Page 71 of Highlander’s Mercenary Lass

Now it was Andrew's turn to be spellbound. He stared back, his green eyes genuinely glazing over.

"Do ye mean it?" he asked, to general laughter. "For real?"

"For real," said Grace, reaching for his other hand and holding it in her own. Now the pair of them were holding each other tightly. "O' course I will marry ye, Andrew!"

Tears were falling down Grace's cheeks. She didn't even notice them until they fell in a pool on the wooden podium beneath her feet. Inside, she burned with joy. Grasping Andrew by the hand, she kissed him slowly, as all around them, the crowd cheered loudly.

After that, Grace was not sure exactly what happened. It all felt very jumbled up. One of the clan elders proposed a toast, and the townsfolk cheered and clapped.

Then Fiona got to her feet, followed by Aileen and her little sister, Lissie, who Grace had noticed for the first time. The three of them pushed their way slowly across the dense room to stand beside her on the platform.

While the room erupted in clapping, Fiona leaned in and congratulated them.

"I am so pleased for ye both," she said earnestly, her light eyes fixing upon the two of them. "I will do everything tae make this the biggest wedding the clan has ever seen—after we have mourned, o' course!"

"Of course," Grace murmured. It hadn't even occurred to her at that moment that the timing of the announcement might be off, but judging by Fiona's face, she seemed completely happy.

"Och, Grace," said Fiona tearfully. "If it had been up tae me, ye'd become the new lady, an' Andrew the laird, but, alas, I dinnae think the clan's elders will accept that."

"Nae tae mention Billie," cut in Aileen, with a sly grin.

Grace held Andrew near. She felt the sway of his body behind her and loved the closeness between them. Suddenly, she didn't care for anything other than this.

Thoughts of nobility and titles could not be further from her mind. Smiling, she shook her head.

"Dinnae fash," said Grace contentedly. A prickle of excitement ran through her. All her life, she had wished for better things—riches, material possession, and yes, power. But now that she was on the cusp of getting it, she realized something.

None of it mattered; not really.

"An' when ye marry, Grace, I will help ye tae find a suitable suitor," Grace promised. Then, she dipped her eyes and said, "If ye want me tae..."

Fiona smiled. "I believe ye were sent tae strengthen the clan, an' put it back together."

"Maybe," agreed Grace. "But I only want one thing out o' this marriage: Andrew," she said steadily. Her voice sounded calm, but she was not. Around her, the room spun and spun. She felt weak and dizzy with it all.

"An' o' course, I have got all o' ye," she added with a grin to her sisters.

Pulling them together into a hug, Aileen embraced her.

"An' ye'll nae get rid o' us, Grace. Ye’re stuck wi' it now...being a Duncan!"

Grace laughed. "I think I can get used tae that. An' ye'll nae get rid o' me, so watch out, lass!"