Aunt Brenna said, “Oh, Alex. I miss you so.” Then she looked to Maddie and said, “And you, my dear sister.” They weren’t true sisters, but Aunt Brenna had always said Maddie was as close to a sister as one could get.
Connor grabbed a chair, sat down, and nodded to both. “My thanks for visiting again one more time. I knew it was you when I saw the light, Da. And I wished to bring Jamie, Maeve, and Kyla with me.”
“Connor,” his mother said. “We’re here to see Hagen get married and you’re missing it.”
“It was the musical part, Mama. No worries. And I promise to be there for their vows. My thanks for saving me on Tiree.”
His father stepped closer, so close he could nearly touch him, but he had such a transparency to him that he knew better than to reach out to him. His sire’s hair was as dark as night, the aging, gray-haired Alex Grant gone, replaced by the fierce Highlander chieftain they all remembered so well. “Hagen and Brynja saved you the first time, Connor. You were lucky. You and Hagen did a great job the second time using your wits instead of your emotions. Well done. You took care of Dugan, Connor. Fear not. You will heal,” his father said. “It’s not your time yet, you have much more to do. Lia will tell you later.”
That comment surprised Connor. “You are familiar with Lia?”
His mother gave him that smile as if she were watching him stuff his mouth with her holiday sweet breads. “Of course, we know Lia. You’ll see.”
His father said, “Don’t let the lass fool you. She’s a wise old soul inside that faery.”
Their mother clasped her hands in front of her chest. “We’re so proud of you all for the way you’ve raised your bairns. And Brenna, our thanks for always taking such good care of our clan.”
Their father added, “And my thanks for bringing the clan to the power you have. And most importantly to me, a clan with the honor all Scots would be proud of. I have one more question, Connor. Have you accepted the truth about your son yet?”
Connor grinned, tears filling his vision. He knew what his sire asked, referring to his special skills, but he also knew his sire well enough to know that skill needed to be kept a secret. So he answered in the way that would entertain his siblings. “Aye, Hagen bested me, Da. He now has the stronger sword.”
His father erupted in a hearty laugh, the sweet sound bringing so many memories to all of them that Kyla let out a low squeal.
A head popped up behind Alex and Maddie.
Jake smiled. “He is better than you, Connor. Just as Alasdair beat me long ago. Greetings to you all. Happy Yule, especially to my twin.”
Jamie said, “You’re missed more than you know, Jake. Hellfire…so much.” It wasn’t often Connor saw Jamie cry, but he shed a few tears with him.
Maddie Grant lifted her hand in a wave. “We’re leaving. Our time is always short. Go back out there with everyone. We love you. Godspeed, all.”
Their light faded and Aunt Brenna leaned over and hugged him, none of them saying a word before returning to the ceremony. Kyla wiped her tears away and leaned over to kiss both brothers’ cheeks, then hugged Aunt Brenna. Maeve sopped up her tears that appeared to be never-ending, the others hugging her.
They didn’t need any words, their hearts were full.
The Gathering
One new scene for you
Grant Castle, the Highlands, winter, 1314
Brenna Grant Ramsay stood on the parapets with tears in her eyes, looking over the unbelievable number of people who had come to honor her dearest brother’s life. The surrounding fields were full of scattered tents with banners identifying the many clans represented at this farewell to the great chieftain and swordsman, Alexander Grant.
Grants, Ramsays, Camerons, Mathesons, Menzies, Drummonds.
Siblings, bairns, grandbairns, friends, nobles, villagers.
So many who loved and admired Alexander Grant.
Brenna looked forward to finally settling with the family in the great hall after the end of the ceremony and the meal shared afterward.
Jennie squeezed her hand. “They are together now. It’s what he wanted more than anything.”
Brenna whispered, “I know. He is with Maddie, Mama and Papa, Jake, Aline, Robbie, Caralyn. And my dearest husband. Quade, I miss you so much.”
“And the one they lost. They are meeting for the first time.”
Brenna whipped her head to face her sister. “Do you believe that?”
