He gave a frustrated sigh. “Is that all?”
Confused, she searched the stars filling the cloudless sky. “’Tis night.”
He turned and cradled her within his embrace. “Ask me what I see?”
The soft seduction in his voice shot tremors of heat through her. “What,” she whispered, “do you see?”
Thomas pressed a kiss upon her lips. “I see shimmers of stars against the midnight sky like a promise.” He nipped the soft flesh of her throat. “The harsh cut of the Highlands against the night as if a banner of loyalty, and”—he skimmed his hands along her curves—“the loch dusted with snow as if tossed with wishes cast.”
As his fingers caressed her, she melted inside. Never had a man spoken to her with such care or took the time to show her how much she mattered. Neither had she expected to find someone like Thomas. But she had, and Alesone damned the fact that he was planning to leave.
She swallowed hard, wishing this night was but the first of the rest of their lives together, although she knew that given their country’s strife, and with her father his enemy, never could it be.
Thomas straightened, then lifted her face to his.
Beneath the shimmer of moonlight, she caught the seriousness of his gaze.
Panic flooded her. He was leaving. ’Twas nae seduction, he was struggling to say good-bye. “You canna go!”
His brows lowered in confusion. “Go?”
Lost to her grief, she caught his shoulders, wanting to shake him, to convince him to remain. “You are leaving on the morrow with your men, are you nae?” she rushed out as tears burned her throat. “Blast it, just tell me!”
With care he cupped her hands and shook his head. “I am trying to woo you,” he said with a half-smile. “Obviously I failed. Miserably.”
Hope ignited and she stared at him, prayed she’d heard correctly. “You are nae leaving?” she whispered.
“Nay.”
“And you are trying to woo me?” she repeated, trying to wrap her mind around his claim.
His smile widened. “Aye.”
“Oh.”
He pressed a kiss on her knuckle. “I will try this one more time.”
A gust of wind shuddered within the air. Flutters of snow spiraled within the moonlight as if magic cast. “Never did I believe I would meet a woman who intrigues me, who makes me laugh, or one who would steal my heart. Then,” he said with reverence, “I met you.” Thomas entwined his fingers within hers and knelt. Alesone Elyne MacNiven, I canna live without you. I love you with all of my heart, and want you in my life forever.” Beneath the shimmer of stars, he lifted a band engraved with delicate gold scrollwork embracing an emerald. “Marry me. I want to raise our children and grow old together, and spend a thousand sunrises with you in my arms.”
Happiness exploded inside, and her breath left her in a rush. “You…love me?” ‘Reality tore through her euphoria, and chills ripped through her heart.
His hand tightened on hers. “Alesone?”
A gust laden with snow slapped against her face, the pinpricks minimal against the ache building in her chest. She struggled to breath against her dreams being torn apart. “I love you, want you forever, but my father is a threat.”
“Nor will that change. ’Tis you that matters, us, our life ahead.” Within the sheen of moonlight, his gaze held hers. “Marry me, Alesone, I canna live without you.”
Heart aching she hesitated. Mayhap ’twas wrong to love a man so much, or selfish to accept what he offered, but she couldna lose him now. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. “Aye!”
On a shout, Thomas swept her into his arms, crushed his mouth against hers in a fierce kiss and whirled her as snow danced upon the soft breeze. The kiss deepened, and she took, gave until her entire body trembled with wanting him.
On a rough breath, he lifted his head, his eyes hot with desire. “I want you.”
Her entire body trembled. “I want you as well. Make love to me Thomas, I love you and canna wait any longer.”
On a groan, he strode toward the turret.
* * *
