Her Broken Highlander (Highlanders 0f Cadney Book 3)

by Fiona Faris

  Amelia let out the breath she was holding, but she still wasn’t sure how Laird Cabduh was going to respond. He stood violently, and she braced herself for him to strike her.

  Gavin was by her side in an instant, standing between her and the furious laird.

  “Relax, MacGille, I’ll nay hurt th’ lass,” he said, his voice defeated and small. “The lad is right, I agreed tae this trial, and I should’ve kent the results would be this way. Ye’ll all be sorry, but what more can an old man dae?” He turned on his heels and strode out of the room.

  The room was silent as the old man left. Moments or mayhap hours went by, Amelia stayed in Gavin’s arms, sobbing. The weight of their journey finally lifting off her. The guilt ebbed away. Gavin kissed her hair and her cheeks.

  “I’m proud of ye, lass,” he whispered.

  A commotion at the head of the room caught their attention, and Amelia saw William and Liam speaking with a young man. Her heart began to race as Liam turned and smiled. He walked over with the lad. Amelia took note of his blonde hair, so much like her own, and when he looked up into her eyes, she saw her own staring back at her.

  “Iain?” She asked.

  “Aye, sister,” he replied. Amelia left Gavin and took the boy into a fierce hug.

  “Let us have a feast!” Liam said as he clapped Gavin on the back. “A family united is a glorious thing!”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Gavin was uneasy. The feast had begun, and he watched the men and women around him enjoying the revelry with raucous abandon, yet something felt off. He looked around the room and could see nothing amiss, but the feeling would not abate.

  There was no way after all the trouble and travel Cabduh went through, not to mention the anger he had exhibited during the trial that he would willingly go along with the council’s decision. The old man was surely planning something. It didn’t feel right.

  He spied the man as he leaned back in his chair, a goblet of ale in his hand, not speaking to anyone. Tristan sat beside him, sullen and quiet. He tried to show a united front with his father, but Gavin could see there was a space the size of an ocean between them. He had to keep his eye on the old man, but without raising suspicion.

  Then his gaze found Amelia’s, and he offered her a smile that he hoped served to hide his uneasy feeling. She was sitting next to Laird MacLeod, speaking in hushed happy tones with Iain and the Laird. She had finally found what she had spent so many years searching for. His heart swelled as he watched her animated features alight when the lad said something interesting or funny. How well it must be for her to learn about the lad. A new chapter of her life was beginning, and Gavin was glad he was a part of it. He missed her. They hadn’t had an opportunity to speak alone since the morning, but Gavin knew she was truly at peace, and that made him so very happy.

  “Lad, ye haven’t eaten anythin’,” William came up next him, took a seat and dropped a platter of food in front of him. It was filled past the brim with an assortment of meats, bread and cheeses. “Ye canna expect th’ world tae end and be able tae fight th’ demons on an empty stomach, now can ye?”

  “I suppose not,” Gavin replied, ripping a hunk of bread from the plate. The MacLeods may be isolated, but they didn’t appear to want for anything. Now with everyone seemingly at ease with bellies full Gavin wanted to take the opportunity to speak with William unencumbered. “William, can I ask ye a question?”

  “Anything ye need, lad,” the old man answered.

  “Do ye really think Cadbuh will be content to simply sit and stare at Amelia angrily? Will he nay try something? Should we nay be prepared for an attack?”

  “Aye, I’ve been keepin’ me eye on him as well. I’ve known the man near on forty years since we were lads. He’s never been one tae back off as easily as he did this morn. But I wouldn’t think he’d be willin’ tae start a war, then again, he’s changed a lot since we were young. The anger’s still there, but now there is somethin’ else too. Something dangerous. I wouldn’t be content meself until he leaves the keep entirely.”

  “That’s what I think, as well.” Gavin left William where he stood and got up to make his way toward Amelia. He would only feel better if the lass was within arm’s reach.

  “Gavin!” Iain called out to him, excited as a puppy. It was hard for Gavin not to match the lad’s eager smile with one of his own. “Come sit with us. Amelia was just tellin’ me I’ve another sister, Lady Ella of Cadney. And I’m an’ uncle. Isn’t that amazin’?”

  “Aye, lad it ’tis at that,” Gavin replied, sitting and slipping his hand into Amelia’s under the table. Such a small connection, yet her simple touch had a grounding effect on him, washing away some of his unease.

