Her Own Highland Laird - Chapter One

Colin’s commander moved his horse forth to trot beside his laird as they moved up the hill to Laird Balfour McGregor’s castle. Ramsey was sure that Laird Balfour already knew they were coming due to his soldiers standing firmly on the castle walls.

"Colin, are you sure she still remembers?" Ramsey asked uneasily. They still had their war paint on their face from their last battle.

"We will have to see, Ramsey." His laird answered. Colin was tall and well built. His chin was set and his eyes were piercing. Men had coward away with Colin's cold stare. Ramsey became devoted to his laird when Colin had a choice to save him in battle. He thought his laird would abandon him to die because he was a weakling and no one wants some who would impair their army but his laird had lifted him up from the ground and ordered him to live when he was about to die. He thought it was silly of his laird to order him to live when it all depends on God to take a life but he did not question his laird even though then he was only twelve. Ramsey came back to reality when he saw that they were approaching the castle now.

"You have heard that Laird McLean is going to betrothed her soon. You want to get her before he does, don’t you?" Ramsey knew his laird too well. He had been enemies with Laird McLean for a while now and McLean knew he would not win Colin unless he had help and the only way to get his army stronger was to marry McGregor’s only daughter…Brenda.

Colin didn’t answer him but continue trotting toward McGregor wall. The last time he saw Brenda was when she proposed to him. She was five years old then and he still remembered her small attempt to pinch his cheeks with a big silly grin on her face. Colin remember how little she was and she had big cheeks and huge blue eyes. Her blonde hair that was light and bright as the sun.

She had asked him to marry her and he burst out laughing and just when he was going to answer, his father had called him over to meet Brenda’s father and her oldest brother Balfour who was fourteen then.

When Colin and his army reached the threshold of McGregor’s castle the McGregor army swarmed around his army immediately taking their normal precaution. Colin raised his hand to silence his army and continue walking. His second commander saw the signal and ordered the army to stayed put showing that he was not here for war. Colin walked within the walls with his commander, Ramsey.

When Colin reached the first step of the castle Laird Balfour walked out with his wife Edina. He leaned down and whispered into his wife ear and she nodded her response standing with her head held high with pride. Then he walked down the steps to Colin who stood legs apart and arms crossed in front of him.

"What is it that you want, McAllister?" Balfour was annoyed at the unannounced visit.

"I am here to fetch my bride." Colin simply said.

"And who is your bride?" Balfour wondered what Colin was saying when clearly there was no one here that was able to be his bride.

"Your sister." Colin stated and Balfour demeanor changed.

Balfour had completely forgotten that his sister was a woman. His little sister has grown into a woman…he didn’t know when she had suddenly changed but he really didn’t even notice it.

"My sister is not your bride." Balfour’s voice turned cold.

"As a matter of fact, Balfour…she is my bride. She proposed to me." Colin revealed yet another fact that made Balfour give him a confusing look.

"When? How do I not know of this?" Balfour shouted.

"She did it when my family and I came to visit your father after a battle against the border." Colin responded.

"That was a long time ago. She can still change her mind." Balfour couldn’t believe Colin will still remember it.

"You know she can’t. What is said is done." Colin spoke dangerously low. Balfour was testing his temper. He wanted his bride.

Balfour ran a hand through his hair and with sigh he said, "Come inside."

Once they were inside Colin followed them to a table where they sat. Colin noticed that the house was comfy and warm even though on the outside layer it looked invincible. It actually looks like a home.

"My sister is out riding. She will be in a bit May I ask how did she propose to you?" Balfour was curious his wife now sat beside him.

She was a pretty little thing. Even though she was English she is now a Highlander and Colin could see she was loyal to her husband.

"She purposed to me when she was five. She walked up to me and pinched me on the cheek. After that she leaned forward and whispered in my ear ‘Will you marry me?’"

"Unbelievable. I swear she’s going to be the end of me." Balfour let out another weary sigh.

"I’m sorry to intrude but she proposed to you, Laird McAllister?" Lady McGregor asked finding herself now curious that her sister in law has done so but was not so surprised.

"Yes." Colin simply said and just then there was commotion outside. Someone came running in.

"My lord! My lord!" The servant shouted until he reached Balfour’s side then he collapsed to the ground gasping for breath.

"What is it, James?" Balfour ordered his voice on edge.

"Your sister is going to ride Thunder." James announced. Balfour swore under his breath before running out. Colin found himself curious and followed suit.

When they were outside and in the stable Colin thought he had somehow gone to heaven. There was an angel in the middle of stable. She had beautiful blonde hair and the most delicious lips ever. Her skin was flawless and creamy. He ached to touch her but when the angel opened her mouth to talk the vision of an angel vanished.

"David, if you do not move aside I would ban you from here!" The beautiful woman threatened. She tried to surpass the servant again who tried his best in keeping his mistress from passing.

"My lady, please. Do not do so. I can not let you ride Thunder. Your broth-" David didn’t get to go on. The beautiful woman had cut in.

"To hell with my brother. I want to ride Thunder." She argued.

"Brenda!" Balfour roared and Colin was positive he felt the earth shake but the beautiful woman did not jump or coward.

"Do not shout at me!" Brenda shouted at him and crossed her arms under her bosom revealing to Colin some nice creamy mounds.

"You will not ride Thunder. He is not yet tamed. Till then you will ride Black." Balfour responded back this time his voice was steady.

"Why is it that-" Brenda stopped talking when she caught who was behind Balfour. She immediately kept her mouth closed.

Balfour must of notice who she was looking at because she became quiet. So he spoke, "This is Laird McAlister. He is here on a visit."

