Page 50 of Highland Spirit

“So ye had a daughter and never told us?” asked Caleb, still trying to understand it all.

“I just found out myself,” said Ethan, rowing the boat to the shore.

“Ooooh,” said Caleb with a nod. Then his face became red as if he were embarrassed. He turned and waved at Kirstine and Finn on the shore. “Hello there,” he called out. “It’s just us again.”

Alana and Ethan exchanged glances and he smiled, making her feel warm all the way down to her toes. She liked the fact he knew Isobel was his daughter and was happy that she’d told him. And although she fought it today, she also liked that she was married to him as well.

But there was a worry in her head that she couldn’t shake. She was sure her father, Diarmad, and the others wouldn’t feel the same way when they found Ethan living at Blackbriar Castle with them.

Ethan docked and helped everyone to shore.

“Alana!” cried Kirstine, running to her and embracing her in a hug. “We were so worried about ye when ye didna return. We thought ye’d been drowned at sea in the storm.”

“Nay, I am fine,” she said, releasing her and looking over to Ethan who was taking Isobel from Caleb. Finn ran over to help them tie up the boat. Trapper jumped over the side and ran in circles on the shore as if he had too much stored up energy. “I stayed overnight at the MacKeefe camp because it was too dangerous to sail back with Isobel in the storm.”

“I agree,” said Kirstine. “But how dangerous was it stayin’ the night with Ethan?” She smiled and waited for Alana’s answer.

“More dangerous than ye can imagine,” replied Alana, watching Ethan as he held Isobel nearly upside down while she reached out to pet the dog. She clutched her new doll like a lifeline and giggled.

“It seems like Ethan really likes Isobel,” said Kirstine, watching them as well.

“Well, he should since he kens she’s his daughter.”

“Ye told him?” Her eyes opened wide.

“Aye, I finally did. And we made love afterwards, too.”

“Ye did? Do tell.”

“There isna much to tell.”

“Och, it was no guid then?” Kirstine wrinkled her nose.

“Oh, nay, it was wonderful! What I mean is, I didna tell him about . . . about what goes on here.”

“Well, that’s understandable,” said Kirstine. “And ye can never tell him. So, how long is he goin’ to stay? After all, he needs to leave before Diarmad returns.”

“He’s . . . no’ leavin’ as far as I ken.”

“But he has to leave, Alana!”

“Nay, no’ really,” she answered, wringing her hands in front of her, worrying about what to do. “Ye see, Ethan and I were married this mornin’. He is now my husband.”

Ethan watched from the corners of his eyes as Alana talked with her sister. By the way Kirstine’s mouth fell open, he was sure she’d told her they were now married.

“So, how long are we stayin’?” asked Caleb, walking up with the food basket over his arm.

“I’m no’ sure,” said Ethan, putting Isobel down.

“Isobel, come on, I want to show ye where one of the sheep got stuck in the fence and ate its way out,” said Finn, taking the little girl by the hand. They ran off toward the stable together.

“Take Trapper and go with them,” said Ethan, taking the basket from Caleb. “I dinna like this place. We need to keep a close eye on my daughter.”

“Me?” Caleb made a face and looked back at the basket. “What about ye go and I’ll guard the food.” He reached out for the basket but Ethan moved it to his other hand.

“I’d go, but I have a feelin’ I need to keep a close eye on my wife. There is no tellin’ what we’re goin’ to encounter here, and I trust no one. Now, take Trapper and watch Isobel. I’ll meet ye back at the castle.”

“Fine,” Caleb grumbled, pulling Slink out of his pouch and putting the pine marten on his shoulder. “But Slink and I are hungry, so ye’d better save a haggis or two for us.”