Page 29 of Wolfehound (De Wolfe Pack Generations #11)

She was cut off when something big and black appeared between her and Liam. She looked down to see the pup she’d given him, now an enormous dog with a head that was larger than hers.

“Bran,” she said softly, bending over and putting both of her hands on the dog’s head. “What a beautiful lad you are. Have you been good?”

The dog was quite happy to see her, wagging his tail and slobbering on her wrists. But he was threatening to dirty the blue silk, so Liam pulled him back by the big collar around his neck.

“He’s the best dog in the world,” he said. “But he weighs more than you do, so be careful with him. I do not want to see him knock you over.”

Cambria’s hand was lingering on the dog’s head. “I am not concerned,” she said, giving him a final pat. “But I do not want to be made untidy by this beast. When I am in more suitable clothing, he can be as messy as he pleases around me.”

Liam turned around and whistled loudly between his teeth, trying to catch the attention of someone in the escort just as the wagons were coming through the gatehouse.

“I will tie him to one of the wagons,” he said. “I do not necessarily want him wandering in an unfamiliar place.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” Cambria insisted. “Bring him into the hall. There will be scraps for him there and he can nap near the hearth. That would be better for him.”

Liam looked at her dubiously. “Are you certain you want him there?”

“Of course.”

“He’ll try to steal food off your trencher tonight.”

Cambria grinned. “I will happily give it to him.”

Liam chuckled, looking to the dog. “Do you hear that?” he said. “The lady of the house has given you a reprieve from your exile. Mind that you behave yourself.”

The dog just wagged his tail furiously.

As this was going on, an older couple approached from the escort that was settling off to the west, away from the gatehouse.

A very big man in armor and a lovely woman with glistening red hair and fair skin were heading in Liam’s direction.

He happened to glance up from the dog to see the couple approaching.

“My parents are coming,” he said to Cambria. “You’ve met my father before, but I do not think you’ve met my mother.”

Cambria spied the same pair. “Never,” she said. “But your father was very kind to me.”

Liam held out a hand to her, and she placed hers in his big palm.

With a wink, he led her over to his parents as Bran tagged along behind them.

When they got near his parents, Bran charged ahead and jumped on War, who was forced to push the dog down.

Then he took hold of the collar as Liam and Cambria came to a halt.

“Liam, you are going to have to train this dog not to jump,” War said. “If he jumps on your lady, he’ll knock her down and probably crush her.”

As Cambria snorted, Liam conceded the point.

“I’ve tried,” he said. “You know I have tried, but he is incorrigible. My lady is simply going to learn how to push harder than he does. Speaking of ladies… Mama, this is Cambria. Bria, this is my mother, Lady Herringthorpe. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, when the two women I love most meet. ”

He was smiling warmly at them both. As Cambria curtsied for the lovely woman with the vibrant red hair, Annaleigh Herringthorpe rushed forward and put her arms around her son’s future wife.

“Let us not be so formal, lass,” she said in a heavy Scots accent. Releasing her, she stepped back for a moment simply to look at her. “Liam told me that ye were lovely, but he dinna tell me just how beautiful ye were. Ye’re a sight tae see.”

Cambria blushed. “Thank you, Lady Herringthorpe,” she said. “I have so longed to meet you. Liam speaks so lovingly of you.”

Annaleigh looked at her son. “He’d better,” she teased. “But he’s a good lad. He deserves tae be happy.”

“I intend to try very hard to make him so.”

Annaleigh smiled, patting her on the cheek. “I can see that,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “Now, will ye take me inside and give me something tae drink? The travel has me parched.”

Cambria took her by the hand, and together they walked toward the hall. They looked very companionable doing so. Liam and War watched them go.

“Your mother likes her already,” War said quietly. “That’s a good sign.”

Liam nodded. “I hope so,” he said. “Honestly, Papa, I’ve dreamed of this moment. There were times I never thought we’d get here, but here we are. This is truly happening.”

War smiled at his son, hearing the awe and joy in his tone. “It is happening,” he said. “But I had to threaten Carlton to get here.”

“Should we go and find him?”

“I’ll find him. You go after your mother and betrothed.”

The pair split off, War going in search of the bride’s father and Liam going in search of his bride.

He could see the women up ahead, now arm in arm as they chatted amiably.

He could see them both smiling at one another.

Truthfully, he was content watching them because, as he’d said, he’d been waiting for this moment for a long time.

His beloved mother and his beloved bride, coming together for the first time.

He would let them have their conversation without interrupting. He was just so happy to see it.

The moment he’d been anticipating was finally here and nothing could spoil it.

Nothing.

God help him, he would remember that vow in the days to come.