“I will. I’ll send some of our warriors out there to get her out of the cellars. Will that make you happy?”
“Aye,” he said, bolting out of his seat. “Now? Can we go now?”
“Nay, we shall leave at dawn.”
“But…but…”
“We’ll get her freed, Steenie. I promise you.”
Highland Lies
Book 4
This book has the epilogue that inspired an entire series–Highland Swords
Epilogue
Another all-time favorite. The birth of the three lads and one proud grandfather...
Alexander Grant stood beneath the large hearth in the great hall of his clan’s castle, his hands on his hips as he stared up at the weaponry above the hearth.
His brother Robbie joined him. “Could be a big day, brother.”
“Aye, ’struth, Robbie. Most of all, I pray ’twill be a healthy and happy day for all. Or should I say, a happy sennight. Bairns have minds of their own, as you well know. They’ll be here when they’re ready and not a moment before.”
“Truer words have never been spoken. Papa would be proud.”
A grin crossed Alex’s face as he thought about their beloved sire. He’d been strict with his sons, but they’d always known the man with the gruff bark had the softest heart of all, especially when it came to their mother.
“I like the way Jamie and Jake arranged the weaponry,” Robbie said, his gaze cresting the wide stone hearth. The mantel was covered with aromatic candles amid dried greens and berries carefully tied with ribbons by Maddie and Celestina. The various daggers, swords, and knives were mounted on the wall. The tapestries depicting the castle in the four seasons, which his mother had made so long ago, still decorated the long wall of the hall. Though their castle had grown in size, with added towersand a third story, they’d kept many things from the original keep.
“Aye, they did a nice job. Papa would be pleased to see some of his finest swords hanging there for all to see. If only Maddie hadn’t insisted I clean the blood from them,” Alex said, a bit of remorse in his tone.
“Your sword belongs above the others. Do you think the laddie destined to lift that mighty sword will be born today?”
Alex grasped his brother’s shoulder. “I can only hope the bairn is healthy and will bring us new joy.”
A woman’s voice echoed behind him. “You do not fool me at all, dear brother. You wish to have another wee lassie to strap to your chest,” Alex’s sister Brenna said.
Alex pulled her close so he could kiss her forehead. “I hope you have a fine day, sister, and may the Lord guide your gifted hands.”
***
Upon learning the news that the babes were due at around the same time, Alex had summoned his sisters, both renowned healers, to assist Caralyn with the births. Shortly after Brenna had arrived with her husband Quade, their sister Jennie, also the baby of the family, had arrived with her entire family in tow. Alex hadn’t waited long before summoning the elders into his solar to tell them the news.
“Sisters,” he’d announced, barely able to keep a straight face. “I have information for you that is only known by a chosen few. Maddie and Caralyn both know the truth, as do a few others, but I do not wish this to be shared widely until the time arrives for certes.”
Jennie had given Brenna a strange look, but they’d waited for Alex to tell the full tale.
“As you will surely learn, Jamie and Finlay have been unbearable in their constant competition about which one willhave the first laddie of the next generation of my heirs. They’ve been so obnoxious about it that both Gracie and Kyla have forbidden them to discuss it in front of the two of them.”
Aedan and Quade both burst into laughter at about the same time.
“The lists must be something to watch,” Aedan said.
Jennie stilled her husband by placing her hand over his. “I’d like to hear what else Alex has to say. I think there’s a reason he called both of us here. After all, there are now three healers here to tend two women who may not deliver together at all.”
Jennie tipped her head as she watched her brother’s expression. “Out with it, dearest brother.” Alex had been like a father to Jennie, so he often gave in to her whims, even at this age.
