The Highlander's Lass; Arran's Story

Chapter 9 Arran

The moment I pressed my lips to Maisie's, I knew I needed to make her mine. In every way possible. The moment I touched her woman's core, and realized how wet she was from just my touch. Was the moment I knew I could not let her go. I had to marry Margaret Hamilton, make her my wife as soon as possible. She was the woman I wanted, the woman I knew I needed. But before I could ask her to marry me, to allow me to protect her from every evil in this world. Her damn cousin caught us. I thought for sure we would come to blows. But Davina found us, I do not know how or why. She must have heard the commotion, or wished to get air. I knew for a fact that Gavin and Davina would slip into this very garden to make love. Was she waiting for her husband? We both watched as Henry dragged Maisie from the garden. No doubt she was being scolded by her mother right now. That she and I had caused scandal for both our families. I had to act quickly, to not allow this to get out. I had to convince Gavin to support me. I looked over at Davina, she was just gazing at me. She could tell I felt something for Maisie. Hell I was sure that anyone with a half a mind could see how I felt about Margaret Hamilton.

"Where is Gavin, Davina," I asked. She walked over to me. She took my hands, staring into my eyes. Her face turned serious. I knew that look all too well. It was the same look before she scolded either Fey or Douglas from something they had done.

"Before I tell you where your brother is. Answer me this Arran Wallace. Do you love that girl," she asked. I looked at my sister in law. Davina always knew what I was thinking, what I was feeling. Even when I could not fully understand my own mind. She also managed to ask the right questions, or say the right thing. She was born to be the wife of my brother.

"I do Davina, I do. I barely know Maisie, and I love her. I am falling in love with her," I said. Meaning every word I spoke. Davina should know how I felt. I had watched my brother pine after Davina for months before they were wed.

"Love is a powerful thing, Arran. Come, Gavin is upstairs putting both Fey and Douglas to bed," she replied. We made our way back through the Great Hall. Many were still drinking and laughing. Some couples were still dancing. Some had even sneaked to the darkest corners of the Great Hall. We made our way up the grand staircase. Then down the hall toward their chambers. Fey was becoming a woman, so her days were numbered in the nursery. Soon she would receive her own set of chambers. Away from her parents, and away from Douglas. Davina opened the door to her chambers and we walked in. She motioned toward the chairs that were placed in front of the fireplace.

"Wait here, I will let Gavin know that you are here," she said. I nodded and took a seat in one of the chairs. I stared into the flames, watched them as they danced across the logs. My mind is reaching for a plan for Maisie and I. Wondering just how I would convince Gavin, I knew he would support me. I wanted nothing more than his support, I wanted his blessing.

"Davina said ye have something to ask me Arran," Gavin said behind me. I turned and watched him and Davina appeared. His arm around her waist. I hoped that one day that would be Maisie and I. I continued to watch as he walked over and took a seat next to me. Davina went over to the small table by the door. She poured two glasses of whiskey. She walked back over to us and handed us each a glass.

"Aye brother, I know this might be sudden. But I wish to make Margaret Hamilton my wife. I have fallen in love with her," I said. Gavin just gave me one of his usual smirks. As if he already knew why I was here. What I was going to ask him. No doubt he saw this coming from the moment I met Maisie yesterday in the courtyard.

"It was obvious for anyone to see Arran. Ye are not the best at hiding your emotions, ye never were, even as a lad. I could always tell what ye were thinking by looking at your face. But what about her father? If ye marry her, we could be starting a war between our clans," he asked. Davina, who had walked to Gavin, was pulled down onto his lap. She rested her head against his. His free hand intertwined with hers, and those two hands rested on her stomach. I knew he was thinking about the Clan. I did not want to start a war. But would I? Would I start a war for Maisie? I was, I would go to war for that woman.