Page 5 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Now, healthy and radiant, she’d stolen his breath. He had no choice but to try again to win her hand.

He may have told her his intentions to marry her, but until he got approval from the laird, Liam didn’t see a reason to ask her if she’d have him. But ask her he would, if given the chance.

He didn’t need only the laird’s permission, but he needed her acceptance as well. For he wouldn’t take her to wife if she wasn’t amenable.

With two impossible tasks before him, he decided to start with the part of his visit that was easiest. He drew the letter from his sporran. “I’ve brought a letter from my laird.” With a bow, he handed it over to the surly man.

Without any reply or gratitude, the man broke the seal on the letter. Liam watched as the laird’s eyes snapped back and forth as he read the page. An occasional snort escaped his lips and a grumble.

Liam wished he knew what was in the missive so he’d know what to expect. He knew very well many servants read their master’s mail. It was easy enough to reaffix a seal if one had a mind to. But Liam had never done such a thing; he respected his laird too much.

While Liam wasn’t much for writing, he could read well enough. But he kept his skills to his own correspondence, of which there was very little.

Liam cleared his throat when the man refolded the letter but said nothing for a long while. Had he forgotten Liam was still there? Had he fallen asleep?

“Your laird thinks highly of ye.”

Liam blinked. This wasn’t what he was expecting. “I believe so, sir. I’ve given him no reason not to.”

“A faithful man is what he called you in this…” Hugh Stewart picked up Lachlan’s letter and waved it around before tossing it to the side like rubbish. Liam’s fists tightened at the disrespect, but he remained quiet. “I assume you’re here to ask for my daughter’s hand yet again, though I’m not sure why you’d bother, since I’ve already told you no twice already.”

“Aye, sir, but if you’ll hear me out…” Liam tried to swallow but it felt as if dust clogged his throat. “The last two times I asked, I had nothing to offer Evelyn but a warrior’s pay. I come before you as the war chief of clan MacKinlay. I ask that you consider my request now that my position has been elevated to one of honor.”

The man snorted again. Liam found himself hoping Evelyn didn’t have a strong bond with her father so they wouldn’t have to visit the old codger once they were wed. But he remembered, the few times she’d spoken during their travels. she’d worried her father wouldn’t love her anymore.

Liam had assured her a father’s love was not easily brushed aside. It was forever. His words were empty, since he’d never experienced such a thing for himself, but it had calmed her.

“Your laird offers an alliance on your behalf,” Hugh reported.

Liam’s eyes went wide. “I did not know.”

The laird laughed. “Surely you read the letter along the way.”

“Nay. I didn’t.”

“Ah, yes. The faithfulness he spoke of.” The man spat the word, making it sound like a horrid thing.

“I congratulate ye on your advancement to war chief. And I appreciate the laird’s offer of transporting goods once his ship is constructed. However, I’m in no need of such services, and I already have an alliance of peace with the MacKinlays, since we joined forces to take down the McCurdys. I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your offer yet again.”

“Sir, I understand I may not be able to offer anything of great value, but I swear on my life, she’ll not want for anything. I’ll make sure she’s happy and treated like a queen all her life.”

“Feel free to stay for a meal before starting your return trip home. You’ve a long journey ahead of you.”

No offer to even stay the night within the castle walls. It was an insult, but one Liam expected.

“Aye. Thank you, laird.” He managed to keep the bitterness out of his tone, but it was a hard thing. He’d been rejected again.

Evelyn Stewart was not to be his.

Chapter Four

Evelyn jumped back from the door when she heard footsteps coming closer. She rushed down the hall and watched from the corner as Liam exited the laird’s study and rested his head against the wall.

“Bloody hell,” he mumbled and stood taller. With a deep breath she could hear from her hiding spot, he turned and left.

Shocked to her core, she hurried to her chamber and shut the door. Liam had asked her father for permission to marry her. From what the laird said he’d done so three times, each time earning a rejection from her father without him even asking her.

In truth, it wasn’t her decision to make. It was a laird’s right to decide for their children without consulting the parties involved. It was the way of things, but that didn’t mean Evelyn had to like it.