Page 104 of The Laird’s Sinful Obsession

I care fer Alba. I want her tae stay here, nae just fer now, until Torquil's threat is dealt with. I want her fer meself, as me wife. As the woman I build a future with.

I ken I have nay right tae ask this of ye. I ken it puts our friendship in a difficult position. But I'm askin' anyway, because the alternative—pretendin' I feel naethin', lyin’ tae ye, lettin' her go when this is over—is impossible.

I'm askin' fer yer permission tae court her properly. Tae pursue this with honor and honesty rather than hidin' it away like somethin' shameful.

If ye refuse, I'll respect that decision. I'll step back, keep me distance, ensure she's protected but naethin' more. I give ye me word on that.

But I'm hopin'—prayin', even—that ye'll understand. That ye'll see that me intentions are honorable and me feelings are true.

She deserves better than bein' used as a political pawn by men like Torquil. She deserves someone who sees her strength, her intelligence, her courage. Someone who wants her fer who she is, nae what she represents.

I want tae be that man, Calum. If ye'll let me. I believe she feels the same way I dae.

Yer braither in the Covenant,

Lachlann

He read it through three times, making small corrections, then sealed it with his signet ring before he could second-guess himself further.

James was waiting in the corridor when Lachlann emerged.

"It's done?" James asked.

"Aye." Lachlann handed over the letter. "Tell Donald tae guard it with his life."

"I will." James tucked the letter inside his doublet.

The next morning dawned clear and bright, perfect weather for the surprise Lachlann had been planning.

He found Alba in the library, already dressed and waiting with barely contained excitement.

"Ye said tae bring the scroll," she said, holding up the Chronicles of Loch Eilein. "Where are we goin'?"

"Somewhere special." Lachlann offered his arm. "Somewhere private. Just the two of us."

Her eyes lit up. "Truly?"

"Aye. Come on."

They made their way to the stables where Shadow, Lachlann’s horse, and Alba's own mount were already saddled and waiting. He helped her up, his hands lingering at her waist a moment longer than necessary.

The ride took them along the coastal path, winding between rocky outcroppings and patches of wild heather. Seabirds wheeled overhead, their cries mixing with the constant rush of waves against stone.

"It's beautiful," Alba breathed, her eyes on the sparkling water.

"Just wait."

After about an hour, Lachlann guided them off the main path onto a narrow track that led down toward the cliffs. The descent was steep and required careful navigation, but eventually they emerged onto a hidden beach tucked between towering rock faces.

White sand stretched in a perfect crescent, unmarred by footprints. Tide pools glittered like jewels where the water had receded. And the cliffs created a natural amphitheater that blocked the wind while letting in sunlight.

"Lachlann." Alba's voice was filled with wonder. "This is magnificent."

"Me secret place." He dismounted and helped her down. "I found it when I was a lad, explorin' the coastline. As far as I ken, nay one else comes here. It's hidden enough that ye have tae be lookin' fer it tae find it."

"And ye're sharin' it with me?"

"Aye." He pulled a blanket from his saddlebag and spread it on the sand near the cliff wall. "I thought ye might like somewhere quiet. Somewhere we could just... be. Without guards or council meetin's or threats loomin'."