“Brat.”
She gave him a really sweet smile. After a moment he laughed and leaned down to give her a brief kiss—well, that had been his intention. But as it happened, they were still kissing when the coach rolled to a stop before the castle doors. And just Devlin’s luck, it was Lachlan who got to the coach first to open it.
“We’ve a nice drive along the loch if you’re no’ ready tae end your journey,” he offered with a chuckle.
The Duke and Duchess of Wrothston broke apart, Megan blushing prettily, Devlin scowling. “Perhaps another time, MacGregor. Right now, we’ve a mind to see this relic you call home.”
“Och now, I’ll be pleased tae give you a tour once you’re settled in. She’s been under extensive repairs this year and is eager tae be shown off.”
At Megan’s curious frown, Devlin said helpfully, “I believe he’s talking about the castle, m’dear.”
“Well of course, I knew that. And you can tour all you like, it’s Kimberly and her daughter that I’m eager to see. Just point me in their direction, if you would, Lachlan.”
“My ladies are holding court in the parlor just now, entertaining Kimber’s family. They’ve come tae visit again for the christening too.”
“Cecil’s here?” Devlin exclaimed. “Good God, now IknowI’m not staying long.”
Megan jammed her elbow into his side, saying in exasperation, “I think he means the MacFearsons. I could have sworn I told you about them.”
“Ah, quite right. Must have slipped my mind.”
To which Lachlan laughed. “After you meet them,thatwill never happen again.”
He wasn’t exaggerating, they were to find. The MacFearsons were a fascinating lot. And all contained in one room, not five minutes could pass that a few of them weren’t arguing about something and coming near to blows. But Kimberly had an amazing effect on her brothers. She merely had to catch their attention, and with a simple look, they would be blushing and quieting down.
And they all doted on Kimberly’s baby, named after her mother. Kimberly had written to Megan, telling her something of that tragic story, and that this Melissa was going to have the happiness her grandmother had been denied. Megan had no doubt of that. The little darling had sixteen uncles. She was going to be positively spoiled.
“I hate to say I told you so, but I did,” Megan whispered to Devlin, nodding toward Kimberly who was smiling at Lachlan. “Have you ever seen a more happy woman?”
“Hmmm, possibly you?”
Megan appeared thoughtful before she answered, “Yes, I do suppose I make an exception.”
“Suppose?”
“Well, I can’t have you thinking you can stop working at it. It requires a lot to keep me happy, you know.”
“Does it indeed?” he growled by her ear.
She grinned. “But you do manage, indeed you do.”
“I told you it wouldn’t be so bad,” Kimberly said as she joined Lachlan in bed that night. “Admit it. You and Devlin actually enjoyed each other’s company today.”
He pulled her to his side as he did every night, waiting for her head to settle on his shoulder. They usually spent time talking before going to sleep—or doing other things. It had become a nightly ritual they each savored.
“I suppose he’s no’ such a bad sort, when he unbends a wee bit,” Lachlan allowed grudgingly.
“Well, there must be something there to like, for Megan to love him so much.”
Kimberly stiffened, wishing she hadn’t brought Megan up—but then again, she’d been meaning to broach the subject for a long time, she’d just never gotten around to it.
“What?” Lachlan asked.
She smiled. He was so sensitive to her moods. She rather liked that.
“I was just wondering—I know you love me—”
He drew her onto his chest for a hug. “Wi’ all my heart, darlin’.”
