Highland Scoundrel (Campbell Trilogy #3)(120)
She tilted her head slightly to peer up at him, her heart catching at his boyish grin. Looking at him now, it was easy to remember the handsome young warrior she'd seen across the hall at Stirling Castle who'd captured her young girl's heart. Her love for him had never changed; it had always been there. She'd only had to become strong enough to trust it.
“It's perfect,” she said softly, adding, “Chief.” Her eyes sparkled with mischievousness, unable to resist teasing him. She was rewarded by the faint tinge of color on his face. He had every right to be proud. He'd stepped into the role with ease, already earning the respect and admiration of his clansmen. She knew the position felt strange to him and that he still was getting used to the fact that he was Chief of Auchinbreck, but he'd been a leader for years—all that had changed was his title.
It was hard to believe all that had happened. They were truly blessed.
She gazed around the room, seeing her brother and his wife, her two younger sisters and their husbands—even Huntly and the Countess had put aside his differences with Argyll for the day to be here. Telling them about Dougall had been one of the most difficult things she'd ever had to do. Lady Gordon had just one question. “Did my son know?” Jeannie's assurances that he did had been enough. The Countess's fierce love of family might not ever include Jeannie, but it did her children. Both of them.
They'd yet to tell Dougall the truth of his birth, but would when the time was right. But he was so perceptive—much like his father—that she wondered whether he'd already guessed the truth. She frowned. “Where are Dougall and Ella?”
Duncan cocked a dark eyebrow, his blue eyes twinkling. “Take one guess.”
She groaned. Ever since Duncan had told the children of how his sword had been used by his ancestor to save the life of King Robert the Bruce, they'd acted like it was something akin to Excalibur. “Fighting over the sword again?”
He nodded. “I'm going to have the cleanest sword in the kingdom.” He grinned. “Don't worry, they promised to come down and eat when they were finished.”
“Which means we shall have about an hour of quiet before Ella gets hold of you.”
He chuckled and drew her a little closer. “I don't know, I think I've been replaced in her affection.”
Jeannie caught the direction of his glance. “I think you're right. I'm glad Jamie and Caitrina could be here after all.”
“Aye, it was thoughtful of my wee niece to make her appearance a few weeks early so they could make the journey.”
The tiny cherub was the most beautiful child Jeannie had ever seen—not surprising given her parents. Ella was almost as fascinated with the child as she was with the sword—high praise indeed. “Perhaps she'll leave with a name?”
He laughed. “I doubt it. The last I heard Caitrina wanted to call her ‘Peace’ because it was the last Jamie would ever know or ‘Penance’ for what he would pay later when the lass is old enough to catch a male eye or two.”
Jeannie giggled. “Or hundred.” Her gaze caught on Jamie's sister who was holding the as-yet-unnamed youngest Campbell. “I was surprised Patrick agreed to let Lizzie come this close to the babe's birth.”
“With all those silk pillows he makes her sit on, I'm more surprised he didn't carry her in on a litter.”
Jeannie raised an eyebrow. “Don't give him any ideas.” Her gaze fell on another guest. This one had been a surprise. “It was good of you to invite her.”
Duncan held her gaze, not needing to ask who she referred to. “Without her, I might never have known the truth. Lady Mary protected me and my parents’ secret for a long time.”
“I always knew the truth,” she said.
He gave her an amused look. “How's that?”
She turned around to face him, reaching up to cup his cheek in her hand. Though he'd just shaved, his skin was warm and rough with the dark shadow of his beard. “I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were destined for greatness.” She smiled. “It was always there, Duncan. Your parent's marriage doesn't change who you are.”
The love reflected in his gaze took her breath away. He bent down and placed a tender kiss on her mouth.
“If we didn't have a room full of guests waiting for us, I might suggest we sneak off for a swim in the loch.” He gave her a wry grin. “Though this time I hope you'll leave your pistol at home.”
Jeannie laughed. “I don't know. A girl can get into a lot of trouble swimming in a loch. You never know what kind of scoundrels might be lurking about.”
He chuckled. “Don't worry, I'll protect you.”
“Oh, I'm sure you will.” She laughed, not missing the wicked gleam in his eye. “Like a wolf protects the sheep.”
“A hungry wolf.” He gave a long sly look. “Perhaps I can convince you to meet me another time? Have you ever gone swimming by the moonlight?”
“Once or twice.”
His eyes narrowed. “Twice?”
“Or once, who can remember?”
He spun her into his arms with a growl, their guests temporarily forgotten. “Perhaps I shall have to refresh your memory?”
“Perhaps you shall,” she said breathlessly. And later that night he did, very very thoroughly indeed.