Part 39 (2/2)

It was then he handed her a small square package wrapped in kidskin. Maggie smiled as she unwrapped it.

Ever since they had returned from MacDouglas lands, Braden had lavished her with more gifts than she could fathom. Silver brooches, gold necklaces, a silver brush for her hair. He'd given her so much that she couldn't imagine what this newest gift could possibly be.

Frowning, she pulled back the wrapping to find the softest dark green fabric she had ever felt.

”It's silk,” he said in her ear as he pulled her back against his chest and hugged her about the waist.

Resting his chin on her shoulder, he rocked her ever so slightly in his arms. ”I'm going to wrap you up in it tonight and devour you.”

Her cheeks warmed even more.

Lochlan spoke up from across the room, and immediately everyone grew quiet. ”You know, when I first heard my baby brother was traipsing over to MacDouglas lands, I thought he was a dead man for sure.

Never did I expect him to return home to us, let alone actually succeed in stopping the feud. And if someone had told me he would return with a bride... Well, I'm quite sure the devil is currently cursing a blizzard as he tries to find warmth.”

Everyone laughed.

Robby raised his tankard toward them. ”To Braden MacAllister, the best peacemaker e'er born.”

Maggie's jaw dropped as everyone cheeredBraden's accomplishment.

Braden laughed and whispered in her ear. ”Don't contradict him, little blossom, not unless you want to start another feud. You and I know the truth.”

Maggie turned her head to look at him and smiled. There was a lot more to that comment than Braden had meant.

For the first time, she did know the truth. She loved Braden, he loved her, and he would never leave her as her father had done her mother. And she would never ask more of him than he could give.

There was just one more truth they needed to share. ”Braden?” she asked sweetly. ”When it comes to children, do you prefer a boy or a girl?”

”As long as it comes with its mother's fiery spirit and russet hair, I couldn't care less. Why?”

She stood up on her tiptoes and whispered softly in his ear, ”Well, I guess come next summer we'll know exactly what he or she looks like.”

Braden's entire face lit up at the news. With a triumphant shout, he lifted her up in his arms and kissed her deeply. The crowd carried his shout as they cheered his kiss.

”Long live Braden and Maggie!”

And long live their love.

About this t.i.tle

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