She was about to surrender.
Suddenly, a strong wind whipped across the land, the branches of the trees bending and swaying, at first as if in dance and then reaching out as though shooing them away, wanting them gone.
Sara jumped, startled as a branch swept near her face.
“We should leave,” she said and hurried to the horses.
Cullen mumbled beneath his breath, cursing the damn wind as he got to his feet and rushed to gather up everything. She had near capitulated. One moment more and she would have been in his arms, and then they both would have been lost in a haze of passion.
Now they would reach her home by this evening and his chance would be…
He grinned. His chance would just be beginning, he realized. He’d be sleeping every night in a bed with her. It wouldn’t take long for things to turn intimate.
But first he’d learn the whereabouts of his son.
Chapter 21
Dusk claimed the land when Sara and Cullen entered Clan McHern village. After her two-year absence, Sara was quick to see that the place hadn’t changed all that much. A new storage house, which her father had spoken of building before she left, and fresh roof thatching on several of the cottages, but all in all the village looked much as it had when she’d left, prosperous and healthy.
Only a few villagers were out at this hour, and those who were stared at her in disbelief before scurrying off to spread the news of her return.
Cullen wasted no time in letting everyone know they were husband and wife. He had reached out, taken firm hold of her hand and smiled at her like a newly-wed man eager for his wedding night.
Which, of course, had Sara wondering what he was up to, but she had little time to dwell on it. They arrived at the keep soon enough, situated at the end of the village and tucked between two hills. Word had obviously already reached her father, his big-framed body running down the steps followed by a few of his anxious servants and a slew of his warriors.
“This best be your husband that’s bringing you home, lass, or it’s back to the abbey for you,” he announced sternly after stopping in front of their horses and crossing his massive arms over his barrel chest.
Cullen dismounted and immediately went to Sara. He reached up, gripped her around the waist and swung her off her mare, planting a firm kiss on her lips before he hugged her close.
“Sara is my wife right and proper, and proud I am that she is,” he boasted, and held out his hand to her father. “Cullen Longton.”
Even though Sara knew he simply played his part and his remark was meaningless, her heart still swelled with the sheer joy of seeing her father’s surprised yet pleased expression.
“Donald McHern, chieftain of the Clan McHern,” her father said, giving his hand a firm shake. “And how do I know that you’re wed good and proper to my daughter?”
Cullen left Sara’s side to retrieve their marriage paper from the satchel and present it to her father. “Sealed and signed by the Abbess herself,” he said, handing the rolled-up document to the clan chieftain.
Donald McHern made a fuss of unrolling it and scanning the page, his eyes growing wide along with his smile as he silently read the words.
Watching her father, Sara noticed that he had aged during her absence. More wrinkles claimed the corners of his eyes, numerous lines had deepened and spread across his face, and his hair, which matched hers in color, was now sprinkled with gray. His eyes, however, so like hers, had not changed a bit. One could still detect a hint of kindness in their depths.
“Welcome, son,” her father finally said, and throwing his huge arms around Cullen, squeezed before releasing him with a hardy slap on the back. He then turned to Sara. “Looks like you finally did good.” He turned back to Cullen. “Come, there’s food and ale aplenty.”
Cullen turned, extending his hand to Sara. “Not without my wife. I want her by my side at all times.”
Donald McHern laughed as he slapped Cullen on the back again. “That will change fast enough.”
“The four horses are for you,” Cullen said with a nod to her father before they reached the door. “In appreciation for your daughter.”
Donald McHern nodded slowly at his daughter. “Very good.”
The horses were left to a young lad to stable while everyone entered the great hall.
Unlike many keeps, her father kept no special place on a dais for himself. He favored a long table framed by two benches in front of the fire, where his men usually joined him.
Tonight, Sara sat at his favorite table for the very first time, beside her husband, who sat across from her father, and she felt honored by the position.
Cullen placed his hand over hers, resting on the table, every now and again bringing it to his lips for a kiss, and he made certain he sat leaning against her, their shoulders rubbing. To all, they appeared a loving couple, and for the moment she felt a loving wife.