Page 80 of My Scarred Laird

Callum sat back in shock as Islay held her hands to her mouth.

He held his hand up, “I thank ye for yer support. This will be a long process, but we will do wha’ we need ta so ye can survive no matter wha’.”

They all clapped, and Callum was thrilled to see that they had accepted him.

* * *

Over the next few weeks,progress had been made with several homes, and they were able to plant new crops.

Callum had gone back and forth to his keep a few times but concentrated most of his efforts at his new stronghold.

He and Islay were in love with the people, and he fell more in love with her every day.

She told him just days ago that she was certain she was with child.

He was over the moon. The people at the new keep loved Islay, and she had helped so many people.

The woman with the little boy that Islay helped the first night told him that she was to be Islay’s lady-in-waiting, and though Islay told her it wasn’t necessary, Lainey would hear none of it.

Her little boy, Cameron, was a joy. He often followed Egan around, and Egan, ever the patient man, let the boy follow him.

Lainey’s husband died when McGavin had taken over, and she had been alone for a long time.

Egan would often be seen at her side, and after the first month, Callum found him hugging Lainey after giving her a soft kiss.

He also had started to train the new men in the ways of combat, and he had done well with it.

The men responded to him and had worked hard for him. Callum loved seeing how the people had responded to them all.

He was thrilled for Egan and knew just how to repay him.

He wrote to the king, and after getting a reply back with his heartfelt acceptance, Callum had pulled Egan into his small office and had him sit.

“I kenned ye wished ta stay at my keep, but I think ye found your home here.”

Egan’s brows drew together, “I doona wish ta leave it though.”

“Ye are meant ta be here. The people need ye here. And ye can always come visit. These men need your leadership and I canna be in two places at once. Our keep needs its Laird. And this one needs one tae. It’s ye Egan. I sent a letter ta the king, and he agrees. Ye are ta be the new Laird here, if ye choose ta be.”

Egan studied him, “Ye wish for me ta be Laird?”

Callum nodded, “Aye. Ye deserve it Egan. There is no better man than ye.”

Egan swallowed, “Ye humble me Laird.”

“Ye are the Laird here. If ye wish it.”

Egan slowly nodded, “Aye. I accept.”

Callum grinned, and then shook Egan’s hand.

“Ye are free ta choose who ye wish.”

Egan grinned wider, “I think I like this.”

Callum laughed and found Islay teaching Lainey about healing.

Islay looked up, smiling.