Colin's Quest Read Online Free PDF Page B

wrapped in almost threadbare material, and handed it to Colin.
    His brows knitting together, Colin looked down on it in confusion. “What is it?” He let Angus slip it into his hand.
    “It belonged to my ma, your gram. When she died, her wish was that this go to the oldest MacLaren grandson, then passed on to his wife. It is yours, Colin. You can choose the lass you give it to.”
    Colin’s hands shook as he let the object slide from the fabric. His gaze shot to Angus, then back down to the most beautiful brooch he’d ever seen. Made of silver, the oval brooch, open in the center, had crosshatched hand engraving on the face, three Citrine stones on the top were set in an ornate silver wing, with one stone set on the bottom. He held it in his palm, already envisioning Sarah wearing it.
    “My da gave it to her when they married,” Angus continued. “Be warned. When you give it, your heart will go with it.”
    “It’s already hers, Da. There’ll be no other wife for me.”
    Angus clasped his shoulder. “Then we’ll find a way for you to see Sarah before we leave.”

    Getting Colin and Sarah alone had been easier than anyone thought. The MacGregor men had left in the early evening for a round of drinking, leaving the women and children alone. Stumbling into camp before midnight, each collapsed, falling into a deep, undisturbed sleep.
    “Now, Sarah, while everyone is asleep. There will be no one to catch you together.” Geneen tugged at her sister’s arm. “He’s waiting for you next to the general store.” She pointed up the street.
    Seeing Colin’s lean form, Sarah broke away and ran to him, hurling herself into his arms.
    “Ach, lassie, it’s a wonder I caught you.” Colin chuckled, burying his face in her hair, breathing in her unique scent, wanting to make it last so he’d never forget it. Squeezing his eyes tight on the thought, he pulled back, offering her a warm smile. “I love you, Sarah. I’ll never let you go.”
    “But, Colin…”
    He lifted a finger to her lips. “Shush now, lassie. You must believe. When we’re older, I’ll come for you, claim you as my wife, and bring you home. Will you leave with me when that happens?”
    Her eyes filled with tears as she nodded. “Aye, Colin. I’ll wait forever for you.”
    “And marry me?”
    “Aye, no other.”
    Sliding his hand into a pocket, he pulled out the brooch. “This belonged to my gram. Now, it’s yours. It’s my promise to you, Sarah. Do not misunderstand. We are betrothed as surely as any two people can be. I will come for you as soon as I can and we’ll marry. Never doubt it for a minute.” He took her hand in his, laying the brooch in her palm.
    She clutched it to her heart, her body shaking. “Take me with you, Colin. Please. Don’t leave me.” Tears streamed down her face as her eyes implored him not to go.
    It took all the strength within him not to grab her hand and run. “We cannot be together now, lassie, but we will be one day. I swear it to you. Just don’t forget me, Sarah.”
    Her eyes blazed in confusion. “Forget you, Colin MacLaren? Not as long as I have a breath left in me.” She tried her best to smile.
    He held her as long as he could before letting his arms drop and stepping back.
    “Go now, Sarah, before you’re missed. Know this. I’ll never love another.”
    “Nor will I, Colin.” Gripping the brooch tight in her hand, she reached up to place one last kiss on his lips, then turned and ran. Taking one more glance behind her, she climbed into the wagon and disappeared.
    When Colin woke the next morning, the MacGregor wagons were gone, leaving a deep, open wound in his heart. Setting his jaw, he steeled himself for the promise he made. He’d build a life in California with his family, then travel north to find her. No matter how long it took, he’d never give up. It was as he said. He’d never let her go and never love another.

Chapter Three
    Conviction, California, 1864
    Five years