A Magical Highland Solstice Read online

  “Have ye heard the news?” asked Gordon as he refilled his own mug.

  “Do tell.”

  “John has asked Ina to be his wife.”

  Cormac laughed. “’Tis nae great news. The man has been smitten with the lass for many moons. I am happy for them.”

  “Aye. A good time for happy unions.”

  He glanced over the rim of his mug at his friend. “True.”

  “Great Goddess,” muttered Gordon. His friend clamped a hand on his shoulder. “If ye dinnae claim her tonight, I will fight ye for her.”

  Cormac’s jaw clenched when the man turned him around slowly. Stunned by the vision at the entrance of the hall, he was unable to move. Her golden hair curled around her body to her waist, shimmering from the light of the many candles that lit the hall. However, it was the gown that had him captivated. It flowed around her, hugging places he had trailed his tongue over. She glided into the hall, grasping the hands of several children. As she continued to make her way inside, several stopped to speak with her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. In return, she hugged them and smiled.

  By the hounds! Did they ken what he had already? What he had never dreamed could be possible? All because a mere lass stepped into his path with sunlight shimmering off her skin. She had enchanted him instantly. Now, Eve had charmed his own people as well.

  “Go greet her,” suggested Gordon, removing the mug from his hand.

  Swallowing, he nodded and made his way to the woman who had stolen his heart.

  Standing before her, Cormac clasped his trembling hands behind his back. “Eve.”

  She turned toward him. Smiling broadly, she nodded. “Cormac. I take it your hunt was successful?”

  “Aye.” Holding out his arm, he waited.

  When she placed her hand in the crook of his arm, Cormac sighed in contentment. My woman.

  Bringing her to his table, he had no plans on releasing his hold on her warmth. Yet, another child came running to greet her, and her fingers slipped free.

  Eve bent and took the gift of flowers from the lass. “They are beautiful. What are they?”

  The lass giggled. “They are faery flowers.”

  “Heather,” corrected Cormac softly.

  Giving the girl a hug, she said, “We must find a small glass of water to put them into, so they won’t wilt.”

  The young girl nodded in amusement.

  His heart sank as Eve moved away, until she paused and rushed back to his side. “If I forget to mention this later, I want to thank you for the hot bath.” She stood back and raked her gaze over him, adding, “You are magnificent, my laird. Royal blue is perfect for you.”

  Words failed Cormac as he watched her drift away.

  Reaching for his mug, he drained it completely and headed after Eve. Never again, did Cormac wish to be parted after this night.

  As his steps quickened, he grabbed Eve’s hand. “I believe I have found a cup for the flowers. Ye can keep them at the table during the feast.”

  Laughing, Eve took the mug. “All we need is water.”

  Again, Cormac took her hand. “I have requested a pitcher to be near ye. I ken how ye like to have your water.”

  She squeezed his hand. “You’ve thought of everything, Cormac.”

  All but one, which he needed to tell her now, before someone else came to greet his fair Eve. However, when he opened his mouth, the minstrels decided to start playing. How could he speak the words with so much noise?

  “How perfect!” she exclaimed in delight.

  The hall erupted into jubilation. One of the young lads came forth and bowed before Eve, though his eyes stayed on Cormac. “Would ye like to dance, Lady Eve?”

  She turned to Cormac. “It is up to the laird.”

  How could he possibly deny the lad? Nodding his consent, Cormac took the flowers from Eve. Making his way back to the table, he paused to make his greetings to others. He asked if the food was to their liking and told them how pleased he was to see all was well with them.

  Settling back at his table, he poured more wine into his mug and waited.

  Although, as the evening progressed, Cormac’s mood worsened, even after the lighting of the Yule log by Cathal. Eve became the center of everyone’s attention, leaving him no time to utter what was in his heart. When she did return to his side, she barely had time for a bite of food or drink, before someone approached. The lads would beg for a dance, and the women inquired about the secret herb she used in her breads.

  And as the hour grew late, the stone Cormac wanted to present to her grew heavy in his pouch on his belt.

