Vengeance 02.5 - A Knight's Christmas Wish Page 9

  All too soon, Rylan led them off the road. How he could tell where they were going was beyond her as the snow was coming down so heavily. Sure enough, the shadow of a structure came into view, set back amongst the trees. A lean-to graced one side, providing them shelter as they dismounted. The snow continued at a fast pace, making Kayte grateful they’d decided to stop.

  Rylan left Joseph to see to the horses and opened the cottage door. Kayte was relieved the place was empty. No animals scurried into hiding due to their entrance.

  “I’ll start the fire.” Rylan moved about the dark interior, obviously familiar with its layout. The hearth was in the center of the room.

  Kayte and Anne retrieved some additional wood from the pile near the door and, before long, a fire was burning brightly, lighting the room.

  Joseph came in, stomping the snow off his boots. “’Tis growing worse. I’m glad we stopped for the night.” He set their bedding and bags down near the fire.

  Rylan frowned as he glanced around the simple one-room cottage. “This is not how I envisioned spending Christmas Eve.”

  Kayte’s heart squeezed as guilt flooded her. If it wasn’t for her, he’d be home with his family right now. “We will make our own Christmas this night.” With desperation, she glanced about the cottage. She had no gift to give Rylan, but surely she could do something else. A large log was stacked in the wood pile. “That can serve as our temporary Yule log.”

  Joseph clapped his hands. “Excellent notion, my lady.”

  “I have the makings of more soup so we shall have our own version of a feast,” Anne offered with a smile.

  Kayte looked at Rylan, hoping their small efforts might make him feel better.

  He rewarded her with a smile. “Truly that is a wonderful idea. Joseph, can you collect some snow to melt for the soup?” He pointed toward a bucket and Joseph grabbed it then headed out the door. “I’ll put the Yule log on the fire.”

  As Kayte helped Rylan with the log another idea came to mind. “Perhaps we could gather some evergreens to decorate with.”

  “There were some near the horses. I’ll return directly,” Joseph said as he delivered the bucket of snow then brought in their belongings, including the wooden box.

  “Here are some candles,” Anne said as she searched the contents of the small kitchen area. “And a tablecloth as well.”

  Kayte’s heart lightened as Rylan placed snow in the small kettle Anne had brought. Before long, their soup was simmering over the fire, the table was laid, and the candles and evergreens provided a festive touch and freshened the stale air of the cottage. They gathered around the fire, which seemed to warm them inside and out.

  Anne began singing a carol in a clear voice,

  Hail Mary, Full of Grace.

  Joseph’s eyes lit with pleasure as he joined in the familiar Christmas song. Rylan took Kayte’s hand and her heart squeezed as they both sang as well.

  Soon the soup was ready and Anne ladled it into bowls. Little bread was left but they shared the remnants. Kayte didn’t think she’d ever tasted anything so good.

  Joseph produced some dice after they’d finished their meal and a lively game ensued. The evening passed with much frivolity, so different from the somber Christmases of her past.

  Kayte looked around the room and smiled. The fire burned cheerfully. Her companions were enjoying themselves. The scent of evergreens filled the air.

  “What has you smiling?” Rylan asked.

  “I’ve never had a better Christmas.”

  His gaze warmed, dropping to her lips, causing heat to build low in her belly. “I’m pleased to hear that. Nor have I.”

  Joy filled her. Feeling bold, she looped her arm through his and scooted closer.

  Before long, they all agreed the time for sleep had come.

  “You must be exhausted,” Rylan said. “This has been a difficult day.”

  Kayte attempted a smile, hoping the longing that filled her would pass. On the morrow, everything would change. Rylan would be back with his family and too involved with them to spend much time with her. But she wouldn’t change that for anything. She wanted him to be happy. In the meantime, she hoped to gather some of those memories as Anne had suggested for the days ahead.

