Page 60 of Savage Kilted Highlander

“So I’m beginnin’ tae learn.”

“Aye. She’s small but very fierce. She has a lot of spirit,” Bane said admiringly, his smile widening and making his throat hurt.

“Aye, she daes.” The laird rose again as if to leave, but Bane put out a hand to stop him once more. “What is it now?”

“Ye’re her faither. I need tae ask ye somethin’.”

“Go ahead.”

“I want tae ask yer permission tae ask Constance tae marry me.”

The laird’s normal inscrutable expression changed to one of surprise, his dark brows shooting upward. “I’m nae sure she regards me as her faither enough tae grant me such a responsibility,” he replied frankly.

“Och, I think ye’ll find she daes,” Bane assured him. “She’s always spoken of ye as her true faither as long as I’ve kent her. She would expect me tae ask yer permission, tae dae things proper like. ’Tis the way she’s been raised.”

“Is that so?” the laird replied, seeming bemused by this information but not at all displeased, judging by the softness of his voice. He looked at Bane speculatively and said, “Ye are a common born. And she’s a noble.”

“I ken that.”

“And yet ye ask fer her hand as if it is a normal thing tae dae.”

“From what I’ve heard of yer story, me laird, ye ken that love asks nay questions. It just strikes regardless of station and situation.”

Laird Kerr gave him a knowing look, and Bane thought that he’d crossed a line. But then the man said, “I saw ye fightin’ out there today. Ye fought bravely and well in me daughter’s defence.”

“Of course. I love her. I’d die fer her. I want her tae be happy,” Bane said simply, these things being self-evident to him.

The laird regarded him in silence for a few moments, keeping Bane in suspense. Then, to his relief and elation, the older man nodded. “I can see ye care about her and ye’re willin’ tae fight fer her happiness. Fer what ’tis worth, ye have me permission tae ask her. But whether she accepts or nae is up tae her.”

He paused, then added, “I have one condition though. If Constance accepts, she must stay here at the castle until the weddin’, so she and I can spend time together and strengthen our bond as faither and daughter, and tae give her time with Agnes.”

Bane’s smile was now a fully-fledged grin, and he did not care a whit for the pain it was causing him. “Of course. I’m sure she wouldnae have it any other way, since it took her so long tae find ye both.”

“Good.”

“Aye, and thank ye, m’laird. I just hope tae God that when I propose tae her, she says aye.”

“Well, I wish ye the best of luck with that, lad,” the laird said before taking his leave, with what Bane thought was the hint of a smile playing about the hard line of his lips.

Suffused with a mixture of happiness and nervous excitement, Bane allowed himself to doze, waiting for the moment when Constance would wake up and he could pop the question that was now bubbling inside him. He was brought out of his reverie by a gentle stirring next to him and the softest of kisses on his lips. He smiled.

“How are you feelin’?” He opened his eyes, to see the familiar melting brown gaze looking down at him.

“Much better fer seein’ yer face,” he told her.

“How funny. I feel exactly the same. The healer said you fainted from loss of blood and for a moment there we were not sure if you would wake up.”

“Ah, I wondered about that. The cut was deeper than I thought, I suppose.”

“Yes, it was, but he says it will heal well. You were so brave, Bane, the way you protected me and fought for me today.”

“What else is a fella tae dae fer the woman he loves?”

“Is it safe to hug you?”

“I dinnae care,” he lifted his arm and pulled her into its crook, content to feel her warmth against him. “Well, now ye’re awake, I have somethin’ important tae ask ye. And I can tell ye, I already have yer faither’s permission tae dae so.”

He chuckled as her head bobbed up next to his, her eyes as wide and expectant as her smile. “What question?”

“Constance Ashbourne, will ye dae me the honour of becomin’ me wife?”

She let out an excited squeal and peppered his still-bruised face with kisses. “Yes. Yes, yes! I will!”

“Well, thank God fer that. Ye’ve made me the happiest man alive. Now, come here, watch it, mind me neck, and give me a proper kiss tae seal the deal.”

The kiss that followed was so sweet and tender and so full of love, he was sure it must have healing properties, because all his aches and pain seemed to magically melt away.