Highland Christmas Read Online Free Page B

“aye” she means “nay”, if she says “go” she means “stay”! She wants ye ta fight for her, lad , that is all! Ye should never, ever do what she asks but do what she wants! Do what she needs!”
    Connor looked at him in disbelief. Mayhap, William was geting senile in his auld age. He shook his head. “Ye did nae hear the venom in her voice. She meant what she said.”
    “Nonsense! Are ye telling me that my best warrior is going ta allow a mere woman ta defeat him? If ye truly want her...go back there and fight for her! I will accompany ye ta be sure the mission is accomplished.”
    Connor shook his head. “I do nae wish her ta feel pressured into it, William.”
    He grinned. “She will nae be the one being pressured. Besides, I miss the children and they have earned a reward for saving my life. Now go and rest. We leave at first light.”

    She could not believe that he had left without a word. Meghan glanced over at her children. It has been more than a sennight and they had barely spoken a word. She knew that they blamed her for his leaving. And truth be told...they would be right. It was her fault.
    Mary had been inconsolable for five days. Now she just sat in the floor, plucking at her doll’s dress, staring at nothing.
    Meg’s heart twisted. She was not the only one who grieved. Michael spoke rarely as he whittled a piece of wood...a habit he had picked up from watching Connor.
    And what of her own heart? She wept in her pillow nightly at the loss. If he had truly desired her...loved her, he would have tried harder to win her heart. He had not cared enough to try. She brushed away an errant tear in frustration. All Connor managed to do was prove her right once again, about men and their motives.
    Christmas Tide was supposed to be a joyous time but this year there was no joy, no smiles or laughter. Only tears and silence. This will nae do! He has been gone almost a fortnight. We can nae mourn forever!
    With her mind made up, she decided to make an effort to distract the children.
    “Tell me wee Mary...do ye still have the mistletoe?”
    “Aye. In case Connor returns.”
    She cleared her throat to discard the lump building there. “What say ye that we just go ahead and hang it above the door then? Twould be a shame ta let it go ta waste.”
    “Aye, Maither.”
    “Afterwards, we can drink some hot apple cider while I tell ye a Christmas Tide story.”
    Michael glanced her way and gave a half-hearted smile as he put away his whittling. “That sounds nice, Maither.”
    “Good, then, let us get started.”
    “Maither? Is this nae the night of first-footing?” Mary asked.
    Meghan had to think for a moment. “Why, I do believe it is, sweeting. Why do ye ask?”
    The children exchanged hopeful glances as she replied, “Nae reason. I just wondered.”
    Mary and Michael had been praying together every night for this eve to be special, but they had not told Meghan. They did not wish to hear her crying late at night anymore so they asked God to bring Connor back. This eve would be the test.
    As the hour grew late, a knock came at the door. It was too soon! There was still nearly a half hour before first-footing. The children’s eyes lit up hopefully.
    Meghan had been startled by it. They rarely had visitors unless someone was ill or injured. She opened the door to find the king standing there laden with gifts.
    “Sir William! What a pleasant surprise. Come in and warm yourself by the fire. How have ye been? Your horse has nae thrown ye again, I hope.”
    “Thank ye, my lady. Nay, I have a new steed that is much more amicable,” he chuckled. “I come bearing gifts for my rescuers. I felt the need ta reward them.”
    Mary’s eyes rounded. “Ye brought presents...for us?”
    “Aye, wee lassie. I h ave presents for all of ye.” He sat and began handing out gaily wrapped bundles to the children.
    “Tis too much, Sir William!”
    He arched his brow. “Ye think this be too much for saving the life of