Page 170 of Highland Spy

“Then I’d be humbly honored to say yes.” She pulled at his hands, urging him to his feet.

He pulled her to him and stared down at her. “I’ve been longing to hold ye in my arms all day.”

A tingle pulsed between her thighs. She knew exactly what he meant. The heart-pounding battle, the fear of loss, the indescribable desire—it all shot into her blood.

Before she could reply in kind, his mouth came down on hers and he pulled her body against his. Together they had fought the battle. Together they had won. Together they would celebrate their love.

For they belonged together—mind, body, heart, and soul.

Epilogue

May 1606

The sun rose near Urquhart Castle, emerging from the water in a golden globe of light. Its warmth settled against the hills and bobbed atop the water like floating bits of cut gemstone.

Ariana rested a hand atop the large crenellation of the castle wall and closed her eyes to the subtle breeze stirring her hair and gown.

The weather had been soft lately, almost as if gently welcoming the changes to her life.

“There’s my beautiful wife.” Connor’s voice broke through her thoughts. She opened her eyes and found him standing beside her, tall and breathtakingly handsome in his saffron-colored léine and the fine plaid belted around his waist.

A gold pin shone at his shoulder, where the length of plaid had been pinned into place.

He looked every bit the laird of the castle.

“I’m glad ye’re awake, lass. I’ve got a surprise for ye.” He put his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to her lips. His mouth was cold from having just recently shaved.

“I’ve one for you too.” She couldn’t help the smile of sheer joy on her lips and gave in to the temptation to stroke her fingertips over his smooth jaw.

He caught her hand and pressed a sweet kiss to her palm. “Mine first. Come downstairs.”

Their fingers twined together, pleasantly warm where their skin touched, and together they made their way down the stone staircase along the curtain wall.

A lot had changed at Urquhart since Connor had resumed his role as laird. Not just the castle, but the land itself. All memories of what had gone wrong were swept away by what was right. The people had come back, slowly at first, and then so quickly they’d almost run out of bedding.

Only one year and already the scar on Urquhart had faded, as all great scars do, from flesh to heart—never forgotten, but not so painfully obvious either. They were all stronger for having suffered and survived.

The Grant clan lived their lives fully and with the appreciation of people who knew how easily it could all be lost.

Near the stable stood three travelers with cloaks thrown about their shoulders and a pile of sacks at their feet. One with white-blonde hair strewn back in braids, one with loose curls the color of summer wheat, and another with tresses of gleaming copper.

Ariana’s breath caught in her throat. “Is it—?”

Connor grinned. “Here she is, girls.”

The trio turned around and confirmed what Ariana thought she’d seen. Delilah, Sylvi, and Liv.

At Urquhart.

Ariana embraced each woman with great affection. Delilah in her pretty velvet riding habit, Sylvi in the men’s clothing she often preferred when traveling, the collar raised high to cover her neck, and Liv.

Ariana’s eyes tingled with tears when she saw Liv. She was beautifully vibrant with her red-gold hair and eyes the same gray of a gentle summer storm. Her cheeks were rosy with good health and a smile shone on her lips like the sun.

While Ariana had wanted to see Percy and Isabel as well, she knew they would most likely not leave Kindrochit.

A sleek gray cat snaked between Ariana’s ankles. She looked down and gasped. “Surely this isn’t Fianna.”

“It is.” Liv grinned and lifted the cat into her arms. Fianna contently allowed herself to be cradled like an infant, the hum of her purr evident even from where Ariana stood.