“Aye, me laird. I dae.”
He looked at Duncan then at Lady Fiona. Duncan gave a small smile as he saw his mother nod. “Then we will continue to extend our courtesy.”
She beamed, “thank ye, me laird. Thank ye.”
Duncan could not hold back anymore. He took her hand and raised her to her feet.
“But he is already betrothed to another,” Laird Fergus continued as though he could not see them. “I have given me word tae Ian. Duncan, yer are aware of this.”
Grace’s hand in his went cold. Duncan shook his head. “I never agreed to this faither. I only kept quiet seeking the best time tae tell ye. I want tae marry Grace.”
Beside him, Grace gave a gasp of astonishment.
“Ye will risk the destruction of our alliance for her? An English woman?” Emily asked, shock apparent on her face.
“Aye. She is worth it and more. But I am also the future Laird of this clan and cherish our clans’ alliance. Sheena, how dae ye feel about Bryce?”
“I care fer him, very much so,” Sheena said in a shy, small voice.
“Then this can be settled. She could marry Bryce tae solidify our alliance. And most importantly, it will make fer a much stronger union, kenning Bryce’s feelings as well.”
Duncan turned to his father.
“Faither, you married Maither because of love. All I ask is that you let me dae the same.”
The laird looked at his wife. Duncan was waiting for what felt like an eternity until his father nodded. Meanwhile, Emily’s face twisted with anger. “Ye will regret this. Me faither will never agree tae this!”
The laird watched her quietly and Duncan knew his father was thinking. “I plan to speak with yer faither, Lady Emily. I do regret that matters have turned out in this manner but it is true that we made decisions without speaking tae me son and heir first. Ye would have made a lovely daughter. Ye’re welcome tae here if ye want.” He coughed twice. Emily’s mouth tightened, exuding her displeasure in the entire process.
“We will retire now.” Lady Fiona said.
While he spoke, Laird Fergus came to his feet. Bleary eyes swept over Grace and Duncan. “Welcome tae the family.”
Sheena, who was over the moon at the latest development, and Lady Fiona hugged Grace and then guided the laird from the room. The guards followed, leaving only Craig, Grace and Duncan in the hall.
“All right, I should go, afore the both of ye start yer smoochin’.” Duncan dragged him back by his collar. Craig protested vehemently until he met Duncan’s eyes.
“Thank ye,” Duncan told him. “Ye gave Sheena the keys, did ye nae? She has never been tae the dungeons.”
Craig turned red and stuttered unintelligible words. “I dinnae ken what ye’re talkin’ about.”
Duncan laughed and released his collar. Craig gave a small bow to Grace and raced from the room. “Ye really think he did it?”
“Otherwise, he wouldnae have turned the color he did,” Duncan said. His smile bloomed as he pulled Grace closer.
“Why would Craig help me? I didn’t think he would concern himself with it.”
“Of course he would. Ye saved his life at the lake. ‘Tis a debt he wants tae repay.”
“I wouldn’t say I saved him,” Grace smiled. Then, she had to ask, “Would ye have gone against your father to marry me?”
“Me Grace, ye have nae idea how much ye mean tae me.”
Her eyes flared, “me faither, he used to call me that.” Then she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. Duncan allowed himself to be swept up in the emotions roiling through him. He drank from her lips until he swayed with the intoxication. She was unintended, she had crashed into his life. She was the peace he craved. And now, she was well and truly his.
EPILOGUE
Six months later…
