Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4) (15 page)

His reaction to her seemed to amuse her. “Bear, ye look like ye’ve seen a ghost.”

“A verra lovely ghost,” he said, letting his r’s roll on his tongue. He’d
finally made his mouth work.

“Thank ye very kindly, Sir.”

“Can I get ye somethin’ to drink?”

“Maybe in a while. Can we sit down somewhere?”

Bear spotted two chairs in the far corner by the sparkling candles. Perfect. He took her elbow and guided her over to the seats.

She gazed up at the soft lights of the candles. “Do ye remember the Mirrie Dancers?”

“The northern lights. Aye, they often lit up night sky in the Highlands with their magical dancin’ lights. I miss seein’ them.”

“There are many things about Scotland I miss,” Artis said wistfully, looking down at her feet.

“Do na look down at yer feet, my lady. Here we look up at the stars.”

She eyed him with an intense but secret expression.

“We do na have to leave all our traditions behind, Artis. In fact …”

He heard the violin player brush his bow across the strings of his instrument, filling the room with music again. He stopped to listen for a moment. The violinist seemed to play the sound of his emotions, from hope and expectation to need and desire. Sometimes the violin whispered like the wind and then it would get higher and higher until it nearly screamed, and then it would whisper softly yet again. The melody’s romantic notes gave him the courage he needed.

He reached for her hand. “Artis, one of our traditions is the luckenbooth. Do ye remember?”

“Aye, the symbol of the union of two people.”

“And I have one for ye.” He pulled the little gift box from his vest and handed it to her.

Artis gasped and put one hand over her mouth. She kept her eyes on
his and didn’t look down at the box.

“I love ye, Artis.”

She flushed, but remained silent.

“I love ye, and want ye to marry me.”

“Bear, ye have only known me but four days now. Can ye be sure it is love ye feel?”

“I know I love ye because we are two halves of one soul. For the first time in my life, my spirit feels whole. My heart na longer feels hollow. It’s full—full of my love for ye.” He eyed her with a probing squint. “Can ye be sure it is
not
love ye feel?”

He watched her expression change from surprise to desire. “Aye, I’m sure.”

His heart trembled. “Sure of what?”

“That I want to marry ye.” She spoke in a tremulous whisper.

His face could not contain the width of his grin. She had just made him the happiest man in the room. Nay, the happiest man in Kentucky.

“May I kiss ye?” he asked.

“Aye. Kiss me now and forever.”

And he did, enfolding her in his arms for the first time.

Chapter 17

B
ear’s kiss sent gusts of ecstasy and desire whirling through Artis. But his proposal brought more joy to her wounded heart than she ever thought possible. The magnificent man who held her in his arms wanted to marry her! In a moment of loneliness, she had dared to hope for love only once—when she’d longed for what her parents had together. But she truly didn’t expect to find it. And certainly not marriage. In fact, she presumed that she would never find the kind of man that would measure up to her high standards.

Mentally, she acknowledged his qualities. He was funny, honest, kind, honorable, and clearly possessed an unfailing sense of family. She also admired his strength and compelling intelligence. And he had a spirit as strong as hers. The will and determination he possessed was astounding.

Was this really happening? And how did it happen so quickly? Yet as she gazed into his eyes, the same beautiful color as the waters of the loch she’d missed so dearly, she knew for a certainty that it had. Her heart slipped completely into the embrace of love.

She loved this big bear of a man.

“Tha gaol agam ort.”

Bear’s Gaelic was rusty but he said it right.

“I love you too,” she whispered, placing a hand against her heart.

His smile broadened and they just gazed at each other, relishing the shared moment.

“Open yer gift, my love,” he finally said.

Her hands trembled as she untied the ribbons—blue and green, the colors of their clan. Yet another example of Bear’s thoughtfulness.

She hadn’t received a gift since she was a young lass, and her excitement left her breathless. She giggled a little as she removed the lid.

Artis stared at the grand luckenbooth. She had never seen a prettier brooch in her life. “Ah Bear, it’s so lovely!”

“As it should be for a woman of your beauty.”

