surrounding me, knocking me back. My own horse had already been massacred, and so I was on foot, in danger of joining my brethren in the beyond. Then from behind me comes this massive warhorse. He nuzzles me in the back as men advance on me, taking aim. I leapt up into the saddle, and he took off, with shots fired at us from behind. He saved my life, and the fact that we found each other on the field like that, well, it felt like Destiny.”
Sarah leaned against him, her hand joining his in stroking the horse. “That is an incredible story. And the perfect name. I’m glad for my sake that he found ye.”
Thane grinned. “He’s a good horse. And for that reason, he should be spoiled for the rest of his days.”
Sarah leaned her head against Thane’s shoulder, so glad that he’d come to Campbell lands. Even if his intent had been to abduct her, which now seemed like a massive jest. He’d rescued her from a fate that could have been horrible. And to think she was now going to be linked to her dearest friend’s brother—a man of honor and integrity—she couldn’t have dreamed up a better scenario.
They left the stable, agreeing to spend one more night at the tavern, and then hopefully be on their way the following morning.
By the time they made it back to their chamber, the delicious stew they’d been smelling all day waited for them on the table, along with wine and thick brown bread. They ate with gusto, having worked up an appetite earlier in the day, and when their meal was complete, they made love again and again.
When morning finally broke, a slim crack of light was seen through where the wall met the roof, and so they rose with tired eyes. Sarah prayed the weather had waned, and they could be on their way from this tavern of sorrow. And yet, she’d always remember it fondly for being the place where she’d given herself to Thane.
“That sun is a good sign.” Thane climbed from the bed, giving her arse a gentle pat.
Sarah giggled and rolled over. “Ye think we can leave?”
“Aye, we can try.” He tugged back the covers, and she squealed at the cold blast of air.
They dressed quickly and exited the chamber, skipping the porridge in favor of a hunk of bread with butter, and then before the sun had fully risen, they climbed onto Destiny’s back and took off at a trot down the road. Some of the snow had started to melt, and with the morning sun the twinkling white moors took on more of a glistening shine.
Just as they had the night they escaped Campbell Castle, they stopped every few hours to rest Destiny and relieve themselves. They packed their canteen with snow to keep it full. No one seemed to be following them, and indeed they did not pass anyone of note on the road.
In the distance, the clanging of kirk bells could be heard coming from a small village.
“I think we need to make it official,” Thane said.
“What’s that?” Sarah mused sleepily.
“Our union. Would ye, Sarah Campbell, consent to being my wife?”
She sat up a little straighter, nodding as she looked into his quite serious gaze. Though she’d agreed before, the fact that he asked her once more warmed her heart. “Every day for the rest of my life.”
They rode into the village and to the kirk, where they found a priest more than willing to wed them for a small fortune.
“I dinna have a ring for ye.” Thane frowned as they stood on the stairs out front of the kirk.
“Wait,” she said. “I have one.”
Sarah pulled the small box from her satchel, revealing the ring that had once been her mother’s. The rubies glistened in the sunlight. “My ma gave me this. ’Twas hers.”
“’Tis perfect, just like ye.”
Sarah’s face heated at his words. He made her feel so special. She passed the jewelry box to Thane, and when it came time to place the ring on her finger, he did so slowly, eyes locked on hers. So much emotion was conveyed there, so much trust, and anticipation.
They were in this together. Them against the injustices of the world.
She couldn’t help but smile with joy, for even though destiny had brought them together, it would seem the two of them had forged their own path from there on.
When the priest said the groom could kiss his bride, Sarah didn’t wait.