[The Mackalls of Dunnet Head 01.0] Her Trusted Highlander Read online

  She could see from Aleck’s expression that he was on to her. He knew exactly what she was up to. Apparently subtlety wasn’t a strong suit for Kat. “Isla? I can see she’s a beauty, but her temperament may need some work. I don’t know if I’m up for the challenge.”

  “I think you’d be perfect together and something tells me you like a challenge. Besides, I know she seems persnickety, but I think if you put your mind to it, you could find the sweet, soft Isla that’s just below the surface.”

  “Well, how will I ever know? I’m leaving verra soon and she rebuffed me the night of your wedding.” Aleck stood and gave Kat his hand. He led her to the door and into the passageway.

  “Don’t you worry about it. Let me figure this out. Nick and I will be visiting you soon and I think we could convince Lettie and the girls to join us. What do you think of that?” Kat waited hopefully for his answer.

  “You know I’m looking forward to yer visit and I’ve already told the whole family they are welcome at any time.” He carefully led Kat down the stairs and to the castle doors. “I give ye permission to meddle all ye like, sister.” He chuckled as they went out into the courtyard, where he left his bag by the doors and then led Kat toward the stables. His men were congregated around the courtyard and when they saw Aleck, they all headed for their horses. “I see yer husband patiently waiting fer ye.” Aleck pointed toward the stable doors, where Nick leaned lazily against the building acting for all the world as if he hadn’t noticed Kat walking towards him.

  “Thank ye fer returning me wife to me,” Nick said as he grabbed Kat around the waist, lifting her easily off the ground and spinning her around.

  Kat steadied herself by placing her hands on his shoulders and while they were there, she enjoyed the feel of his strong muscles barely containing themselves beneath his surcoat. “Husband, I can see ye’ve missed me.”

  “More than ye ken,” he lowered her so that her lips were in line with his and kissed her soundly before placing her back on the ground. “Aleck, ’tis been so short a time. Are ye on yer way then?”

  “Aye. I’d best leave now. I’d like to travel a good distance home before dark.” He took his sister’s hand in his. “I’ll be seeing ye soon I hope.”

  “Ye can be certain ye will,” Nick assured him.

  Aleck’s horse was brought to him by one of the stableboys and he threw his pack up, securing it behind his saddle. Kissing Kat’s cheek and then clapping Nick on the back, Aleck vaulted into his saddle and headed towards the gate with his men in tow. He gazed back as he left, waving his hand before disappearing from view.

  Kat’s eyes pricked with tears, which Nick quickly brushed away with his thumb. “Dinnae weep, love. We’ll plan to see him again verra, verra soon.”

  “I know. It’s just that I’ve never had a brother before and I’m not used to saying goodbye to him.” Kat snuggled up under Nick’s arm and he held her close, kissing the top of her head.

  “’Tis the way of things here in this time. It will take work on our part to visit him so he’ll know just how much you want to see him. Ye’ll see. The time will go by as quickly as can be imagined.” He pulled her close and they walked back to the castle.

  * * *

  Later that night, as they watched the Northern Lights from their bedchamber window, Nick reflected on the joy Kat had given him. He hadn’t thought there was a woman alive who could win his heart, but somehow his sweet little wife had done just that. He’d loved her the moment he’d set eyes on her, of course he hadn’t known it at the time, and that love was growing more and more each day.

  “This is so beautiful,” Kat said as they watched the colors moving through the night sky. “It looks like someone with an invisible paint brush is painting the most glorious scene just for our eyes.”

  “Mayhap they are.” Nick stood behind her and wrapped his arms around Kat, holding her close to his heart. Leaning down he kissed her at the sensitive spot on the side of her neck, the spot he’d discovered not so long ago. She sighed happily as his lips continued to explore her neck and then her shoulder. He’d enjoy finding all of Kat’s secret places and he had a lifetime to do so.

  “Come, wife. To bed.”

  Kat turned in his arms, gazing up at him and gifting him with a sweet, sensual smile. “Yes, husband. To bed.”

  THE END

  Acknowledgments

  Many thanks to my editor Vicki McGough for her help in editing this book.

  I’d also like to thank my cover artist, Sheri McGathy, Covers by Sheri, for the beautiful work she did on the cover for Her Trusted Highlander.

  Most of all I’d like to thank my family and friends for your support and encouragement throughout this process.

  About the Author

  Jennae was born and raised a New England girl, just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, where her imagination was always bigger than she was. Surrounded by an abundance of nostalgic, historical landmarks, her love of history and creative writing was formed. Her large extended Irish and Italian families were not only a great source of support and inspiration, but her home was always filled with laughter, love, lots of good food and amazing story telling.

  After years of wearing many different career caps, Jennae was determined to do something she had always loved and her vivid imagination took over once again as she decided to follow her dream of writing stories that tapped into her love of magical people and places.

  Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, where they’ve raised two beautiful and talented children. Along the way they’ve gathered a menagerie of pets, including dogs, cats, chickens and horses to make their family complete.

  To connect with Jennae:

  @jealil

  JennaeValeAuthor

  www.jennaevaleauthor.com

  [email protected]

  Also by Jennae Vale

  The Thistle & Hive Series

  Book 1 - A Bridge Through Time

  Book 2 - A Thistle Beyond Time

  Book 3 - Separated By Time

  Book 4 - A Matter of Time