She felt her face color. She wished she had a gift of equal measure to give him. Her thoughts brightened when she remembered that she did have something!

She laid the luckenbooth back in the box and unpinned her clan brooch. “Tis yers now,” she said, pinning it to Bear’s coat. “Several generations of men in my family have worn it with pride. Ye are my new family, so it gives me pleasure to give it to ye, Daniel MacKee.”

“As of tonight, I am Daniel MacK-a-y, and I shall also wear it with great pride.”

“Aye, that is the customary spellin’. Let’s go tell the others. If we stay here, I’ll be wantin’ more kisses from ye and we’d create a terrible scandal because I’m sure ye would oblige me.”

He gave her a roguish smile and said in a low lusty voice, “Indeed, I would! But it would na be a scandal if we were married.”

“Aye, but we’re na married yet!”

“William is a justice of the peace now. And he can make it legal. But first we can honor our heritage and marry ourselves by a bindin’ vow of love.” He bent to his knee and pinned the luckenbooth on her. “I pledge to protect you with all the strength and spirit within my body. I pledge my love to ye for the rest of our lives and, if it be possible with God, for all
eternity, forever, and ever, and ever.”

He stood and reached out for her hand and she stood as well.

Artis placed her palm against their clan’s badge. “
Tugaim mo chroí duit go deo—
I give my heart to you forever. I promise I have loved and will love only ye. And my love will be given with all my heart and all my soul, forever.”

He gazed lovingly into her eyes for a moment. The tenderness of his expression made her heart jolt and her pulse quicken. Her feelings for him were intensifying with every second that passed.

Then his face lit with sudden joy. “Ye said forever, but I must protest. Forever is na long enough! I want yer love for wee bit longer!” he said with a glint of humor in his eyes. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed the top of her head.

She was too emotion-filled to speak. She laid her cheek against his muscular chest, feeling his heart pound against her skin. His powerfully built body was a virtual fortress capable of protecting them both. The warmth of his arms was so male, so comforting, she did not want to let go of him. How long had it been since she felt loved?

And she had never known the love of a man. She was astonished at the way it made her feel—valued, cherished, and dear. Her chest swelled with love for Bear, making her feel flushed and warm. And his nearness was making her senses spin. Her clothing rapidly became heavy and constricting. She needed air. “Can we go outside for a while?”

“Aye, let’s stroll under the stars for a wee bit.” Bear took her hand and led her outside.

She took a deep steadying breath of the cool evening air. Her hand was still in his and it felt like it belonged there—as though together their hands formed a perfect union. She glanced over at him and wondered what it would be like to join with him as man and wife—would their bodies also form a perfect union? The thought made her heart race and she found herself feeling hot again.

Her insides seemed to pulse and throb as though liquid fire surged through her veins. She had never felt like this before. Why was she feeling so strange? Was he feeling the same way? She stopped and he did too. He gazed down at her. She needed him to kiss her. Gripped by desire, she reached up and drew his mouth to hers. A sizzling aura of unspent passion swirled around both of them.

He put a hand on her waist and guided her to the fort’s stable. He searched for a minute or two until he found where the hay was stored. She understood what might be coming. Could she deny herself his touch? A battle raged within her. She wanted him. That much was clear. In fact, her own compelling need shocked her.

She also knew Bear would not force her. He was a gentleman. But was she enough of a lady to stop herself?

Reaching for her hand again, he tugged her inside and gently eased her down on the fresh-smelling straw.

She looked up at him. The pulse of her throat leapt with excitement. She found his undeniable strength and power so alluring. This was a man who could safeguard her from the cruelties of the world.

He took his place beside her and gathered her in his arms. He held her snugly as he kissed her until the blood pounded in her head and other places on her body warmed and tingled.

His hand slid the top of her gown off her shoulder exposing one of her breasts to the cool air. His lips trailed down her throat and made their way to her bosom. Almost reverently, he kissed the mound of her breast while his big hand caressed the lower half. The sensation was extraordinary and seemed to make her insides pull together.

Her womanhood was aflame and she grabbed his broad shoulders with her hands, needing to hold on to him. She slid closer to him, compelled by her own desire and a need to feel all of him against her. His clean scent made her heart hammer.

