Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

She waited until she was sure no one would see and then she started to turn her body toward him. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and feel his around her again. She didn’t notice when he stopped the horse or helped her turn in his arms, but suddenly his lips were on hers and she was lost in the glory of it. She wove her fingers through the back of his hair and h eld his head tight so he wouldn’ t stop.
    He wanted to kiss her forever, but she was holding on so tight it frightened him. Was she saying goodbye? She loved him, how could he doubt it? But she wouldn’t be the first woman to love one man and marry another. He finally mana ged to pull away. “Do you intend to marry me?”
    “‘ 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?”
    Connor was trying desperately to get Kevin’s attention, but Kevin was ignor ing him and -- it was too late.
    Laird MacDonald burst through the door and marched around Forbes to get to Kenna. “My dear, I have decided to forgive your insult. I have found the Englishman and you will marry me, Charlet.”
    “You have found the Englishman?” demanded Forbes. “I killed the man and brought proof. What proof do you have?”
    Laird MacDonald turned to stand in front of Kenna protectively. He didn’t notice when Kenna moved close to Ferguson and grabbed his hand. Ferguson did one better, he moved Kenna behind him. At the same time, Connor moved Charlet behind him.
    Laird MacDonald lowered his voice. “I do not yet exactly know the name of the Englishman, but I know the name of the Cameron he spoke to.”
    Blair’s rage was beginning to build. “What is his name?” he demanded.
    “Who are you?” MacDonald demanded right back.
    “I am Blair Cameron and I want the traitor who tried to have Charlet killed.”
    “Killed? I had not heard that,” said MacDonald.
    Blair began to move forward. His glare was fierce and his eyes were on fire. “I want the name now!”
    The old man was clearly no match for Blair and he quickly yielded, “‘Tis Cowan...Cowan Cameron.”
    Laird Forbes roared with laughter. “MacDonald, you lose. I killed the Englishman and you only