The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,122

on it, agreeing that it eased her churning stomach.

“I’m excited that you’re having a bairn,” Caragh said the Scottish word with her heavy English accent. “Our children will be close in age. It’ll make visits more entertaining for us all.”

“I would like that. Whether we continue sailing or make our home somewhere on land, I’m happy to know we have friends to visit.”

“Family,” Rowan and Ruairí corrected.

“Come,” Senga said. “Let’s get you settled. I’ll have a bath sent up while Ruairí tracks down the priest.”

“And I’ll settle the arrangements for the feast,” Caragh confirmed.

“And I shall keep Keith out of the way,” Rowan grumbled, but he couldn’t contain his grin as he slapped his friend on the back. “You’ve been drinking that pish they call Irish whiskey. Come to my solar, and I’ll give some good Scottish whisky that’ll put hair on that bony chest of yours.” Everyone chuckled since Keith and Kyle rivaled Rowan and Ruairí in size and strength.

Moira rested against Kyle as he carried her to a chamber that exceeded any at Dunluce. The couple remained in their chamber until just before sunset, when the MacNeils gathered to watch the Red Drifter marry a woman with the tenacity of the ancient Irish Queen Nessa. Moira was certain she’d never had a more joyous day than the one that ended with her as Kyle’s bride. Kyle agreed all through the night as he made sure no one doubted they’d consummated their marriage.

Nearly a month after encountering Aidan and Lizzie, the Lady Charity and the Lady Grace sailed up to the docks at Dunluce. Moira worried about not returning sooner to make sure Aidan hadn’t taken Sean, but those around her laughed and shook their heads. Kyle regaled the four MacNeils with the story of how Moira made Aidan O’Flaherty, one of the most feared pirates in Ireland, give in to her demands.

Kyle shook his head and wiped a tear from his eye as he recounted, “The bluidy eejit made the mistake of crossing Moira yet again. I swear his knees knocked louder when she threatened to go after him. She named the four most dreaded pirates in all the English Isles, and he still feared her more. The Red Drifter, Scarlet Blade, Dark Heart, and Blond Devil could have all converged on his ship, and he would have sooner cried for his mother if Moira spat in his direction.”

“He’d do well to count his blessings if it were you four he met up with,” Senga said. She had no love lost for Aidan. He’d caused the worst argument she’d ever had with Ruairí. “Moira, Caragh, and I wouldn’t have been so gentle as the lot of you.”

Moira and Caragh had sat nodding their heads. The four pirates looked at the women in disbelief before all four conceded that the women were right.

Now, a week after that conversation, Moira climbed down the rope ladder and turned to face her former home. It was a sight she’d prayed countless times never to see again, but she and Kyle were now making their way to the keep, leaving behind the Lady Charity. Moira had asked Kyle several times to ensure the Lady Charity could sail at a moment’s notice in case she wished to flee with Sean.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Kyle assured her as he flexed his fingers. Moira hadn’t realized her nails bit into the back of his hand. She eased her grip and offered a half-hearted smile.

“I really don’t want to be here,” Moira murmured. “If it weren’t for Sean.” As though summoned by her thoughts, a mop of ebony curls raced toward her.

“Aunty Moira!” Sean ran along the path as fast as his young legs could carry him. His excitement was what Moira needed for her homecoming. She released Kyle’s hand and lifted her skirts as she flew toward her nephew. She lifted him into her arms and swung him side to side as they embraced. She nearly smothered him in kisses. Remorse flooded her as she thought about how she’d walked away from Sean, how she’d been willing to never see him again. She realized in the depths of her heart, she wouldn’t have been able to stay away for good.

“I’m so happy to see you,” Moira mumbled against his baby-soft cheeks.

“You brought the Red Drifter!” Sean exclaimed and squirmed away from Moira. She placed him back on the ground, and Sean took off toward Kyle. A pinch in her heart made her catch her breath as