Highland Deception (Highland Pride) (22 page)

Epilogue

Kentillie Castle, January 6, 1643

“Dinnae even think about it.” Maggie turned at her husband’s voice as he entered the sick room and saw her about to hoist a bucket of water to take outside and dump.

“’Tis no’ so heavy, ’twill be fine.”

Staying true to his word, after they had married, he had listed tasks that he didn’t want her doing until the babe was born, and the list grew with each day that passed. Knowing he meant well, she tried but scoffed at most of his demands—after all, what was so dangerous about going up to the turrets to look at snow that topped Ben Nevis, the loch as the moon glimmered off the mirrorlike surface, and the stars that filled the sky at night when the clouds stayed away? Last time he’d caught her up there, he’d made her promise to at least not go up without him, and that was just fine, because she adored hearing him talk about the land he loved so much.

“I was looking everywhere for ye. Why are ye out here?”

Maggie hadn’t wanted to leave his side, but she’d rushed in to share the responsibility of preparing for the Epiphany dinner tonight with Elspeth.

“I didnae get a chance to finish my work before dinner.” Space in the room was tight, and if she didnae keep things clean, there wasn’t enough room to mix up her medicinals for those who needed them.

“Come, I have something to show ye.” Taking her hand, Lachlan drew her away from her task and out into the cool night air.

When they passed by the entrance to the great hall, her head tilted to the side. “Where are ye taking me?”

“I have a surprise for ye.” ’Twas worth leaving her chores to see the boyish curve of his lips as he smiled.

He pulled her to a stop in front of a tower of the castle that lay unused, the one where she’d spent the night after he discovered her identity.

“Wait here. I’ll light a candle.” When he disappeared through the door, she shuddered at the loss of the warmth that left with him.

He returned and took her hand, drawing her near, but his smile had left and he seemed more apprehensive.

What had once been a barren, cold room on the first floor was bordered by tables on two sides, and he tugged her closer to one of them. Between the candle and low evening light shining through the windows, she was able to make out glass vials and earthen pots. “What is it?”

“A place for ye to work with yer herbs. Come.”

Guiding her toward a small, dark room off to the side, he held the candle up to show ropes strung from the ceiling in planned increments. ’Twas the perfect environment for drying plants and flowers.

“Do ye like it?”

Her heart swelled and her eyes misted at all the effort it must have taken to put this together—for her. “Aye, I love it, husband.”

“There’s more.” Guiding her to the stairs, he led her to the room she’d been locked in the day he discovered her secret. Pausing at the door, he smiled and pointed. “It can no longer be locked from the outside.” The bolt that had kept her inside had been removed from the door, and he pushed it open to reveal a room she didn’t recognize. A fire blazed in the hearth, the walls were covered with tapestries of couples in various scenes in nature, and a bed covered with plush blue blankets replaced the sad excuse for one that had been there before.

“I didnae want ye to have any bad memories of any part of Kentillie. ’Tis yer home now, and every part of it should feel like it.” While he walked over and placed the candle down on a small table by the bed, she stepped into the transformed space and tamped down the happiness that was overwhelming her.

“’Tis my way to say my heart is open to ye. I never thought I would be able to trust again, but ye gave that back to me. Now I plan to give ye everything yer heart desires.” Och, she loved this man. “And when ye are here working, I willnae have to drag ye to the other side of the keep to bed ye.”

He took her hands and gazed into her eyes. “Do ye like it?”

“I love it.” What she didn’t know how to put into words was the truth that had bubbled up to the top of her heart—he had restored her faith in men. “I love ye.”

In the time they’d been married, not only had his eyes and heart remained faithful to her, but even as her belly grew and she lost her curves, he had made this room for her.

She said it the only way she knew how—raising up on her toes, she kissed his lips, then her free hand pulled the pin from his plaid. “Let’s try it out.”

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to:

Robin Haseltine for seeing potential, sharing her knowledge and being my partner on this journey. She’s a shining star, and I am truly fortunate that our paths crossed.

My husband for his love, support, and belief in me.

My kids for putting up with takeout, dirty dishes and understanding when mother was working.

My parents, Jo Ann and David Bailey, for being here since the beginning and for their faith, support, and unconditional love.

Jennifer R. for being a sounding board and my first reader. I will always be grateful for our friendship.

Toral P. for loving my first book and asking for more.

My writing tribe, along with being great friends, they hold a wealth of knowledge and have shared their wisdom and support with enthusiasm and love of the craft. I will always be eternally grateful to: Harper Kincaid, GG Gabriel, J. Keely Thrall, Taylor Reynolds, MK Meredith, Denny Bryce, Julie Halperson, Angele McQuade, Jennifer McKeone, and Laurel Wanrow.

The Fox Mill writers who were there when it all started: Julie, Lisa, Sheila, Michele, and Jules.

Robert F. Dorr, a veteran, hero, and mentor, you will be missed.

And for you, the reader who picked up this book and gave a new author a chance to share a piece of her heart.

About the Author

Lori Ann Bailey
has a romantic soul and believes the best in everyone. She cries every time she sees a sappy commercial or when one of her kids does something to be proud of. She felt emotionally drained after reading sad books, so she started reading romance for the Happily Ever Afters. She was hooked.

After working in business and years as a stay-at-home mom she has found something to be passionate about besides her family: her books. She lives in Northern Virginia with her real life hero, four kids who keep her on her toes, two dogs that are determined to destroy her house, and two cats that secretly plot the demise of those dogs.

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