The Fox, page 17
Dressed in full regalia, the brothers stood and held up tankards. Each of them wished everyone good tidings for the new year.
Glynis could not tear her eyes away from Caelan, who listened to each of his brothers speak. But unlike the others, he never smiled. Dressed in the Ross tartan that wrapped around his body, he looked every bit a Scot. His hair was shorter than his brothers, but it did not detract from the fact he was part of the family.
When his turn came, he held up his tankard and spoke in Gaelic with a strong Scottish bur. “Lang may yer lum reek!” Everyone laughed and clapped, lifting their drinks to repeat the words. “Long may our chimney smoke.”
She had to admit, the accent did not suit him. He was, who he was. A man raised in the lowlands, but every bit a Ross.
The food was plentiful and after eating their fill, she and the other women migrated to the sitting area where Beatrice was.
Beatrice pointed to a basket. “One for each of ye.” She’d brought beautifully embroidered drawstring bags as gifts.
“I will treasure it always,” Glynis said holding hers against her chest.
Her aunt smiled widely as she passed out her gifts. They were ornate trinket boxes.
“I had Gideon purchase them from a ship when he traveled to his lands. He did well in choosing them.”
Glynis gave handkerchiefs she’d embroidered, and everyone loved them. Isobel gifted them all with hair combs, and Cait beautifully weaved baskets. By the time they finished the gift exchange, she was glad for the basket in which to carry everything.
“This is only the first day and I am so very overwhelmed with joy,” her aunt exclaimed.
In the afternoon, after spending all morning with the women, listening to music and watching people play games, Glynis decided to rest.
As her gift, Lady Macdonald had recruited some of the women to meet in the room next to the kitchen to make mulled wine and spiced cakes. Glynis begged out feeling a bit tired.
When she turned walked down the corridor, there were footsteps behind her. She didn’t have to look to know it was Caelan.
“Ye look beautiful today,” he said, falling in step beside her. “Do ye need anything?”
Unsure what to say, she looked to him. “No, thank ye.”
“I hope ye liked the cloak.” He looked rested and content, which for some reason annoyed her.
“Caelan, ye should rejoin everyone downstairs. I am sure Darach requires ye for something.”
He shook his head. “No. I do not think so.”
When they reached her doorway, he opened the door for her. She would have to brush against him to pass. Refusing to let him know it affected her in any way, she went into the room. Her shoulder brushing against his chest.
“Thank ye. I prefer to be alone and rest.”
When she sat to remove her shoes, he kneeled before her and unlaced them. The brush of his fingers on her ankle brought memories of their nights together.
Glynis considered kicking him away. But at the same time, she wondered what he planned to do. Curiosity got the best of her.
After he removed her shoes, he lifted his gaze to her. “I will never stop trying to win ye back, Glynis.”
Bending, he pressed a soft kiss to her ankle. A handsome Scot dressed in full regalia at one’s feet, pressing a kiss onto her leg was something many a lass dreamed of. Glynis was not immune.
She pressed her lips together in a tight line. “I am not sure I can ever allow ye to hurt me again like ye did. I wish it were different.”
For a moment he lowered his gaze, but when he looked up, there was a challenge there. “I love ye.”
The statement took her breath. Her mouth fell open and she gasped. How could he do this? Use flowery words and gestures to make her falter.
Before she could insist that he leave immediately, Caelan stood and let out a sigh. Then walked out closing the door behind.
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck in her abdomen, and she moaned, gasping at the unexpectedness of it.
The door flew open, and he raced back inside. “What happens?”
Glynis blew out several breaths. “Probably ate too much and the bairn does not like it. I am sure it is nothing to worry over.”
“I will fetch my stepmother.”
After the first pain, there were no more. Her aunt checked and there was no bleeding. “I am sure ye did overeat. The wee one protested. Ye should rest a bit just to be safe.”
“I can stay with ye,” Caelan said.
Glynis nodded. “Aye.”
In truth, Glynis was scared out of her wits. What if something was wrong? It didn’t matter what anyone said. She feared the worse and for some reason Caelan’s presence made her feel protected.
Rain began to fall, the pattering of it on the roof and window soften the sounds of the celebrating downstairs.
Caelan looked out and then to her. “Each time it rains, I think of the cottage. I was so angry with ye.”
“Ye had every right to be,” Glynis agreed with a soft chuckle. “I do not know what I was thinking.”
He turned and studied her. “Ye were fueled by anger. Ye wanted revenge.”
“Did ye find peace after Cairn’s death? Did it help?” Glynis needed to know that he no longer held anger and guilt that would twist his stomach just thinking about what the man had done to him.
“No. But it helped some.”
The reply shocked her. Not just because she’d expected the opposite, but also how he’d pronounced the word. He still hated the man. The anger remained.
She wanted to see her brother’s attackers pay for what they did. Only then she would find peace.
“One day yer brother will seek and find vindication. It is his battle to fight, not yers.”
Once again, she was struck silent. A part of her wanted to yell to Caelan. How dare he presume to know the intricacies of what she thought and what she felt would happen?
