This. Was. His.Baby.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, letting the tears fall onto his cheeks unabashedly. He wished to cuddle her as he had when she was a bairn, keep everyone away from her.
Finlay nodded to Alex and the others. His sire, Nicol, took a step toward him. The warrior finally spoke, “I have something I’d like to say.”
Alex nodded. “Go ahead. You have a few moments before I send her to Cameron land. My sisters can help her heal.”
Finlay kissed Kyla’s cheek and said, “My apologies to all of you for my hand in this travesty. My laird, I need you to know that I love your daughter. Naught would please me more than to ask for her hand in marriage, but I understand that first I must prove my worth. I foolishly thought I should leave Clan Grant after my mother’s passing, but now I realize that there is no place I’d rather be than by this woman’s side. I set out to prove my worthiness to you as a suitor for your daughter, but I bungled everything terribly. I will accept your decision, whatever ‘tis, but I do love her with all my heart.”
He waited, his gaze on him. Alex had been struck speechless. It was the last thing he’d expected Finlay to say at this moment. “Lad, I think ‘tis something I need to think on…”
Kyla opened her eyes and did her best to smile. “Papa? ‘Tis you truly? And Finlay…would you mind repeating what you just said?”
Gillie hurried up to her and shouted, “He says he loves you and wishes to marry you.”
Finlay chuckled and kissed her gently. “Aye, I do love you. But I know I must prove myself.”
“Finlay, set her down please,” Alex said.
“Nay, it pains her to stand, my laird. Either her ankle is twisted or her foot broken, so with all due respect, I cannot set her down in good conscience.”
“Is there a boulder I could sit on behind that waterfall?” Alex pointed in that direction.
Gillie said, “Aye, there are two large ones.”
“I’d like a few moments alone with my daughter. Please hand her to me.” Alex reached for his daughter and scooped her into his arms as carefully as he could.
She winced but was able to grab his shoulders, and he carried her behind the cascading water, feeling a few cool splashes on his face. It helped ground him in the moment as he settled on the boulder with Kyla on his lap. “You are comfortable enough to talk?”
“Aye, Papa. I’m so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. Finlay only came along because I swore I’d go alone without him. The message was a ruse, but I believed it. I was terrified for Davina.”
He rested his chin on his daughter’s head as she continued to babble, explaining her actions, but all he could do was take in the familiar scent and softness of his wee daughter. Kyla had become such a strong woman, just as her mother was. How could he fault her for doing what was right and fighting against the abuse of women? Nay, he was proud of her, and Maddie would be, too. “Daughter, I do not fault you for your good heart,nor do I fault Finlay for protecting you. The fault lies at Buchan’s feet. Forgive me, but I must ask. Were you raped?”
Kyla pulled her head back and cupped her sire’s cheek. “Nay, Papa. Finlay and Davina and Gillie protected me. I may not walk for a while, but I’ll survive. Oh, Davina is fine and so is her daughter.” She brushed away the wetness she found on his cheeks. “Papa, I’m sorry. What will happen now?”
“Do you love Finlay?”
“Aye, I do love him. After watching my brothers and my cousins find such happiness in marriage, I was afraid I’d never find the same, but my love has been in front of me all along. And the best part is that he’s part of our clan. I’ll not be leaving you and Mama. I couldn’t bear it.”
“You’ve been through much, so we’ll not decide now. Uncle Brodie and Finlay’s sire will escort you to Cameron land. Your mother is there with your aunts, who will tend to your wounds. I need to finish this so the Buchans and de La Porte will not disrupt my clan again.” He stood, lifting her with him, then stooped to kiss her cheek. “I love you, lassie. My heart was nearly broken from worrying about you, but I am proud of you.”
He stepped out from behind the waterfall and said, “Brodie, Nicol, please deliver Kyla to her mother on Cameron land. Take seven guards with you.”
After Brodie mounted, Alex carefully lifted Kyla up to him. “Papa, be careful,” Kyla said. “I love you and Finlay.”
“What about me?” Gillie asked. “Where do I go?”
Alex beckoned to the lad and gestured for him to stand in front of him. When Gillie did as instructed and lifted his gaze to him, Alex set his hand on the lad’s shoulder and asked, “Are you not my daughter’s protector?”
He grinned and said “Aye, my laird.” His eyes grew wide, waiting to see what would come next.
“Welcome to Clan Grant. You may ride with Nicol. Take care of my daughter until Finlay and I return for her.”
“Aye, my laird.” He raced to Nicol’s horse and jumped so high he almost flew over the back of the horse, but Nicol caught him. It was good to see the man grinning—the loss of his wife had weighed on him.
After taking a final look at his daughter, ensuring himself she was all right, Alex moved over to speak with Nicol. “Your son made me proud today. I do not fault him for what transpired. He brought my daughter back to me safely.”
After the group bound for the Camerons left, Alex motioned for Jamie and the other two guards to patrol the area. “Jamie, I’ll speak to Finlay alone, then we shall head back. Give us a few minutes.”
