Page 72 of In Bed with a Highland Brute

“Ye’re wanting an heir.” Clyde’s words made Murdoch sit straight.

He thought of what he and Eloise had already done, that an heir could indeed be on the way. He had every intention of sharing that thrill again with Eloise, and if that was the case, he would increase his chances of siring an heir.

“Aye, I am.” Fergus turned to look at them both. “I want tae bring the weddings forward. For both of ye. Would ye accept that?”

“Aye.” Murdoch didn’t hesitate, much to the surprise of his father whose brows were raised before he smiled broadly.

Her heart is mine. Why refuse tae marry now?

Murdoch was simply sorry for the way they had ended up agreeing to marry in the first place. He hoped that when he and Eloise did wed, he could explain to her properly that he loved her too.

That is what it is, after all. Aye, I love her.

He wasn’t even sure when it had happened.

“Wonderful, wonderful,” Fergus said, trying to buoy himself up though plainly struggling with the task. “And ye, Clyde? Do ye think Harper would consent tae having the wedding brought forward?”

Clyde didn’t answer right away. He scratched his chin, seemingly distracted and stared at the fire.

“Is all well?” Murdoch asked, sitting forward as his fear grew for his brother. Clyde didn’t look him in the eye as he nodded.

“Aye, all is well. I can ask Harper, but I dinnae see a problem with bringing the wedding forward.”

“Good, that is good news,” Fergus said and walked away from the pair of them. He went to the desk where his papers were laid out and snatched up a quill, clearly intent on signing off the new orders for the weddings.

Murdoch couldn’t take his eyes off his brother. Something was wrong indeed. Clyde kept fidgeting constantly, his hands never resting as he stared at the fire.

“Clyde?” Murdoch whispered.

“Everything’s well.”

“Aye, sure it is,” Murdoch muttered. “As well as the injured soldiers are in the great hall.”

Clyde shot him a glower but said nothing more. Murdoch didn’t feel he could push his brother to confide in him any more than this.

Maybe in his own time, he will tell me what is wrong.

“So, when are the weddings tae be, Father?” Clyde asked and stood from his chair, walking back toward the desk. Murdoch stood too, following him.

“My hope is that yers, Clyde, can be a week today. As for ye, Murdoch.” Fergus paused, looking at Murdoch with a heavy sigh.

Slowly, Murdoch folded his arms, sensing his father was slightly nervous about the timescale he was to offer now.

“Father? When is it tae be?” Murdoch asked, pushing the matter.

“We need a wedding as soon as possible –”

“In which case, why are ye delaying time by nae just telling me when it is supposed tae be?”

“Because I fear ye will say it is too hasty.” Fergus stepped forward, laying his quill back down to the desk. “I wish for the two of ye tae be married tomorrow. Do ye think Eloise would accept that? And her brother, Avery? Would he give his blessing?”

Murdoch didn’t answer right away. He looked away, back in the direction of the fire as he thought hard about what his father was asking.

Tomorrow. Eloise and I could be married tomorrow.

“I think Eloise would accept. I’ll ask Avery too.” He smiled, the thought of Eloise as she moaned his name beneath him made that warmth spread through his chest again. “I have nae objection tae tomorrow.”

“Callie! Ye’re makin’ a mess,” Aila complained loudly as Callie danced around Eloise’s chamber once more.