Page 73 of The Laird's Wicked Game
Four days later …
“KYLIE GRANT AND I shall wed.”
Rae’s voice carried over the hushed hall, and despite that Kylie had known he’d make this announcement, embarrassment flushed over her.
The hall of Dounarwyse was packed this evening—all eyes were upon her.
Murmurs followed Rae’s words, and then, to Kylie’s surprise, the men seated at the trestle tables heaved themselves to their feet and held their cups of ale and mead aloft.
“Well met, Maclean!”
The heat in Kylie’s cheeks intensified. She felt as if she were glowing like the sun.
“Congratulations are in order!”
Rae smiled back at his retainers, his eyes darkening with emotion. Like Kylie, he likely hadn’t expected such an enthusiastic response. Despite that they’d fended off their attackers, the casualties among the Guard had left a subdued mood over Dounarwyse in the days following.
Rae had wanted to announce their union immediately, although Kylie counseled him to wait a day or two—until they’d buried their dead and life had returned to normal within the broch.
All the same, the folk of Dounarwyse were still on edge.
Tormod MacDougall hadn’t been found. Jack’s men had scoured the coast both north and south of the broch, and some even traveled inland. But the warrior had disappeared. It seemed he’d somehow managed to swim toThe Night Plunderer. Rae had been vexed that Tormod survived, and had sent word to the clan-chief, as well as the other Maclean chieftains, warning them to be on the lookout for the fugitive.
He’d resurface one day—and when he did, he’d be brought to justice.
Things hadn’t been the same at Dounarwyse since the attack. However, the news of their laird’s impending nuptials cleared the sadness away from the hall like spring sun on morning mist. A wedding represented hope. It was a reminder that although violence and treachery left a scar, they were no match for love.
It was the reminder all of them needed.
Nonetheless, across the table, Ailean and Lyle looked on, stunned. Likewise, Jack and Tara appeared poleaxed for a few moments before smiles split their faces. Passing Grace to her husband, Tara leaped up and skirted the table before throwing her arms around Rae.
He laughed at her exuberant response, but Tara wasn’t done. Eyes sparkling, she moved to where Kylie rose from the bench seat to meet her. The two women clung together in a fierce hug. “I’m so relieved,” Tara whispered to Kylie as the rest of the hall erupted in applause. “Ye both deserve happiness.” Her friend drew back then, tears glittering in her eyes. “When ye stayed on after the attack … I dared hope something had changed.”
“This is bonnie news indeed,” Jack added with a grin from a few feet away. “And if I didn’t have my hands full with these lassies, I’d congratulate ye both properly.” Indeed, Rae’s brother had two wriggling bairns upon his lap. Grace had just grabbed a piece of bread and was squashing it into her sister’s hair.
“Ye will have yer chance, I’m sure,” Rae replied, still smiling. “But for now, I wished everyone to know of our decision.”
“When’s the wedding, Maclean?” One of the men shouted.
“As soon as can be arranged,” Rae called back without hesitation. He cast Kylie a soft look then, one that made her heart squeeze. “Prepare yerself for a glorious day of celebration and feasting!”
Cheers went up at this news, and the tightness in Kylie’s chest intensified.
To think she’d been close to leaving this broch and the people who’d made her feel so welcome. She glanced over at the two lads who sat to their father’s right. Ailean and Lyle still had wide confused gazes—as if they weren’t sure what all the fuss was about.
“Won’t ye teach us anymore?” Ailean asked, his green eyes shadowing. Both the brothers had been delighted when she’d lingered after the attack and resumed their lessons the following day. Although, she’d sensed their worry that she’d soon reschedule her departure.
“Of course, I will,” she assured him, with a reassuring smile.
“But will I have to call ye ‘Ma’ now?” he asked, his expression still uncertain.
Her breathing hitched. Lyle also looked worried. She didn’t blame him. Days earlier, they’d thought she was leaving, and now their father had just told them she was to be their stepmother. They needed to have the situation explained fully.
Stepping away from Tara, Kylie moved around the table and stopped before her two charges. Rae’s sons had swiveled to face her, and she dropped to a crouch in front of them. Then, reaching out, she took their small hands in hers.
“I love yer Da,” she murmured. “And I will be his wife … but I will also continue to teach ye as I do now. Nothing will change.”
“Do ye promise not to leave us?” Ailean persisted.