Elizabeth’s eyes misted immediately. “Nay, Papa. You’ll never lose me. Gil and I have been together for about six or seven moons. We spent time together at Castle Curanta, and it just happened. Seeing how hard he works, his patience with the bairns, his sense of humor…I just fell for him.” She turned around to look up at her sire. “Papa, he reminds me of you, honorable and strong, gentle and loving, yet a fine warrior. You know Loki considers him one of his best warriors. ’Tis how he ended up in Edinburgh.”
“Lass, I understand young love as I remember it verra well, but why have you not shared this with your mother and me? Why hasn’t he done the right thing and asked me for your hand?”
“Papa, ’tis all my fault. I wouldn’t let him. He wanted to, but we both are happy where we are. He feels devoted to Loki and some of the bairns there. And I…I…”
She turned around and leaned back against her sire, unable to say the words. Grateful the mood was boisterous enough so no one could overhear their conversation, she fought back tears, swallowing hard.
“Lass, tell me how it was your fault, please?”
She turned sideways to try to explain it to him. “Papa, I was afraid to leave you. The thought of leaving Grant Castle…it broke my heart.” Her tears started and she couldn’t stop them. “I had to stay behind when you were hurt. Mama always hides everything from me, and I never know the truth of what is happening to you or Jake or Jamie or Connor. The only way I find out is if I’m there. I didn’t think I could leave you and Mama, but…”
“But?”
She peeked back over her shoulder at him. “But after all this, I’m not sure anymore. I need to be with Gil, wherever we live. I love him, and I was so scared for him when he was hurt. When I arrived in Edinburgh, I thought he would die. And then I was attacked, and I woke up in a room in this castle. I knew not if he lived or died. Even when I looked out of the tower, I wasn’t sure if he was alive because he wasn’t with you. I was so frightened. But I need him, I need to be with him all the time. I’m sorry, Papa, but now I know what I want, and it’s Gil.”
“You know what’s happened?”
“Nay, Papa. I’m more confused than ever. Everything has turned upside-down on me. My simple, orderly life has become a world of chaos, and I don’t know where to go from here.”
Pride shone in his eyes. “What’s happened is my wee lassie has grown up to be a woman. You know what’s in your heart, you just have to reach for it.”
“I do love him so.”
“Your mama and I will be fine. You may choose to live wherever you would like. ’Tis your choice. Together.”
“But he has to ask you for my hand first. I know he will.”
“He already did, but it wasn’t the best situation, so he’ll ask again, I’m sure. Until then, we’re nearly on Grant land, so you know what that means, do you not?”
“Aye, I’m home finally.” She sat up straight and swiped at the tears running down her cheeks.
“Cover your ears, lass. We just crossed the border, and ’tis time to let Maddie know you’re safe.”
Her father let out a loud war whoop and her brothers all followed suit, setting their horses into a gallop across the meadow and up the hill to Grant Castle, their banners hoisted in the air. The noise from all the warriors causing such a din that she did indeed cover her ears, laughing as her father sent Midnight into a full gallop. “Hang on, lassie. We won.”
She giggled as they trounced across the meadow, watching Gil out of the corner of her eye. She knew he was still in a great deal of pain, but he was smiling at her like she’d just become his betrothed. How she wished it were true.
When they arrived outside the gates, she could see her mother standing at the opening waiting for them, Maeve and Kyla next to her. A line of stable lads awaited the horses.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Alex loses another daughter…
Gil celebrated outside with all the warriors, but as soon as he caught sight of Alex alone, he hurried over to him. “Laird, may I have a word with you in private?”
Alex nodded. “Follow me.” He led him through the crowded courtyard, everyone stepping aside to make way for the former laird, and Gil was pleased to receive several pats on the back as he followed him.
They entered the solar, and Alex closed the door after Gil entered, pointing to a chair for him before he took a seat behind one of the desks. The solar had been expanded not long ago to accommodate all three brothers along with their father.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t wait long,” Alex said with a flat expression.
Gil could feel the sweat in his palms and the twist deep in his gut, but he had to do this. “My lord, I’d like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. I love her with all my heart, and I believe I can protect her. I’ll always treat her well.”
Alex leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him. “A few questions first if you don’t mind.”
“Of course. I’ll answer anything for you if I can.”
“I’d like to know more about your background. How exactly did you end up at Buchan Castle?”