  No one wanted to leave the heat of the fire to take the bed. Instead, they circled their bedding around the warmth of the hearth. Kayte couldn’t fall asleep. Instead, she stared into the flames, grateful that she was still with Rylan, wondering what his mother and father would be like. She was nervous to meet them. Would they be as welcoming as Rylan seemed to believe they would be?

  Rylan stirred nearby, and delight tingled through her body when he rose and moved his bedding beside hers.

  “Anne and Joseph seem to be sleeping soundly,” he whispered. “But I can hear you thinking from over there.”

  She sighed with pleasure when his long length pressed against her back and he wrapped an arm around her. “I don’t want this night to end.”

  “What if I promise the morrow will be even better?”

  A lump formed in her throat. “Truly?” She could hardly believe it might be true.

  “You recently told me I’m the most trustworthy person you’ve ever met. How can you possibly doubt me now?”

  She smiled as happiness washed through her, chasing away that lump of emotion. “You’re right. I can’t possibly doubt what you say is true.”

  He nuzzled her neck, sending shivers coursing through her. She turned onto her back to better see him. Her movement was rewarded when he lowered his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. She placed her hand along his cheek, loving the roughness of his whiskers, the feel of him along her body, the firmness of his lips.

  Her heart swelled again, even fuller now, as passion grew, and something far deeper bloomed. His hand trailed along her body, her breasts growing heavy as his fingers found her curves.

  “Sweet Kayte. How lucky I am to have found you,” he whispered as his dark eyes held hers.

  She wished they were alone, for she would show him just how glad she was that he had. “And I you.” She lifted her head to kiss him again as desire swirled like eddies in a stream inside her. His tongue found hers and the stream became a waterfall. She shifted so more of him was on top of her as their kiss deepened.

  This was love, she realized. This was not a gift to be taken lightly. For now, it was enough to know that this bold, strong knight desired her. She ran her hand along his shoulder before lowering it to find the hem of his tunic. His smooth, warm skin was taut, the bandage still in place. She moved above that, the contours of his muscled chest attesting to his strength, the fine covering of hair adding to his appeal.

  The warmth of his hand on her bare thigh startled her, heating her blood even further. He captured her moan with his lips as he traced circles up to her hip.

  “Kayte?” he whispered in her ear. “I want you so badly I ache.”

  Moisture pooled between her thighs at his words. “Aye,” was all she could manage. Her thoughts centered solely on his hand as it drew closer to her center.

  “But we are not alone,” he continued, “so we must wait.” He cupped her for a moment, the pressure of his hand against her was glorious.

  Then he kissed her again as he eased back, removing his hand and drawing her kirtle back in place.

  Doubt filled her as she at last realized he was pulling away from her. Despite his explanation, she couldn’t help but hear the ring of Rainald’s words on their wedding night.

  You disgust me! How can I possibly take you for a wife?

  Her gaze sought his, fearing what she’d find.

  Instead she saw only desire.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered and kissed her again. “I can only wish you’ll allow me to make you mine.”

  Rainald’s voice fell away, leaving hope in its wake. “I would love nothing more,” she whispered back.

  “Thank you for making this an amazing Christmas.” His thumb ran along her che
ek, the sweetness of the gesture plunging straight through her heart.

  “’Tis I who should thank you.” She had to bite her lip to keep from telling him that she loved him. It was far too soon for such a declaration. She did not want her feelings for him to make him feel obligated in any way.

  “I know your aunt may frown upon it, but I refuse to move. May I sleep here beside you?”

  She smiled. “Please.” Now was not the time to worry, she reminded herself. She need only enjoy the moment, and this was a wonderful one.

  He kissed her again before laying on his side and drawing her back against him so they both faced the fire. Rylan’s arm was heavy on her waist and she loved it. His breath soon evened out into sleep. She closed her eyes as well and said a prayer of gratitude for all that life had given her of late. It was a very good Christmas indeed.

  * * *

  Rylan woke with a smile. Kayte was still snuggled against him. Though he wanted nothing more than to make love to her, he could hear his squire stirring and knew the boy would soon be awake. Rylan stretched, pleased that only a dull ache greeted him rather than the sharp pain that had been his companion for so long now. He eased forward to throw a piece of wood on the coals. The fire crackled and snapped as it caught, spreading warmth through the small cottage.

