Epilogue

One month later

Calla gazed out the window of Castle Rebbinglen at the expansive and colorful autumn gardens in the afternoon sunlight. Beyond the high stone wall, a black form moved up a hill in the distance—Rebbie on Devil's back. They were not flying now, thank the saints, since Jamie sat on the horse in front of him, Rebbie's arm securely around him. She smiled, knowing Jamie was probably squealing with joy.

Since she and Rebbie had wed two weeks ago in the wee chapel at Draughon Castle, Calla had never in her life been so happy. It had been a small but elegant wedding, just perfect, with her friends and those she loved most around her. Jamie had not truly understood what was going on, but he had looked on with wide and curious eyes.

Even Rebbie's young sisters had traveled to attend the wedding, the eldest of whom was eighteen summers. And Rebbie's da had been his best man. Angelique had stood up with Calla as her matron of honor.

Calla was impressed with how quickly and efficiently Laird Kilverntay had taken possession of the missives meant for parliament. When he'd questioned Claybourne's guards, they'd told him who the steward was and where to find him. Kilverntay had promptly burned the missives, then had the man arrested, along with the rest of Claybourne's guards for their roles in blackmailing and capturing her.

After her and Rebbie's wedding, Kilverntay had insisted she, too, call him Da, and that Jamie should call him Granda . With the large garrison, he had accompanied them to Castle Rebbinglen, then traveled on with his daughters to their home. He was much looking forward to finding the perfect husband for Lily, and the poor lass couldn't have looked more miserable.

Calla glanced out the window again, glad to see Rebbie and Jamie returning. She had exciting news for her husband, but… she glanced down at the gold, heart-shaped locket in her hand. She'd found it in the wooden box where he kept his jewelry and brooches in the large bedchamber they shared. She'd opened the locket and found a lock of blond hair. It appeared to be one long hair which had been curled into a circle. Whose was it? A woman Rebbie had loved long ago? She must ask him. She truly believed his heart belonged to her now, but she must know. He had never told her he'd loved someone else.

A quarter hour later, he entered the bedchamber where she still stood by the window. She turned. "Did you and Jamie enjoy your ride?"

"Aye, indeed, Lady Rebbinglen." Rebbie grinned, appearing to delight in calling her by her official title. He kissed her, then glanced down at the locket in her hands. "Where did you find that?"

"In the mahogany box. I wondered…" She swallowed hard and opened the locket.

"Whose hair it is?" he guessed, his deep brown gaze delving into hers.

She nodded, fearing his answer.

A hint of a smile crossed his face, his eyes holding an abundance of warmth and affection. "Yours."

"What?" She frowned.

"It has been almost seven years since I found that one lovely flaxen hair on my pillow at the inn. 'Twas the only evidence you'd been there, and… well, 'twas all I had left of you. I ken 'tis daft but—"

"Rebbie," she whispered and shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. She traced her fingers over his strong jaw. He was the most amazing man she'd ever met and her heart ached with love for him now. "I love you."

"And I love you." His deep voice purred in her ear.

"I have news I think you will like."

"Indeed? What is it?" He pulled back to look into her eyes.

"We're going to have another child," she whispered, feeling the urge to laugh and cry at the same time.

"Saints," he hissed, lifted her off her feet and kissed her. "In truth?"

"Aye." She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "The midwife examined me this morn while you were out."

He twirled her about the room. "You've made me the happiest man on earth. Even before this, of course, but now…." He acted as if he didn't know how to contain his excitement. He gave her a quick kiss and set her to her feet. "We must send missives to everyone. And I'm not certain you should go to Tummel for the autumn gathering." He frowned and glanced down at her belly, which was still as flat as before.

"There you are wrong, sir. I'm fully fit and capable of riding for several more months still."

"You'll ride with me, then."

She nodded. "I enjoy that far more than riding alone, anyway." She softened her voice. "I love the feel of you in my arms."

He lifted a brow, his eyes growing even darker than normal. "'Haps we should have a wee nap." He strode to the door and bolted it.

"A nap?" She snickered.

"Aye, 'tis what we'll tell Jamie, anyway, if he asks."

"Is he with Morna ?"

"Of course. She's forcing a bath on him, so he'll be occupied for a while." Rebbie picked her up and carried her to the bed. Lying over her, he kissed her like a man with pent up passions.

"By the way, have I told you how much I love you?" he asked, trailing sweet, tantalizing kisses down her throat.

She smiled, tugging him closer. "Not in the last minute or so. 'Haps you should show me, instead."

"A splendid idea," he said, a wicked gleam entering his eyes.

***