We are beautiful in the gifts God gives us,” Meg could hear her mother’s voice echo in her head.

Perchance this trip to the Isles could be an opportunity for a new life, a rebirth, to become the man he knew he could be, not the broken, disturbed man he left behind in the Highlands.

Robbie took her hand, leading her toward their shared bedchamber. “When Scotland needs them, they will be there. I have faith in that.” “Ye always did have more faith than anyone,” she sighed, following her lover to the warmth of their bed.

She grasped his head with her hands, drawing him to her, and kissed him with all the emotion she could muster. If he had no solace in his childhood, he would now find solace with her.

. . . this time he was gentle and light, and Meg lost herself in the wonder of such a kiss. Then he pulled away, smiling down at her upturned face.