Kester’s grin turned soft and he raised their joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss across the back of her knuckles. Slowly, he released her hand, only to snake his arm around her shoulders and pull her against him. She thought—hoped?—he might drop a kiss to her lips, but instead, he turned them both to Murray.
Expectantly.
The older laird was frowning as he switched his gaze back and forth between the pair of them, and Robena found herself holding her breath…praying he’d make no more fuss. Praying he saw what he owed Kester.
‘Twas Elspeth who saved the day.
The lassie slipped her small hand in one of her father’s. She smiled sweetly—St. Kelsi help them, she was used to getting her way, wasn’t she?—and bobbed a brief curtsey. “Thank ye, Laird MacBain, for saving my life.”
Of course, she completely ignored Robena, the one whom she’d kicked and punched during the life-saving process…but since Robena wanted the attention on Kester, she thought she could manage to forgive the lass.
Her father heaved a great sigh and rolled his eyes, possibly at his own stubbornness.
“Ye’re right.” He switched his glare to Kester. “My daughter’s right.” He offered his hand, and, to his credit, only looked half-reluctant. “I—my clan—owe ye our thanks, MacBain.”
Kester stepped away from her to accept the offered hand, clasping forearms with the man who’d been his enemy for so long. The two men wore equally stoic expressions. Robena knew Kester’s hid uncertainty—not daring to hope Murray was being serious. Did the other man, as well?
Wee Elspeth spoke up again. “I’m no’ marrying him, Da.”
As Kester stepped back and took Robena’s hand once more, Murray shook his head. “Ye cannae, lassie.” He winked at Robena. “One of yer saviors will be marrying the man.” He took a deep breath, then nodded once more to Kester. “As far as I’m concerned, MacBain, we’re nae longer enemies. And if it’ll get ye to quit bedeviling me, I’ll grant ye Kester’s Meadow. As a wedding gift.”
‘Twas possible he said more after that, but Robena didn’t hear it, because Kester let out a mighty whoop. Before she could blink, he’d grabbed her around the waist and was spinning her in a circle, and the thunderous cheers of the gathered crowd nearly deafened her.
And she was smiling so wide tears came to her eyes.
Or mayhap they were tears of joy.
All she knew was he was beaming up at her, as if he’d just been handed everything he’d ever wanted.
Mayhap he had.
For certes, ‘twas exactly the way she felt, as well.
In the distance, a piper began a cheerful tune.
Kester dropped a quick kiss to her lips, over and done far too quickly to celebrate the joy pounding through her veins. But his grin was full of promise, and she knew she had tonight—and all the nights of their lives—to look forward to more kisses.
“Well, soon-to-be-wife? Shall I escort ye to the piping competition? Show them what a lass can do?”
Grinning, she slipped her arm through his and took the pipes Pudge offered her. She lifted her chin. “I think that sounds like a fine idea, my love.”