Page 9 of Redemption for the Baron

“Oh, aye. And when he did, he got down on one knee, soaking wet and grinning like a madman, and asked me properly. What could I do but say yes?”

Bridget reached for her friend’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I can’t imagine a better proposal.”

Catriona sighed, a dreamy look settling on her face. “Neither can I. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ours. And that, my lady, is what makes all the difference.” Her smile deepened. “He wentto your father first, of course. Said he couldn’t ask for my hand until the clan chief gave us his blessing.”

Catriona leaned back in her chair, a wistful smile playing on her lips as she recounted the memory. “You should have seen Killian that day. He was steady as a mountain, but I knew him well enough to see the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers curled just so, like he was bracing himself for the hardest forge he’d ever faced. Standing before your father, the clan chief himself, is not a task for the faint of heart.”

Bridget chuckled. “My father doesn’t make things easy.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Catriona agreed, shaking her head. “He listened, silent as ever, while Killian made his case. Told him plain that he loved me, that he’d stand by me, provide for me, and give me a life of honor. And your father just watched him, like a hawk sizing up a man before the strike. It was the longest moment of my life.”

Bridget arched a brow. “And what did my father say?”

A smile touched Catriona’s lips. “He told Killian that a man who bends steel with his hands ought to know the strength of a promise. And then, just like that, he gave us his blessing.” She let out a small laugh. “I nearly wept from relief, but Killian? He only nodded, like he’d known all along that he’d earn your father’s respect.”

Bridget smiled, warmth filling her chest at the thought of her father granting his approval. “And what of your own family? They had plans to go to Ontario.”

Catriona’s expression softened. “Aye, they wanted us to go with them. A new life, fresh land, all of it seemed full of promise. But Scotland is in our bones, Killian and I both knew it. We couldn’t go that far away, not when our roots were here.”

Bridget’s voice dropped to something softer. “I’m glad you stayed.”

Catriona squeezed her fingers in return. “So am I. And I suppose fate had its own plans. Your father, in his quiet way, was our guardian angel.”

Bridget smiled fondly. “Father does relish playing the hero.”

“He spoke on our behalf. He introduced us to Lord Alastair. Shortly afterward, Lord Alastair offered us both work,” Catriona continued. “Killian at the forge, me helping run the household. It wasn’t what we had imagined, but it’s become home.”

Bridget’s gaze grew distant for a moment before she smiled. “Funny, isn’t it, how life takes you where you’re meant to be, even if you never saw the path ahead.”

“We were both torn. We didn’t want to go so far away, but with little work to be had, we thought our only choice was to leave. We have hopes of returning some day.”

“Killian made his grand declaration just as you were about to depart?” Bridget laughed softly. “Did he whisk you off your feet?”

Catriona’s eyes danced with amusement. “Hardly. He nearly knocked me over in his haste. Subtlety has never been his strong suit.”

Bridget grinned. “Life with him must be anything but dull.”

“Aye, that it is,” Catriona agreed with a fond smile. “We have each other and that, my lady, makes all the difference.”

Bridget’s expression softened. “I’m sincerely glad you both are faring well.”

Catriona glanced at her thoughtfully. “And you, my lady? How are you faring?”

Bridget paused, choosing her words carefully. “Oh, managing as always.”

Catriona gave her a knowing look but chose not to press further. “If there is anything you need during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” Bridget replied genuinely. After a pause, she added, “I would enjoy hearing more about how you’ve settled here. Perhaps when you have a spare moment?”

“I should like that very much,” Catriona smiled. “But first, let’s see you out of those damp clothes. A hot bath is waiting for you.”

As Catriona helped her undress, Bridget couldn’t help but ask, “Do you ever miss home?”

For a moment, Catriona’s hands faltered. “Every day,” she admitted softly. “But I hold onto hope that things may yet change.”

Bridget felt a pang in her heart. “As do I,” she whispered. They shared a quiet moment. Scotswomen, hearts tied to a land that would not let them go.

“Thank you for your help. I can do the rest.” Bridget said softly. “It’s late, and I’m sure Killian is waiting for you.”

---