Isle of Mull 03 - To Love a Warrior by Lily Baldwin Read Free Book Online

seem beyond the realm of possibility?” Bridget asked.
    “The last time I saw him I was twelve and holding a sword to a man’s neck—not the sort of behavior a man looks for in a wife. He is also not of Mull. Doubtless, when our men are at last released from battle, he will journey home to the Orkney Islands. Chances are I will never see Garik again.”
    “Well, ye seem to have worked out the mysteries of fate for yourself, and here I thought the future was unknown,” Bridget said, dryly.
    “I am simply trying to be realistic. I care not to lose myself once again to childish whimsies.”
    “And I am simply reminding ye that stranger things have happened,” Bridget said with a knowing smile.
    Nellore watched the surf rise up and crash against unyielding rocks. “I can see them now, brandishing their swords, charging into battle atop fine steeds,” she said with a sigh. “Were that it were me, Bridget. If only it were me.”

Chapter 5
    Nellore stood at the end of the dock at the small port of Gribun. Anticipation coursed through her. She felt overwhelmed with joy as a ship in the distance drew closer.
    “Can ye see anyone yet?” Rose asked as she squinted her eyes. Like Rose, Nellore was straining to make out the figures moving about the deck. A few men lumbered between those rowing to reach for the sail, which they in turn began to pull down.
    “I see Da,” Rose shouted, her sky blue eyes alight with joy. “And Logan. Oh, Nellore, they’re coming home. Da is coming home.” Rose flung her arms around Nellore’s waist.
    Nellore squeezed her sister’s petite frame as she stared at the one man on board not clad in the MacKinnon plaid. A black leather jerkin and black trousers set him apart, allowing her to fixate on his every move. Even from the distance she could see his black hair and white skin.
    “Oh, saints above,” she whispered. “’Tis Garik.”
    “What did ye say?” Rose asked.
    “Nothing,” she said, peering down into Rose’s expectant eyes. “Now, off ye go. Tell our mother that Da’s ship approaches.”
    Rose’s smile vanished. Nellore knew it was because Rose assumed she would have to race the distance to their home, which was situated beyond the outskirts of Gribun.
    “But it will take me so long. I will miss their arrival,” Rose said.
    “Wheesht, Rose. Mum is at the keep with Lady Bridget. Hurry now,” she said, using a stern voice to urge her sister into a run.
    Nellore turned back to watch the approaching ship. Her heart pounded as it drew alongside the dock.
    Her father, Duncan, was the first to leap from the railing. He called out her name and rushed to her side.
    “Nellore,” Duncan said again as he pulled her close. She laughed and squeezed him as hard as she could. “Too tight,” Duncan said, pretending he could not breathe.
    Then another pair of arms enclosed them both, and she squealed with delight when she smiled up into Logan’s bright, silver eyes. “Welcome home,” she said.
    “Get off, ye big lout,” Duncan said to Logan. “I wish to see my girl.” Logan pressed a hard kiss to her cheek. Then he backed away. Duncan smiled down at her.
    “Ye’ve become a woman in my absence,” he said. “A beautiful and tall woman.” Surprise colored his voice as his eyes swept from her toes back to her smiling face. “Ye aren’t that much shorter than me now, love.”
    Logan chimed in behind them. “Aye, I cannot tease ye and call ye my little sister, for there is nothing little about ye now.”
    “I’m a sight I know,” she said as she blushed.
    “A grand sight,” a deep voice said behind her.
    She spun around and found herself staring into Garik’s wintry blue eyes.
    “Hello again,” he said. He was changed and yet exquisitely familiar.
    “Hello, Garik,” she said.
    A slow smile spread across his face, causing her breath to catch. His eyes gleamed like stars.
    “Ye’re changed,” she said softly.
    Five summers had passed since last she saw Garik