Page 149 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"If you give me the ring, you will see."

Oh, he meant to.... She stilled, her mouth hanging open. Waiting patiently, he grinned at her. She fumbled with the cord, pulling the ring upward from beneath her dress. Her hands shaking, she gave it to him. With his fingertips, he loosened the looped cord, removed it from the ring, and tossed it aside.

"Now, Lady Elsea MacAuley." He gazed up at her, a slight grin on his face. "My wee warrior, I'm asking you, once again, if you would do me the grand honor of becoming my bride... at long last."

Her vision blurred with tears. "Oh, my sweet Brodie. Aye. With all my heart and soul, aye."

He slid the betrothal ring onto her finger, then rose. Pressing his hands gently to the sides of her face, he kissed her with tenderness. "You will make me the happiest of men when we say our vows." He swayed a bit.

Startled, she caught his arms. "You should lie down," she urged him toward the bed.

He sat on it, then lay down and scooted back. He held out his hand. "Come."

"I cannot. What if someone should walk in?"

He shrugged and smirked. "Mayhap they will force us to marry immediately. What could be better?"

Her face burned, but she could not resist climbing onto his huge bed. 'Twas soft and comfortable.

"Never thought I would wish to have a fierce warrior in my bed, but with one who's as beautiful as you, how can I resist?" he asked.

She chuckled.

"By the way, thank you for saving my life. You're the bravest person I know."

"Nonsense," she hissed. "What about you, Gavin, and Torr? You're all far braver than I am."

"But you do nay have all the heavy male warrior muscle we have. You're a wee female who is far stronger than anyone would guess. And you charge in without hesitation. You're protective of those you love, but also of those you've never even met." He kissed her forehead. "I am the luckiest man on earth."

"And the sweetest," she whispered and kissed the corner of his lips.

"Well, only you can bring out such despicable, un-warrior-like behavior in me."

She laughed.

"I'm deeply sorry I was so vile and rude to you before. The insulting things I said." He shook his head. "Can you forgive me?"

"Of course. I understood why you were so angry."

"And I must apologize for taking you so brutally in the cave. Saints! What came over me?" His eyes were dark and troubled.

"Are you jesting?" she asked, growing heated from the memory.

He shook his head. "In truth, I hope you were nay injured from it."

"I loved it. 'Twas one of the best experiences of my life, and I want to do it again."

He stared at her in disbelief, searching her eyes, then a slow grin quirked his lips. "That can be arranged, my lusty lass. Just give me a day or two to rebuild my strength."

"Of course... and after we're married."

He scowled. "A sennight is too long to wait."

She giggled.

He tugged her against him and kissed her gently. "In the meantime, we can have our fun in bed like regular people. I hope I can hold your interest."

"You definitely do." She stroked her hand down his shirt-covered abdomen toward his plaid. His hard body tented the front of the material.