Caitlyn’s cheeks reddened as Alex took her hand and led her toward Tavin and Brice. She didn’t know precisely what Alex planned do beneath the yards of wool, but she was eager to discover. They joined her father- and brother-by-marriage as they rolled their bedding and chewed on bannocks.
“Father.” Alex grinned at his family with sincerity for the first time in ages. Tavin and Brice stared. “Caity and I want to talk to you and Brice.”
Tavin and Brice exchanged a glance filled with trepidation, wondering what Alex might say. They both prayed it was what they wanted to hear, but they didn’t trust Alex not to propose something else outlandish.
“You know I don’t—” Alex’s mouth twitched on one side as his eyebrows matched. “Didn’t sleep well. Had I known the remedy was Caity all along, I would have begged her to come to Mangerton. But it’s not just her presence. I’m sorry that I refused to listen to either of you, but I didn’t make it any easier for Caity. There’s something aboot it coming from her that’s eased both my waking and sleeping hours. The nightmares are almost gone, and instead, I have happy dreams. I no longer believe they’re merely wishful thinking. Not when I’ve had so many.”
“I’m glad for you, son.” Tavin smiled, but Alex could tell he was far from at ease.
Alex turned to Brice, his elder brother mocking smile in place. “It’s a good thing that you’re still around to lend me asparehand.”
Brice’s grin matched Alex’s as he engulfed his brother in an embrace that cracked several vertebrae and threatened to lift Alex off his feet. It ended abruptly when Brice realized he squeezed Alex’s arm.
“Still as clumsy as a colt,” Alex teased. “Tell me, do you ever glimpse the sun from my shadow, wee brother?”
“Nay. Your arse blocks it all.” Brice playfully shoved Alex out of the way before lifting Caitlyn off her feet, making her giggle. “God bless you, lass. Finally, you’re taking him off my hands.”
“You mean it?” Tavin’s response was far more conservative than his younger son’s.
“Aye, Father. Mayhap hearing your words echoed from someone not in our family was what I needed to accept their truth. I’m certain Caity hasn’t spoken to anyone at Mangerton since the battle, and I’m sure Innes and Collette didn’t hear aught to tell her. I loathe that they involved Caitlyn in the threats against me, but I’ve always known I would stop at naught to protect her. I discovered I can. I pray I never have to again, but I realized I’m still Alex. I’m the warrior and leader you trained me to be, Father. Seven moons can’t undo seven-and-twenty years. I won’t let it.”
Tavin swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he nodded. Alex, Caitlyn, and Brice waited for him to speak, but he could only offer a second nod before he stuck out his arm. Alex grasped it around the forearm, their grips tightening to test who let go first. It was a game they’d played since Alex shot up at three-and-ten and met his father’s eye when he returned to Mangerton for the Christmastide. Neither relented, but Tavin pulled his son in for another embrace. They’d hugged more in the past twelve hours than they had in years. Neither man felt any embarrassment in front of the others, many of whom watched.
Innes joined them and wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “I take it you’d best remember all the lessons your mama taught you.”
“Aye, Papa.Mamanmade sure they all stuck.” Caitlyn smiled as she leaned her head against her father’s chest. She sighed as she accepted she was no longer his wee lass, hispetite fille.
“We will visit often now that you are closer and no longer stuck in service,” Innes whispered.
“Promise?”
“Aye, wee one.” Innes led Caitlyn to her horse, but she pointed to Strong. As he helped her mount, she couldn’t help but feel as though there was something symbolic about her father helping her onto her husband’s horse. From Innes’s damp eyelashes, Caitlyn understood he felt the same. It was an arduous ride for the rest of the journey, but it passed with lighter spirits among everyone.
Twenty-Five
Coira raced down the Mangerton Tower’s steps, her skirts raised to her shins as the Armstrongs and Kennedys rode into the bailey. The Bruces had returned to the Hermitage, and the Elliots had continued to Redheugh, declining Tavin’s hospitality. Alex helped Caitlyn to dismount, chuckling as his mother nearly smothered Caitlyn in her embrace, but it was his turn as soon as his feet were on the ground. More cautious than Brice, Coira ensured Alex’s left arm remained free when she encircled his waist. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she snagged Brice’s arm when he tried to walk past. The petite woman held her two massive warrior sons in place as only a mother could. When both her sons convinced Coira that they returned to her in one piece, she turned to Tavin. Neither was as effusive in their greeting, but there was tenderness and fondness in their embrace.
“Mother, I wish to properly introduce you to my wife, Lady Caitlyn Armstrong.” Alex beamed as he took Caitlyn’s hand, entwining their fingers before he kissed the back of it. Caitlyn giggled as she dipped a curtsy, then turned to face Alex.
“And I wish to reintroduce you to Alexander Armstrong, Clan Armstrong’s tánaiste and heir.” Caitlyn dipped another curtsy as Coira gasped, then squeaked. No one could hide their laughter as Alex’s brawny arm lifted her off the ground.
“Alex.” Coira kissed his cheek before looking at Caitlyn. “Thank you for bringing my son home.” No one misunderstood the significance. Coira led them into the Great Hall, where servants bustled about, bringing platters of food and jugs of ale out to the tables as the weary travelers found seats. Alex wanted nothing more than to escape to his chamber with Caitlyn, but he understood that was unfair to his mother.
The couple remained on the dais for an hour as Coira’s face alternated between a ghastly shade of white and a mottled shade of pink. She sat silently as Alex and Caitlyn recounted their tale, leaving out the part about coupling before their marriage or the scene in the undercroft. Once they were through, Caitlyn struggled to stifle her yawns.
“Caity, you need some sleep.” Alex said as he tucked hair behind her ear.
“And I’m certain soaking in a steaming tub wouldn’t go amiss for your arm.” Caitlyn frowned as she considered the strain Alex endured over the past sennight. She said nothing as they stepped down from the dais, but she whispered to a maid as they passed the young woman. It wasn’t long before steam rose from a massive tub crafted to fit men Alex, Tavin, and Brice’s size. Caitlyn was certain her father would eagerly make use of it when it was his turn. Alex stripped out of his clothes as Caitlyn arranged soap, wash linens, and shaving implements on the table she moved beside the tub.
“I shall be lonely,” Alex whispered as he wrapped his arms around Caitlyn’s waist from behind. It was the same thing she’d said when Cairren and Alex entered a stage where they didn’t always want the young Caitlyn to tag along.
“Then you shall have to undress me.”
“I don’t recall either Cairren or me saying that.”
“I should hope not!” Caitlyn chuckled as Alex pulled the laces of her gown free with his good hand. She tugged off her gown as she nodded toward the tub. “Now don’t waste time, or the water will cool.”
Alex hesitated. “Caity, that water is nearly scalding. It’s far too hot for you.”
