Page 63 of Defended by a Highland Renegade

"'Tis strange," Dugald mused.

After Mairiana took a sip of spiced wine, she asked Camille, "Why did Dugald kidnap you?"

As Camille told the story of how Dugald had stolen her from the inn in Perth, Mairiana could hardly eat for laughing. Dugald alternately blushed, shook his head and grinned. That was another first. She had never seen her brother blush before. Obviously, Camille had tamed his surliness.

"You are a miracle worker," Mairiana said. "I have never seen my brother smile so much."

"Enough about me," Dugald said. "Mairiana and Darack, I wanted to wait until you two were here at Rornoch to let you in on the good news."

"What good news?" Mairiana asked.

"Your dowry includes the small estate and abandoned castle of Northmoor."

"Northmoor?" Mairiana asked, excitement racing through her. "You jest! I love Northmoor. 'Tis one of the most beautiful places on earth."

"Da must have added it just before he passed. I think he wanted it to be a surprise for you. And I only noticed it as I was going over the contracts recently. The castle is in need of a lot of work. 'Tis almost derelict, but it is not entailed. And as you know, it came from our grandmother's side of the family."

Mairiana looked to Darack and he grinned. "You didn't know of this?" he asked.

"Nay. How could I?"

"'Tis astonishing. I never really thought we would own property." He kissed the back of her hand and the intimate look he gave her made her crave dragging him up to her bedchamber.

She yawned, making a grand show of it. "I find suddenly that I'm exhausted from the long trip. Aren't you, Darack?"

"Aye, indeed." Looking excited about the unexpected exhaustion, he stood. "I thank you for the delicious meal."

They said goodnight and excused themselves from the table while her brother and his new wife gave smirking grins.

Once Mairiana and Darack were in her bedchamber two floors above, she barred the door, then pulled him toward the bed.

He picked her up, kissing her, and deposited her on the soft mattress. "My lady, you have completely enchanted me."

She stroked his face. "No more than you have enchanted me, my laird."

He smiled and shook his head, bemusement entering his dark eyes. "I never expected we would own property. 'Tis an amazing honor, but certainly not why I married you."

"I ken it."

"'Tis because I love you," he whispered.

"And I love you."