Page 46 of Never Marry a Highlander

Chapter Sixteen

Likemostmornings,Lorenarose from her bed, wishing it wasn’t so cold without Craig, then washed up, brushed her hair and put on a dull brown kirtle over a blouse.She then tied a long apron over her body, covering as much as she could since she never knew when she’d come back to the brooch covered in blood.Or other interesting liquids.

She and Helena met in the great hall to break their fast each morning to go over the list of folk they planned to see that day.There was always an unexpected injury of sorts to deal with, as well, with such a large clan.It seemed to her that the bairns were always running into things.

As she walked across the great hall, the healer was grinning at her, leaving Lorena wondering what she was so happy about.

In the weeks they’d been working together, Lorena had gained a great deal of respect for her sister by marriage.Even though she still scoffed at her being perfect, she was so caring, intelligent and helpful that Lorena no longer resented her.Helena had made settling into her new home easier than if she’d not had the woman’s guidance.

She also had to admit she enjoyed learning what she had about healing, although she found that administering to those frightened and in pain interested her more than dealing with the pregnant lasses.To her, it seemed midwifery was no more than holding expecting mam’s hands for months and assuring her everything would be well when the time came.

Then when the time did come, screaming, shouting curses at one’s husband, and crying commenced.This was followed by peace and smiling as the new mam held the little one who’d caused all the hysteria.While this was all going on, there was the dealing with the nervous new da and the priest who stood by in case the mam or new bairn died, making the husband even more nervous.Nay, she would do it for her new clan if necessary, but she was very happy that Helena preferred the midwifery part of the work.

“Ye are quite cheerful today,” Lorena said as she took her place alongside Helena.That was truly a silly statement since Helena was cheerful all the time.

“I have news today from Robin.”

Lorena’s heart sped up.Was Craig coming home?

“Robin just sent two warriors to the border where Craig is camped with instructions for them to stay there and Craig and another guardsman to return.”

Lorena tried her best to pretend indifference, but between the flush on her face and the smirk on Helena’s she didn’t think she fooled anyone, including herself.What would her reaction be to the man?Had this month apart lost the little bit of a connection they’d shared before he left?Would he be annoyed at being summoned home?

Robin then joined them and smiled at Lorena.“I assume my wife told ye the good news?Craig is returning and should be home in about another week.”

“Aye.She told me.”Everyone had assumed she was happy to have him back, but her feelings were conflicted.Aye, she missed him in their bed; the bedsport and the warm body keeping her cozy at night.

But truth be told she did miss not having him to talk to.She oftentimes wanted to tell him all she’d been learning with Helena.When she’d stated she wanted him gone most of the time, she had no idea what marriage to an honorable, kind man was like.Even if he was an arrogant oaf.In the short time she’d known him, however, she knew he was no Avery Gordon or David Gunn, for sure.

Before he’d left, they’d started playing chess at night in their bed, but barely got through half the game before he’d push the board aside, scattering the pieces all over the bed.Then he grabbed her and after a few passionate kisses, she was flat on her back with Craig doing wicked things to her.And that was the end of the game for that night.

And soon he would be home.She placed her hand on her stomach.While he’d been gone, she’d learned a healer’s trade and after a conversation with Helena, had good reason to believe she was carrying his bairn.

***

The setting sun was close to the horizon as Craig watched from the front of the camp as two riders approached wearing the MacKay plaid.He walked forward to greet brothers Kevin and Brandon MacKay, both strong warriors and guardsmen.The men came to a stop in front of him and slid from their horses.

He frowned.“Is something amiss?”

“Nay,” Kevin said.“We have a message here for ye from the laird.He wants us to take yer place and send ye and another warrior back.”He held the folded piece of parchment out to Craig.

“I thought I would be here for a few months.”

Not that he particularly wanted to be.Blast Lenora.He missed the lass.Not just her soft, curvy body—which he surely did—but her sharp tongue that kept him entertained.He did enjoy taunting and challenging her.

There had been times when he provoked her just to see her beautiful eyes flash and her little chin stick out.He loved the fact that she felt comfortable doing that with him.He knew his small, delicate wife had suffered abuse from both her brother and husband.Yet, she had no problem standing up to him.

Could it be she already trusted him?Well, if he was to return, he would soon find out.He was also curious as to how she and Helena had gotten on.

It humored him to think about how he decided before they married that they would be separated most of the time.Yet, here he was looking forward to returning.

He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

After ruminating, he took the missive from Kevin Mackay and returned to the guardhouse to read it.

Brother,

Our Clan Chief has requested a meeting among his chieftains at Castle Varrich.I wish ye and Finn to go with me.Unless the situation there makes ye feel ye need to stay, I expect ye home as soon as ye can pack up.