Page 68 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Don't push your luck."

He laughed, the sound carrying across the moorland. And as they rode back toward Keppoch, David allowed himself to hope, just a little, that maybe this marriage of convenience was becoming something more.

Something real.

They crested the final rise, and Keppoch came into view.

Only it wasn't the quiet castle they'd left behind. The grounds were alive with activity—people streaming through the gates, carts laden with food and drink, children running between the adults, their laughter carrying on the wind.

"Oh my God," Elinor breathed. "Is that…"

"The clan," David finished. "Come tae celebrate our marriage."

He felt her tense in his arms. "There are so many of them."

"Aye. Clan gatherings tend tae draw a crowd." He urged the horse forward. "Ye did say ye wanted the celebration tae be perfect. Well, they're here tae make sure it is."

"I thought it would just be the castle residents and the important families."

"In the Highlands, everyone's important." He squeezed her waist gently. "And everyone wants tae meet their new lady."

He drew the horse to a stop at the edge of the crowd, dismounting before lifting Elinor down.

Before she could answer, a group of children spotted them. A little girl broke away from her mother, running toward them with a handful of heather.

"Me lady! Me lady!" She skidded to a stop in front of Elinor, breathless and beaming. "These are fer ye! Fer luck!"

Elinor knelt down, accepting the purple flowers with a smile that transformed her face. "Thank you. They're beautiful. What's your name?"

"Fiona, me lady."

"Well, Fiona, these is the prettiest heather I've ever seen." Elinor tucked one stem behind her own ear, then did the same for the girl. "Now we match."

The child's squeal of delight drew more children, and soon Elinor was surrounded by little ones, all offering flowers or ribbons or shy smiles. And she handled them with the same patience David had seen her show in the kitchen—kneeling to their level, remembering names, making each child feel special.

David stood back, watching, his chest tight with something he couldn't quite name.

Malcolm appeared at his elbow, looking harried. "Thank God ye're both back. The musicians arrived early and are arguin' about where tae set up. And there's some question about the wine. And Fergus is already deep in his cups despite the celebration nae even havin' started yet."

David dragged his attention away from Elinor. "I'll handle it. Give me ten minutes tae clean up."

Malcolm followed his gaze to where Elinor was now wearing a crown of heather woven by enthusiastic children. "She's a natural with them."

"Aye. She is."

He clapped David on the shoulder. "Now go get cleaned up. And tell yer wife tae dae the same. Ye've got a celebration tae host."

David nodded, then made his way through the growing crowd toward Elinor. She looked up as he approached, her eyes bright with something like joy, her hair full of purple flowers.

"I think they like me," she said, wonder in her voice.

"I told ye they would." He offered his hand. "Come on, lass. We need tae get ready. The celebration starts at sunset."

She took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. The children scattered with giggles and promises to save Lady Elinor a dance later.