“Connor,” his mother said. “We’re here to see Hagen get married and you’re missing it.”
“It was the musical part, Mama. No worries. And I promise to be there for their vows. My thanks for saving me on Tiree.”
His father stepped closer, so close he could nearly touch him, but he had such a transparency to him that he knew better than to reach out to him. His sire’s hair was as dark as night, the aging, gray-haired Alex Grant gone, replaced by the fierce Highlander chieftain they all remembered so well. “Hagen and Brynja saved you the first time, Connor. You were lucky. You and Hagen did a great job the second time using your wits instead of your emotions. Well done. You took care of Dugan, Connor. Fearnot. You will heal,” his father said. “It’s not your time yet, you have much more to do. Lia will tell you later.”
That comment surprised Connor. “You are familiar with Lia?”
His mother gave him that smile as if she were watching him stuff his mouth with her holiday sweet breads. “Of course, we know Lia. You’ll see.”
His father said, “Don’t let the lass fool you. She’s a wise old soul inside that faery.”
Their mother clasped her hands in front of her chest. “We’re so proud of you all for the way you’ve raised your bairns. And Brenna, our thanks for always taking such good care of our clan.”
Their father added, “And my thanks for bringing the clan to the power you have. And most importantly to me, a clan with the honor all Scots would be proud of. I have one more question, Connor. Have you accepted the truth about your son yet?”
Connor grinned, tears filling his vision. He knew what his sire asked, referring to his special skills, but he also knew his sire well enough to know that skill needed to be kept a secret. So he answered in the way that would entertain his siblings. “Aye, Hagen bested me, Da. He now has the stronger sword.”
His father erupted in a hearty laugh, the sweet sound bringing so many memories to all of them that Kyla let out a low squeal.
A head popped up behind Alex and Maddie.
Jake smiled. “He is better than you, Connor. Just as Alasdair beat me long ago. Greetings to you all. Happy Yule, especially to my twin.”
Jamie said, “You’re missed more than you know, Jake. Hellfire…so much.” It wasn’t often Connor saw Jamie cry, but he shed a few tears with him.
Maddie Grant lifted her hand in a wave. “We’re leaving. Our time is always short. Go back out there with everyone. We love you. Godspeed, all.”
Their light faded and Aunt Brenna leaned over and hugged him, none of them saying a word before returning to the ceremony. Kyla wiped her tears away and leaned over to kiss both brothers’ cheeks, then hugged Aunt Brenna. Maeve sopped up her tears that appeared to be never-ending, the others hugging her.
They didn’t need any words, their hearts were full.
Chapter Forty-Three
Logan
The festival started right after the wedding with tables and tables of food. Pheasant, boar, and lamb meat pies, venison stew, fruit tarts, bread, and baked apples filled the tables. The hall was decorated with greenery, pinecones, and ribbons, and everyone from Mull was there.
Logan sat near the hearth, Gwyneth next to him. “Do you feel bad we’re not at Clan Ramsay, Gwynie?”
“Nay, we have enough friends here. But aye, I do miss our bairns and our clan. We see Simone often enough, and Eli is here, plus your special guest whom I adore is outside. It’s always good to see him again. This was a special year. Look at all the weddings.”
“Too many to count,” he said.
“I’m not sure who I think is the happiest. Who do you think is?”
Logan snorted. “Lennox and Meg because he’s always staring at her arse, Gwynie. Have you noticed? And Sloan couldn’t be happier to be married and to have his sister married and his father.”
“Rut and Dermot look verra happy. I hear Lennox and Taskill were overjoyed when Rut moved out to live with Dermot.”
Logan laughed. “But then Rut went home. Every time they argue she goes home, so Lennox says.”
Gwynie said, “I know who I think is the happiest—Thane and Tamsin. Their story is the best of all. He’s so happy with her, and he found his parents again. Plus, they caught those cruel bastards who abandoned those children on the shore. What a terrible story that was.”
“Merryn’s story is something too. Broc adores her.” Logan took his wife’s hand and kissed her fingers. “I just thank the Lord above that Connor made it through.”
The door opened and someone motioned to Logan.
“I’m up, Gwynie. I shall return.”
