The Highlander's Bride(62)
“The plaid suits you, and you bring honor to my father’s colors.”
Her grin vanished in a heartbeat and she stood staring at him as if struck dumb.
It was his turn to grin as he walked over to her, grabbed hold of her chin and planted a solid kiss on her lips, making certain his tongue teased hers for a moment or two before gently brushing her lips with his and sealing their kiss.
“Time to go,” he said, and took her hand to tug her speechless out the door.
They entered the great hall with arms around each other, smiling, and Donald McHern greeted them with a wink and grin.
“I can tell it won’t be long before I have a grandson.”
Most women would have blushed, Cullen thought, but not Sara.
“That’s my husband’s and my business,” she said. “Right now, I wish to take my husband to meet my sister.”
“I imagined as much,” her father said. “But tomorrow Cullen is mine. He can show me if he is as fine a hunter as he claims to be.”
“Make no bones about it, Father, Cullen will best you with a bow,” Sara said proudly.
“We’ll see about that,” McHern said. “And, Sara, I’ll have a talk with you when you return.”
Cullen wasn’t pleased to see the sparkle fade in Sara’s eyes. It was a subtle shift that would go undetected by most, but not by someone who knew her well and could almost feel it before seeing it. He felt it, a sharp little jab, and he didn’t like it at all.
Sara nodded, and Cullen tugged her to the door while he called out to McHern, “If my wife returns tired, you can speak with her tomorrow.”
He gave the large man no time to respond; he shoved Sara out the door and into the bright sunlight and the balmy warmth of a fine spring day.
“You play your part well,” Sara said as they headed to fetch their stabled horses.
“You’re my wife, my responsibility, and your father needs to honor that,” he said sternly.
“Be prepared for my father to disagree.”
“Disagree or not, he’ll do it my way.”
It was no surprise to Cullen that their horses were ready and waiting for them. Sara knew how anxious he was to see his son, and she had seen that nothing would delay their journey.
Their departure from the village was slower than anticipated, with many villagers calling out congratulations and salutations. Cullen welcomed the quiet of the surrounding countryside once the houses disappeared in the distance. He was eager to see his son, yet apprehensive. He had no experience with babies, and Alexander was a mere babe. Was he walking yet? Could he talk?
“He will need time to get to know you,” Sara said, as if she knew his mind. “Unless he is a friendly one and takes to you right away.”
Cullen confided his fear. “What if my son doesn’t like me?”
She smiled. “Do not worry. I think Alexander and you will get along well. Besides, my sister Teresa will assume that you are the babe’s father and see that he spends time with you.”
“You’re right. She will assume me the father.”
“Ironic, isn’t it? But a ruse I think we’d be better off sustaining,” she suggested.
“Agreed,” Cullen said. “I’d prefer no one to know the truth. It could possibly place them in danger.”
“I thought the same myself. If the Earl of Balford ever made his way here and questioned my clan—” She shuddered. “We must hurry and be done with this all. You and Alexander must seek the safety of your brother’s ship and leave Scotland as soon as possible.”
“After I see to the earl,” he said solemnly.
Sara snapped her head around at him. “What do you mean?”
“I intend to avenge Alaina’s death.”
“You can’t mean to tell me that you intend to foolishly take the chance of killing the earl?” she asked incredulously.
“He deserves killing.”
“I couldn’t agree more. He’s a vile, evil man, but to place yourself and your son in danger is foolish.”
“I will make certain my son is safely on my brother’s ship before I carry out my plan,” he said confidently.
“And what if your plan doesn’t go as planned?”
“My son will be safe in America and raised by my brother.”
Sara shook her head. “I cannot believe you would be so selfish and stupid!”
Cullen crinkled his brow. “I am not stupid or selfish. I do what is right.”
Sara reined her horse to a halt. “Do you think Alaina would agree with this dumb plan of yours?” She held up her hand while shaking her head. “She wouldn’t. She would want you, his father, raising Alexander.”