Free Trouble with a Highland Bride by Amanda Forester Page A

motioned for them to sit.
    “I understand that my cousin Isabelle inherited this castle,” began Jack, taking a seat beside her. “My father was the next in line to inherit after her, and with his death, now me. I will speak plainly and tell you King Edward does not take kindly to his lands in the hands of a Highlander.”
    “I care not for the fancies o’ yer king,” said David.
    “King Edward has decreed the castle is mine and has ordered me to take it back by whatever means possible,” continued Jack. “If I fail, another army of knights will be sent. And another. And another. Until this castle, or whatever is left of it, returns to English hands.”
    “If that is so, we have little to discuss,” said David coldly.
    “You offered to discuss terms for the surrender of the castle—”
    “I suggested terms for a settlement regarding my castle,” corrected David.
    Jack inclined his head with a slight smile. “As you wish. I would like to negotiate a peaceful solution. If you are willing to leave the castle, I am willing to send you back to the Highlands richer than you came.”
    “And what is to prevent ye from attacking us as we leave wi’ that army on our door?”
    “I give you my word.”
    David snorted.
    “And I propose an accord of peace be drafted between us and sealed in a union between us.” Jack paused and swallowed hard. “In truth, I wish to ask for your sister Gwyn’s hand in marriage.
    “Och!” gasped Gwyn, her heart flooded with emotion. “Ye wish to marry me?”
    “Yes, more than anything,” Jack turned to her and dropped to one knee. “Will you be my wife?”
    “Aye!” Gwyn clasped his hands in hers and squeezed tight. Her heart felt like it was taking a swift trip to the moon “Aye, I will be yer wife!”
    David cleared his throat, interrupting the happy moment even as they were leaning in for a kiss. They both took the hint and returned to their seats on the bench.
    “First, ye dinna ask Gwyn; ye ask me,” growled David.
    “I’m asking you,” said Jack with a tentative smile.
    “Second, we have yet to determine a price.”
    “Name it,” dared Jack, and so David did.
    Jack countered and David did the same until Gwyn was dizzy with negotiations, land, property, goats, and chickens.
    David finally paused and turned his attention to Gwyn, speaking softly in Gaelic. “What do ye say to this?” His eyes searched hers.
    “I love him.” A shiver went down her spine at such a confession.
    “Ye just met him. And under circumstances most unusual. Do ye truly wish to be separated from yer family and marry an Englishman?”
    “He is no stranger. He is cousin to Isabelle. Besides, he is the most handsome, most wonderful man I’ve ever met.”
    David glowered at her. “I might have expected something like this from ye.”
    Gwyn brushed away his words with a wave of her hand. “I wish to unite our families. To prevent this war.” Gwyn spoke in English to make sure both men understood her.
    A slow smile spread on Jack’s lips. She smiled back at him and leaned closer, she couldn’t help herself. Jack leaned toward her until—
    “Harrumph!” David’s eyebrows clamped down over piercing eyes.
    Gwyn and Jack sat up straight. Her formidable brother was a good antidote to romance, but still her lips tingled to kiss him again.
    “Do ye speak for the army outside our gate?” David asked Jack.
    Jack paused, the smile fading from his face. “I should, but in truth, my uncles are more interested in war, particularly with the possibility that I might be a casualty.”
    David raised an eyebrow. “What interesting uncles ye have.”
    Jack shrugged. “They are even worse once you get to know them.”
    “Then how do ye propose to honor this agreement?”
    Jack took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I fear I do not know. I’m rather working this out as I go along. I can give you my word that if we make an accord, I will stand with you, even against them if need be.”
    “How