Jamie led Torrian into the great hall, and Finlay and the others followed them inside. While Alex took to a chair again, Torrian strode to the back to see Glenn of Buchan.
Logan, still in the hall, moved over and placed his hand on the Ramsay laird’s shoulder as a show of support.
“Stand back, Uncle Logan.” Torrian whispered. “I need a moment.”
Logan did as his nephew asked, glancing at Finlay, Loki, and Cailean.
Torrian stared at the man, spat on him, then pulled his sword out, before going down on one knee before Alex Grant and bowing his head. “My thanks to you, Uncle Alex.”
Alex grasped his shoulder and said, “My stroke was for Kyla, Finlay, and all the Ramsays.” He nodded to Finlay. “There were many hands guiding my arm. His evil spirit did great harm, but it’s done.”
Torrian stood and turned to Jamie. “Any instructions, laird?”
Jamie nodded to his sire, giving him that honor.
“We’re heading home,” Alex announced. “We shall take one hundred guards with us. Have the rest bury the dead. Ten guards should stay to take Buchan and de La Porte to Edinburgh for the king to see.”
Torrian said, “Kyle Maule and I respectfully request that duty.”
Alex nodded to him. “See it done. Then we hope the two of you will join our celebrations on Cameron land.”
“With pleasure.” Torrian nodded and left.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The wedding of his eldest daughter…
Her mother leaned down and kissed her youngest daughters before sending them over to Aunt Jennie. “Go along with your aunties. I’ll follow soon. This moment is for your sister and her father. Her brothers will lead them.”
After much rustling and arranging, the others left. Her mother kissed her on the cheek and said, “You are a stunning bride, daughter.”
“Even with all my bruises, Mama?”
She kissed her forehead. “Even with your bruises. I hardly noticed them. You’ve chosen a fine man, and I wish you nothing but happiness.”
Jake kissed Kyla on the cheek before he left to escort their mother to the abbey.
Jamie and Connor stood on either side of their father. Kyla stared at Connor. “Oh my, Papa.”
Her sire lifted his brow in question.
“Connor looks exactly like you, and he’s the same height.”
Connor gave them all a mischievous grin, and her sire rolled his eyes.
Her father glanced at his sons and pointed to the door. “Go check if Gillie and Kenzie have the horses ready.”
For the first time since the battle, she was alone with her sire. She pushed on the crutch Aunt Jennie had fixed for her, but her father took it and tossed it off to the side. “I’ll support my daughter.”
Tears began to flow as soon as her gaze lifted to his.
“Why do you cry on your wedding day, lassie?” His thumb wiped her tears from her face.
“Oh, Papa.” He’d just called her lassie, sending her heart into her belly. “I was so worried about you, and I know I was the cause of much of this trouble. I had hoped to help, and I did the very opposite. I just wanted ourclannto stay the same forever. I tried to take over for both of you because you were wounded and Mama was so worried. I want you and Mama hale and hearty, and for everything to stay the same forever.”
He kissed her cheek. “Life is forever changing. You must accept that. Look at the fine young man you’ve found. He’s been there all along—you just needed to find him for yourself.”
“Aye. I do love him so. I cry out of guiltandgratefulness.”
