Highland Christmas Read Online Free Page A

heated, tea was brewing and fresh bandages were nearby...just in case. She wrung her hands as she traversed the small space again. Connor entered the hut a few moments later with his precious bundle. Meghan bit her fist as she feared the worst.
    "Is she—"
    "She i s well, Meghan, only sleeping." Tears of relief filled her eyes as Connor took a seat near the hearth to warm themselves. "Ye should be proud of her. Wolves had her treed and instead of crying...she attacked them with everything she could lay hands to." He chuckled. "Twas quite a site ta see."
    "I thank ye for your aide, my lord." His brow arched at the formality. A short while later, after Mary was taken to bed, he spoke.
    "I will be taking my leave in the morn. I ken that I be nae welcome here any longer unless...ye have changed your mind."
    Meg was stunned at his announcement. She had not considered that he would depart so soon. She licked her dry lips and nodded. What else was there to say? "The children will be disappointed that ye did nae stay for Christmas Tide and first-footing."
    He growled. Connor felt bad enough about leaving before the holidays. There was no need to rub salt in the wound!
    " It can nae be helped. My presence was the cause of this day's mishap. I will nae endure a repeat. Good eve, my lady." He gave her a curt nod then left.
    The mere thought of leaving twisted his heart. He wanted Meghan for his bride but she had refused. He did not know what else to do. He knew that she cared for him because of the kiss they had shared. Why can she nae take a chance?
    He rode out before the dawn.

    "Maither!" she screamed. "Maither! Where is my new da?"
    Meghan bolted up from the bed. Surely he did not leave without saying goodbye. Her eyes darted to her daughter. Her new what?
    "What new da? Ye have nae new da! Did Connor make promises ta ye Mary?"
    She glanced up guiltily. "Nay Maither. But I brought the mistletoe. All ye had ta do is kiss him. Did ye nae want ta kiss him?"
    Meghan sputtered. "What do ye ken of kissing, lass? Ye are just a bairn." There was a growing ache in her heart as the realization that she made a mistake with Connor materialized. She did trust him. Her heart knew that he was not like her husband. Lord, what has she done?
    Tears were streaming down Mary's wee cheeks. "I ken that he kissed me last night because he loves me. He does nae kiss someone unless he does. Do ye nae ken that, Maither?"
    Meghan squeezed her eyes tight to stop the threatening tears. When had her daughter become smarter than her?

Chapter Five
    It took Connor five days to return to King William’s court through the winter snows. During that time he considered where he may have gone wrong in wooing Meghan.
    Mayhap I rushed her...I do nae ken. I tried ta be honest with her but it was nae enough. The children accepted me...why nae her? It took all of his willpower to stop himself from turning back. His heart growing heavier with every step his mount took away from the woman he desired.
    “Cousin! Have ye come for your betrothal papers?” William’s voice boomed across the chambers.
    Connor shook his head morosely. He was in no mood for good cheer. He had failed to acquire what he most wanted and felt the need to get lost in his cups...if he were a drinking man...which he was not. He sought someone to commiserate with. Clearly, William was not the man.
    The king peered intently at his cousin and decided that a private audience was required. He looked terrible.
    “Come t a my chambers, Connor. We will speak there.”
    A short while later, William had heard the entire tale. Rubbing his chin, he tried to figure out a solution for his besotted cousin.
    “She is a stubborn lass. I warned ye of that. Are ye certain that she wished ye ta leave?”
    “She told me ta get out of her house and get out of her life! Aye...I am certain!” He held his head in his hands.
    “And ye listened ta her? When have ye ever known a woman ta say what she means? If she says