Page 44 of When a Highlander Vows
They were celebrating Seamus, and she knew he’d wish her to be happy. Lucas, even though they didn’t speak, was looking ather kindly, and Sarah was speaking to her often, telling her how much she enjoyed having her at the castle. It was all wonderful, and she sighed with contentment as the others stood to return to the dancing.
“Are ye havin’ a pleasant time, Lass?” Lucas asked, leaning in.
Caitlin shook a little, pleased to feel Lucas’ breath against her ear. A warmth spread from the spot to everywhere else in her body.
“Aye, very pleasant,” she said, her words a little slurred.
She had never felt so bloody wonderful in the whole of her life.
“Will ye dance with me, again?” he asked, standing up and reaching down to lift her to her feet.
“Truly?” she asked, and he laughed, his smile devastatingly handsome.
“Aye. Truly. Come. I think with a bit of wine in ye, ye may nae be so nervous.”
As he led her through the crowd toward the dancing, Paige emerged, standing before them. “Lucas, I am so glad I found ye. Dae ye remember this dance? We’ve danced it many times before.” She grinned. “Will ye show me how it goes again?”
Lucas looked between her and Caitlin. “I am sorry, Lass, but I offered to show it to Caitlin. I dinnae want her to have to sit on her own again.”
“Och, I see.” Caitlin’s heart ached at the pain in Paige’s face, and she did not look back at her.
“Perhaps later,” he said, and Paige nodded, leaving them to walk on their own.
“Here we are,” he said as they stepped in among the dancers, already starting the song. “Put yer hands here,” he said, putting them on his shoulders. Now jump with me,” he said with a mischievous grin, and she followed him.
His hands slid around her waist, and he moved her body around as they spun and jumped, stopping for a few steps before continuing on. Caitlin began to laugh, her heart fuller than it had been in years. She hadn’t realized her loneliness and isolation was so great until she was in that room with hundreds of laughing, merry people. She had not seen Rachel or Mary the whole of the time, but it was all right. They all deserved a bit of joy after so long in difficulty.
“Incredible,” she said breathlessly as the dance finished, and she stumbled into Lucas’ arms.
Apparently, the wine had been stronger than expected. Or she’d consumed far more than her usual.
“Forgive me,” she giggled. “I think I have enjoyed meself far too much.”
“Never,” Lucas said with a smirk. “I am happy to see that ye are happy, Sunshine.”
Caitlin swallowed, finding his eyes as she looked up. She had only once argued with him on the use of that nickname, but now that she kept hearing it, she liked it. It made her feel wanted and accepted.
“Thank ye.” As they stepped free of the crowd, she put a hand to her head. “I am afraid though, that I am a little dizzy. I think I will go up to bed.”
“Nay!” he said sharply, his hand grabbing her arm, but then he cleared his throat and softened his tone. “I only mean that ye must allow me to accompany ye. I wouldnae want ye to trip up the stairs, even though ye ken the Castle so well now.”
“Thank ye. That would be very helpful.” She took his offered arm, and they pushed through the merry partygoers, everyone’s face ruddy with wine and good food. “Are ye sure Lottie willnae mind?”
“Nay,” he said, “It has been many hours, and this is yer first large feast, is it nae?”
“Aye, but it has been more fun than I expected. Will ye tell Rachel and Mary I have gone to bed? That I will see them on themorrow?” When they exited through the main hall doors, and they shut behind them, Caitlin felt cooler.
“Aye, of course, Lass.”
The castle’s chill was welcome as they passed along the wide entry to the base of the stone stairs. “Me goodness, I dinnae realize how hot it was in there.”
As if waiting for her, Percy and Fallows appeared out of nowhere and started walking up the stairs alongside her, brushing along the hem of her skirts, and Lucas looked down.
“It seems ye have made friends of these two,” he said.
“Aye, I enjoyed their company greatly when ye were gone away. Dae ye mind?” She winced, looking at him with concern.
“Nae at all.” He smirked at her. “They were needin’ a bit of love, I can say that. I was never very good at givin’ it.”
