Page 94 of Once Forbidden

Before answering, she looked to Struan.

“But what of your promises and pledges to Glynnis and Edana and Dougal? Can ye simply forswear them? Yer word will no’ be accepted again by allies or enemies,” Anice asked, reminding Struan of the other complications that would come from this.

“I have lived my life in service to this clan. Every decision I have made haes been made with that in mind. If setting things to right is best for the clan, then I will do it and let those promises rest with those who died.”

She looked at Robert and saw that he was torn between wanting his father to say the words and leaving it all behind. When he looked at her, she smiled and let him know that she would be by his side no matter what course life took. He took her hand in his and kissed it.

“Do not let your pride get in the way now, Rob. Take what he offers if that is what you wish.”

“And Craig’s place?”

“Craig will lead the clan if it is his destiny to do so.”

“Then, Struan, I will accept yer acknowledgment.”

Struan grunted and turned to leave. The gesture was so much like Robert she wanted to laugh out loud at it. He led her outside, where an even bigger crowd had now gathered to hear Struan’s declaration that would begin a process to right the wrongs done so many years ago to him.

He walked out before her, carrying her son, whose life he had saved, in his arms. Her heart felt so full of love she knew that the life before them would be filled with happiness.

As Struan made his announcement, Robert leaned close toher ear and whispered to her. “Have my children, did ye say?”

She felt the heat of a blush enter her cheeks at his words. “Aye, I think I did say something like that.”

“Can I make ye my prisoner like yer faither did to yer maither?”

“Only if I can make you mine.”

She looked at him and saw the promise of passion and pleasure and love in his eyes.

“I am yours, my lady Anice.”

“Nay. Say it the way you usually say it. When you thought I did not notice.”

“My... Anice.” He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close.

“Aye, my... Robert.”

EPILOGUE

TEN YEARS LATER

Robert leaned down and picked up a handful of dirt. Holding it out, he tossed it on the coffin and then supported Anice as she did the same. In her eighth month, she was ungainly on her feet and the slope made her steps even more precarious. Robert nodded and the boys followed their example. Craig led his almost-five-year-old brother to the end of the grave so that the dirt would land where it should.

Struan MacKendimen, earl of Dunnedin, was laid to rest on a clear and sunny August morn after a short illness. His grave was dug next to his wife and his other son within the family plot on the hillside near the castle.

After a few others had tossed dirt in, the workers took shovels to finish the burial. Although Anice looked tired, she stayed by Robert’s side until it was done. Then, with his arm to help her, she walked down the hill with him and back towards the keep. The boys ran ahead of them, already planning their next activity for the day, as children did.

“I am just glad that you made your peace with him, Robert. I am certain it made his passing easier.”

“I did it for ye, wife.”

“Nay, Robert. You did it because you are a good man.”

“A good man, ye say?”

“Aye. Of course, that’s what Robena called you all those years ago.”

“What else did she say about me?” he asked, already knowing the answer. His friend had become his wife’s friend as well and he knew what Robena had told his wife those manyyears before.

“A good man, but more than a bit daft.”

He laughed with her and then scooped her into his arms rather than letting her walk all the way back to the keep in her condition. As he carried his wife, the new countess of Dunnedin, into her home to prepare for the coming of their child, he reflected on how his life had been changed so much for the better by a love that had been once forbidden between them.