Page 97 of The Splendor of Fire
The guard at the sea gate called to them and Léo called back, leaving her question unanswered.
Jittery as a lad, he helped her up the stairs of the seagate, and found himself unable to take his eyes off her. For once, he didn’t mind the finery of the gown she wore for tonight’s gathering. Her hair remained unbound, her face untouched by rouge, no coronet in sight. Tonight she didn’t look like Niall’s leman. Tonight, she looked like his lady. Her peach lips lifted into a wordless smile as they climbed the stairs to the hall.Are you ready to become chief?
He gave a small sigh. “I’m ready for this all to be behind us. And I pray we are successful. But I confess, sometimes I wish there was another way. I enjoy a simple life with my son.”
Something flickered in her eyes.You can have that on Skye.
“Only with the right woman by my side.”
She paused, her face contemplative, and he stopped beside her reading her signs.Gabriel will need a mother. And you’ll need a wife. A proper lady of the clan.
Léo wanted to marry her. He was ready to ask her, tonight. “Is that something you might consider one day for yourself? To be a wife and mother?”
Moira didn’t answer right away, and began walking slowly down the corridor again.It’s an important responsibility. Something that would take all my time. I’m not sure that path is for me.
It wasn’t the answer he was hoping for.
They climbed a short flight of stairs to the great hall, trepidation beginning to grow in his chest.The small gathering turned to look at her as they entered, and he held out her hand and led her around the room, showing off their champion.
Iain choked on his claret, and it spurted between his fingers. Eilidh handed him a napkin, and he mopped his face. His eyes were huge, drinking in Moira’s beauty. “Birdy…ye look…ye are soo…that dress. Ye look like a lass.”
Léo glowered as Iain’s eyes lingered on her. “She is a lass,idiote.”
Moira rolled her clear blue eyes.He’s never seen me dressed in these ridiculous clothes. It’s all right, Léo. I know I look absurd. I’m not fit to be a lady.
His trepidation started to multiply. Why did she say that?
Iain shook his head. “Absurd? Noo lass. Ye look breathtakin’.”
Hector strode over, something excited in his aqua eyes, and for a moment Léo was startled by the eerie resemblance to Moira. Hector kissed Moira’s cheeks.
Moira searched around the gathering.Is Cara here?
Bright beams of pride shot from Hector’s broad half-smile, but he didn’t say anything.
Léo pushed him. “Hec, what is it?”
Hector smoothed a colossal hand over his scarred face, unable to wipe the smile away. “Cara’s had to stay home, though she sends her love and wants you to visit us when things are settled. She’s feeling a bit ill. We’ve just found out she’s with child again.”
A feeling of genuine excitement raced over him. For years Cara had believed she’d never have any children. Now they’d have two. “That’s wonderful, old man. What a blessing.”
Hector nodded, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. “Aye. We think the child will come in early spring. I cannae believe it, two children.”
Gabriel’s curious face sprang to mind, his little blue eyes examining a caterpillar crawling up a branch with a look of close study and interest. “What does Eamon think?”
Hec laughed. “Beyond Mammy and Da, Gan, Ghousie, and eat, he hasn’t said much on the subject.”
Sudden longing for Gabriel took hold of his heart and he felt thrown off balance.
Moira smiled.Congratulations, Beithir. You must be sure to bring Eamon and the new baby to Dun Ringill in the summer to meet Gabriel. What playmates your boys could make.
Léo shook his head in disbelief.“Gabriel will be five next summer.”The sentence came out hard and wooden. “I’ve spent more of his lifeaway from him than with him now. He probably doesn’t know who I am or remember me at all.”
Hector’s hand came to Léo’s shoulder. “At this time next month, you’ll be on your way to Calais to get him.”
Doubt niggled at Leo’s mind and he wondered again if their plan was worth executing, or if he should go to Calais and forget all thoughts of being chief. How could he uproot Gabriel from France, the only home he’d ever known? Was it right to take him from his grandmother, the only mother he’d ever known? Was that best for him? Or dare he hope for everything—to be chief, with Gabriel and Moira beside him?
Moira touched his arm, reading his expression.What matters is that you’ll be together. You’re a good father, Léo. And you’ll be a good chief. You’ll find your way. I can remember hoping my father would come for me. Imagine Gabriel’s face when you do.
