Page 38 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

“He tells me I am beautiful. But I am smart enough to know that boys don’t always mean what they say,” Maggie said.

Heather smiled. “Yes, they are quite difficult to understand at times.” She looked at Hiram and winked.

“Maggie and Heath?” His mind was racing. He would never have thought about it, but it could be a solution. He needed to check that the man would take care of Maggie, that his feelings were genuine. But if it worked, it would be excellent for both clans.

Later that night, Hiram pulled Heather into his arms as they lay on the bed. “So, do you think Maggie and Heath would be a good idea? I don’t know the boy at all,” Hiram asked her.

“Maggie told me all about him, he sounds like a very nice lad. I would want to see their interaction with one another before I answer though,” Heather told him.

“I had a feeling you would say that. So, what do you think of having a ball in a few weeks? We can officially meet this Heath, and his family. We can watch how he treats Maggie and decide from there,” Hiram said.

“Well, won’t you have to offer the idea before the ball?” Heather asked.

“Aye, that’s true.”

“If we don’t think they are right together, won’t his family get upset if we back out?” Heather asked.

“Aye, well I guess we will have to hope Maggie is really in love, and that Heath is mature enough to treat her right. Though it could be a solution to our problems.”

“Maggie is more than a solution—if it’s not right, she does not get married. She deserves real love. We will find another way if need be.” Heather turned to kiss her husband, pulling him down to her. And then all conversation stopped.

21

Hiram made the offer of marriage between Maggie and Heath and after some discussions, the provisional plans had been agreed. It was a triumph. He had not expected it to be received so well but Hiram had an idea that the old laird knew about the attraction between Heath and Maggie. It had taken no convincing at all. Either that, or he was glad to get at least one of the sons married off. He’d requested that the clan’s colors be used alongside their own when decorating the hall for the forthcoming ball.

In just two weeks, the preparations were ready. The servants have outdone themselves, Hiram thought with real appreciation. The clan’s colors were displayed everywhere, with candles lighting up the area at night. It was so beautiful that Hiram had insisted Heather attend although she had warned him she could not stay long.

He looked at his wife in the mirror and whistled. “You have to be the most beautiful pregnant woman ever.” He kissed her.

“You aren’t too bad yourself Laird MacGregor!” She kissed him back. “I hope you will understand if I need to go back to our rooms. I feel very uncomfortable at the moment.”

“Of course, my sweet. You must be careful.” He kissed her cheek and thought how incredible she looked in her outfit. It fitted snugly across her breasts making them seem fuller than normal. The dress nipped in just beneath the breasts and expanded out so that her growing stomach had room. Hiram knew he just wanted to ravage her, but it was getting too late in the pregnancy to demand the same level of attention from her. She was willing, always ready for his advances, but her energy levels were flagging. He could wait until she was ready. As much as he became frustrated at times, their love was worth more than the sexual connection between them.

“Did you help Maggie pick out the right gown for tonight?” he asked, trying to change his thoughts quickly.

“Yes, you should see it...well, you will in a few moments!” Heather laughed.

Hiram stood by Heather waiting for Maggie to arrive. He gasped as she moved towards him. He had to admit she looked beautiful. She was a lovely person but tonight, she was stunning. He loved her and admired her temperament and her presence, though now she was no longer his kid sister but a woman finally. Heather had helped her fix her hair and dress and with her hair coiled neatly on top of her head, long, pale red strands hung around her neck. She looked classy and graceful. Heather had chosen a green dress that brought out her coloring beautifully.

Hiram watched as Laird McCloud and his family walked up to them.

“It is a very lovely evening tonight, a perfect night for a ball to celebrate the coupling of two young people.”

Laird McCloud clapped Hiram on the back in a welcoming gesture and Hiram shook hands with him. They both smiled at each other in great satisfaction.

“How are you feeling Heath? You are the man of the hour of course.” Hiram focused his gaze on the young man before him. Heath was nervous. He nodded and grinned but not before blushing. He was good-looking in a subdued way and seemed embarrassed to be in the spotlight.

Heather noticed him looking in admiration at Maggie and smiled to herself.

“This is Heath, my youngest son,” Laird McCloud introduced the boy to Heather.

“It is very nice to meet you tonight Lady MacGregor,” Heath said to her.

She bowed to him. “It is very nice to meet you as well.”

Heath turned to Maggie and he smiled brightly at her. His face transformed in an instant and suddenly Heather knew why Maggie was drawn to him. He wore his innocence with deep integrity. Studious, but there was substance about him. He was obviously deeply attracted to Maggie and their forthcoming union was very welcome to him. He looked as if he couldn’t quite believe his luck.

“I think they really do like one another?” Hiram whispered to Heather and she nodded, grinning happily. It was perfect.