  “I wish I was leavin’ with ye, though.”

  ‘Lad, th’ MacGille clan and ours are linked forever through ye now,” Liam interjected, smiling at the boy. Gavin watched the man interact with his son. He saw true love there, and his heart ached for his own Da. “Ye may visit when the travel is easier. After the winter has passed.”

  “Does that mean Amelia and Gavin will be staying here with us all winter?” The lad had spoken loud enough that Laird Cadbuh heard in his corner and let out a loud harumph. The hair on the back of Gavin’s neck stood on end.

  “They are welcome tae stay as long as they like,” Liam said, and Gavin knew the invitation was a genuine one. If it were up to him, they would leave right away when the weather allowed, but then again, here they had the protection of the clan, and if Cabduh did try anything, Gavin felt better knowing he had large, able bodied warriors on his side. But it wasn’t his decision to make. He would allow Amelia to choose when they left the MacLeod keep. Tactical strategy for protection aside, as long as they were together, he cared not where they laid their heads.

  “Imagine, just yesterday I was an only child,” Iain said wistfully. “I used to long for a brother or sister. I thought I would nay be lonely if I had one. Now I have two sisters and two nephews. I’ll never be lonely again!”

  “And possibly another niece or nephew none of us has met yet,” Amelia added, laughing. Gavin smiled. How long had it been since either of them had anything to laugh about? Her happy laughter sounded like angel song to his ears. In all the time they had spent together, there had been strife and danger. But now, the danger had passed, and his Amelia had gotten her heart’s desire. Gavin realized he would do anything to keep that laughter in her eyes. It occurred to him that there was a whole joyous side to Amelia he had yet to learn about and discover. He knew he would enjoy every moment of it. He shot a wary glance Cabduh’s way. The old man still sitting alone and stoic. If he so much as made a move to harm the lass, he would pay dearly.

  * * *

  Amelia knew that Gavin was uneasy. If truth were to be told, it was hard for her to keep herself from glancing at Laird Cabduh. She was uneasy as well. Gavin, however, was doing enough glancing the old laird’s way for them both. She wanted to calm his fears, but hers were just as strong. She knew hatred when she saw it, and with Laird Cabduh, that hatred was directed right at her.

  “Do you think he will do something?” she whispered her question in Gavin’s ear, careful not to be overheard. The last thing she wanted was to alarm Iain.

  “He would be foolish tae make any attempt on MacLeod land. He wouldnae have the support of Tristan, and he would be grossly outnumbered.” Gavin’s logic made sense, but Amelia shook her head. “I wish we could be sure,” she said.

  “Aye, as do I, but I’m nay sure, lass. We need tae be on our guard, just in case.” She agreed. She chanced another glance at the old laird. He may appear to be frail, but Amelia remembered the strength in him when he dragged her to the dungeon at the Cabduh Keep. No one should be fooled; he still had strength in him, strength fueled by hatred. This time, he caught her gaze, and daggers flew out of his eyes. She shivered, and Gavin followed her eyes with a scowl.

  “Maybe I should try and speak to him,” she said. She scarcely believed the w
ords had come from her mouth. She did not want to speak with the old man at all, but maybe if she could explain her regrets… she knew he most surely was hurting from the loss of his wife, as was she. Lady Cabduh had been her mother’s sister. She never knew, and she would never know her aunt. Mayhap they could find some common ground?

  “Lass, that would be a mistake,” Gavin replied. Amelia knew he was right. He was right.

  Iain smiled her way, and her heart lifted. She quickly forgot all but the lad. How many years had she searched for the boy, and now to finally know him? He was smart, brave, and funny. All the things she could ever hope for in a brother. It was hard to keep her focus on Laird Cabduh with the joy she felt at finally being reunited with Iain, but at the same time, the ease at which the old laird let his grievances go after the trial made her worry.

  Thankfully Iain was able to keep her mind off the old laird. He was so exuberant and filled with energy. She saw so much of herself and Ella in him. It was amazing that even as the lad grew up alone and so far away, she could tell instantly that he was truly her long-lost brother. And then there was Liam. Now with the danger past, he was free to open up. He told Amelia stories about her mother, allowing her to discover her mother as a person she never truly knew. She wished Ella was with them, so she too could reconnect with Liam and hear the tales of her mother as a loving partner.