Brenda curtsied perfectly to Colin who nodded his head in acknowledgment. "It is nice to meet you." She walked up closer to her brother now.

Colin thought she was beautiful from a far distance but he wouldn’t dream that was she was more breath taking being closer. He could see her large blue eyes staring at him innocently and the small curls that fall to her back and below her waist. She was stunningly beautiful. He heard an in drawn breath from his commander as well and knew he had the same effect.

"Is there a reason why you have come to visit, my lord?" Brenda asked curious now as to why he is here today.

"That is why you are to come inside with me, Brenda. I have an important matter to discuss with you." Balfour added quickly.

"Certainly." She answered and walked out with him.

When they were once again in the castle and sitting by the table Colin turned towards Balfour.

"I need to make this haste. I have an entire army outside and this has to be done swiftly." Colin pointed out to him. Balfour nodded his understanding.

"What has to be done?" Brenda was annoyed to be left out of the conversation. Colin grinned at her.

Colin admits he likes her witty personality. It was interesting to look at her. "Brenda do you remember me?"

"No." She asked clearly confused now.

"I am your brother’s neighbor and I had visited once before. Do you remember when?" He prodded her again. He wanted her to get irritated with him.

No. It can not be him. Surely he does not remember that he had proposed. Her heart beat quickened its pace. His grin grew as he saw her acknowledge him.

"I was little." That was her only excuse.

"Not anymore and you did propose. You can not take it back no more." Colin responded.

Balfour touched his sister’s shoulder. "There is nothing I can do. You have done what you have said. You must go."

"I was but a child, McAllister." Brenda persisted.

"Would it matter?" Colin’s eyebrow rose.

"You are preposterous! I will not marry without a fight."

"I do not fight women." Colin said taken aback. She is fiery.

"Fine, I challenge you in riding. You choose your horse. I choose mine. In an attempt in archery while riding our horses we will see whose aim is the best. If yours is closer to the target I will marry you."

"Is that so?" Colin liked a challenge. Especially, when it comes to conquering an untamed woman.

"Are you scared, my lord?" Brenda fluttered her eyelashes at him. He chuckled.

"I find it most amusing. Let’s do it then."

"Colin, I don’t think we have time." Ramsey butted in. Colin raised his hand to silence Ramsey.

"It is ok, this will be quick." Colin said with confidence. Brenda raised her chin in defiance.

There it was…the challenge was proposed and it was set. The servants and vassals surrounded them watching intently. Colin’s soldiers had moved within the castle walls to see their laird win the challenge. All of them had a smug look on their face.

Brenda got on her Black and prepared her arrows and bow. Shook hooked it over one of shoulder and in her face was determination. Colin couldn’t believe he was doing this but it would quite a time. He too got on his horse and there they were put behind a line. Brenda was to go first and make shot at 100 yards to the target located downhill. She moved fast and swift and when she was close to the target she prepared her bow and arrow. When she was close enough she let go of her string letting the bow fly threw the skies and hit the target. The McGregor soldiers and servants cheered their mistress on. Who came back smiling at Colin. Colin ignored her. Her arrow was close. It had hit the circle in the middle but only on the outside of the circle. He can still make it.

Colin began moving and at a neck breaking pace he lifted himself high to prepare his bow and arrow. When he was close enough to the target he took careful aim and let go of his arrow. It hissed in the skies for the strength of the pull was great. Everyone went quiet and watched as the arrow moved through the sky. It seems forever before it landed but when it did it hit right in the middle of the circle. The McAllister soldiers roared with success. They were proud of their laird. Brenda’s jaw dropped when she saw that she had lost.

Colin came riding back to see that Brenda was shocked to find her at lost. "Well, Brenda, it seems you are to be my bride after all."

"You did well, McAllister." She nodded her head like a woman warrior at him. He admired her honor and dignity. Even when she lost she did not scream or stomp but held her head high.

"The marriage is to take place today." Colin added.

Brenda looked at Colin. When she first saw him in the stable her breath was taken away. He was a handsome man. He was tall and built and his plaid went above his knees revealing strong calves. He was a handsome man but behind those eyes she saw something else that she couldn’t quite catch. His eyes were hard set and it felt no one was able to break the barrier.

"I will marry you then." Brenda heard herself spoke finally. She didn’t quite believe she said it but it came out of his mouth and his eyes narrowed.

After all these years even though it has been long he never thought she would be like a goddess. She’s beyond what he thought she was and she was soon to be his bride. When she was riding her horse her hair flew behind her waving and whipping with determination. It was a beautiful sight. He could tell his men was effected by it as well for they stared at their soon to be mistress like how he did.

Balfour nodded his approval even though he knew this was sudden. Her brothers and them came into the hall to talk about settling the wedding. All of which weren’t very happy with the decision but reluctantly let it go. However, her sister in law Edina was especially giddy. She was happy for Brenda. Edina didn’t want to be a matchmaker but she was happy to see that Colin decided to come for Brenda.

When Edina saw them she could feel the spark between them. She knew that now their fate has intertwined. The way Colin kept throwing Brenda small glances each minute was adorable and Edina knew that he is already trying not fall in love with her but Edina hope that soon Brenda can break through that wall.

Edina doesn’t know why men are so thickheaded. Sometimes, they are too strong, too stubborn, and have too much dignity to care or see the emotions being played back and forth. She walked up to Brenda to hug her.

"I am so happy for you." Edina said sincerely. Brenda found it hard to find her voice.

As the sun settled across the horizon Brenda married Colin. After that, Colin said his good byes to his newly brother in laws and lifting his bride onto the horse he came up behind her settling her in his lap. Brenda turned around to wave her hand at her family. Her sister in law threw soft kisses towards her and soon they were gone from view.