Anne shook her head. ‘It was a misunderstanding, indeed.’
Lord Mallencourt echoed the sentiment, his expression wary. ‘I agree that all charges should be dropped.’
Lord Brevershire smiled broadly. ‘Excellent. Now that we are all in agreement, let us put an end to all of this. Harold, would you and your wife like to join me for a supper party this evening?’
The magistrate sighed and shrugged. ‘I should be glad to.’
Dalton breathed a sigh of relief when the magistrate dismissed them all, effectively rendering no case of wrongful death. Mallencourt’s face had gone pale, but it did seem that the baron wanted to avoid scandal and protect his family’s assets.
Dalton took Regina’s hand in his, and she embraced him hard. ‘Everything will be all right.’
She pulled back to look into his eyes, her smile filled with love. ‘Yes, it will. And soon, we will return to Scotland.’
Against her ear, he murmured, ‘We have a wedding to plan.’
Laughing softly, she squeezed his hands. ‘So, we do.’
Two weeks later
The sky was a brilliant blue, and the weather was starting to grow warm. Regina walked through the gardens, which were filled with roses. Colourful ribbons streamed in the wind, and she saw her bridegroom waiting beside the minister. A fiddler played a merry tune, leading the way down the path. Her heart swelled with happiness, and she held back her tears. Her father and mother were there, along with Dalton’s grandfather and father. The entire village had come to celebrate, and Mrs Howard was beaming from her seat.
This was the wedding she had dreamed of, as a young girl, before her life had fallen apart. Not a ceremony of wealth and pomp, but instead one with her closest family and friends. She wore the same blue wedding gown as before, but she let her hair hang down loosely about her shoulders. Around her throat, she wore the amethyst necklace Dalton had given back to her.
Her mother was smiling at her, and even her father’s face had softened. Ever since he had learned of Dalton’s means of gaining control over Mallencourt, the earl had heartily approved of the marriage. It had been a strong risk—and yet, there would never be any threat against her again. Of that, she was certain. She had spoken to Dalton’s father in private, reassuring him that she loved his son and would do anything to make him happy. Lord Brevershire had softened, and for that, she was grateful.
Her dog, Arthur, sat beside her husband, patiently waiting. They spoke their vows, and Regina promised to love Dalton with all her heart. When he kissed her, she laughed when he swept her off her feet and carried her away to the cèilidh. Arthur scampered alongside them, following them to the celebration.
There was music, and she danced with his grandfather and her new father-in-law, who was surprisingly spry. Her own father was too weak to dance, but she saw the broad smile on his face and the joy at seeing her happiness.
Dalton brought her to sit beside him at the high table, and he fed her choice pieces of roasted chicken and soft bread. ‘At least now our marriage is legal,’ he said.
‘It always felt legal to me,’ Regina said. ‘Even without the licence, I spoke my vows before the first minister and witnesses. You were always my husband, in my heart.’
‘You were the wife I’ve been waiting for, all my life.’ He caressed her cheek, and she held his hand to her face.
‘You taught me not to be afraid,’ she said softly. ‘And how to love.’
He took her hand in his. ‘I find that I’m wanting to leave our wedding feast, Regina. At least, for a little while.’
She met his gaze and nearly caught her breath at the desire blazing in his eyes. ‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘I will come with you.’
Dalton stood and took her hand in his, leading her towards the stables. He ordered the groom to prepare a horse for them to share.
‘Where are we going?’ she asked.
‘To the house I built,’ he answered. ‘I want to be alone with you.’
She smiled at the memory, and he lifted her atop the mare, swinging up behind her. Then he rode towards the loch and the house he’d built. Although the breeze was cool against her cheeks, his body warmed hers.
The thatched house was as tiny as she remembered, and her body flushed with heat when he dismounted and lifted her into his arms.
‘I love you, Dalton,’ she said as he carried her across the threshold.
‘And I love you.’ He lowered her to stand before he turned to close the door and bolt it shut. ‘I’ll build a fire so you’ll be warm when I make love to you.’
She loved the idea of a fire, but she knew that her husband would warm her even faster. While he bent to kindle the flames, she unbuttoned the first few buttons of her gown and then removed her shoes and stockings. Once the blaze had caught, he stood and went to help her undress.
With every inch of skin he bared, he pressed his mouth to her flesh. She was aching for his touch, rising to his call. He unlaced her stays while she helped him remove his shirt. And within moments, they were both naked in the firelight.
She drank in the sight of his hard, strong body. ‘My Highlander,’ she murmured. ‘Come and love me.’
He took her back to the bed, laying her back. With his knuckles, he grazed the cockled tips of her nipples, sending a flood of warmth between her legs. He kissed her gently, his mouth capturing hers. She sighed as his tongue slid inside, mimicking the lovemaking to come.
Regina touched his chest, feeling the pulse of his heartbeat before her
