Page 77 of The Cruel Highlander's Healer
Conall shook his head. “Nay. When I saw Alistair tonight with that dagger pressed to yer throat, I kent that that was the scariest thing I could see. And that if I could feel that type of fear and still find a way to save ye, if I could do that, well love had found me anyways. Whether I’d wanted it to or nae.”
Eliza’s eyes narrowed. “Did ye just admit-”
“That I love ye,” Conall interrupted, nodding his head. “I did. And I admitted it because it’s true. Ye may be a pain in me arse, but I love ye, Eliza. As shockin’ as that is.”
The corner of his mouth ticked up in a grin. “And that’s why I’m goin’ to need ye to plan a weddin’.”
She gasped, her free hand fluttering up to her chest. “A weddin’ for us?”
He nodded, brown eyes dancin’. “And I need it to be soon. Because I want to finally take ye like I wanted to last night. In all the ways that a husband should.”
Eliza’s cheeks flushed with pleasure.
“Then I better get to plannin’.”
EPILOGUE
Two Weeks Later
“Acht!” Marissa exclaimed, waving her hands in front of her face so she wouldn’t cry. “Ye just look so bonnie.”
Eliza flushed with pride as she stared down at her hands. Kate tugged on a strand of Eliza’s hair, making her laugh.
“I’m tryin’ to make ye look even bonnier, but ye keep turnin’ yer head!” Kate griped, prompting Eliza to straighten her shoulders.
Her friend stood behind her, plaiting Eliza’s hair into an intricate design. Marissa flitted into Eliza’s vision again, taking Eliza’s hands in her own.
“I am so happy for you.”
Tears stung Eliza’s eyes.
“Maither, ye have to stop,” she said, voice hoarse and filled with affection. “Because if I start blubberin’ now, I will nae be able to stop and Conall will send me back to the cottage with ye.”
Her mother waved her hands in front of her face.
“I willnae have it!” she called. “It’s been quiet without ye and I love me quiet. I willnae be havin’ ye back.”
Eliza heard Kate chuckle behind her as Marissa turned, stalking to the corner so she could put the finishing touches on the bouquet Eliza would be holding as she walked down the aisle. Studying her hands again, Eliza let her mind wander.
The past two weeks had been a whirlwind. From the moment she’d told Kate and Marissa about how soon the wedding would be, they’d insisted they’d help her with everything.
And help they had.
As she glanced down at her lap, at the swaths of red plaid fabric that made up her wedding gown, another swell of gratitude bubbled up inside of her.
“There ye are,” Kate said from behind her, patting Eliza on the shoulder. “Yer hair is all done.”
Eliza sniffed, banishing the tears of appreciation that were now threatening to spill over as she stood. She glanced at Kate, taking her hands as well and giving them an appreciative squeeze.
“Thank ye,” Eliza said. “I cannae explain how much yer help means.”
“Daenae go doin’ that,” Kate responded, tears rising to her own eyes. “We’ll all start blubberin’ and ye have to go get married!”
Eliza laughed but the chiming of the church bells rang overhead. It truly was time for her to get married.
The three women walked with Eliza in the middle. As they reached the door to the church, Kate turned and gave her one final hug before disappearing into the nave.
The sound of bagpipes filled the air, and Eliza turned to look at her mother.
