From behind the bed curtains, a man dressed in well-pressed black trews and an impeccable blue shirt clambered out. The newcomer aided a woman to her feet. She wore a white silk dress, her flowing skirts embroidered with spring flowers along the hem. He’d never seen such clothing before.
A squeal came from the bed and two women scampered out and shoved their tangled, white-blond hair out of their eyes. They laughed and hugged each other. Anne. The other must be Annie. Was he seeing things?
“Annie?” Rory MacLeod regarded one woman then the other. “And another Annie? What in blazes is going on?”
“Rory.” Annie engulfed him in a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
He patted her back as he studied each of the others who’d arrived. “Who are these people?”
“I brought some guests. These are Anne’s—”
“You brought guests? From where? I didnae see you leave, unless you took the secret—I mean, introduce them, and who is this woman who looks so alike you?”
“This is Anne MacLeod, and these are her parents, Tor and Morainne. They’ve traveled far to get here, although they’ve also come to visit Alex.”
“I dinnae—” He shook his head. “But you two are—I must be seeing things.”
“Nay. Anne and I are so similar because we’re closely related. I first met Anne when I left here and traveled to Dunscaith. She joined me there. I’m afraid ’tis this Anne Alex handfasted with.” She bit her lower lip. “Ah, I may have some explaining to do.”
“Then begin.” He crossed his arms.
“I didnae intend for Anne to have to handfast with Alex, but it happened all the same.”
“You swapped positions with this Anne?” His look was incredulous.
“Aye, which is why I had to fix the problem I’d begun. This illness I’ve had these past days was feigned in order to find Anne and her parents, and bring them here.”
He glared at Margaret. “Why did you no’ say?”
“I’m sorry, Rory.” She gulped. “Annie’s mind was made up, and the wrong had to be set right.”
“Then who was it I fetched from MacDonald land?”
“That would be Anne.” Annie gripped Rory’s hands. “This is my fault. You must no’ blame anyone other than me for what’s happened.”
“I’ll blame whomever I wish, and you can be assured we’ll discuss this later, and in far more depth.” He eyed Tor. “I apologize for any inconvenience Annie has caused you and your kin. I’ll see this matter rectified and ensure you’re duly compensated.”
“There’s nothing to compensate. Annie is a delight, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.” Tor extended his hand. “Call me Tor.”
“Rory.” He shook Tor’s hand. “I shall still speak with her.” He glowered at Annie. “Why are you wearing men’s trews? Red trews?”
“Oh dear.” She raced to the trunk, grabbed a plaid and wrapped it around herself.
Alex could no longer hold himself back. Anne was here, and her parents. The woman he’d longed to hold again stood a mere few feet away. “Anne, you’re the one I handfasted with?”
She sashayed toward him, a vision in a pale yellow skirt and blouse. The sheer layers fluttered as she dipped into a curtsey. Rising, she winked. “Yes, and I apologize for my part in the deception.” She motioned toward her kin. “This is my father, Tor, and my mother, Morainne. They’ve been eager to meet you.”
“Yes, we have.” Tor strode forward and offered him his hand. “My daughter tells me you two handfasted.”
“Aye, at Dunscaith.” He shook Tor’s hand. “Sir, I hope you will accept my invitation to travel there, and to stay as long as you wish.”
“We’d like nothing more.”
“Margaret.” Annie tore across the chamber. “I’ve missed you.”
Margaret hugged her and jiggled about. “What an adventure you must have had.”
“I promise to tell you all about it. I’ve missed my favorite cousin too.”
Anne looped her arm through Alex’s. “Talking about adventures. I’ve had the greatest one of all. I’d love some fresh air and to discuss it with you. Do you mind?”
“Nay, come.” He steered her out the door and upstairs to the battlements. He couldn’t get her alone quick enough. In the dark, he pulled her into his arms. “I cannae believe you’re here. And your parents.”
“I have so much to tell you.” She wound her arms around his neck. “I got your letter.”
“There’s something I must say first.” Aye, it couldn’t wait. His bride had returned and he had no intention of ever letting her go again. He lowered onto one knee.
“What are you—” She clapped a hand over her mouth.
“This is what I should have done from the beginning.” He had to strengthen their bonds so no one could ever come between them again. He looked his fill of the woman who’d consumed his thoughts, from her golden hair gleaming in the moonlight to her high cheeks and sparkling blue eyes. “Anne MacLeod, I cannae live on this Earth without you. My love for you is unending and would weather any passage of time. I wish to take you as my wife, to bind you to me forever. Will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”