“Thank you,” Laurel whispered. “You led your men into battle, and it wasn’t your fight.”
“You will always be my wee sister. Any danger you face is my fight,” Monty rasped. “Laurel, I haven’t been the brother you deserved for years. I’ve taken the easy way-out time after time, but I will always protect you. Always. And not just because you’re my sister. Because I care deeply for you.”
“I love you, too,” Laurel said, putting into words what her brother was too embarrassed to say in front of the other two men. “I’ve been a harridan for years, unidentifiable as the sister you once knew. I couldn’t unleash my anger at Father to him, so you became the scapegoat. You look so much like him; at times, it was almost possible to forget you are not him. We’ve made many mistakes over the years, and we’ve both been cruel. I’m sorry for what I’ve done.”
“I’m sorry too, Laurel. I don’t want you to think you’re no longer a Ross. I want you to know that maybe not today, but one day, you will receive the warmest of welcomes at Balnagown. Our story shall change as of today.”
Laurel nodded and looked at Donnan. “Thank you for protecting me. I can’t imagine the grief I would feel if I lost Brodie, and we have only been together a short time. I don’t know that my brother would survive losing you. You have been a friend for as long as I can remember. There were times at court when I was certain you were my only friend. Thank you for loving me and my brother.”
“Laurel,” Donnan smiled. “You are as much my sister as you are Monty’s. I’ve known you your entire life. You’ve kept our secret and protected us. It’s my honor to return the loyalty. You’re stronger and more loveable than you realize. And I think you’ve found someone who can finally show you that in a way I never could as your friend.”
“I love you, too.” Laurel embraced them both once more before she turned back to Brodie. She didn’t know what to make of his contemplative expression. She realized that she’d spoken of love with ease to her brother and her friend. But, while the sentiment was even more powerful toward Brodie, the words didn’t come as easily. Brodie stepped forward and caught her hands in his. They gazed at one another, understanding passing between them. They both knew it wasn’t enough. “I’m too scared to say it,” Laurel confessed.
“But I crave naught more than to hear it,” Brodie responded. “I never want you to fear telling me aught. If I am to have your trust, I know I must show I am worthy of it. Laurie, I love you.”
“Brodie,” Laurel sobbed as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I love you. I didn’t know I could. I never thought I would find a mon to love or who could bear to love me. But I have, and I do. I love you.”
“Wheest, thistle.” Brodie lifted her off the ground, cradling her in his arms. He glanced at Monty and Donnan, offering them a fraternal smile. He supposed he’d gained two brothers rather than just comrades in arms. He settled on the floor once more, and Laurel leaned against him. She dried her tears and relaxed. “Sleep,mo ghoal.” My love.
“I ken I’m safe with you,mo ghoal.” Laurel was soon asleep, her rhythmic breathing comforting to Brodie as he held her.
Brodie nodded at the two men. “We need to talk.”
