Page 33 of Transporting a Ruthless Highlander
“You do want children, do you not, Gavina?” Struan sat bolt upright in bed, staring down at her in alarm.
“Of course I dae!” she assured him. “They are lovely wee people.”
He slumped back in relief and closed his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered fervently. “I would hate to have had to go looking for another wife.”
Gavina swatted him with a pillow, then kissed him. “Just you try!” she giggled.
A day later, they were visited unexpectedly by Captain Hunter, now a very old man. Gavina had written to him once she arrived at Lochnaig Castle telling him about Struan’s injury and Kevin’s death, then she had invited him to the wedding, but she had not expected him to arrive so soon.
As he came into the room, Gavina gave a cry of happiness and rushed to him, throwing herself into his arms. “Captain! Oh, my friend, I am so glad tae see ye!”
The old man looked down at the young woman who had become like a daughter to him, and his eyes shone with love. “Gavina,” he said, smiling as he kissed her forehead. “I am so happy to see ye lookin’ sae well. It has been such a long time. How are ye?”
“I am wonderful, Captain,” she replied fondly as she ushered him over to Struan’s bedside. “And I have found my true love.”
The captain shook Struan’s hand. “Ye are a lucky young man, M’Laird,” he said. “This woman is a treasure. When I found her she was only a wee lassie, but she was canny even then, an’ she grew intae the finest sailor I ever worked wi’.”
“You made me what I am, Captain,” Gavina said thankfully, her green eyes shining. “I am only sorry that I lost yer ship.”
“Shhh…” Captain Hunter said soothingly. “I am sorry about the souls on board. A ship is only a thing, lass, an’ Mother Nature is cruel. Ye did yer best.”
“I cannae help thinkin’ o’ a’ those bodies on the beach.” Gavina’s eyes were glittering with unshed tears. “A’ unburied.”
“I heard that fishermen found them an’ they were a’ given a decent burial,” the captain assured her. “An’ those that went doon wi’ the ship, well, the sea is as good a grave as the land.”
Gavina sent for some warm ale, and they made themselves comfortable in the soft chairs by the fireside. “Ye are right,” she sighed. “And it is good tae know what happened tae them. I dream about them sometimes, an’ they are no’ nice dreams.” She sipped her ale and stared into the fire, her eyes glittering with unshed tears.
“I used tae get them as well, lass, but they will fade.” He gave her a gentle smile. “I am afraid that is part o’ bein’ a sailor, but it is still a grand life. Once the sea gets ye, she never lets go.”
Gavina laughed softly. “Ye never said a truer word, Captain.”
Struan had been watching them, observing the love between them that was as deep as that between a father and daughter.
“Are ye marryin’ soon?” Captain Hunter asked, sipping his ale.
“As soon as this woman tells me I am feeling better!” Struan laughed, grabbing her hand.
The captain smiled, and his wise old face creased into a thousand wrinkles. Gavina hugged him, and they sat in a comfortable silence for a time.
“Stay awhile and see the estate,” Gavina suggested, reaching out for his hands.
“Are ye sure I wilnae be in the way?” he asked, frowning.
“Of course not,” Struan answered. “We would be honored to have you here with us.”
“Well, love o’ my life,” Gavina said, narrowing her eyes as she looked at him assessingly, “dae ye feel up tae a walk in the village?”
“Yes!” Struan yelled, throwing his sheets back and getting to his feet. “I amsotired of this bed!”
Gavina looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Are you no’ the same Struan Gilchrist that told me how much he longed for a soft bed?” She poked a finger in his chest. “Did ye no’ tell me how ye never wanted tae see the inside o’ a barn again?”
“I did,” he conceded, looking at her sheepishly as he donned his clothes.
They went downstairs, where the captain was waiting for them.
The old man shook with silent laughter as he watched them coming down hand in hand.
“Come on then, Captain.” Gavina linked her arm with Captain Hunter and led him toward the door.
