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Aileen and Taran exchanged more glances.
Meal finished, they sat in the drawing room where Sam played the pianoforte and Aileen sang traditional Scottish songs. Taran joined in too and the night ended on a pleasant note.
While they retired, Sam accompanied Aileen through the hallway. “It is a miracle to see my father so happy.” He commented.
A small smile came to her lips. “You think so?” Her hand rested on the student’s arm.
He looked down at her grateful. “Not a shadow of doubt about it.” They stopped at his chambers. “And you are the one who did this, Aileen.”
Her nod acknowledged his certainty. “He makes me happy, too.”
“I am sure he does.” He kissed her hand before entering his chambers.
~.~.~
“I suppose he is infatuated with this Miss Stratham.” Aileen risked. She did not know how Taran would react to his son becoming a man so suddenly and away from him.
She lay in their bed while her husband, a relaxed, carefree husband, unwrapped his tartan.
“He can sow his oats while there.” Taran commented. “I did not have much of it, understandably.”
“You are right.” She agreed, observing her husband’s undressing with keen interest.
“But his duty is to choose a bride from the clans.” He sobered.
“As long as he is happy.” Aileen did not negotiate.
Taran looked at her stark naked and… well… ready. “Yes, woman!” That the giant would say ‘yes, woman’ so promptly attested the thorough changes Aileen effected in his life. He approached the bed. “As you wish.” He conceded before slipping under the covers and kissing her.
Not a good night peck, mind you.
EPILOGUE
Two Years Later
Taran and Aileen sat by the loch in that sunny June day. In his father’s arms, Roy slept content after emptying his feeding bottle. The eight-month-old baby was the new addition to the McDougals. With a shock of black hair and liquid mahogany eyes put to good use when he wanted to charm his nanny.
Not that he did not try it on his mother, or even his father. Little success but, still, the little rogue tried. Aileen nuzzled the baby’s soft cheeks.
During spring last year, the clans McDougal and McKendrick met at the McDougal’s lands, where Taran spoke about the incident with Alistair McKendrick, whom was present. And formally apologised for his punching on Samhain the previous year. Aileen had been three months with child and she said their new-born would seal the alliance.
It became something of a tradition, because the clans met this spring, too. Only in the McKendrick lands this time. Roy received fierce cheers when presented to the audience. Had it been a girl, she would have been welcome; being a boy, the enthusiasm came three-fold. Much to Aileen’s chagrin. She should not complain as she strove to preserve clan’s traditions together with Taran.
On a blanket, the Laird and his Lady sat enjoying the unusual warm sun in the highlands. Taran requested the nanny take Roy for a proper nap.
Sam met Roy last Christmas and became attached to him like a real brother. Enthusiastically, he said he would teach Roy all about botanic and how to treat the land. Aileen hoped the younger McDougal paid attention for now he just adored to ride on his elder brother’s shoulders as he did last Easter. To exhaustion.
Aileen lay on the blanket observing the few clouds touring the blue sky. The loch’s water reflecting the deep blue in a placid mirror. Woods surrounded the clearing giving it a sense of enchanted isolation.
Those had been the happiest years of her life. She and Taran continued to test each other’s patience, but she did not mind it. They formed a strong couple watching over their people, their lands and manor. Love shone through the most difficult situations as they stuck together to solve them to satisfaction.
Speaking of which…
Behind her closed lids, the sun darkened. They lifted and she saw Taran coming over her, naked from waist up.
“What are you doing, Taran?” As if she needed to ask.
Stubble mouth kissed the curve of her neck and she forgot all about her question. “Do you know how many times I had to bathe here to… cool down?” He rumbled on her skin, hands undoing her bodice.