  Rushing back to his side, her cheeks flushed from the last dance, she gulped down some water. “How utterly magical this has been, Cormac.”

  He swirled his wine. “I am pleased ye are enjoying yourself.” His tone sounded gruff, and he chided himself silently.

  She placed a hand on his arm. “Are you angry?”

  “Nae,” he scoffed, pouring more wine into his mug. “Go. Enjoy another dance with the men.”

  Eve blanched. “Excuse me? I haven’t danced with any of the men.”

  “Aye, ye did, with Bran,” he corrected.

  “He’s only a young teen—a boy,” she hissed.

  Cormac glared at her. “A man in my world, Eve.”

  Eve shook his arm. “What do you want from me, Cormac? Tell me now. This instant.”

  He snorted. “Or what? Ye leave?” Downing the last of the wine, he refilled his mug.

  “What a fool you are, Cormac Murray.”

  Standing, she leaned near his ear. “If I was sent here, I’m sure I can return. Will that make you happy?”

  Her words stunned him, and he watched in silence as she left the hall. Music and merriment flowed around him, but as Eve vanished from his view, his world completely shattered. Darkness entered him, snatching away the joy within. The happiness she brought to him. His heart pounded so loudly, he felt it would burst from his chest.

  Eve leave? Go back to her own time?

  “Nae,” he roared, standing abruptly. Shoving past the others and their questioning glances, he ran after the one who had brought light into his soul.

  Leaving the Great Hall, the blast of cold air greeted him. The doors of the castle had been flung wide open. His steps hastened, but Cathal emerged and blocked his path.

  “Where did she flee?” he blurted out.

  “Down the path near the chapel. There is verra little time, Cormac.”

  Fear slithered down his spine. “What do ye mean?”

  “All she need do is ask, and the Fae will return her to her own century. The doors between the realms are open this night.”

  He grasped the druid’s arm. “I will nae lose her! This is her home!”

  Cathal poked him on the chest. “Then speak your heart, for time is fleeing.”

  Shouting her name, Cormac ran off down the path leading to his mother’s chapel. Jumping over boulders and ducking under tree branches, he kept shouting her name. The mists thickened, and his throat became thick with worry.

  As he approached the chapel, the mists cleared, and starlight and the glow of the full moon cast the area in a brilliance he had never witnessed. Standing near the gnarled ancient oak, stood Eve. Yet, the shimmering light that lingered nearby had Cormac shuddering with fear. His breathing labored as he cautiously stepped forward.

  “Eve. Dinnae leave me,” he pleaded.

  She twirled around, tears streaming down her face. “Why? Tell me now, or I’ll walk through those gates by the oak and leave forever.”

  Emotions overcame Cormac, and he found he could nae speak.

  Love not fury shone in her eyes, and she took a hesitant step toward him. “Sadly, we don’t have all night. The Fae have heard my request.”

  “Ye want to leave?” he demanded, his heart breaking.

  “Why should I stay?” she sobbed, taking another step.

  “I…I want to wake in the morn with ye in my arms, and to whisper
my love for ye before ye drift off to sleep.”

  She stood before him now. “But why?”

  His voice shook with emotions. “Because I love ye, Eve.” He pounded his chest with his fist. “A love that burns and consumes me each day, and I cannae imagine a life without ye!”

  Cupping his face with her warm hands, she whispered, “And I love you with all my heart and soul.”

  Cormac lifted her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. Breaking free, he twirled her around in delight. “Eve, I love ye! I love ye, my leannan!”

  She giggled and buried her face in his neck.

  Lights sparkled and danced around them. As Cormac gently brought her down to the ground, they both glanced at the fading lights by the ancient oak.

  Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he held her close. His eyes misted with unshed tears as he spoke. “Ye would have walked through…left me?”

  Eve lifted her head and placed her hand on his heart. “Almost,” she murmured. “But I waited, praying you would follow. If…” She swallowed. “If I had left, I think I would have died a slow death.”

  Cormac crushed her to his chest. “And my heart would have been cleaved in two. Och, Eve…” Wiping away her tears with his thumb, he sought out her lips once again. “Never leave me, ever, leannan,” he whispered against her cheek.