His open palm seared a path down her abdomen and he reached under
her gown and lightly ran just the tips of his fingers up and down her bare thigh, just above her stockings.

The gentle massage sent her desire soaring even higher. She would not be able to stand much more. She wanted something, something she didn’t understand. And her whole being seemed consumed with finding it.

Her mind told her to resist, but her rebellious body refused to listen. Her body only wanted to feel, not think. She gave herself fully to his embrace, burying her face in the center of his broad chest. Her fingers touched the clan badge she’d pinned on him. She could not dishonor her clan.

“Bear, we’re not yet married.” Trembling with longing for him, she couldn’t keep her voice from quaking. She struggled to clear her mind of the lust that swirled through it. She had to regain control.

His breath was warm against her ear. “When it’s consummated, we’ll make it legally bindin’,” he breathed, in a husky whisper.

He kissed her again, deeper and possessively. The passion in the kiss almost made her change her mind.

She placed her hands on either side of his adorable smooth face. “Bear, look at me.”

He opened his eyes and she saw desire burning in them so hot she could almost see flames.

“Nay, Bear, we canna do this yet.” She beseeched him with her eyes. “As much as I want ye, my faith demands that I wait until we are married before God and man.” She spoke the words quickly, over her rapidly beating heart, wanting to get them out before she could change her mind. And there was a strong possibility that she would. She wanted more of what Bear did to her. Much more.

“All right lass, but I swear, ye’ll not regret it if you want to go ahead. We’re married right enough.”

“Nay, we are by Scottish tradition, but na by Kentucky law. And we’re
Kentuckians now,” she said. “We must marry legally. I’ll na have our marriage questioned by anyone, especially God.”

He sighed deeply and kissed her again, but this time his lips were soft and tender, conveying only love, not passion.

Recovering, he gently stroked her cheek with a finger and said lightly, “Ye are the most beautiful woman here. Maybe in all the colonies. Can ye blame me for wantin’ ye so terribly?”

It thrilled her that Bear found her so desirable. “Nay, I do na. And ye are the most handsome and braw man here. And I want ye just as much. Maybe even a wee bit more,” she added with a smile at him.

He took one long last look into her eyes and then stood and offered his hand. “Come, Artis, we must go back before I lose what little control I have.”

Laughing, they dusted and plucked the straw off each other before they left the stables. “Did ye get it all out of my hair?” she asked, when they reached the light streaming through the windows.

Bear gave her locks a thorough examination and found two pieces he’d missed. “I will dispose of the evidence of our wickedness,” he said, tossing the straw aside.

They were both giggling with happiness as they went back inside.

Tugging her behind him, Bear found William and Kelly, who were still speaking with Lucky.

“Pardon the interruption, but we have exceedingly important news,” Bear declared. “Artis and I are now married by pledge, in keepin’ with Scottish tradition. But we want ye to perform the ceremony William, to make it legally bindin’ in Kentucky.”

Kelly let out a cry of joy. “That’s wonderful news!”

Lucky gave Bear a slap on the back as he chuckled. “I could see that coming,” the old friend said.

Then, to Artis’ horror, Lucky plucked a piece of straw that she’s missed
off the top of Bear’s tall back. Her eyes widened for a moment, but he said nothing, and winked at her.

She could feel her throat and face flushing and quickly glanced away.

“It would be my honor,” William said, “when do ye want to marry?”

“Right now!” Bear said as though William had asked an inane question.

“Well…” Artis started. She stopped, as the Governor and his wife strode up to the five of them.

“A good evening to you,” the Garrards both greeted at once.

“Good evening. Sir, Madam, we are about to have a wedding,” Kelly blurted out at once, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“A wedding!” Mrs. Garrard said. “How romantic!”

William introduced everyone to Mrs. Garrard.

“Miss MacKay, I do greatly admire your gown,” Mrs. Garrard said.

“Thank ye, Madam. I have Kelly to thank for it,” Artis replied. She smiled toward Kelly, showing her gratitude. She’d felt like a princess in some romantic tale from the moment she slid into the gorgeous gown.