Alec explained before she could ask. "Laird Duncan. His wife wishes you to attend her birthing. He's paying for future aid."

"I am overwhelmed," Jamie whispered. "Do I thank them, Alec?"

"They're thanking you, Jamie. Each would give his life to keep you safe. You've done the impossible, love. You've actually united our clans."

She closed her eyes to keep herself from crying. Her voice shook with emotion when she said, "You've made Andrew a very rich man."

"No, Jamie. I'm much richer. I have you."

His voice had been so soft, so filled with love. A tear slipped down her cheek.

Alec saw it. He immediately turned back to Andrew. "Go home, Baron. The next time you step on Highland ground, we'll all take a turn putting our swords through you."

A resounding cheer echoed around the circle. Andrew was kneeling on the ground, collecting his treasure. Alec pulled Jamie into his arms. She immediately wrapped her arms around his waist.

Baron Andrew stared at the fortune he held in his hands. When he looked up again, not a Scot was in sight.

Jamie closed her eyes and hugged her husband. She still didn't understand most of the odd habits of the Highlanders, guessed it would take her a good twenty or thirty years before she truly did comprehend them.

There was joy in the learning, though, such incredible joy and love. Perhaps, she thought with a secret smile, when she and Alec had grown old together, perhaps then she might just settle in.