"Izzy,I'm sorry. I ken ye probably think that I'm just like him, but I swear to ye, I tried to get away from him. And the second I could, I did. It was yer letters that gave me the courage. And I wanted to tell ye all this, but me faither would read every parcel that left the house. Ye have nay idea how controllin' he was."
"I'd never blameyou for something your father did. But things worked out in the end," Izzy assured as her ears perked at the sound of heavy boots echoing down the hall. "I'll talk to Aaron on your behalf. That's what you want, isn't it?"
"Aye,"Melina said. "I'd like to come back here and start a family. Liam has family here too, but I daenae want the Laird to think I'll start any trouble."
"And what do we have here?"Aaron's voice boomed through the sitting room, putting Izzy on notice. She loved the way her body reacted to the sound of Aaron's husky voice. She turned to face him as she stepped aside to show off Melina. Aaron's eyes widened as he stepped back.
"Laird McNeil,"Melina said as she jumped to her feet and gave Aaron the respect he deserved.
"What name wasit I heard ye announced as?" Aaron asked as his gaze shifted to Izzy for a moment before landing back on Melina.
"Lady Blakesmith,"Melina answered. Her voice bent with apprehension. "I've recently married."
"Liam Jones, am I right?"Aaron asked as he moved next to Izzy and curled his arm around her waist. Melina's head bobbed in agreement. "He's a good man. I'm pleased that ye found yer happiness. I am however a bit confused as to why it took ye so long to come back. Ye're aware yer faither tried to kill nae only me but me wife as well?"
"I hopethat ye'll think that perhaps me faither has already paid in full for his actions against ye," Melina answered as she dropped her eyes to the floor. Izzy's heart dropped with pity as she reached for Aaron's hand. "It was after all yer hand that announced me faither's demise. I'm hopin' that yer wrath died with him."
"Aye,"Aaron said as he let out a heavy sigh. "I have nay ill will toward ye, lass. In fact, I'm pleased to see that ye're still alive, despite what fate had in store for yer faither."
"Melina here is requestin'to return to the clan," Izzy explained as hope swelled within her. She hated the tension mounting in the room.
"Well,nae the clan, but I have received word that me brother is to marry, and I was hopin' I could attend it," Melina answered. "I dinnae want to come here and nae pay my respects to ye after everythin' our families have been through."
"It would benice to have a friend again," Izzy said as Edward's cry drifted from the nursery. Melina's eyes widened a moment before they shifted directly to Izzy.
"Is that a child?"
"Aye,"Aaron answered. "Me son, Edward."
"Ye've got a son?That is truly wonderful news," Melina cooed. "I'm so happy for ye both, truly I am. And maybe one of these days our children can play under the same oak together."
"And when are ye due?"Izzy asked as she beamed with delight at the news of her friend's pregnancy.
"Winter,"Melina answered as she rubbed her belly.
"Then ye shall havea place to rest yer head until ye give birth," Aaron announced much to Izzy's shock. Melina's face lit up as joy washed over her, replacing the weariness etched into her features.
"That is too much,"Melina said overwhelmed by the generosity. Izzy's heart overflowed with joy and happiness. She was thrilled to see how quickly he could bury the hatchet. It was as if Melina was the daughter of some other man, and all her flaws had been swept away. "But I thank ye. So much, thank ye."
"Best getthe servants to make up a room for ye," Aaron said.
"Butye really daenae need to do that. Me husband's family isnae that far from here. Maybe an hour ride. I am grateful though for the offer. Ye daenae ken how much it means to hear that."
"Just dous a favor and send us word when ye have the babe," Aaron said as he glanced at Izzy. She flashed him a huge smile as thoughts of Edward playing with Melina's child out in the garden danced through her head. The image was beyond pleasant; it was a future she would fight for and protect at all cost.
"Now who is that?"Aaron huffed as his attention shifted to the window. Izzy's eyes widened as she clapped her hands. With Melina's unexpected arrival, Izzy had completely forgotten about Jacob's secret arrival. Her gaze shifted to Aaron as she wondered how Aaron would take even more news.
"My love,I think you might want to sit down for a moment," Izzy explained and guided him to the nearest chair. He wrestled against her soft touch as the footman made the announcement.
"Sir Jacob Mills."
"What is he doin'here?" Aaron huffed as he glared at Izzy for the answer. She gave him a little shrug as a sheepish grin stretched across her lips.
"Now don't get mad,"Izzy started as Chloe darted past the doorway. Aaron's face went cold as he slowly rose from the chair. "But I think Chloe is in love with the lad."
"Over me dead body,"Aaron shouted as he charged for the door. Izzy pushed against him, keeping him within the boundaries of the room.
"Lether figure it out on her own," Izzy said. "Give her what we didn't get. We didn't have a choice, she does. Let her make it."
"But it's Thomas,"Aaron bemoaned as he relented his pursuit.
"And he'sthe man Chloe wants. You wouldn't want her to be miserable and marry a man she didn't love, now would you?" Izzy asked as she batted her eyelashes. Aaron's expression hardened.
"The first timehe breaks her heart, I'll break him," Aaron announced with such conviction that Izzy didn't question it further. She merely pressed her hand to Aaron's chest and smiled at his fierceness.
"Lord helpus if we ever have a girl."
The End?
