued, but for a moment they were alone in their bubble of perfect happiness.

"This is perfect," Morag sighed contentedly when they finally broke apart.

"Aye," Colin agreed, his hand moving protectively to her still-flat stomach. "Though I can think of one way tae make it even better."

"Oh? And what's that?"

Colin's eyes darkened with familiar hunger. "Getting ye alone in our chamber so I can properly celebrate this news... and show ye exactly how much I love ye."

Heat flooded Morag's cheeks, but she met his gaze boldly. "Is that a promise, Iron Laird?"

"It's a guarantee, Lady Armstrong."