The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,121

at her, barely able to contain his amusement as he nodded his head. Moira realized Keith’s blessing meant more to her than anything any of her clan’s councilmen could say.

“The captains have other matters to see to,” Moira stated. “The clan will know my decision after I see Sean. And I warn you, Aidan O’Flaherty. If you try to take that lad from me, you’d better hope you make it back to Galway and Augnanure Castle before I do. Sail along my coast again, and you will beg my husband to make me stop.”

“Who are you?” Aidan asked with wonder. Neither Moira nor Kyle missed the lust that flared in Aidan’s eyes.

“Kyle’s wife,” Moira responded as Kyle asserted, “My wife.”

“Go wherever it is you’re going, O’Flaherty. Moira and I will go to Dunluce when our other business is through,” Kyle decided. He wrapped his arm around Moira, who welcomed the affection and leaned against him. Neither had to feign the comfort they drew from one another. Moira rested her head against Kyle’s chest and looked back at her sister and Aidan. The jealousy on their faces wasn’t hard to read. Moira suspected Aidan regretted giving her up now that he had Lizzie aboard. Lizzie eyed Kyle with lust. And they both envied the obvious love between Moira and Kyle. Aidan offered a clipped farewell and dragged Lizzie from the bow as he ordered his crew to hoist their sails.

“Looks like our plans have changed,” Keith called out. “Canna, then Barra, then Dunluce. Moira, I expect a bed large enough to entertain.” Keith offered her a roguish grin and a wink. Moira blinked several times before she burst into giggles.

“I have my own entertaining to do, brother,” Kyle responded as he lifted Moira into his arms, ordering his crew to get them underway. The couple wasn’t seen until the next day, but every man on the ship heard from them.

Thirty-Nine

“Moira!” Senga MacNeil called out in delighted surprise. The woman’s dark braid swished at her waist as she and a strawberry blonde woman hurried to greet the guests. “I didn’t think to see you again.”

“Hello Senga,” Moira greeted her. She turned to the other woman and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Lady MacNeil.”

“Caragh,” the strawberry blonde chuckled. “Welcome to Kisimul. I didn’t believe Rowan when he said he saw a woman aboard Kyle’s ship. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hello, Lady Moira,” a deep voice came from behind her. She watched as Ruairí MacNeil approached with his cousin, Laird Rowan MacNeil, at his side. Ruairí grinned at Kyle. “MacLean.”

“We need a priest,” Kyle announced, and Moira choked. His concern was immediate and obvious as he reached for her. Four faces stood slack-jawed.

“He hasn’t even begun to whittle in front of you,” came Keith’s mocking tones. “I’m surprised her feet are touching the ground.”

“You need a priest to marry you,” Senga surmised. Moira beamed as she nodded.

“I need to speak to Cook,” Caragh said as she rattled off tasks on her fingers. “It’s been ages since we’ve had a feast.”

“Lady—Caragh,” Moira caught herself before using Caragh’s official title. “There’s no need to go to the trouble.”

“Yes, there is,” Caragh corrected. “Kyle sailed for years with Ruairí and helped protect Senga. Keith nearly died protecting me. If he hadn’t been with Rowan, I likely would have died from my injuries. We’re happy that they’re here, but we’re even more excited to celebrate with you.”

Moira looked up at Kyle, who’d draped his arm around her shoulders. He smiled down at her, and she was about to stand on her toes to kiss his cheek when a waft of cooking meat filled her nose. She covered her mouth and dashed behind the stables.

“Moira?” Kyle called as he ran after her. He held her hair as her morning meal revisited her in waves. She clutched Kyle’s hand as she trembled from the force of her heaves. When she was certain her stomach was back where it belonged, Kyle carried her to where the others stood. Ruairí, Rowan, and Senga stood with knowing expressions, while Keith looked playfully aggrieved. Caragh hurried back across the bailey. She opened her hand to show Moira what she brought.

“The ginger should help ease your discomfort,” Caragh offered. When Moira’s cheeks went flame red and she struggled not to grin, five knowing faces met her eyes. Caragh and Senga shifted unconsciously, and their husbands’ arms went around them. Keith was left rolling his eyes. Moira graciously accepted the sliver of ginger and chewed