Page 152 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Lunn laughed.

"What is happening here?" Will asked, glancing around at all the people. "Looks like a celebration."

"Oh, it is. A wedding." Brodie smiled.

Will frowned. "Whose?"

"Mine."

"And who are you marrying?"

His grin turning devilish, Brodie tilted his head. "I think you ken."

Will's glare intensified and his jaw muscle flexed.

"Your sister," Brodie stated firmly. "Whether you approve or not."

"Och. Indeed, chief? Without even speaking to me about it?"

"No need. I spoke to your father about it more than two years ago." Brodie lifted a brow. "When you betrothed her to the earl, 'twas illegal, because our betrothal agreement was never nullified."

Will appeared confused and taken aback. He glanced around as if searching for the answer.

"Now, was it?" Brodie pressed.

"I suppose 'tis still in my desk somewhere. You truly wish to marry her, after the scandal, the betrayal, and everything she did?"

"Of course." Brodie scowled. "You think me incapable of forgiveness? Besides, the witch manipulated her. Elsea did it for me, to keep me from being murdered. I've loved her from the moment I saw her years ago. And I will protect her with my life."

Will studied him for a long moment, as if considering everything, then held out his hand. "Well, then. Welcome to the family, brother. You have my blessing."

His annoyance sliding away, Brodie shook his hand, then shook Corran's and Kieran's hands.

"I'm glad this is finally happening," Kieran said, smiling.

"We all are," Brodie said.

His closest selkie friends arrived next. Kenneth had taken a galley out to the island to bring them to Farspag. Brodie shook the hand of Chief Scarth, bowed before Lady Una, and thanked them for coming. He then greeted Harcus, Arabella, Ronin, Daavar and his rescued wife. Brodie was thrilled to see them smiling and happy again.

The bagpiper began in the bailey, the shrill notes of "Càilin mo Rùin-sa," my dearest girl, echoing.

Aye, for a certainty, Elsea was his dearest girl. He smiled.

Chapter 30

Elsea paced in her bedchamber, ringing her hands, anxious about whether her brothers would arrive in time. Since her window looked out over the sea, she wanted to rush to a different room and look into the bailey.

Bagpipe music reached her, and she halted. Did that mean they were here?

A knock sounded at the door, making her jump. "Come," she called.

Tilly, her maid, popped her head in.

"Oh, Tilly. I'm so glad you're here!" Elsea darted forward and hugged her.

"Och, m'lady," she sobbed. "I was so worried about you. I insisted on coming, regardless of your brother's disapproval."

"How are you?" Elsea squeezed her tight, then pulled back and wiped the tears from her own eyes.