Page 42 of The Eagle

Stuart dismounted. “Cait?”

She held her hands up motioning him to keep his distance and then covered her mouth. “What are ye saying? Ye cannot say that. It is embarrassing. They will think I am yer lover.”

At first, he wasn’t sure what she meant, then it dawned. She thought he was to take her as mistress.

“I am an idiot.” Stuart went to her and took her hands from her face. “I mean to marry ye, Cait.”

The sharp pain at first didn’t register. His shin burned from the swift kick. “Ouch.”

“Ye cannot simply make an announcement like that. Be ye my superior or not.” Cait blew out a breath. “Do not say things because ye feel the need to. I promise I will be fine.”

Her stance straightened and chin lifted, she met his gaze with authority. “Stuart Ross, what do ye mean by all this?”

He’d never seen her so convicted in something. It was hard not to smile. This was exactly what he wanted. The quiet softness that hid an internal strength that would keep him in his place. Only a woman could be so multifaceted. Keeping a man guessing and discovering more of her with each passing day.

When he lowered to his knee, her eyes widened. Despite her demand, it was obvious she’d not expected this.

“Cait…” He suddenly realized he didn’t know her surname. He would find out later. “Will ye do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

For a long moment, she stared at him. As the seconds passed, he began to second-guess himself. Had he done something wrong?

“Brown. My surname is Brown,” she said, and then seeming to realize he remained on bended knee, she gasped. “Aye, Stuart Ross, I will marry ye.”

He rose and wrapped her in his arms, turning in a circle as his heart beat so hard inside his chest, he thought it would burst through.

“I promise ye to do what I can to make ye happy—always.” When she lowered her head and kissed him, all became right in his world.

The rest of the ride to the keep, they discussed what to do next. Stuart would first speak to Torac and then to his brothers. He asked Cait to wait for him in the kitchen and he would come fetch her. The announcement had to be made first to his family before any of the staff were told.

She nodded silently, seeming to take everything in.

“Here,” he said placing his crest pin in her palm. “Keep it for me. To ensure ye know I mean every word.”

He’d pinned it to his waist to be sure he had it when he left. But now it would serve a far better purpose. Ensuring Cait did not lose hope that he’d return as soon as he could for her.

“When will we marry?” she asked as the keep came into view.

“Upon my return.”

Cait nodded and straightened, no longer leaning into him as they passed through the gates.

Upon dismounting and helping her down, Stuart led his horse to the stables, sending the lads who came to help away. He needed the time to consider how best to approach Torac and explain to him that he’d proposed to Cait. The man was not one to be toyed with, of that Stuart was well aware. However, he was also a good warrior and valued member of the Ross guards.

Once he’d brushed his steed and filled its oat bucket, Stuart felt ready to speak to the warrior.

Torac was in the guard quarters sitting alone on a bench. It was as if the warrior was deep in thought but upon noticing Stuart’s approach he stood.

Stuart motioned for him to sit and lowered to the bench next to him. It was best, in his opinion to speak about such things in a more relaxed manner.

“Ye seem deep in thought?” Stuart began. “Is there something amiss with the men?”

Torac shrugged. “There are always things amiss. But nothing that I cannot handle.” The man slid him a look. “Is there something ye wish to speak about?”

“Aye, there is. I wish to inform ye that I have asked yer sister, to marry me.”

Torac was silent, his gaze straight ahead. “I have only known Cait a short while. She is sweet and susceptible. Do ye really mean to marry her?”

“I do,” Stuart said. “I have grown to care for her and with my upcoming departure, I wanted to ensure she waited for me.”