“’Tis been too long,” Ian said, clapping his friend on the back. “How goes it here?”
“All is well, my laird. About a month ago, there was a shipwreck nearby.” He pointed toward the west of the isle, where debris from ships lost at sea often washed up. “We were able to save a few people, but the rest perished.”
Ian and Rhiannon crossed themselves, praying for those who’d been lost.
“And the few ye saved?” Ian asked.
Mac smiled. “Hale and hearty now. Helping out with clan duties until their ship is repaired, though it is no’ looking good. The damage is quite extensive. Might be best to simply sail them home ourselves.”
“Where did they come from?” Rhiannon asked.
“Ireland. We get a lot of those, believe it or not,” Mac said.
“Ah. Then we’d best get them where they want to be,” Ian said.
Mac’s eyes widened for a moment, a look of yearning on his face, held long enough that Ian could see his seneschal longed to escape the isles, too, if only for a wee adventure. The man had damned well earned it.
“How about ye captain that voyage?” Ian offered.
Mac looked up sharply. “What about Balla Dorcha?”
Ian glanced toward Rhiannon, who was kneeling and speaking to a child holding out a bouquet.
“I’m going to remain on the isle a while with my wife.”
Mac grinned. “Never thought we’d see the day.”
Ian chuckled. “Neither did I, but here I am. And ye gods, am I happy.”
Mac pounded him on the back, his smile wide. “Glad we are, my laird, glad we are.”
Ian and Rhiannon moved slowly through the crowd, with Ian in no hurry, wanting to pay attention to his people and introduce his wife. At last, they were walking through the gates of his thick stone walls and up the stone steps to the keep. Before, it had felt like a stronghold, but now, with Rhiannon by his side with a future to plan for, this place felt like a lot more.
It almost felt like home.
“Your clan is so welcoming,” she said.
“They are truly remarkable people.”
“I can see why you’re proud of them. And the isle.”
“I want to show ye.” He led her back down the stairs, then another set of stairs that led up to the battlements.
At the top, they could walk the perimeter and see the sea in the front and the rest of the isle at the back. His village surrounded the castle, and the fields beyond were dotted with sheep and cows.
“Magnificent,” Rhiannon breathed.
“It is a verra peaceful place.”
Her hand slipped into his. “And you think you’ll be able to remain for a little while? I heard you tell Mac he could make the voyage to Ireland.”
“Aye. For ye.” Ian turned to her, cupping her face as he kissed her. “I want to make a life with ye. And I think this is a good place to start.”
“I’m excited for this life together.”
An irritated meow at their legs had them both laughing.
“I’m not sure Goosie is as excited as we are.”
