Marti Talbott's Highlander Series, Book 1

"'Tis the only honorable thing to do. You have been alone with me for days, you have seen me naked and I do not want to tarnish your tender reputation."

He was so relieved, he kissed her again. "I have to take you back for now. I will tell Kevin you are betrothed to me and he will run all the other lads off his land."

"Good. When will you come back?"

"Tomorrow after the noon meal, providing there is no trouble at the Cameron hold."

"I love you."

"I love you too." He held her close again and memorized the feel of her. He knew he could let her go to the MacGreagor for now and not have his heart torn out of his chest when he left. They would be married soon and she would be in his arms forever -- or so he thought.

The whole clan seemed to be waiting in the courtyard to welcome Charlet home. She smiled, laughed and waved to Julie. She was happy to see her and wondered, if only for a moment, what on earth had happened to her hair.

It was Connor who came to lift her out of Blair's arms. "We have missed you, lass. How is your arm?"

"It is healing, thanks to Blair. He saved my life twice and maybe more."

As soon as he got down and handed the reins of his horse to a waiting boy, Connor slapped Blair on the back. "Come inside, Kevin is waiting to see you. By the way, there is a pesky laird inside who wants to marry Charlet."

"She is already spoken for."

"I am pleased to hear it." Connor led the way up the steps and started to open the door. But just then, a guard gave the whistle and when Connor turned, his smile dropped. "It cannot be, Laird MacDonald has come back." He put his hand on his forehead and tried to think what to do. Kenna and Ferguson were inside with Laird Forbes and Kevin. Connor hoped to be laird someday, but if this was an example of the problems facing a laird, he wasn't sure he wanted it anymore. There wasn't anything he could do but take Blair and Charlet in -- and hope Kevin would know what to do.

Kevin spotted Charlet and Blair behind Laird Forbes and so did Kenna. But Kenna was prepared to continue her act anyway.

Laird Forbes grinned at Kenna, "I will have Charlet!"

"The hell you will," Blair said behind him.

Forbes turned, looked at Charlet and then turned back to look at Kenna. He was dumbfounded and looked at Kevin, "You have two bonnie lasses with red hair?"