“You know I stand by you. I wouldn’t have suggested this if I didn’t think it was for the best, but each of you must decide what is best for your clan.” Laurel looked at Monty. “Father will not be pleased. You and I both know that. There is no dancing around that point. But as you said, it cements our alliance and for at least two generations to come. Father would rather be friends than enemies with the Campbells.” Laurel’s lips twisted before she smirked. “He lends but a handful of men and can claim he was among the victorious. Sounds perfect for him.”
“Everything you say is true. But understand this, Laurel: I accept Brodie’s position because he’s right. For him, this isn’t aboot his wife. It’s aboot your clan. But for me, for the Rosses, this is entirely aboot defending you. You carry the Campbell name now, but you are a Ross by blood. I will not turn my back on you—not ever again, little sister.”
Laurel nodded. She didn’t look away from Monty, unwilling to let the MacFarlanes see how Monty’s words moved her. Finally, Monty broke their gaze and looked at the two lairds. Laurel looked past him at Donnan, approval and pride in his eyes. She smiled, the reassurance worth more than she realized.
“We follow Lady Campbell’s plan,” Brodie announced. “I will send messengers by water now. They’ll travel faster and be less obvious. I’ll set my patrols to watch for either clan from the south, and Graham has gone to get reports from those along the river. This is Scotland, yet it hasn’t rained in days. Pray for it tonight. It’ll be miserable fighting in the mud, but it will make the river swell and surge.”
The Andrews shook hands with Brodie, then Monty. The MacFarlanes left Brodie’s solar, but Monty and Donnan lingered. Laurel stepped around the table to stand in front of Monty. “I wouldn’t wish to repeat any of this. I wish I could return the men we’ve lost to their families. But I have my brother back. I am a Ross. I have been my entire life, and what name I bear now and what clan I live among can’t change that. My loyalty is first and foremost to my husband and my new clan. But I no longer wish to sever my ties to my family or the clan of my birth.”
“I no longer wish to let you do it. No matter what comes of tomorrow, you can come to Balnagown. I will stand before you and against Father if I must. You’ve earned the respect and that duty from me.”
“I like it much better when we are like this than pissing vinegar,” Laurel mused.
“Aye. It’s a damn sight better to be on your side than your target. God bless, but you’re terrifying. You may not wield a sword, but you’re ruthless. I’m glad the others listened to you.” Monty embraced Laurel before Donnan did the same. The couple left the newlyweds alone in Brodie’s solar.
“What do you expect will happen?” Laurel asked as she leaned against Brodie while she sat in his lap before the fire. They sipped whisky from their cups.
“I expect a battle. I hope it goes as you planned. Your strategy keeps the fight from our people, but I will summon the villagers into the walls at dawn.”
“Will you meet with Dominic this evening?”
Brodie shook his head and sighed. “I doubt it. It surprises me that he didn’t join us at all this eve.”
“It’s clear they love one another.”
“Aye, but he understands his duties as tánaiste. And Colina didn’t appear any different than she usually does.”
“Perhaps it’s an ailment we can’t see.” Laurel cocked an eyebrow and gave Brodie a pointed look.
“Mayhap, but I’m still disappointed.”
“I understand that.” Laurel ran her fingers through Brodie’s hair as his hand stroked her hip. It felt natural to sit before the fire with Brodie and discuss clan matters. “Once he’s spoken to you, will he let Colina ken what’s happening? Will she prepare the keep?”
Brodie snorted. “Not likely. Colina hasn’t taken an interest in running the keep. I always assumed she figured I would marry, and my wife would assume the position. But it’s been three years.”
“Then I need to speak with Aggie and Berta before it grows too late. I need to be sure we have enough blankets for everyone in case this becomes a protracted fight. I have no idea what the stores are, so I need Berta to tell me how long we can survive if somehow they besiege us. Is it possible for me to meet Nora in the morn? I’d like to ken what medicinals she has on hand and if there is aught she needs foraged close to the keep. I need to ask what she expects me to do.”
“She doesn’t expect aught from you, Laurie. It’s the other way around.”
“Any other day, you’re right. But once the wounded men pour in, Nora is in charge. I need to learn how I can help her and serve our clan.”
“Neither of us shall seek our bed soon. I need to meet with Graham. He needs to know our battle plan and to know I’ve sent men along Loch Awe. He and I need to assign men to their stations. I might even rally Dominic.” Brodie kissed Laurel’s temple, and she sighed. “I’m so impressed with you. I wouldn’t have accepted Andrew’s plan, but neither am I sure I would have come up with yours. I wouldn’t have thought to show it as you did. I love you more with each passing day.”
“My home is where you are. I realized that the other night. It’s not just the Highlands or this keep. It’s you and the life we’re already building together. But I couldn’t be the woman I am right this moment if you hadn’t taken me away from court. You’ve given me opportunity and purpose when you barely knew me. You risked a lot courting and marrying me.” Laurel grinned and tickled Brodie’s ribs, lightening the mood for a moment. “That makes you the bravest mon I ken.”
“And the wisest.”
“Aye, and the wisest. Wisdom comes with age, auld mon. We best be aboot our duties. I don’t like admitting it, but we both need to sleep tonight.”
“I ken. I dinna have to like it, lass.” Brodie waggled his eyebrows at her, reminding her of Andrew’s error. With a quick kiss, they parted ways. It relieved Laurel to find Aggie before the woman retired. They had a rapid conversation before the older woman set off to rouse some maids to help her. Laurel found Berta, who scrambled to show Laurel as many of the supplies as she could in the kitchens. Laurel would have to wait until morning to see the undercroft and storage buildings in the bailey. Two hours later, Laurel and Brodie fell into bed exhausted, but in one another’s embrace.