  Taking her hand, he led her away from the oak tree. Letting the moonlight guide his steps, he brought her to the chapel. Cupping her chin, he gazed into her eyes. “I wanted to bring ye here after I had spoken what was in my heart. Sadly, the night did not go as I had planned.”

  Eve sniffed and smiled. “No, but it’s ending beautifully.”

  “I have something to bestow upon ye.” Pulling out the emerald from his pouch, he placed it over Eve’s head. “This has been in our family for many generations. ’Tis meant for each Mistress of Creag.”

  She lifted the emerald to the glowing light of the moon and then back to meet his gaze. “It’s stunning—gorgeous!”

  Grasping her hands, he brought them to his chest. “Will ye marry me, Eve? Be my wife? Can ye live without things from your future? For if ye say nae, I am a lost man.”

  “Cormac, my home is here—a place which fills my soul. So, yes, I will happily be your wife.” She traced a finger along his torc before adding, “But be warned, I’m a lass from the future, and I will stand by your side, not behind.”

  Chuckling softly, he drew her into his arms. “I would expect naught else.”

  Eve glanced over her shoulder. “The chapel is lovely, reminding me of a cottage. Why is it so small?”

  Sighing, Cormac turned her around and wrapped his hands around her waist. He gazed at the place as if seeing it for the first time. Ivy trailed up along either side of the entrance, and he knew that in summer the roses his mother had planted many moons ago would fill the area with beauty. “It was built for only her to reside and pray. Her request was simple, and my father granted her this place. She retreated here daily—once in the morn and in the evening.”

  Eve gasped. “The chains are gone.” She looked up at Cormac. “You found the keys?”

  “Nae.” His eyes roamed over her features. “I would slay anything or anyone to make ye happy. I removed the chains with an axe early this morn.”

  She turned around and hugged him fiercely. “You’ve already given me the greatest gift of all…your love.”

  “And ye shall always have my love.” Cormac’s lips descended over hers, sealing his vow with a soul-searing kiss.

  Epilogue

  Day after Yule—1207

  “Are you sure he’s at the chapel?” asked Eve, fidgeting with her flowers while she glanced out the window of her chamber.

  “Ina saw him leave with Gordon and Wallace,” shouted Katie from the corridor.

  Her nerves tingled with excitement. Neither wished to wait another moment to be married. Therefore, when they returned to the castle, Cormac drew her into the Great Hall and proclaimed his love for Eve in front of everyone. He then announced the marriage would take place in the afternoon, since it was already the wee hours of a new day.

  The hall erupted into gleeful shouts. Ignoring Cormac’s protests, the women instantly whisked her away to another chamber. For as long as she lived, Eve would never forget the hurt look on his face. She, too, wanted desperately to be in his arms. However, they silenced her complaints with critical looks, and then told her that it wouldn’t be right to spend her wedding eve in the laird’s chambers.

  When a dress was chosen, they left. Yet, sleep never came to Eve. And when the first light danced across the floor of her chamber, Eve bounded out of bed. Never again would she spend the night alone without her Highlander.

  “’Tis time,” announced Katie, dashing inside. She clasped her hands to her chest. “Ye are a vision in the white gown, my Lady.”

  “No, Katie. Only Eve. And please don’t start to cry again, or I will, too.”

  The girl laughed. “I ken all will shed tears, so nae matter when we do so.”

  Eve nodded. “Let’s go greet the laird.” Reaching for the cloak she received from the gypsy woman, Ailsa, she smiled. I truly believe in the Fae now, Mom.

  Katie helped her with the cloak and fastened it with a silver brooch. Another gift from Cormac, which arrived at her door early in the morning from his guard, Gordon.

  As they made their way out of the castle, Eve fingered the emerald around her neck. With each step, her heart beat faster. Lifting her face, she let the warm sunlight fill her body. My wedding day. Our wedding day, my love.