  Unable to resist, he kissed Kayte’s soft cheek, admiring the arch of her brow, the dark fan of her lashes. An idea formed in his mind. Though he didn’t see how it could possibly work, nor could he set it aside. He’d always carefully plotted his course of action, rarely veering from his plan. But now he was prepared to toss all that aside for the woman beside him.

  Dare he hope that she would agree to be his wife? To set aside her own plans and become his? He reined in the desire to wake her and ask her this very moment. It was far too early. She hardly knew him. He had nearly a fortnight to woo her. His obligation to the king was concerning as he could think of no way to avoid journeying to Scotland which meant leaving her behind when he’d only just found her.

  Perhaps he could convince her to wait for him. Somehow he had to make this work. Now that he had her in his life, he had no desire to let her go.

  He heard Joseph rise, don his boots, and head outside.

  Rylan leaned over to give Kayte a kiss. “Good morn to you, Kayte.”

  She smiled before she opened her eyes, and his heart trembled at the sight. That smile was for him. His presence pleased her. For this day, that was enough.

  “Happy Christmas, Rylan.” She drew his head down to hers to kiss him.

  More than his heart trembled at the heat of her mouth.

  “And to you,” he managed before kissing her again.

  “Sir Rylan?” Joseph called as he opened the door, his face full of excitement. “Come quick!”

  Rylan was on his feet in an instant. Somehow he knew what had Joseph so enthused. He offered his hand to Kayte who rose quickly as well. Rylan hurried toward the door, anticipation high.

  Joseph opened the door wider. The snow had stopped but nearly reached the top of his boots. As Rylan drew closer, he recognized the sleigh pulled by two horses that drew to a halt. His father and brother jumped down from the seat.

  “Father?” Emotion clogged his throat as he hurried forward.

  “Rylan!” His father clasped him in a hug so tight it stole his breath.

  After a long moment, his father eased back to look at him, his blue eyes as vivid as Rylan had remembered. “You look good, son. Are you well?” The frown that creased his brow showed he’d seen far more than Rylan’s arrival.

  “I am now.” Rylan blinked at the moisture in his eyes. He turned his focus to his brother. “Garrick.”

  The joy on his brother’s face echoed what Rylan felt. “So good to see you, brother.” Another long, hard hug had Rylan’s ribs aching.

  His brother’s gaze caught on something or someone behind him. Rylan turned to see Kayte in the doorway, her smile lighting his heart even more.

  “Father, allow me to introduce Lady Kayte Dufrane.” He turned to look at his father, hoping to convey how important this woman was to him.

  But he needn’t have bothered. His father knew. Whether it was his second sight or simply fatherly instinct, Rylan didn’t know, nor did it matter. The result was the same. His father knew and understood.

  “Lady Kayte, ’tis a pleasure to meet you. My wife is most anxious to meet you as well.”

  Kayte frowned, obviously puzzled by his father’s greeting.

  Rylan and his brother laughed. “That is part of the long story I mentioned earlier,” Rylan told Kayte. “But it can wait until we arrive at the keep.”

  His father merely grinned and stepped forward to take Kayte’s hand. “We are so pleased you’re able to spend Christmas with us.”

  Rylan shook his head. Now his father was simply showing off and teasing Kayte in the process. “He’s incorrigible.”

  “You didn’t think he’d changed in the time you’ve been gone, did you?” his brother asked.

  Rylan put his hand on Garrick’s shoulder. “’Tis very good to see you.”

  His brother’s blue eyes, so much like their father’s, grew serious. “Indeed it is. Are you certain you are well? We have been quite concerned.”

  “Healing nicely, thanks to Kayte.” Rylan glanced over to where his father conversed with her.

  “Aye, we saw her as well. She’s lovely.”

  Rylan grinned.

  “So is she the one?”

