Marti Talbott's Highlander Series, Book 1

He felt wetness on his arm and realized it was a tear. He was afraid she was still asleep, so he softly whispered, "You are crying?"

She nodded. "I am a woman; we are supposed to cry sometimes."

"I did not know that."

She scooted closer to him still. "There is a lot you do not know."

He put his cheek against the back of her head. "Such as?"

"I do not want three names, I do not want to be English and most of all, I do not want to be bonnie. I want to be plain. 'Tis the only way to know if a man loves me and does not just want a bonnie lass in his bed."

"A lad who loves you will also want you in his bed."

"And therein lies the problem. How will I know if he truly loves me?"

"Perhaps he will tell you."

She sat up, wiped her tears and moved around until she faced him. "Duff says it constantly, it means nothing."

He was suddenly riled and sat up as well. "Who is Duff?"

"He is a stupid lad who walks into walls gawking at me. I hate him!"

He was pleased to hear that. Blair dismissed his jealousy and got to his feet. "Was he badly injured?"

She took his hand when he offered it and got up as well. "Duff broke his nose and I hope 'tis crooked when it heals. Are you married?"

"Nay."

"Do the lasses walk into walls gawking at you?"

"Not that I am aware of."

"Why not, you are as handsome as any other lad."

He was amazed she thought he was handsome. He'd never heard that before from any woman. But this conversation was going to get him in big trouble, so he picked up the plaid and began to fold it. "We will have ample time to resolve your problem once we arrive."

"When will that be?"

"Before dark."

*

Word spread quickly; Charlet MacGreagor was indeed pleasing on the eyes and Kevin MacGreagor would help plead the marriage case of the man who brought him the Englishman. Even Laird MacDonald, whom Kenna already rejected, found the idea intriguing. Days ago, he decided to forgive the woman her insult and give her another chance. After all, she was very young. To give her that second chance he needed to find the Englishman. Where had he heard about the Englishman's marriage proposal? The answer was not coming, his men didn't remember and it was enough to drive an old man up a wall.

*

Kenna was thrilled with Laird Ferguson's proposal, but she had two problems. First, she wanted very much to do all she could to save Charlet. Her opinion of Charlet had turned from jealousy to admiration in a few short days. She could not possibly marry Ferguson until the danger was over.