  Eve could see everyone—some standing along the path, tossing out flowers as she passed them. When she walked by the giant oak, Eve bowed in reverence. Craning her head, she saw him—only Cormac. The others all faded from her view as she made her way to the man she loved. His ivory tunic was belted with leather, and Eve could make out the dragon in the center. His hair gleamed in the sunlight and she had to blink. You must have been chiseled from a Celtic God.

  He instantly stepped forward and grasped her hand. “’Twas torture not seeing ye all these hours,” he murmured against her cheek.

  She smiled. “I didn’t sleep either.”

  Cormac winked. “And ye shall find nae sleep tonight.”

  Goosebumps traveled over her skin in anticipation. “Can we skip the feasting?”

  His eyes flashed with desire. “Ye will be my feast.” Placing her hand in the crook of his arm, he brought her to stand in front of the chapel. The doors were open, and Cathal stood to the side.

  The druid waved his hand to the entrance. “I have heard those who pledge their vows in the new religion do so in front of the doors.”

  Eve looked to Cormac. “I wish to say our vows here in the sunlight surrounded by everyone.” She turned to Cathal. “I know Cormac wishes it, but I also would be honored if you would give us your blessing.” Cormac squeezed her hand.

  “Ye have honored me, Lady Eve,” stated Cathal and moved to their side.

  Closing his eyes, he lifted his arms upward. “We are gathered here in this sacred place—a blend of old and new to witness the joining of Cormac Blaine Murray and Eve Catherine Brannigan. Two souls brought together by the Fae with the blessing of Mother Danu.” The druid withdrew a crimson cord from his robe. “If I may, Lady Eve?”

  “Of course.”

  As Cormac lifted their joined hands, Cathal wove the cord around their wrists. “Ye may state your vows.”

  Cormac smiled and placed their joined hands on his chest. “From the moment ye stepped into my path, the world, my world stopped. That verra day, ye entered within me. Ye brought warmth where there was none. My heart is your home. When ye are weak, I will be your strength. Your sorrows shall be mine, and your joys will fill my soul. And when I take my last breath, your name shall be on my lips.”

  Tears threatened to spill forth, but Eve could not hold back the joy she felt in her heart. “I had forsaken love until the moment I glanced up and there you were
. Never have I laughed, cried, or loved as much since I met you. When dark clouds threaten to spill around you, I will be there to bring the sunlight—to banish the shadows from your heart. Always and forever will be my vow—from this life to the next. The love I have given freely will never be taken away. It is yours even when I walk through to the other realm—be it Fae or Heaven.”

  Cormac placed his forehead on hers. “I love ye like no other, Eve. Ye steal the breath from me each time I am near ye.”

  “I never realized love could be so powerful,” she said, her lips brushing against his.

  As they both broke free, Cathal placed a hand over each of their heads. “Let the binding vows be sealed forever, and may we ask the Fae to shed their light and love along your journey in this life.”

  Removing the crimson cord, the druid stepped back. “Blessings to Laird Cormac Murray and Lady Eve!”

  Drawing Eve to him, Cormac’s mouth covered hers with a passion that sent her senses spinning.

  A joyous roar erupted forth from all gathered.

  When he broke free, Eve whispered, “I shall demand more of those kisses later.”

  His laughter sent a shiver of excitement through her. Leaning near, he said, “After the first round of best wishes, I am taking ye to our chambers.”

  “And let the others celebrate without us? I’m shocked,” she teased. Giving her husband a wink, she turned and embraced the children rushing toward her.

  ****

  Cormac held his naked wife on his lap, brushing his fingers down her back in lazy circles. The fire had burned low, but he had no wish to leave the comfort of his beloved.

  He had kept his promise to Eve. As soon as Gordon raised his cup at the feast stating his best wishes, Cormac lifted his wife into his arms and proceeded to carry her out of the Great Hall. Shouting and laughter surrounded them, but he gave no care. Eve was now his wife. Forever.

  For the first time in his life, Cormac understood his father. And in a silent prayer, not only thanked him, but also asked for his forgiveness and his blessing.

  “Would you like more?” asked Eve as she held out a piece of honeyed bread with pear sauce.