Page 79 of The Highlander's Runaway Nun
Laura smiled, her voice lilting with emotion. “Thank ye, Laird McCormack,” she said with a touch of playful formality. The use of his title made his mouth curve in amusement, but she held his gaze, feeling that this was a moment she would carry with her forever. She was home, truly home, not as a guest or a duty-bound bride, but as the woman he loved.
He shifted slightly, his arm brushing hers, his tone turning light. “There’ll be someone else glad to see ye, ye ken,” he said. “A wee creature that’s been takin’ up half me hearth rug since ye left.” His eyes gleamed with mischief, and she tilted her head with mock suspicion.
Laura’s heart leaped, and she gasped softly. “Angus!” she exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest. “Oh, Bradley, ye didnae send him away, then? I was afraid ye might, with all that anger in ye heart back then.” Her words trembled slightly, for she remembered all too well the storm that had driven her from this place.
Bradley chuckled, shaking his head. “Aye, I came to me senses soon enough,” he said. “The pup wouldnae leave me alone, truth be told. I reckon he kens what ye mean to me.” His gaze softened further, the humor giving way to quiet sincerity.
Laura reached over, her hand finding his. “Ye’ve grown, Bradley,” she said softly, her eyes glimmering with affection. “And so have I. Perhaps the both of us needed a bit of pain to find our way back.” Her thumb brushed the back of his hand, and his grip tightened in return.
“Aye, perhaps we did,” he murmured. “But I’ll nae lose ye again, Laura. Nae by pride, nor fear, nor the ghosts of me past.” His voice was low, full of conviction.
She smiled faintly and leaned closer, her lips brushing his in a light, fleeting kiss that felt like dawn after a long night. “We shall hold ye to that, Laird McCormack,” she whispered against his mouth. “For as long as we live.”
The carriage wheels rolled to a halt, and the driver called out that they had arrived. The sound of voices rose beyond the window—familiar voices, excited and joyful. Bradley stepped out first, offering his hand to her, and as Laura descended, she was met with a sea of smiling faces. The people of the keep had gathered in the courtyard, their cheer echoing off the high stone walls.
“Lady Laura!” they cried, and a wave of warmth filled her chest so full she thought she might burst. Women curtseyed, men dipped their heads, and even the stable boys grinned widely as they lined the path. Laura blinked back tears as she realized how deeply she had been missed.
From the crowd, Cora came running, her apron still dusted with flour.
“Me lady!” she cried, throwing propriety aside as she rushed forward and wrapped Laura in a fierce embrace. “Och, I’m so glad to see ye again!”
Laura clung to her, her own tears spilling freely now. “Oh, Cora, I’ve missed ye somethin’ fierce,” she said through a trembling laugh. “I thought of ye every day, ye and yer kind heart, and how ye took such care of me.” She drew back, smiling through her tears. “I hope ye’ve been lookin’ after our Angus as well.”
Cora chuckled, dabbing her eyes with her sleeve. “Aye, as best I could, though the Laird took over me duties, he insisted,” she teased.
Laura laughed softly, nodding. “Thank ye, Cora. Truly.”
Bradley approached then, laying a gentle hand on Laura’s back. “Come, lass,” he said. “Ye’ve been away too long. It’s time ye were back where ye belong.” His voice carried a rough edge of emotion he tried to hide, but she heard it clearly.
He led her up the steps and through the great doors of the keep, the sound of their boots echoing in the familiar halls. Every corner brought a memory, her laughter echoing through the corridors, the warmth of evenings spent by the fire, and the faint trace of music once played in joy.
When they reached their bedchamber, Bradley turned and swept her into his arms without a word.
Laura gasped, laughing as he carried her across the threshold like a bride anew.
“Bradley!” she scolded playfully. “Ye great brute, I can walk well enough on me own.”
“Aye,” he said with a grin, “but I’d rather carry ye, lass. Feels right to have ye back in me arms.” His words made her heart swell, and she rested her head against his shoulder as he set her gently upon her feet.
The soft sound of claws skittering across the floor interrupted them. Laura turned just in time to see Angus bounding toward her, tail wagging wildly, his small body wriggling with joy.
“Oh, Angus!” She cried, kneeling as the pup leaped into her arms. “Me sweet lad, look at ye! Ye’ve grown!” She pressed her cheek to his soft fur, laughing through her tears as he licked her face in pure delight.
Bradley stood watching, his eyes warm with affection as he leaned against the hearth. “Seems the pup’s happier than I’ve seen him in days,” he said with a faint smile.
Laura rose and crossed to him, Angus still in her arms. “He’s nae the only one,” she said softly. “I think we’ve both found our way home.”
Bradley reached out, cupping her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. “Aye, Laura,” he murmured. “Home’s wherever ye are.”
And in that quiet moment, with the fire crackling and the pup curled between them, the walls of Castle McCormack felt warmer than they ever had before. The shadows of the past faded into silence, and all that remained was the promise of love renewed, a love strong enough to weather any storm.
He set her gently upon the bed, the heavy covers rustling beneath her.
Laura’s breath caught as his hands lingered on her shoulders, fingers tracing the line of her collarbone with reverent care. She felt heat bloom in her chest, her skin alive under the pressure of his touch, and she shivered as he leaned close and carefully and slowly untied the laces of her dress.
Their eyes met, dark with longing, and the space between them felt charged with all the words they had left unspoken.
He slipped the dress over her head and tossed it on the floor.
