Page 51 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
Elaine was fast asleep on the seat opposite, Laird Softpaws curled protectively on her lap. Nathair sat beside her, staring out of the opposite window. If he heard Magnolia’s whisper, he didn’t show it.
The carriage trundled along, and Magnolia was surprised to realize that she recognized where they were now. They were on the borders of MacFoihl land; they would be home before the day was out.
“Nathair?” she said hesitantly.
He looked away from the window, his eyebrows raised as though he’d forgotten he had company on the journey. “Oh, Magnolia—forgive me, I was half dreamin’. Are ye all right?”
“I’m fine,” she told him. “I simply wanted to check my internal navigation is correct. Are we almost home?”
Home. What a strange feeling that word has on my lips now.
She clenched her fist so that her hands didn’t shake, the unexpected power of the once-innocent word threatening to overwhelm her.
Nathair took a moment before he answered, and when he did, he was looking back out the window again. “Aye,” he said, and his voice was low. “Aye, we’re almost home, Magnolia. Almost.”
The rest of the journey passed in silence, too many thoughts repeating themselves in Magnolia’s head to even consider whatever might be whirling in Nathair’s.
Choose carefully.
Elaine let out a little sigh in her sleep, and it cut deep into Magnolia’s heart.
Choose carefully.
Sir Spindrift licked her fingers in affection, and she tickled under his chin as the first of the MacFoihl forests came into view.
Choose carefully.
Nathair’s hair and beard flashed brightly in the lowering sunlight like a flame brought to life.
But how do I do that?
* * *
Uncle William was waiting for them with a massive grin on his face when the carriage pulled up next to the castle. Elaine was the first out, and she ran to her uncle and his wife, Laird Softpaws in her arms.
“Uncle William! Auntie Abbie! Look what I got from Lady Taylor! She’s right nice! I called him Laird Softpaws, an’ Maggie’s got one too, an’ he’s called Sir Spindrift, an’—”
William chuckled, ruffling her hair. “That’s grand, Elaine.” Magnolia and Dadaidh followed closely behind.
“William, I wasnae expectin’ ye,” Nathair said. He smiled, though. “And Abigail. Gods, it’s been a while. Ye’re still hardly showin’.”
Auntie Abbie laughed and patted her stomach. “Aye, well, there’s a fair few months to go yet before this one makes its appearance,” she said. “Are ye well, Nathair?”
“Grand,” he replied.
Auntie Abbie smiled and turned to Magnolia. “And ye must be the famous Miss Magnolia Leighmoore. I’m Abbie Macguire. I’m William’s wife, for me sins. He tells me the two of ye have become fast friends.”
“Does he now?” Magnolia asked, giving Uncle William a funny look. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Why are ye here, William? Ye’re welcome any time, o’ course, but it’s awfie late for ye to have left the bairns wi’ Abbie’s sister just to come an’ greet us back.”
“I’m here as yer commander, actually, Me Laird,” Uncle William said. He had an excited sparkle in his eyes. “I’ve come wi’ news about Laird MacCullen.”
Both Dadaidh and Magnolia seemed to freeze in place, which confused Elaine. Laird MacCullen wasn’t the kind of man people wanted to talk about! Elaine found him stuck up and boring besides.
“Tell ye what, Elaine,” Auntie Abbie said, “Why dinnae we leave yer Da and yer Nanny and yer Uncle to talk and ye can come and show me the pups?”
Elaine brightened immediately. “Aye! Maggie, can ye give Auntie Abbie to hold Sir Spindrift for a wee bit?”
