Page 14 of A Little Highland Magic
Fiona’s brows shot up. “You take risks all the time.”
“In battle, aye.”
“Why not in life, too?” Gwendolyn asked. “Have you ever considered that Graeme might be attracted to you as well? That he might return your feelings?”
“I am not certain I can open myself like that,” Aria admitted.
“I know you are afraid, but closing your heart does not guarantee safety. You can only experience the best things in life with a heart that is open to possibility. The risk is worth the potential pain, believe me. Alastair and I had a difficult time coming together, as did Fiona and Tormod. But look at us now. We are happier than we have ever been.”
Fiona nodded her agreement. “And even if our relationships ended tomorrow due to unforeseen circumstances, we are both better off having opened ourselves to the unknown.”
Though Aria was not convinced, she was moved by the words of advice offered by her sisters-in-law. She shifted her gaze between the two women and with a sigh of capitulation said, “I don’t know where to begin.” Two radiant smiles calmed the sudden nervousness her admission brought forth.
“Leave that to us.” Gwendolyn came forward, and looped her arm through Aria’s, and Fiona took her other arm. “Tonight, we are having a banquet in honour of the MacDonalds. There will be dancing afterwards, and that is when you can let Graeme know that there is another side of you, other than the warrior, he might want to explore.”
Making a conscious effort to keep her emotions in check, Aria asked, “How?”
“That, our dear sister, is what you will leave up to us to orchestrate.” Fiona tossed her a jaunty, conspiratorial look as they moved in unison back towards the castle. “Do not worry. We will take care of everything.”
Excitement and fear coiled through Aria’s blood even as she tried to tamp the emotions down. Was this the beginning of the end of her time with the MacLeods? Or were better things awaiting on the horizon? Tonight, she would know which outcome her future held.
