"Already in the courtyard waitin’ fer ye." Callum's expression was knowing. "She insisted on being there tae greet them."
Of course she had.
Mhairi had been nervous about the meeting all morning, asking questions about Peadar and Kenina, worrying about makinga good impression, fretting that her presence might somehow complicate the alliance.
Alpin had finally pulled her aside and told her firmly that she was part of them now, that her perspective mattered. That Kenina, of all people, would understand exactly what she'd been through.
That had seemed to settle her somewhat.
Now, as Alpin emerged into the courtyard, he spotted Mhairi immediately.
She stood near the stable entrance, wearing one of her newer dressess. Her hair was braided and pinned in a style Freya had probably helped with, and her hands were clasped loosely in front of her.
She looked composed. Dignified. Like she belonged.
Their eyes met across the courtyard, and Alpin felt that now-familiar warmth spread through his chest.
Two nights ago, she'd fallen asleep in his arms, and they’d made love. He was falling for her. Had already fallen, if he was being honest with himself.
The sound of hoofbeats drew his attention back to the gate. The first riders were entering now, MacGregor warriors in their clan colors, weapons visible but not drawn. A show of strength and preparedness without aggression.
Then came Peadar himself.
Alpin hadn't seen his friend in nearly six months, and time had clearly been kind to him. Peadar looked more settled somehow, more at peace than Alpin remembered.
Marriage agreed with him.
Beside Peadar rode a woman who could only be Kenina.
Dark hair pulled back in a practical braid, intelligent eyes taking in everything around her, sitting on her horse with the confidence of someone who'd been riding since childhood.
She wore travel-appropriate clothing rather than anything fine, and Alpin respected that immediately.
Peadar dismounted first, then moved to help Kenina down despite her clearly not needing the assistance. The gesture was automatic, affectionate, and she smiled at him as she landed.
"Alpin!" Peadar's voice carried across the courtyard. "Good tae see ye, me friend."
"And ye." Alpin crossed to meet them, clasping Peadar's forearm in the traditional greeting. "Thank ye fer comin’. I ken the journey wasnae easy this time of year."
"Worth it if it means finally bringin’ Graham down." Peadar turned to the woman beside him. "Kenina, this is Alpin MacDougal. Alpin, me wife, Kenina."
"Lady MacGregor." Alpin bowed slightly. "Welcome tae MacDougal lands. Thank ye fer makin’ the journey."
"Please, just Kenina." Her smile was warm but her eyes were sharp, already assessing him. "And thank ye fer the invitation. Peadar's told me much about ye."
"All lies, I'm sure."
"Mostly complimentary, actually." She glanced past him. "And is that?—"
"Mhairi." Alpin gestured for her to join them. "Mhairi Munro, may I present Laird Peadar MacGregor and his wife, the Lady Kenina."
Mhairi moved forward, her composure holding despite the nervousness Alpin could see in the tight set of her shoulders. "Me laird. Me lady. Welcome."
"Just Peadar, please." His friend's expression had gone soft with understanding. "Alpin mentioned in his letter what ye've been through. I'm sorry fer it."
"As am I," Kenina added. And there was something in her eyes—recognition, perhaps, of shared trauma. "Though I'm glad Alpin was there tae help ye."
"He saved me life," Mhairi said simply. "More than once."
