“Now?”
“Ye’ll know when.”
Cormag frowned, searching her face. “Why?” He could not deny that he was intrigued and desperately wanted to know more. Never had he spoken to another who shared such a gift. “Why is this so important to ye?”
Although Moira did not drop her gaze, she remained silent. Still, her lips seemed to move as though she too desperately wished to say more but did not dare.
“I canna do as ye ask without knowing why,” Cormag said as he looked down at her. Her eyes still held his, and although he could not read her heart, he felt the warmth of her skin and smell the sunshine in her hair. The soft scent of wildflowers lingered near her, and he remembered how she had sat under the grove of trees earlier that day.
Her eyes were hard, but at the same time, they held something vulnerable. “I promise ye that this will lead to no harm. I swear it.”
Cormag swallowed, reminding himself that he could not in good conscience grant her request without knowing more. Still, his heart told him that there was no deceit in her words.
Closing her eyes, Moira sighed, “My vow is not enough, is it? Not after what I’ve done.” Shaking her head, she turned around, her feet carrying her back and forth between him and the door.
Watching her, Cormag saw her turmoil, saw how torn she was. Obviously, her request was important to her; still, she feared its consequences. Had a similar situation led to her banishment? Although Cormag knew the essence of what had happened back then, that she had betrayed her laird out of jealousy over his marrying an English lass, Cormag had always known that there were some things that eluded him.
Her feet stilled, and once more her blue eyes settled on his. “Garrett will find the woman he’s meant to be with in Gretna Green in five days.”
Cormag stared at her, seeing her jaw quiver as she waited for him to absorb her words.
“If he doesna go,” she continued, “Fate will never lead them together again, and his son will never be born.” Moira swallowed, and he could see a tear forming in the corner of her eyes. “It has to be now.”
Cormag exhaled a slow breath. Then he stepped toward her, his eyes searching her face. “How do ye know this?”
Moira licked her lips. “I’ve seen it.” Again, her jaw quivered, and she gritted her teeth. “I know ye’re not one to believe in such things, but ‘tis the truth.”
Cormag almost laughed, wondering about the irony that he who possessed a similar gift was considered one to deem such things no more than fairy tales. “Do the things ye see always come to pass?”
The expression on Moira’s face froze as she stared up at him, clearly shocked by this indication that he might believe her. “Nay, not always,” she whispered, and a sadness darkened her blue eyes that spoke of pain and regret.
After a moment, her shoulders pulled back and she lifted her chin. “Please, do this. I swear ye will not regret it.” Then she turned and walked away, closing the door behind her.
As she hastened down the corridor, her footsteps echoing to his ears, Cormag still felt his heart beating wildly in his chest. A part of him wanted to go after her, but he knew even catching up to her would not bring him more answers. She had shared with him all she was willing to and would say no more. The question was, did he dare trust her?
Did he dare trust that she spoke the truth and send his oldest friend to the border? If something were to happen to Garrett, Cormag would never forgive himself.
The woman he’s meant to be with.
Hearing Moira’s words echo in his mind, Cormag turned to the window, his eyes once more gazing out at the green hills. What if he did not send his friend, and Garrett lost his one chance at happiness? Would he forgive himself for that?
Bracing his hands against the windowsill, Cormag wondered what he would do when the time came. Five days, Moira had said. So, the situation she had spoken of−whatever it was−would present itself soon.
And soon he would have to decide.
Cormag could only hope that he would not choose wrong.
Read on!
Dared & Kissed−The Scotsman's Yuletide Bride
by Bree Wolf
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, brands, media, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 Bree Wolf
www.breewolf.com
All Rights Reserved
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
