Page 36 of A Highlander’s Heart

How wonderful it would be if love grew between her and Morgan. She thought it possible, but she was not at all sure about her husband.

They certainly hadn’t had a good start, with him in pain and grousing all the time, demanding to be returned to his men, and her still angry about the death of her da at the hands of a Gunn at a border raid years before.

She hadn’t thought about that for a while. With her becoming a Gunn and the chance to have a good marriage and life, it was time to forgive and forget.

After the congratulations and best wishes, Morgan pulled her to him, his hands wrapping around her waist. “’Tis sorry I am that we cannot have a celebration, but we must be off. The men and your belongings are all packed and ready to go.”

She nodded, since she’d known this was not going to be a normal wedding.

Gregory was giving his wife a very tender farewell and Megan was looking quite distressed. He was leaning close to her, speaking softly, one large finger wiping the tears running down her cheek, while his other hand rested on her shoulder.

Is that what happens when you love someone?

Morgan walked up to her. “I have decided to ride my horse.”

“Nay! I doona think that’s a good idea. Yer muscles are probably not strong enough.”

He shook his head, determination stiffening his body. “I can no’ longer think of myself as a convalescent.”

“Morgan, please, ye’ve come this far, ye doona want to ruin what ye’ve accomplished.”

He turned and walked away from her, and, without aid, mounted his horse. She shook her head. Not even married a full day and already they were at odds. If he tore his wound open, she decided, she’d try not to enjoy telling him that she’d warned him. Stubborn mon.

They were no more than a couple of hours into their trip when Emma grew bored and uncomfortable. As a healer, she oftentimes traveled to her patients’ homes, but she’d never had to travel so long that the sun moved far in the sky.

This she found to be torture.

She was sleepy from not able to rest last night, knowing what she faced today. She shifted again and gave out a very loud yawn.

Morgan rode at the head of the group, with Gregory alongside him. The rest of the men formed a circle around her, which one of them told her was the normal way a group of warriors escorted a lass on a journey.

She suffered for another span of time before Morgan held up his hand as a signal to stop. She slumped over the horse’s neck and took a deep breath.

Ezra, one of the warriors with them, helped her off the horse and then walked up top, where Morgan and Gregory were speaking. He said something to Morgan, who then turned his head toward her and nodded.

She stumbled over to a fallen log and sat down with a groan. There wasn’t a place on her body that didn’t hurt. And she could hardly keep her eyes open.

Morgan walked over to her and looked down at her. “Lass, are ye able to pass out the food we brought from Castle Leod?”

She nodded, and even though she tried very, very hard, her eyes filled with tears that she angrily brushed away. Morgan bent to take her hands in his. “What’s wrong, wife?”

A lone tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She tugged one of her hands out of his grip and swiped over her eyes to remove the rest. “Nothin’.”

“It seems to me that ye haven’t ridden verra much before today.”

She shook her head. “Nay.”

He studied her for a moment then took a deep breath. “I am feeling a tad out of sorts myself. I’m thinking I might ride in the wagon for the afternoon, and ye can join me.” He winked at her. “I make a comfortable pillow.”

He must have been in quite a bit of pain to offer to ride in the wagon. ’Twas for the best, however, since she knew he was going to be hurting. At least he was man enough to admit it.

Despite her pain she grinned. “And I can take nap.”

Each of the warriors wandered into the wooded area and relieved himself. When it was her turn, Morgan went with her. “I can take care of my body’s needs by myself,” she groused, embarrassed.

“I’m sure ye ken, wife, but no area is safe for a woman by herself. I willna have someone grab ye while yer no’ paying attention.”

She waved her hand. “That’s silly. I will be fine with all of ye here.”