Each thrust brought so much fulfillment, she could barely keep from cresting. But within seconds, Flora lost control, her entire body shuddering in release.
Broden’s powerful body continued to seek reaching a climax. His masculine grunts filled her ears as she held on to his shoulders, urging him to completion.
Abruptly, he pulled out and spilled into his hand, his body jerking in release.
Flora straightened her skirts, attempting to catch her breath. How could she have allowed things to go this far? He certainly wouldn’t marry her now.
“Ye do not have to...”
Broden smiled widely at her, then pulled her close, covering her mouth with his. “Thank ye, beautiful Flora. I will take ye allowing us to go this far as a very certain yes.”
Unable to keep from it, Flora pushed back and grinned up at him. “Yes, Broden McRainy, I will marry ye.”
He lifted her up and twirled in a circle. “Ye turned this day from one of the worst to the best one yet.”
When he lowered her, she looked up at him. “What did ye tell yer mother?”
His eyes darkened, a furrow appearing between his brows. “That I never wished to see her again. I no longer considered her my mother. I thanked her for giving me life and for leaving me to be raised by a caring woman, who was my true mother.”
“Good for ye,” Flora said as he guided her to walk back toward the house. “I am proud of ye.”
Broden slid a look to her. “Proud enough to marry me with haste? I do not think I can resist time apart.”
When they came out from around the building, Ava and Eileen stood just a few feet away, pretending interest in a lad milking a cow.
Flora pushed from Broden and hurried to them. “Were ye spying?” Her face was so hot, she knew it was bright red.
“Of course not, dear,” Eileen said with a scoff. “Why would we want to spy on a couple in the throes of lovemaking?”
Ava burst out laughing and grabbed the cook’s arm. “We really should finish picking vegetables from the garden for last meal.”
“What is so funny?” Broden came to walk alongside Flora, who looked anywhere but at him.
“Whatever they think is funny, is not to me.” Flora turned to him. “I must speak to Mother and inform her of our plans. When should I plan the wedding for?”
“Whenever ye please. Just do not make it too far into the future.” Broden pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I will go inform the laird.”
They parted ways next to the back entrance, Broden heading inside and Flora walking to the garden where her mother stood with both Ava and Eileen.
When she approached, her mother smiled and immediately hugged her. “I am so very happy for ye.”
“For us,” Flora said, hugging her back. “God has, indeed, smiled upon us again.”
War had taken her husband, the man she’d never stop loving. But somehow, Flora realized, Broden was to fill the void and take the other half of her heart.
Flora turned to Ava and Eileen. “I will require yer help planning the wedding. I presume it will be at the village.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Fraser said, appearing from beside the shed. “I think our clan needs a reason to celebrate. It shall be held here.”
Ava and Eileen exchanged guilty looks. Obviously they’d been informing the laird’s wife and her mother of the goings-on prior to going to spy on her.
It was hard to remain angry. She laughed and shook her head. “I sense there will never be any secrets between all of us.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Two days later, Tuath Avon
Ewan and his brothers walked out into the silence of the night. The sky was clear, making it easy to see the multitude of stars. The scent of the nearby creek was carried in the air by the soft breeze that blew steadily across their faces. By the slight chill, the leaves would soon change and drop to the ground, turning it into a colorful tapestry of brown and golden hues.
“This is a fine home,” Darach said, his gaze out toward the forest. “I will forever be grateful to Cousin Malcolm for bestowing this grand gift upon ye.”
Pride filled Ewan as he looked about, seeing what his brothers saw. A thick forest, filled with game, rich lands for farming and a source of water to replenish fields and livestock.
“Is it not strange that destiny would make me a fourth-born laird?”
Darach studied him. “Are ye happy here?”
The question startled him, and Ewan did not reply. He considered that there was absolutely no reason not to be.
Thankfully, Stuart interrupted by giving him a wide smile. “Yer wife is beautiful. Tis too bad she didn’t see me first.”
“She would have hidden in horror,” Ewan teased.
His younger brother gave him a warm look. “In all honesty, Brother, ye have done well. I am happy for ye.”
“How is it?” Ewan asked Darach. “Taking over for Da?”
“Not easy at all,” Stuart interjected. “Darach has a lot on his shoulders.”
Ewan studied Darach. “Father did a great deal of damage, I assume.”
“Against both the MacNeils, the Uisdeins and the Macdonalds, I’m afraid,” Darach replied. “I have to find a way to make repairs, else we will find ourselves at war.”
“The MacNeils?” Ewan asked. “Surely they will take our side. Mother is a MacNeil, after all.”
“We will see,” Darach said, placing a hand on Ewan’s shoulder. “Do not worry. I am sure all will be well.”
Despite Darach dropping the conversation, Ewan sensed the tension. All was not well. “If ye need help at any time, send word. I will come immediately.” Then he continued. “And Malcolm has hundreds of warriors. He
