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Chapter 22
Two people stood aheadof them at the edge of the king's circle.Una recognized them before they turned.She knew that jaw.She had been looking at it across the room all evening.
Cormac's father turned first.His eyes went to Una and stayed there with a direct, assessing look.
His mother turned a moment after.She looked at Una, then at her son, then at their joined hands, and arrived at a conclusion quickly.
"Son," his father said.
"Da.Ma."Cormac stopped before them."I want ye to meet Una.My wife."
His mother inhaled sharply.His father was very still.
Then his mother said, "Ye married?Without a word, not even a letter?"She stopped and looked at Una properly."Forgive me.I am Lorna Stewart.Apparently, I am also yer mother-in-law.Och, and ye are so bonnie!Ye're going to give me such lovely grandbairns."She hugged her immediately.
His father had not spoken yet.He looked at Una steadily and she looked back without dropping her gaze.
"Ye've got good eyes," he said finally."Honest and clever."
"Da," Cormac said.
"And a very good set of teeth!"He moved closer, peering at her mouth.
"Da!Stop gawking at my wife's teeth."
"A man should notice these things."He extended his hand."Alastair Stewart.Welcome to the family, lass."Then he wrapped her in a bear hug until Cormac pulled her away.
"Thank ye," Una replied, trying not to laugh.
Nessa shook her head."I told ye they'd like ye."
Alastair chuckled.Lorna kept beaming.
"Call on me tomorrow evening," Lorna said, pressing Una's hand in both of hers."We have a great deal to discuss."
