Wed to a Highland Warrior by Donna Fletcher

his strength, his courage, and his determination. And she knew then and there that he was determined to love her.
    And that would take the most courageous warrior, for he would have to let go of his guilt and fear and learn to love again.
    His hand drifted down over her backside, while his kiss trailed down along her neck, and he nudged her up against him, his leg wrapping around hers to draw her even closer.
    Pressed against him so tightly, she could not help but feel his desire, or perhaps he intended it so. Perhaps he wished her to know he wanted her and waited to see if she felt the same.
    And, of course, she did. She had found her passion for him sparking when they simply held hands or when he smiled at her; and certainly when he kissed her, desire soared like a roaring fire within her. But at the moment his need for her had come right after they had spoken of Leora, his old love. If she surrendered to Trey now, it would be to help him erase the memory of Leora.
    His kisses and touches continued, and it was difficult not to surrender to them. She ached to reach out and explore him as he did her, but if she did, it would seal their fate. They would make love, and she did not want her first time with him to be in the shadows of his old love.
    She caught his face in her hands and brought her lips to his in a tender kiss.
    He shook his head. “I know what that kiss means.”
    “You do?” she asked with a gentle smile.
    “Aye, it means we go no further.”
    “Do you understand why?”
    “Leora stands in the way.”
    “Come to me when she is gone, and I will not deny you.”
    “Promise?”
    “You have my word,” Bliss said.
    “That is good, for I will hold you to it, but for now I will hold you beside me while we sleep.”
    “I would like that,” she said, and snuggled against him, resting her head on his chest.
    “You feel good in my arms.”
    “I like being here.”
    “We make a good pair; perhaps fate knows what she is doing.”
    “Are you telling me that you are changing your mind about fate?”
    “Let’s say I’m considering it and will give it time,” he said.
    “It is a start,” she said on a yawn.
    “Sleep, a busy time lies ahead for us.”
    He fell asleep before she did and though she could feel sleep creeping around the edges, it failed to lay claim to her. Her mind was much too busy with fleeting images, and, try as she might, she could not make sense of them.
    The blond woman refused to leave her mind. She lingered there in pain and longing, calling out to Trey. She seemed unable to find any peace.
    Somehow, Bliss would need to find a way to help them lay their love to rest.

Chapter 11
    T hey reached the farm by late afternoon the next day without incident. Albert and his wife rushed out of their sizeable cottage to greet them. It was age or worry or perhaps a mixture of both that wore on Teresa’s face. Tears spilled from sad, wrinkled eyes, and when she took hold of Bliss’s hand, Bliss caught a glimpse of the woman she had once been: jolly, weightier, and far fewer wrinkles. Teresa clung tightly to Bliss, repeatedly thanking her for coming to the aid of her ill son.
    Albert was stoic though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Gray generously peppered his brown hair, and deep wrinkles lined his lean face.
    Trey and Bliss were ushered inside, and though they were offered drink and food, it was obvious the couple hoped Bliss would see to their son first.
    And she did.
    “Time for that later, I would like to see Philip now,” Bliss said.
    The relief on the couple’s faces was obvious, and Teresa hurried to draw back a curtain that separated the two-room cottage. Bliss and Trey followed, and Albert trailed behind them. Once in the room, Trey stepped to the side. He did not want to interfere with Bliss’s healing. He simply wanted to make sure she remained protected.
    He tucked himself into the corner of the small room, giving the parents and Bliss their privacy.
    The lad lay in a bed