Page 59 of Love Me Forever

Brianna turned to see her sister-in-law, Moira, entering the great hall with her six-month-old son, Duncan, in her arms. Her friend Anne came up from behind her, hurrying past Moira to hug Brianna.

Anne was barely a few inches over five feet with beautiful blond hair, a pretty face, and an independent nature. She was also Blair’s wife.

“It is good to see you safe,” Anne said after the hug, “and good that my husband was successful in finding you.”

Anne walked toward her husband. He in turn hurried to her side to greet her with a hug that swept her off her feet.

“I said that I would find her and I did. Now I deserve that reward you promised me.”

Anne playfully swatted at him and turned bright red. “You are no gentleman.”

Moira handed her son to his father and threw her arms around Brianna. “I have prayed for your safe return.”

Brianna welcomed her embrace. Moira was five years older than her brother’s twenty and five years, and plain in features, though her wide intelligent eyes produced a different kind of beauty that many found appealing, especially her brother Ian.

He loved her with all his heart, as she did him. They made a good pair, and Brianna had envied them their love. Now, however, she had found her very own. She turned to give her nephew a quick hug and kiss, promising him that she would spend time with him later, and then hurried over to Royce, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward Ian, though he went willingly.

Brianna could not hide her excitement. “Ian, I want you to meet someone special.”

Sudden silence descended over the great hall. Even the few servants who mulled about froze where they stood and stared with wide eyes at Royce.

Brianna grew alarmed when Ian’s eyes fired with heat and he sent a quick glance to Blair. Blair in turn gently urged his wife aside and moved to stand beside Ian. Anne hastily joined Moira, and they quietly moved away from the men.

Blair spoke. “He saved your sister’s life.”

Brianna did not understand. No introductions had been made and yet Ian seemed to know Royce.

“I am grateful,” Ian said with a guarded stance.

Royce barely nodded in return.

Brianna felt the need to explain. “Royce took exceptional care of me.”

Ian kept his eyes on Royce. “Again I am grateful.”

Brianna was beginning to grow annoyed and she spoke bluntly. “I was severely injured and could do nothing for myself. Royce saw to my every need.”

Ian spoke calmly; though it was obvious he measured his words carefully. “I am indebted to you.”

Royce finally spoke and shocked all. “Then I request permission to wed your sister.”

Brianna’s eyes widened in surprise, though it took only a moment for her to smile, slip her arm through his, and look to her brother. “I love him. I do not know how it happened nor do I care. He is a good man with a tender heart and soul, and I wish to be his wife.”

Royce smiled, kissed her cheek, and focused on Ian. “What say you?”

Ian stepped forward. “I want my sister to be happy.”

Brianna smiled, relieved that things finally looked as if they would work out all right.

“As do I,” Royce said and waited. He knew what would follow, and he placed his hand over Brianna’s, where it rested on his arm.

Ian kept his eyes on Royce when he asked, “Brianna, do you know who this man is?”

Brianna spoke with pride. “He is a warrior. I thought he would serve the clan Cameron well.”

Blair moved up behind Ian, and Brianna noticed that several of her brother’s fiercest men had entered the great hall and were lined up along the sides.

“He serves his own clan well,” Ian said.