A Magical Highland Solstice Read online

  “Mmm…I have never tasted finer. I must purchase more pear wine from the merchant when he visits,” replied Cormac. He opened his mouth to receive the delectable piece of bread.

  “It is good,” she said between mouthfuls and licking her fingers.

  He brushed his finger over her lips. “By the hounds, ye are beautiful, even when ye are eating.”

  She giggled. “A sticky mess.”

  Cormac nibbled her chin. “A sweet mess. I cannae get enough of ye.”

  “Even when I’m old and gray?”

  Pausing, he cupped her chin. Gazing into those green eyes, he replied, “Aye. Even after a life with many bairns, I will always want ye.”

  Eve wrapped her arms around his neck. “Exactly how many babies are we speaking? Two? Three?”

  Placing a hand on her abdomen, he replied, “As many as we want. I ken how much ye love children, Eve. I want to fill Creag with lots of Murray lads and lasses.”

  Her eyes softened. “You’re serious. And if I want only two?”

  Cormac settled her more firmly on his lap. “Then we shall have only two, Eve.”

  A thoughtful smile curved her mouth. “Well, I happen to know you love children, too.” Eve twirled her fingers playfully through the hairs on his chest. “Let’s see what happens. I could take forever to get pregnant.”

  He snorted in amusement. “Nae. Ye already carry my son.”

  Her mouth dropped open in shock. “Don’t tell me you have magical insight into my body?”

  Cormac roared with delight. “Call it laird knowledge.”

  She wiggled trying to free herself. “Arrogant man. Here I was thinking you were like those men, the MacKays—Dragon Knights and you forgot to mention your special power.”

  He silenced her further protest with his mouth until only soft moans escaped from those luscious lips. Drawing back, he smiled. “When the snows melt in spring, we shall travel to Urquhart Castle to visit the MacKays and their wives.”

  Chuckling, she said, “It will be great comparing notes on medieval men.”

  Cormac rubbed a hand down the back of his neck. “I am doomed already as a husband. Ye will most likely—”

  This time Eve silenced him with a whisper of a kiss across his mouth. “I love you, my laird. Now stop talking and make love to me again.”

  Tossing them both back onto the furs, Cormac happily complied with his wife’s orders.

  ****

  Castle Creag—Present Day

  As the young couple strolled along the long corridor, they were half-listening to the tour guide explain the many descendants of the Clan Murray at Castle Creag. Their focus was on the portraits and a particular tapestry renowned for its beauty.

  Sometimes, they would pause and whisper words to each other. Once, the woman trailed her fingers over the portrait of a girl from the 16th century, and smiled. The man leaned near her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

  When the rest of the tour and guide left the hall, the couple wandered down to the end. They both glanced at each other with knowing smiles and back up at the huge tapestry hanging on the wall.

  “They were a beautiful couple,” whispered the woman. “Kind, loving, and generous.”

  “Yes. One of our finest achievements. How many children did they have?”

  “Nine blessed souls.” The woman brushed away the tears falling down her cheek. “And to think she wanted to return to her own time.”

  “Would you have let her come through the veil, Ailsa?”

  “Have I ever told you, Kenan, that I held the door open longer than it should have been?”

  He chuckled softly. “No, my love, you have not.”

  She waved a hand over the tapestry. “I knew Cormac would come for Eve. They only needed a wee bit more time.”

  Kenan gathered Ailsa into his arms. “All for love,” he murmured.

  “Always for love.”

  And in the soft silence of the corridor, the couple vanished.

  A Note from the Author

  Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the preparations—gathering greenery, decorating, sending Christmas cards, and baking. Many years ago, I would start my holiday baking in late September. Yes, you’ve read correctly. A tradition that began with my mother. All the goodies would be carefully sealed and tucked away in our freezer until the holidays. A truly magical time.

  Therefore, it only made sense I would eventually write a story about the holiday season. Cormac Murray was a perfect choice. He was a loyal and true friend of the Dragon Knights, and I loved sending Eve Brannigan to him. She flipped his world upside down, and they both learned lessons about finding and accepting love. I hope you’ve enjoyed their story.

  As a special treat, I’ve included the recipe that helped Eve win the contest at The Blushing Rose Bakery. It’s a treasured recipe in our home, too.

  However you celebrate the season, I’m wishing you blessings of love and joy!

  Eve Brannigan’s Eggnog Scones

  2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  1 tablespoon baking powder

  ½ teaspoon salt

  8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut up

  1/3 cup sugar

  2/3 cup eggnog

  2 tablespoons sugar

  1 ½ teaspoons fresh or ground nutmeg

  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  Put flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk ingredients.

  Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender or rub in with your fingers, until the mixture looks like fine granules. Add sugar and toss to mix.

  Add eggnog and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms. Form dough into a ball, put onto a lightly floured board, and give 10 to 12 kneads.

  To make triangular scones, cut dough in half. Knead each half lightly into a ball and turn smooth side up. Pat or roll into a 6-inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 or 8 wedges. Place wedges on an ungreased cookie sheet.

  Combine sugar with ½ teaspoon nutmeg and sprinkle on wedges. Bake about 12 minutes, or until light brown on top.

  A word about the author…

  Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

  Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her "true calling" writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

  Visit Mary's website where you'll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.

  http://www.marymorganauthor.com

  ~*~

  Other titles by Mary Morgan

  available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  Dragon Knight's Sword

  Dragon Knight's Medallion

  Dragon Knight's Shield

  Dragon's Knight's Axe

  Dragon Knight's Ring

  Other Books You Might Enjoy

  Dragon Knight's Ring

  by Mary Morgan

  https://amzn.com/B01HDWY8S2

  Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy.

  Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind
and heart?

  Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights?

  Also Available

  White Christmas Reunion

  by Susan Edwards

  https://amzn.com/B017O7OQYM

  Bodil Quinn is a struggling rancher about to lose his land to a corrupt banker. His godfather offers to pay off the bank. The catch? Marry the man’s granddaughter who's been raised by the Lakota since she was six years old. He only remembers her as the little girl who followed him everywhere and finds himself unprepared when he meets the woman she's become.

  Beth Ann was captured by the Crow when her family headed West. Rescued by the Sioux, she was adopted into their tribe. She is happy with her Lakota family and has no intention of returning to her grandfather's world. Not even for Bo, the boy next door she'd once adored.

  Can Bo convince Beth Ann to put her past resentments and anger aside for a new future with him? Join him and the rest of the White family for a heartwarming reunion.

  Thank you for purchasing

  this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  If you enjoyed the story, we would appreciate your letting others know by leaving a review.

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  please visit our on-line bookstore at

  www.thewildrosepress.com.

  For questions or more information

  contact us at

  [email protected].

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  www.thewildrosepress.com

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