Page 188 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Panic started her heart to beating fast. “But a day is no’ enough time to plan a proper celebration. Surely, we need more time? What of your father?”

“I sent word to my father, as well as Edward, that we will say the vows tomorrow. My father can come at his convenience, if he likes.”

“Ye dinna’ waste time telling Edward,” Rhoslyn’s grandfather said.

St. Claire shrugged and Rhoslyn wanted to box his ears.

“He will want to know,” St. Claire said.

“Did you inform him of your brother’s actions?” Rhoslyn demanded.

“I did. It is best he is prepared in case Dayton pursues his claim that you and he are married.”

Rhoslyn’s heart fell, though she couldn’t say why. Whether now or a month hence, it made no difference when the marriage celebration took place. Except, she realized in a moment of honesty, that the celebration announced to the world that she was well and truly married to this man. And, he would claim his husbandly rights.

“Can I really help with the preparations?” Andreana said.

Rhoslyn nodded. “Aye. Though I canna’ think we can do much in less than a day.”

Andreana’s eyes lit. “I can do much.” She looked at Rhoslyn’s grandfather. “Can I plan as I please?”

“St. Claire is who ye must ask now, lass. Not me.”

Andreana shifted her gaze onto St. Claire and smiled shyly. “What would ye have me do, laird?”

“You and your mother may do as you please,” he replied.

“Dinna’ forget the hunt planned for the day after the celebration,” her grandfather said.

“Hunt?” Rhoslyn blurted. She looked at St. Claire. “Ye are planning a hunt?”

“It was your grandfather’s idea.”

She sent a narrow-eyed look at him. “You are full of surprises.”

“I havena’ been in a good hunt in too long. I hear your husband is a skilled hunter.” He looked at St. Claire. “Mayhap a wager would make things more interesting.”

“I never wager with my money,” St. Claire said, and Rhoslyn wondered how much of her money he would wager.

“I dinna’ need your money,” her grandfather said. “I saw that beautiful destrier ye rode when you came to Longford Castle. I could use a horse like that.”

St. Claire’s brows rose. “When have you need of a war horse?”

Her grandfather scowled. “I am no’ in my grave yet. I have a fight or two left in me. Are ye game or no’?”

“I am very attached to that horse.”

“Then ye are willing to admit defeat before the hunt even begins?” her grandfather said.

“I am willing to admit that fate is sometimes cruel. There are any number of challenges that could arise, none of which are a reflection of my skill.”

“Bah! Either ye have the bollocks or no’. Which is it?”

“Spoken like a true Highlander,” St. Claire said.

Her grandfather lifted a brow. “Aye, for we know what we are capable of.”

“What do you have that I could possibly want?” St. Claire asked.