  Rylan paused, uncertain how to answer. “That would be my Christmas wish.”

  His brother hugged him again. “Then allow us to see if we can convince her how irresistible our family is.” He leaned back to look at Rylan once more. “I’ve missed you, brother. As has our sister.”

  “How is she? And Mother?”

  “Very well. Anticipating your arrival, so we should gather your things and make haste.”

  His father gave him a puzzled look. “Is there gold?”

  Rylan laughed so hard he couldn’t speak.

  “I told you,” his father said to Garrick who laughed as well.

  Kayte’s eyes grew wide. “How did you know?”

  His father smiled. “You might say ’tis a gift I have. Why don’t you tell me of it as we return to the keep.”

  Soon they had loaded the ladies into the sleigh and saddled Rylan and Joseph’s horses. The other horses were tied to the sleigh along with their belongings and the wooden box. Anne and Kayte told his father and brother about their discovery as the caravan made its way through the snow until at last Staverton Keep came into view.

  Rylan sighed in appreciation. How good it was to be home. He’d received his first Christmas wish. While it might seem greedy of him to ask for another, he wanted Kayte.

  His gaze caught on hers as she turned back to look at him. His heart thundered in response. Love came when you least expected it. Now he knew that for a fact.

  * * *

  The days passed far too quickly. Already the first day of the New Year had arrived. Rylan knew he could wait no longer. While he was certain Kayte cared for him, he worried whether she’d be willing to wait for him to return from Scotland. In the back of his mind was the fear that he wouldn’t come back. But a visit with his father had convinced him that he couldn’t live his life in fear. He needed to make his life what he wanted, and that was Kayte as his wife.

  With snow gently falling, he prepared the sleigh with piles of furs to keep them warm and heated rocks to lay at their feet. He wanted to be alone with her to tell her how much she meant to him and to convince her to wed him.

  Kayte’s eyes lit with delight when she saw the sleigh.

  “Did you have a sleigh when you were growing up?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “This is truly a delight.” She tilted her face up to the gently falling snow, giggling like a girl when the flakes tickled her nose and lashes as they glided through the countryside.

  Rylan’s heart swelled wit
h joy. That little shadow of doubt fell away as he watched the beautiful woman beside him. She’d blossomed in the past few days as though happiness had transformed her. He pulled the horses to a stop.

  “Kayte.” The seriousness of his tone had her looking at him with worry in her blue eyes.

  “Aye?”

  He took her hand in his, nerves dancing in his stomach. “I love you so very much.”

  Her eyes widened and her lips parted. “Oh, Rylan. I love you as well. So very much.” Tears filled her eyes as she lifted her other hand to place it alongside his cheek. “My heart is yours.”

  Relief made his next question so much easier. “Will you be my wife? Before I leave for Scotland? I know ’tis much to ask but it would make me the happiest man alive.”

  Her tears spilled over and a sob caught in her throat. “Nothing would please me more.” She threw her arms around his neck. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”

  “Nor I. But I’ve given my word to the king. Knowing you’re waiting for me will keep me safe from harm.”

  He drew back to kiss her, letting his passion for her heat them both.

  At last she leaned back to look at him. “How soon can we be married? I don’t want to waste a moment.”

  He grinned. “And here I worried about rushing you overmuch.”

  “I would marry you this very day if it were possible.”

  “Soon, my love. Let us tell my family of our plan. I know they’ll be as happy as we are. With luck, we can be married within a sennight.”

  “Seven days is far too long.”

  “Then we shall make it six. We’ll be married on Epiphany.” He kissed her again, so grateful his Christmas wish had come true.

  Epilogue

  “Let us raise our cups to my brother and my new sister!” Garrick lifted his own. “Best wishes to the happy couple!”

  Kayte had to swallow back her tears at the toast. She had a new family, which was more than she’d dreamed possible. Even better, she had a husband. Now they had even more of a reason to celebrate Epiphany.

  “I hope those are happy tears,” Rylan said as he took her hand in his.