Entrusted to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy #2) - Donna Fletcher Page 0,83
a much younger man,” the Abbott confessed to Arran’s surprise. “That and the loss of one I held dear turned me to God, and while I haven’t raised a sword since, you’re right—my weapon now is prayer. It’s mightier than the sword has ever been.”
“I don’t know if I can agree with you on that, Abbott Thomas, but I admire your belief and courage.”
“And I admire you for wedding Purity and seeing her kept safe.”
Arran didn’t know if it was because Abbott was a man of God and it was easy to confess to him or that he simply wanted the man to know the truth. “I did wed her to keep her safe, but now when you wed us it will be because I love her.” He felt something swell strong in his chest. “I love Purity beyond words and I will always love her. She has my heart and I’m glad for it.”
Abbott Thomas stared at him for a moment as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “You are a blessed man more than you know, my son. Love is more easily lost than it is found and when found, it should be cherished and kept close to the heart.”
“Abbott Thomas, come, the morning meal awaits us,” Galvin called out. “You too, Arran.”
It wasn’t lost on Arran that the man didn’t ask for his daughter to join them. “Don’t wait for me, Abbott, enjoy the meal,”
“I hope you and Purity will join us soon,” Abbott Thomas said and turned to join Galvin and the two set a slow pace to the keep.
Arran stopped at the fenced in area attached to the barn. He had ordered it built so that Hope was not always confined to the barn. She came to him right away eager for his attention which he lavished on her.
“Edward will see that you shelter safely inside if rain comes,” he said, stroking the mare’s face. The young lad Edward had taken quite a fancy to Hope and Hope to him.
Arran made his way to the barn and stopped before entering. He had enjoyed many a pleasant poke with a willing woman in a barn similar to this one. Now he couldn’t ever fathom doing such a thing again, at least not with any woman but his wife. He shook his head. He couldn’t poke her in the barn. It wouldn’t seem right.
Of course, the question hit him then—what was she doing in the barn?
He shook his head again. She wouldn’t be poking anyone but him and they didn’t poke, they made love. Still, the foolish thought nagged at him as he took silent steps inside.
He had always found the thickest, freshest, and sweetest smelling pile of hay to lay in with a woman. That was why he had always made certain the barn was cleaned often. The pleasant scent in the air told him this barn had been recently cleaned. The door was open and enough light filtered in, even with the overcast sky, to allow him to see where he stepped.
Arran heard and saw nothing, then after taking several more steps he heard a quick scurrying, a rushing away of sorts. His wife suddenly appeared, brushing hay off her garments and plucking some stuck in her hair.
“You chased him away,” Purity accused.
“WHO?” he demanded, ready to kill.
“King.” She smiled and whispered, “He fancies a female cat and was trying to get her to warm up to him.”
Arran wasn’t sure he laughed from relief or the thought that struck him and spilled right out of his mouth. “So now you’re watching cats mate in the barn?”
She jabbed him in the arm. “I am not and I wouldn’t do that to King.”
“But you did it to me,” he teased, “though I can’t blame you since I certainly presented a more enjoyable sight.”
Purity was about to give his arm another jab when she realized he had laughed and his words teased as he once had done. Signs of the old Arran continued to return, which meant he continued to heal. It was a thought that filled her heart with joy and got her thinking.
She gasped and slapped her hand to her chest. “How cruel of you, husband, to remind me of your coupling exploits.”
Arran didn’t know what to say. How could he have been so rude and thoughtless? He grew more upset when she turned her head, sniffling back tears. Words failed him and he wasn’t even sure if he should reach out and