to have her for his own.
His roar accomplished his goal. Andrew fairly tripped over his explanation.
Jamie, humiliated to the very core of her being, kept her gaze downcast as the baron explained the dowry he'd given her father.
When he finished his explanation, Alec pulled his sword from its sheath.
'Are you going to kill him, then, husband?' she asked in a whisper.
Alec smiled. 'You know damn well I'm not going to kill him. It would displease you, and I'm forever wanting to make you happy, wife. I'm going to give him the sword. Its value-'
'You'll not give the likes of him your magnificent sword, Kincaid,' Jamie returned, staring straight ahead. 'I'll forget my dignity and make a scene you'll never live down. They'll be talking about it for years to come, I promise you.'
She heard him sigh and knew she'd won. 'Aye, you probably would, you contrary woman. Give me your dagger, then.'
Jamie did as he ordered. She watched as Alec used the dagger to pry one of the large rubies from the hilt of his sword. When the task was done, he gave her back her weapon.
She watched Andrew when Alec threw the stone. The ruby landed at the baron's feet. 'Repayment, Baron, from Lady Kincaid.'
Another fat stone hit Andrew in the shoulder. Jamie turned in the direction the stone had come from and saw Laird McPherson replacing his sword. 'Repayment from Lady Kincaid,' the old man bellowed before turning to look at her.
A third stone hit Andrew on the side of his face. 'Repayment,' came the shout from Daniel Ferguson.
'Repayment,' echoed once again. Jamie didn't recognize the laird who'd thrown that jewel.
'Alec? Why are-'
'McPherson repays because you saved his son's life. Daniel repays because you placed yourself in front of his wife to protect her. Harold threw the emerald.
You took his son's insult and then pleaded for his life.'
A fifth stone cut the skin on Andrew's forehead. 'Repayment,' another man roared.
'Who is he?'
'Lindsay's father,' Alec answered. 'You didn't think I knew about the boar, did you?'
She was too stunned to answer him. Yet another stone fell in front of Andrew's boots. A young warrior had thrown it. 'Repayment,' he shouted.
Alec explained before she could ask. 'Laird Duncan. His wife wishes you to attend her birthing. He's paying for future aid.'
'I am overwhelmed,' Jamie whispered. 'Do I thank them, Alec?'
'They're thanking you, Jamie. Each would give his life to keep you safe. You've done the impossible, love. You've actually united our clans.'
She closed her eyes to keep herself from crying. Her voice shook with emotion when she said, 'You've made Andrew a very rich man.'
'No, Jamie. I'm much richer. I have you.'
His voice had been so soft, so filled with love. A tear slipped down her cheek.
Alec saw it. He immediately turned back to Andrew. 'Go home, Baron. The next time you step on Highland ground, we'll all take a turn putting our swords through you.'
A resounding cheer echoed around the circle. Andrew was kneeling on the ground, collecting his treasure. Alec pulled Jamie into his arms. She immediately wrapped her arms around his waist.
Baron Andrew stared at the fortune he held in his hands. When he looked up again, not a Scot was in sight.
Jamie closed her eyes and hugged her husband. She still didn't understand most of the odd habits of the Highlanders, guessed it would take her a good twenty or thirty years before she truly did comprehend them.
There was joy in the learning, though, such incredible joy and love. Perhaps, she thought with a secret smile, when she and Alec had grown old together, perhaps then she might just settle in.
