Free A Highlander's Home by Laura Hathaway Page A

what?”
                  “And did she kiss you back?” she asked, exasperated.
                  He scanned the fields and shuffled his feet, drawing out the moment.  She swatted his arm.  “ Do not be a buffoon!  Did she like it?”
                  “Yes, Mother, I do believe she did,” he answered, somewhat smugly, as he remembered Raine’s response.
                  “Is she as beautiful as I hope?”  Then added mischievously, “For the children’s sake.”
                  Leith laughed and replied, “Ah, yes, the children that have yet to be borne to the woman I have yet to marry.  Those children?”
                  “Well,” she said, pouting , “I just like to think ahead.  So, is she?”
                  “Yes, Mother, she is beautiful.  Unbelievably so.” 
    He pictured her face in his mind.  “She has hair the color of golden wheat and eyes the color of the greenest sea.  Her cheeks have the deepest dimples that begged to be kissed.” 
    He smiled as he became lost in thoughts of her.  “She is not tall, only reaching here,” he placed his hand midche st.  “Her temper is as hot as her beauty.  When she is angry with me, her eyes fairly flash daggers at me.  Her hands are smooth but strong enough to wield a sword.”
                  At his mother’s sharp gaze, he briefly recounted the mini battle in the courtyard.  Lady MacGregor’s hand fluttered to her thr oat as she said breathlessly, “D id she really?  Oh , my.” 
    As a second thought, “She didn’t hurt you, did she?”
                  A dark brow arched over a clear blue eye as he said drily, “Have no fear, Mother, the wee lass did naught but dent my pride.”
                  She laughed at his remark and leaned her head against his shoulder.  “She seems like a fine match.  I look forward to meeting her.”
                  As they headed back to the castle, she inquired, “And how have the arrangements been progressing with Lady Brighton and her father?  No problems, I hope.”
                  At that he took a deep breath.  “I sent word with the best explanation I could fathom and a heavy purse as recompense.  Perhaps that will be all that is needed.  Now, shall we return for supper?  I can hear Cook giving orders all the way over here.”
                  As they entered the great hall, Lady MacGregor glanced at the stairwell.  And fainted.
     
                  Leith patted a damp cloth to his mother’s brow and lightly patted her cheek, hoping to force her to regain consciousness.  She moaned, her eyelids fluttering, as she slowly focused her eyes. 
                  “Mother?  How are you feeling?” he asked, frowning with concern.
                  She inhaled sharply.  “That girl!” she exclaimed. 
                  Leith and Raine exchanged glances.  When his mother had suddenly gone limp in his arms, Raine had dashed to his side and insisted on remaining there .  She did not know the woman, but the family resemblance was unmistakable.
                  Raine came forward slightly until she was in Lady MacGregor’s line of sight. 
                  Lady MacGregor sat up quickly and then slumped while holding her hand to her head.  “You!  I know you!  I have seen you before, I know it.”
                  Raine chewed her lip.  “I am sorry, but I am certain we have never met before.  You must have me mistaken with someone else.  I have never been to this country before.”
                  Lady MacGregor gingerly rose from the bed.  She touched Raine’s long golden hair that she had not bothered to put up in a braid today.  Her hand traced Raine’s jaw, then her eyebrows, until stopping at the corner of her mouth.  She nodded.  “I