A Laird and a Gentleman (All the King's Men #4) - Gerri Russell Page 0,81

hand upon their shoulder. “What do you feel when I touch you?”

At first, they hesitated to answer but as she continued to touch each of them, they smiled and replied as a group, “Peace. Love. Hope. Life.”

Orrin’s eyes widened when she placed her palm on his shoulder. “I have never experienced anything like it. It’s as if I know you will make certain there is a positive outcome for my life.”

Mariam nodded. “As you protect me, I will protect you.”

“Does that mean you will return home with us?” Orrin asked.

Mariam looked back to Cameron. “If you will all have me.” The men cheered, their voices rising into the night.

Cameron moved to her side once more and took her in his arms. “Marry me?”

“But you are my guardian. Is such a thing possible?”

“About that, my heart.” He brushed his lips against her temple, pulling her closer still. “When I went to Falkland Palace, I asked the king to release me from that obligation and to grant me something more.”

“What was that?”

“You, as my bride.”

Her eyes widened. “Truly?”

He chuckled. “Why are you so surprised? You know I would do just about anything to keep you at my side. I wish to see you every morning when I get up and watch the waves curl against the shore with you each night before we go to bed. I want nothing more than to have you with me all the remaining days of my life.” As he said the words, the moon broke free from the clouds overhead, casting a silver light that encompassed them both.

“And I only want to spend the rest of my days with you.” Her smile was radiant. “Aye. I want nothing more than to marry you.”

Another cheer rose up from his men, and Moira’s face lit with pleasure.

Filled with joy, Cameron lifted Mariam off her feet and twirled her around until they were both breathless and laughing. As their laughter faded, Cameron’s hold loosened and he slid her down the length of his body to the ground. His gaze moved over her face, memorizing each curve, each nuance.

As she stared back, her joy seemed to fade as a hint of worry entered her eyes.

“What is it, Mariam?”

“Your men here have accepted my mother and myself and our magic, but what of everyone else at the castle? All it takes is one of them to speak out against us to the authorities, and we will be put on trial.”

“If you would feel more at ease, the three of us could move to Kinmount House with Quinn and Vivian. All who reside there are given immunity and cannot be charged. Would that bring you peace of mind?”

“You would leave everything at Ravenscraig behind for me?”

“I could put Ian in charge while I am gone. He would make certain all are cared for as I would care for them.”

Mariam looked beyond Cameron to the men who stood beside him. Their heads were bowed with disappointment. “Nay,” she said straightening. “I want to go back to Ravenscraig. That is my home and these men and their families are my people. I must trust that they will accept me for who I am.”

Happiness filled Cameron. “It’s settled then, let us set sail as soon as we have morning light.”

*

It was close to evening the next day when all who had sailed to the Isle of May returned to the castle. Mariam rode with Cameron as they made their way over the drawbridge.

Cameron pulled her against him. “Ever since you arrived here, I was always eager to see those gates, knowing you waited within.”

Mariam turned in the saddle to bring her gaze to his. “I never thought I would ever be this happy. Thank you, for giving me back my life, and hope for the future.”

He brushed her forehead with his lips as they made their way through the outer bailey. “Our life here and our children will fill these walls with not only hope, but also love.”

“Children?” Her hand came up to span her abdomen. “I had not considered a child.”

“Would you give me a child, Mariam? A magical daughter? A warlock for a son?”

“Or a typical baby with no magic at all,” she said with a teasing smile.

“Would you like that? To start a family?”

As they processed into the inner bailey. The sight that greeted wrought a gasp of surprise from Mariam. Cheers went up as she and Cameron rode through the crowd. Everyone congregated in the courtyard to greet them. All signs