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She turned again in his arms, content to rest there a bit longer and gaze over the beloved landscape.
“Speaking of family,” he added, “Kendrick House is feeling a little crowded these days. It’s time we had a place of our own.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “But what about Joseph? He loves living with your family.”
“I was hoping Angus could join us, since he and the lad are so attached. Plus, it would save Nick from having the old fellow bull his way back into estate business. That is, if you wouldn’t mind my grandfather living with us.”
“Not at all. I enjoy his company.”
“You should. The old curmudgeon is devoted to you. My entire family is devoted to you.”
“I love them, too.”
After a minute or so, he gave her a little nudge. “Out with it, love. What’s troubling you?”
She shook her head. “You could tell?”
“I can hear the wheels turning. No more secrets, remember?”
“I do. It’s just that—”
“Yes?” he gently prodded.
“I want to visit my mother in Edinburgh. I think she’d like to see me. And if she’s having a lucid day, she’d be happy to know I’m married. That I finally found someone who truly loves me.”
He hugged her close. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you want.”
Donella turned again to face him. “She might not even recognize me, you know. It won’t necessarily be pleasant.”
He gently cupped her cheek. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it. You are not alone anymore, my love. I’ll always be at your side.”
A quiet, deep joy suffused her soul. “I know, and I promise I will always be there for you.”
His eyes glittered like the deepest of sapphires. “I’m counting on it, lass.”
“And what about you, Logan?” she softly asked. “Is there anything else you want to do?”
She already had a sense of what he wanted but was reluctant to say it. Silly man, he didn’t seem to realize she would go anywhere with him.
“Well . . .”
“Yes?” she prompted.
“I would like to go back to Halifax. Perhaps in a year or so. Royal is doing a splendid job with the Canadian end of things, but I suspect he and Ainsley will wish to return to Scotland soon enough, and especially after their baby is born.”
“And of course you want Joseph to see his family again. His grandmother must miss him very much.”
“I never want him to lose touch with her or that part of his heritage.” He flashed a quick grin. “And I’m sure Marie will be very eager to meet you.”
“To make sure I’m a proper mother to Joseph, no doubt,” she joked.
His smile turned wry. “You wouldn’t mind, then?”
She rested her hands flat on his chest. “Logan Kendrick, I would follow you to the ends of the earth. Where you and Joseph are, there lies my heart.”
He blinked several times, as if he had a speck of dust in his eye.
Then he gathered her close. “I don’t think I could love you more than I already do. You are my life, sweet Donella. Never forget that.”
She relished the strength and comfort of his embrace and sent up a silent prayer of thanks for all the joys that had been gifted to her.
From the nearby village kirk, the bells of midnight began to toll clear and sweet, sending a benediction of beauty through the crisp winter air. The Christmas Season was finally over, and Donella’s new life was just beginning.
She couldn’t wait.