In the recess of her mind, she realized that he was correct. It was her brother who’d fought and become disfigured. It was up to him to decide what he needed to do in response.
At the same time, how would that remove the guilt that pressed down on her?
Glynis lifted to sit. “There is no need for ye to remain. I am perfectly well. Like Aunt Mariel said. It was probably something I ate.”
When Caelan nodded and left, she was quite surprised and kept watch in case the door reopened as she dressed.
When a knock came her lips curved. He was persistent. “Enter,” she called out. Her mother appeared and entered; her expression expertly schooled to not show what she thought.
“Hello, Mother,” Glynis said and went to kiss her mother’s cheek.
Just as her lips hovered over her mother’s cool check, the woman moved away removed her gray woolen cape. “I hear ye and Caelan Ross may not marry after all.”
Of course, her mother was aware. Whether through correspondence with her aunt or otherwise. Glynis was not prepared to reply but had no choice.
“Ye may not be aware, but he was almost killed and has only recently recovered. I am not sure marriage is a good idea at the moment…”
It was not the first time she’d been at odds with her mother, but certainly the first to see the fury transform the otherwise pleasant face.
“Ye are with child. Unmarried and with child. Ye will marry him, and it will be soon. Yer father will speak to him immediately and ensure it. We planned to celebrate the holiday with yer brothers and family, but when I read the letter, we had to come immediately.”
“Mother, it is my choice…”
Her mother closed the distance between them, her face only a sparse breath away. “Yer choice should be not to embarrass our family. Have ye not done enough to cause grief?”
In that moment, Glynis felt as if her entire world collapsed around her. Of course. Despite never stating it, her parents did hold her responsible for what happened to Gavin. If not for her recklessness, the attack that disfigured him would have never occurred.
There was nothing she could say. Instead, she nodded and scant seconds later the door slammed.
The music that night sounded hollow and brought Glynis no joy. Pretending to enjoy herself as to not affect the enjoyment of the others, was tiring. But she was determined that no one would know the pain that simmered in her.
“It is lovely,” she told Catriona as she sniffed the perfumed oil gift. “I will treasure it.”
Surrounded by the women of Clan Ross, she felt completely protected from the outside world.
Thankfully, her mother sat at another table with Lady Macdonald, her aunt, and the visiting couple, Angus Ross and his wife. Angus Ross was younger brother to the late laird. He had a stern demeanor, but when she’d been introduced, he’d surprised her with a warm smile.
She looked past them to the other side of the room where Gideon and Caelan sat with the other men, including her father. By his relaxed countenance, she guessed her father had not spoken to him.
“Ye are quiet today,” Cait said patting her hand.
“I was just thinking about what comes tomorrow. More feasting?” She pretended to be excited. “It is lovely and tiring at the same time.”
Cait giggled. “That is why I escape and go for a walk. Mother and I sneak out every day.”
“That is a good idea.” Across the room Caelan stood and walked toward them. She held her breath and prayed he’d continue past. He did not. Instead, he stopped and looked down at yer.
“A word?”
The women stopped whatever they did to look at them. Feeling without any options, Glynis stood and allowed him to guide her toward the parlor. Once there, they went inside. It was a beautiful room, one of her favorites in the house. With large windows that afforded a view of the inlet, with the background of craggy mountainside, it was breathtaking scenery.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, glancing to him before once again directing her gaze out.
“How are ye feeling?” The question didn’t surprise her. Despite their differences, he was a natural protector. And yet the questions angered her.
“Ye never inquired about my well-being at yer house.”
“Gara gave me daily reports.”
It occurred to her that Gara had always sought her out. Ensured she ate, made special soups for her, and desserts that the others did not get. Had it been because Caelan ordered it?
He waited for a reply and she sighed.
“I feel…”
How did she feel? There had been an odd sensation in her abdomen since the pains. But she could not say it was something wrong. It was her first pregnancy and she’d planned to ask her aunt about it.
“Glynis?” He lifted her face and looked into her eyes. “Are ye unwell?” Fear emanated from him and at the same time strength.
Glynis collapsed against him, pushing her face into his shoulder. “I do not know how I feel. It makes little sense I know.” Her voice was muffled, but she didn’t have the strength to move away.
“I am sure all is well. Ye could speak to yer mother or my stepmother about it.” He wrapped his arms around her, and Glynis wanted to sag with relief. She’d wanted the reassurance that came from someone holding her and speaking words of comfort.
“What if something is horribly wrong? If I harmed the bairn?”
His chuckle was a deep rumble in her ear. “I am sure ye have not done anything to harm the bairn. Ye have behaved perfectly.”
“I am still angry with ye.” Glynis turned her head but did not lift it from his shoulder. “Ye were very unfair to me.”
When his lips pressed against her temple, lingering, Glynis closed her eyes. To be in his arms, against his chest, and to have the feel of his lips again sent waves of desire through her so strong Glynis shivered.
“Are ye cold?” he asked pulling her closer.
“No.” Glynis let out a long breath and pushed away. “What did ye wish to speak to me about?”
