James, dealing with another officer, overheard her. “You wouldn’t dare press charges.” He went red in the face, stammering in his fury—as if Cat cared a flying whoop.
“Guess again, James.” Turning back to the cop, she said, “I’d like to formally press charges. You’ll find all the evidence you need on my laptop.”
The cop turned a steely gaze on James. “I think it best you come with us to the station. I’m going to have some more questions for you.”
With everyone else gone, Cat turned to Angus, her defenses finally crumbling as she fought back tears, overwhelmed with worry about Iain. “I don’t know where the hospital is.”
Angus put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll take ye to him.”
“You saw him—will he be ok?”
“I think so, lass.”
Chapter Twenty
Having dug through the dirt wall blocking the metal gate from view, Iain and Angus now worked on cutting through the bolt. It had taken Iain several weeks to heal, and during that time Cat had refused to go back to the tunnel without him, making him love her all the more. With his leg finally allowing him to climb, they’d returned to see if they’d finally found the Highlander’s Hope.
The bolt gave way, the metal weakened with age. With his heart racing, Iain gave her a smile and then pulled the gate open, the hinges screeching in protest while the metal flaked off in sheets of rust. “After you, my love.”
Cat held up her flashlight and stepped past him, pausing just long enough to kiss him before moving into the small chamber filled with wooden boxes. Perhaps they held weapons for Prince Charlie’s return, documents or funds, but it was all overlooked when their beams of light rested on a nook carved into the dirt and the small wooden box nestled there.
“Iain… I think this is it.” She looked over at him as he stepped to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Aye, love. And the honor should be yours.”
“Here’s a bit more light.” Angus moved closer, holding up the bright lantern so she could set hers down.
It was a simple box, but Iain’s family crest was carved into the lid, and it set his pulse racing at breakneck speed. Cat undid the latch and opened the lid, before peeling back the delicate fabric.
It sparkled in the torchlight like a million stars—the Highlander’s Hope. Diamonds and emeralds, with smaller rubies and sapphires, were all worked into an exquisite piece of art.
She turned towards him, her smile beaming from ear to ear. “It’s beautiful, Iain. Can you believe we’ve found it?”
“Aye, love. I never doubted you.”
***
Back in the library with a roaring fire to get them warm, Iain watched as Cat documented everything into her laptop, and then proceeded to take notes and pictures of the Hope. He loved watching her work—the intensity of her gaze, her unwavering concentration, her contagious enthusiasm.
His father had come in for a look, not quite believing they’d found it on MacCraigh land. Iain couldn’t quite believe it either. But there was more on Iain’s mind than the excitement about the necklace.
The last few weeks had been busy with doctor’s appointments and visits to the police station. MacTavish, his men, and James were all charged with a variety of crimes and were facing significant jail time. Cat had remained true to her word, and pressed charges, making sure that James paid for his crimes. Underestimating Cat had been James’s gravest mistake.
Iain was glad to have that all behind them, because he wanted everything to be perfect for Cat. She deserved that, and so much more. They hadn’t spoken about getting married since that fateful day with MacTavish, but Iain had been waiting for this moment—for her to find the Highlander’s Hope. And now the time had come.
By the gods, he loved her with all his heart. When she got up to stretch her legs, he joined her and took her hand. “Come, love. You’ve been at it for hours. Some fresh air will do you good.”
Iain led her out towards the gardens, the day warm for December. There was a spot he’d always loved—looking out towards the craggy cliffs, and beyond that in the far distance, the sea. Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
“It’s gorgeous here, Iain.” Cat leaned back against him, snuggling closer.
“I meant what I said, my love.” Iain reached into his pocket and pulled out his mother’s engagement ring. “I love you, Cat. Will you marry me?”
She spun in his arms to face him, her eyes locked on his. “Iain… I love you with all my heart. Yes—of course I’ll marry you.”