as he scanned the crowd. “In the same sermon, Jesus also blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
His eyes came to rest on Parker. “And we have a man in our midst who did just that today.”
Parker acknowledged his remark with a nod. “Let’s hope nobody applauds,” he whispered.
“But Our Lord also blessed those who are merciful, and we must find mercy in our hearts, though, today, it may seem impossible.”
“Above all,” Pilsbury shouted, “in this Christmas season, we must listen to Our Lord when He exhorts us to be peacemakers. This heinous crime came about because of conflict right here in our United Kingdom. Peace on earth cannot be achieved without the goodwill of all mankind.”
Utter silence ensued, until Pilsbury cleared his throat and quietly asked everyone to join in singing O Holy Night.
The reverend’s wife played the introductory bars on the piano then voices were raised. Samantha had sung the carol every Christmas since childhood but, as she joined her voice to others, the words held new meaning.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels’ voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine o night
O night divine.
Tears of happiness flowed when Parker leaned close to her ear. “That’s exactly what I felt when I met you. A thrill of hope.”
Epilogue
Four weeks later, on the morning after the ceremony binding her in marriage to Parker Cullen, Samantha awoke and stretched like a contented cat, relishing the feel of crisp sheets on her naked skin. She opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings, gradually remembering she was in her own little cottage in Bristol—hers and Parker’s. Excitement filled her. In a few days, her husband would take up his new duties as a detective inspector with the Bristol police force. A new and glorious morn had dawned.
But she was alone. Where was Parker?
She sat up and clutched the linens to her breasts, her body quivering with delight at the memory of her wedding night. She could scarcely wait to feel Parker’s manhood inside her again, though the first glimpse of his magnificent maleness had sent a pang of apprehension scurrying across her nape.
She needn’t have worried. He had patiently introduced her to unimagined sexual pleasures, and her screams of delight seemed to please him. But then he’d done a fair amount of growling and hollering himself.
She startled when a flushed Parker burst through the bedroom door, clad only in pajama bottoms. She licked her lips, welcoming the craving that spiraled into her womb at the sight of his broad chest.
“They got him,” he exclaimed. “At the docks in Southampton.”
“The American?”
“His name’s Darren Rorke,” he replied, climbing back into bed. “Moore telephoned from the station to tell me.”
She was relieved for him. He’d said nothing but she knew he thirsted for the man’s capture.
He took her into his arms. “Ready for breakfast? Or would you prefer to linger in bed?”
The evidence of his arousal pressed against her left little doubt which answer he was hoping for. “Spending the day in bed sounds wonderful.”
“A whole day,” he exclaimed, coaxing the linens away from her breasts. “I’ve wed a woman with an insatiable sexual appetite.”
“Hah,” she laughed just before his kiss reignited the flames of desire.
Additional Dragonblade books by Author Anna Markland
Clash of the Tartans Series
Kilty Secrets
Kilted at the Altar
Kilty Pleasures
Kilty Party
Kilts in the Wind
Kilts Ahoy!
The Viking’s Gift (A Novella)
About the Author
Anna has authored more than sixty bestselling, award-winning and much-loved Medieval, Viking and Highlander historical romance novels and novellas. No matter the setting, many of her series recount the adventures of successive generations of one family, with emphasis on the importance of ancestry and honor. A comprehensive list with more complete descriptions can be found at annamarkland.com.
She would love you to visit her Facebook page, Anna Markland Novels.
Tweet her @annamarkland, join her on Pinterest, or sign up for her newsletter.
Follow on BookBub and be the first to know when her next book is released.
Anna was born in England but has lived most of her life in Canada. Education, business and disaster relief provided three interesting and rewarding careers before she became a writer. She has a keen interest in genealogy. This hobby (aka addiction) has had a tremendous influence on her stories. Her historical romances are