Page 64 of Love Me Forever

“I sent men to view the remains. It was one of them who discovered the ring amongst the charred flesh and pocketed it as proof. The man fit Arran’s height and size, and the cloth he wore was of the Cameron clan. I saw no reason to doubt the body his.”

“Brianna knows nothing of this?”

“Nay, she did not ask and I saw no reason to tell her. I think she was relieved that her ordeal had finally come to an end, and she was free to travel about without several men to protect her.”

“I will protect her now.” Royce was insistent.

Ian was just as insistent. “She is my sister and my responsibility until she weds you, then she is yours to protect.”

Royce smiled. “I have permission to wed her regardless of whether she carries my child or not?”

“I had not known that she thought herself barren,” Ian said with concern.

“She is not.”

“You are so sure?”

Royce nodded. “A spineless coward has not the balls to father a child.”

Ian roared with laughter. “So you think, then, I will be an uncle soon?”

“Aye, you will, and I a father,” Royce said with pride.

“And if not?”

“I will find another way to convince your sister to wed me.”

“I will not force her to wed you,” Ian said.

“I understand and respect you for that, but I know. How do I know?” He shrugged. “I do not understand. I only know that Brianna will bear me children.”

“Then we will soon celebrate a wedding,” Ian said and raised his tankard in a toast.

Royce raised his. “I am grateful to you and I promise you this. I will protect Brianna with my life and not even death will keep me from seeing her safe, I love her that much.”

“This pleases me to hear and it pleases me to call you brother,” Ian said and extended his hand to him.

Royce gave his hand a hardy shake. “I must take my leave in a few days and see to clan matters. I will leave some of my men behind—” Royce raised his hand to stop Ian from interrupting. “I leave the men as a show of strength that our clans will soon unite.”

Ian nodded in acceptance.

Royce continued. “It should be time enough upon my return to know if Brianna is with child. But I advise that you plan a wedding regardless of her objections.”

“We shall have a large celebration.”

“I will return with many men to help in the celebration.”

“They are welcome,” Ian said.

“All will go well,” Royce said confidently.

“Aye, it will,” Ian agreed.

Royce grew quiet and silence filled the room.

“You miss my sister.”

Royce sighed. “Like a lovesick lad.”