“Then I’ll count myself a brave man indeed.” He kissed her once more before offering his arm. “Come, wife. Let’s endure the celebration, then I’ll collect my reward later.”
The Great Hall brimmed with laughter, music, and the clink of tankards raised high. Torches burned bright, their flames reflecting off the clan banners that hung proudly against the stone walls, the hearth fires flickered gayly as if in dance, and the scent of roasted meat and spiced wine carried through the air. The whole clan had gathered in merriment and celebration.
“Fawn!” Two voices rose in unison, and in a heartbeat her sisters were rushing across the hall to throw their arms around her.
Fawn hugged them tightly, her heart swelling with joy, happy they had shared the past week together. For a moment, the hall, the noise, the eyes watching all faded away and it was just them, three sisters reuniting, sharing laughter and talk once again.
“This has been wonderful,” Ingrid said, smiling broadly.
“Aye,” Aura agreed, happily, and we will do it often. She rested her hand on her stomach that had yet to round. “I want you both there when I give birth.”
“Aye, me as well,” Ingrid said with a chuckle, her hand going to pat her slightly rounded stomach.
Aura smiled at Rhodes. “Get her with child, so our children can grow together like sisters and brothers.”
“He is doing his best, believe me,” Fawn said, her cheeks blossoming pink, not from embarrassment but the secret she had yet to share with her husband.
Two tall warriors, one with exceptionally fine features, moved in behind them.
Raff clapped Rhodes on the shoulder with a grin. “Whoever thought wishes could turn out so wonderful in the end.”
Declan chuckled. “Except for the mother-in-law part. She’ll turn you into a frog if you’re not careful.”
Rhodes’s mouth curved and looking as if he was ready to boast about his skills, Fawn poked him in the back with her finger.
He caught himself and said, “I’ve faced worse.”
The men laughed, shaking their heads, unaware of the truth that lingered unspoken. The power at Rhodes’s command, his witch’s blood that ran through him, the secret that bound Fawn and him tighter than any vow.
But Fawn felt the weight of it, even as she smiled at her sisters, her heart soaring at the sight of them all safe, happy, and together. Tonight was not for fear. Tonight was for joy.
Theodora swept toward them, Artemis at her side, both attired in garments that had the clan whispering of possible royalty.
“Mum, are you enjoying the celebration?” Fawn asked and waited for her to complain.
“It is quite pleasant, Fawn, and the food quite tasty.”
Her daughters stared in shock as her sons-in-law did, all except Rhodes.
“I told you that the Clan MacBrair knew how to throw an excellent celebration,” Rhodes said.
“And you were right,” Theodora acknowledged with a brief nod.
“Are you feeling all right?” Artemis was quick to ask.
“Aye, Mum, is something wrong?” Ingrid asked, Aura looking as puzzled as Ingrid sounded.
Fawn remained speechless that her mum admitted Rhodes was right, which made her wrong and she was never wrong about anything, so she claimed.
When Theodora didn’t respond, Artemis said with a grin, “So, you were wrong.”
His three daughters shook their heads at their da in warning.
Theodora turned a raised brow on her husband. “I don’t recall hearing Rhodes tell me I was wrong.”
A soft chuckle came from behind them. Elune approached, Sprig nestled comfortably in her arms. “My grandson is far too much of a gentleman and far too wise to embarrass his mother-in-law.”
Artemis rolled his eyes and Raff and Declan hurried their wives away before things turned ugly.
