“Come, lass. Ye’ll want to meet the laird and his wife.”
“The laird?” she repeated.
“Aye.”
He motioned her to follow. Clutching her elbows, she fell in step behind him. They entered through a heavy oak door with iron hinges that groaned, announcing their arrival. She stepped into a grand, imposing room with a soaring, intricately carved beamed ceiling. The massive stone walls were draped with tapestries and heraldry showcasing Clan MacLeod. Tall, narrow-arched windows fitted with stained glass windows filtered the faint sunlight, giving it a warm glow. All around the room, candelabras blazed. A massive, ornate fireplace was on one end hosting a roaring fire to warm the room. In the center was a long, wooden table big enough to host twenty with chairs on either side.
Sitting at the table were two men. Both looked up when they entered. One rose to his full height. He had sharp, bright-blue eyes and long dark hair with two plaits on either side. He peered at her with interest and curiosity and then his eyes widened as though he recognized her. The other man gave her a curious glance.
“Dougal,” the taller one said. “Would ye fetch my lady wife?”
“Aye, of course.”
Dougal hurried off to do his bidding while she and Jamie paused in front of the imposing Highlander who looked her over.
“I was checking the perimeter like ye asked,” Jamie said.
“Aye,” the man said. A dark brow lifted toward his hairline as he waited for Jamie to explain her presence.
“I found her,” he said, then turned to her. “This is my brother, Callum and laird of Dundale.”
“And ye are, lass?” Callum asked.
She opened her mouth to answer when a feminine gasp erupted to her left. Her head snapped in that direction. The young woman stood inside the doorway, her hands pressed to her lips and her eyes wide—familiar soft brown eyes—as she stared at her. For a moment Brianna thought she was seeing things.
The young woman staring back at her was Evie.
Chapter Six
Brianna gaped acrossthe great hall at her younger sister. The last time she had seen her was when she and Chloe graduated high school and that was years ago. But this was not the youthful girl she remembered. Her braided fiery red hair hung over one shoulder, the end tied with a scrap of tartan. This was a full-grown woman who had come into her own, who looked regal and older than her years.
As Evie rushed to her, she noticed her round belly and realized with some shock that she must be Callum’s “lady wife” and she was pregnant.
Evie embraced her in a fierce hug. “I knew you’d come.”
“Knew?” Brianna echoed.
Evie pulled back, holding her at arm’s length and grinning at her with a bright smile. Tears of joy glittered in her eyes. “There is so much to tell you. You won’t believe it.”
Brianna glanced at Jamie, who still stood to her side grinning as though proud of himself for bringing her here.
“Thisis the someone who can answer my questions?” she asked.
“Aye, lass.” He looked well-pleased with himself. A smug grin creased his face.
Evie took her by the hand. “Come on. We have to find Chloe. She’ll be surprised to see you, too.”
A wave of apprehension shifted through her as Evie dragged her away through the great hall. The last words she’d had with Chloewere less than favorable. She wasn’t sure how the other twin would handle her arrival. As Brianna was led away, she stole a glance over her shoulder at Jamie, who never took his gaze off her.
Once they were out of earshot of the others, Brianna pulled her sister to a halt.
“Wait. What is going on here, Evie?”
Evie spun to face her. “What did Jamie tell you?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?” she repeated, surprised.