For a long moment, it was as if he would not reply. With the stance of a proud man, his gaze lingered on hers and then traveled to her lips. “I wish to discuss marriage. Glynis, I beg ye not to allow my bairn to be born out of wedlock. Marry me and I will fight to regain yer trust and caring.”
“I will marry ye.”
The statement made his eyes widen. He’d not expected it, but instead more angry accusations and refusal. Glynis had to marry him and not cause any more damage to the relationship with her parents.
“Mother spoke to me this morning and insisted we marry. Father will undoubtedly speak to ye about it. I say we beat them to it and announce our engagement.”
“Is that why ye accepted so readily?” His expression was incredulous, angry even. “Ye do not care for me, do ye Glynis? And will do whatever it takes to ensure to keep me at arm’s length.”
“If ye recall sir, I was just in yer arms.” Glynis glared up at him. “Why are ye angry? I just agreed to marry ye despite yer being an annoying oaf.”
“I tried to protect ye.”
“Ye were protecting yerself.” Glynis couldn’t help raising her voice.
“I will be a good father and husband,” he stated emphatically, his expression filled with fury. She almost laughed at his tone.
“That ye will be a good father I do not doubt. A good husband, that is doubtful.”
He leaned over until their noses almost touched. “I love ye woman. Why would I not be a good husband?”
“Because ye are…maddening.”
When his mouth covered hers, Glynis almost cried with joy. She desired him so much in that moment that she’d considered throwing herself against him.
His lips took hers with the same desperation she felt, and Glynis reacted by wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer.
Kissing, licking, and trailing his tongue down the side of her neck to the top of her bosom, Caelan seemed to know exactly what she needed. He guided her to a chaise, and they fell upon it. Him over her.
His weight felt perfect.
“I have missed ye,” Glynis admitted kissing his jaw and pressing kisses to his throat. “So much.”
Caelan hummed. “Me or my body?”
“Both,” Glynis admitted.
They had little privacy, anyone could happen upon them, but somehow that fanned the flames of her heated need.
Pushing her skirts up, Caelan nestled between her legs and lowered the front of his breeches. He then lifted his sex from the confines.
Glynis reached between them to touch him and wrapped her fingers around his staff.
“Ahh!” Caelan moaned into her ear sending tendrils of heat down her body to the very center.
There was no thinking involved, but only the voluntary want of two people overwhelmed with need.
She guided him between her legs, and he did not hesitate to thrust into her. When she cried out, he covered her mouth with his. Then without breaking the kiss, he drove in and out, faster and faster. Both rushing to reach release.
With each movement, Glynis wanted to cry out, but she held it in which in a way made the experience more enjoyable. The length of his hardness pushed deep, while his girth stretched her to a point that nearly caused her to lose control.
They fit perfectly together, his masculine body over her more languid softer one.
“Yes,” Glynis whispered as everything spiraled and her hold on reality began to slip. “Oh, yes.”
Caelan drove harder, as he too seemed to lose control.
When she found release, her entire body went rigid, and her toes curled. At the same time, Caelan pushed his mouth into her hair, his muffled moan sending trickles of desire through her.
“Goodness,” Glynis said practically shoving him off. “Someone could have happened upon us.”
With a wicked grin, he straightened, adjusted himself, and held out his hand to help her up when she finished fumbling with her skirts.
The sound of a throat clearing made Caelan spin around to see who’d walked in. With purposeful steps, Gideon came into view.
There was no doubt in Glynis’ mind the man knew what had just occurred. And yet, his face was a mask without emotion.
“Mother sent me to find ye,” he said looking at Caelan. “It seems yer parents have requested to speak to both of ye,” he added looking at Glynis.
Making the statement, he turned and walked out.
“Do ye think he saw us?” Glynis asked, her cheeks burning.
“I think he heard,” Caelan replied, then scanned her from head to toe. “We should go see what they wish to speak to us about.
They walked through the great hall and into the dining room. The family was gathering there for meals to seek solace from the overfilled great hall.
When they walked in, not only were her parents there, but also Darach and Isobel as well as her Aunt Mariel.
“Before anyone says anything, may I speak?” Caelan inquired. At the silence, he continued.
“Glynis and I have come to an agreement and wish to marry immediately. I will not allow my bairn to be born out of wedlock.”
Her father jumped up. “And well ye should marry her.” His bravado was lost since he’d obviously been prepared for her or Caelan not wishing to marry.
“Father, we will get married.” Glynis wasn’t sure why she clarified, but the silence after her father’s statement had felt awkward.
Her aunt gleamed. “There will be a wedding in the morning. How delightful to have a wedding during Hogmanay.” She grinned at Glynis and then Isobel clapped, obviously as excited as Lady Mariel.
Her mother’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes and Glynis knew she was still disappointed.
Chapter Twenty-One
After an evening of feasting and revelry, Caelan slept deeply. He ordered a hot bath upon waking, needing to ease the stiffness that continued to assault his back.
It was to be his wedding day and despite the gloomy sunless morning, he was in good spirits.
Just then Bram entered. “Mister Caelan, do ye require anything?”
It was only a week since he’d hired the young man to be his squire and so far, he’d proven to be a good choice.
