Page 33 of To Charm a Highlander

She looked up at him, and he noted no fear in her eyes.He leaned in again and kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and when she dinna push him away, his lips wandered down farther and sucked on her ear.He felt a slight stiffening of her body, but then she relaxed.

“That’s it, mo ghraidh.Relax.”

Callum pulled her closer, so their bodies met.Donella slowly moved her hands up his chest and then encircled his neck.Callum made his way down to her jaw and continued his light kisses.

When his hand moved to her bottom to pull her closer, she pushed him away.“That is enough for now.”

He held in his groan.‘Twas going to be a painful journey to eventually get Donella in bed, but she was worth the effort.Now ‘twas probably the best time to speak to her about their future.

He grasped her hands in his and stared into her crystal blue eyes.“I have been granted permission from the laird to offer ye marriage.”He pulled her hands up to his lips and kissed the backs.“I want verra much to be yer husband.To be the mon who protects ye and cares for ye.The mon who gives ye bairns.”She flinched at his last comment.“What say ye?”

Donella closed her eyes.“I care verra much for ye, Callum.I canno’ imagine any other mon as my husband.”She opened her eyes, tears brimming on the edges.“Ye ken what happened to me.And ye do no’ ken what also happened because I can’t remember myself, except that Dorathia told me I had been…violated.”She barely got the word out.

He pulled her against his body, offering comfort and protection.

“If we marry, I canno’ promise I will be at ease with the marriage bed.”

Callum placed his hands on her shoulders.“I am aware of that.I will go slow, and not push you beyond what yer comfortable with.”

“But ye will want bairns.So do I.Suppose I never get over this?”

He kissed her knuckles again.“I believe ye will get over it.Remember we are both young, we will be married many years.”

She shook her head.“Ye are so trustful, Callum.”

“I will just ask ye one thing, lass.”

“What is that?”

“Let me try.No’ now, but once we’re married.Let me try to help ye overcome what has been torturing ye for years.I ken ye can do it because yer a strong woman.Just give it time and promise me ye will let me try.”

Donella slowly nodded.“Aye.I accept yer proposal, Callum.”She grinned and the happiness in her face strengthened his confidence that together they could overcome this.

He took her hand.“Shall we go talk to the laird?I need to make arrangements with him and I’m guessing ye will need to see Ainslee about planning the wedding.”

They headed back to the keep where the great hall was cleared of the results from supper, the tables having been pushed back to the walls while three men played music.Some of the clanfolk were dancing, others were sitting and clapping and tapping their feet.

Haydon, Ainslee, Conall and Maura were among those clapping in time to the music.

Callum and Donella walked up to them.“Laird, when ye have time, I would like to speak with ye,” Callum said.

Ainslee and Maura looked at each other and smiled.

“Since I ken why ye want to speak with me, let’s say ye come to my solar first thing in the morning.Right now I want to spend some time dancing with my beautiful wife.”Haydon took Ainslee’s hand in his and led her to the area where the folk were dancing.

“What say ye, Maura?Are ye up for a dance, as well?”

“Aye, husband.I would like that,” she said.

Once the two couples walked off, Callum said, “How about ye, lass?Would ye care for a dance, too?”

Donella viewed the dancers and turned to Callum.“I donna believe I ken how to dance.Can ye show me?”

He leaned down, close to her ear.“I will show ye anything ye want, lass.Just give me time.”

* * *

Donella hadno idea a wedding could be arranged so quickly.‘Twas only two weeks since Callum had proposed to her and here she was preparing to meet him at the kirk in the outer bailey.