  She squeezed Gavin’s hand under the table. Were it not for his support and his help she would have never made it this far. She wouldn’t be alive and with her brother right now. Ella was going to be overjoyed with the news.

  Liam snapped his fingers, and suddenly music began. Amelia smiled. How long had it been since she had heard music?

  “It’s nice, isn’t it, lass,” Gavin leaned down and whispered in her e,ar.

  “Oh, yes,” she replied. “Do you dance?”

  “Och, lass, I’ve not danced in a long time.” The smile he gave her was sad, and it made her heart break. She had loved to dance once, and she suspected Gavin had as well. She wished she had known Gavin before the battle of Dunkeld. Before his world had changed. She would have liked to have known him as a young man. Ella had told her the stories Lucas had relayed to her about Gavin’s youthful exuberance. Apparently, before he was thought to be dead, he had been filled with humor and lightness. Amelia wanted to know that side of him.

  “Nor have I,” she replied, taking his hand and leading him toward where other couples had already started to move in time with the music.

  The nervousness they felt at the long time that had passed since either of them danced simply faded as Gavin took her into his arms. He moved beautifully with the music, and she found the steps quickly to match him. Quickly she lost herself in the rhythm and in Gavin’s strong arms.

  “You’re a lovely dancer,” she said, slightly breathless from the excursion that was purely for their own enjoyment.

  “Aye, lass, as are ye,” he replied, pulling her close and twirling her under the outstretched arms of another couple. They parted as the steps dictated, and Amelia felt the loss of his touch acutely. She kept her eyes on his as he turned and came back into her arms. He dropped his head and gave her a light, quick kiss. Amelia fought back a blush. To anyone watching they were the couple of the hour. Amelia found herself wondering if that would still be true when they returned to Cadney. Now that the danger had passed, would Gavin still want to spend the rest of his life with her?

  She loved him. She knew that now. She had known it for a long time. But the reality that he might not love her was terrifying. He hadn’t said it. She knew he cared for her. She knew he cared deeply for her, but there were situations that created danger that heightened one’s emotions. When the danger had passed, would he care for her still, and if he didn’t, could she live with that? What would her life be like without Gavin in it? She was desperate not to ever find out.

  He held her tightly, as the song switched to something slower and romantic. They swayed back and forth to the music, and Amelia sighed into his chest. He was strong and sure. Amelia decided it didn’t matter if he loved her or not. He cared, and she could love him enough for both of them.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  “How long are ye plannin’ tae stay in the keep?” Liam asked Gavin as they took a turn around the MacLeod Gardens. There was a chill in the air that spoke of winter soon arriving. Gavin could tell by the clouds and how they formed to the north that snow was soon to come.

  “I doona ken,” he replied. “Cabduh is still here, and I doona trust him. Tristan says he believes his father has taken a turn for th’ better. But I willnae want tae be ambushed by his men on th’ road.” Amelia and Iain had run ahead, and Gavin could see their heads bent together conspiring together in one thing or another. They behaved as if they had known each other their whole lives instead of the four days since Amelia’s trial.

  “Aye, sound plan,” Liam replied. “Ye are, of course, welcome tae stay as long as ye like. But I’ve a feelin’ at some point in time ye’ll have tae face th’ Cabduh issue head on. His forgiveness of th’ lass is tae forced. He is schemin’ on ye both. I feel it in me bones.”

  “It’s an insanity,” Gavin said. He had been watching Cabduh every day since the feast, and the old man’s eyes had grown more and more sallow. His temper seemed in check, but there was no soul in his smile. And when he chanced a glance Amelia’s way, Gavin saw a look cross his face that he had only seen before on the battlefield. Their fight with Cabduh was not over. Laird MacLeod knew it as well as Gavin.

  There was one thought that had occurred to him. It was something he was planning to ask Amelia anyway when they returned to Cadney, but perhaps with Laird MacLeod’s blessing, they could accomplish it before.

  “I was thinkin’,” he began, suddenly filled with dread. He was about to ask Laird MacLeod a question that he would have only thought to ask a lass’ Da. He may not have been Amelia’s father, but her true father was dead, and even were the bastard alive, he would be no friend of Gavin’s. Laird Macleod, Liam, as Amelia called him, had been acting as her father since the trial. She trusted him and admired him. He was the father of her only brother. Gavin would need his permission for what he had in mind, not only because they were on MacLeod land, but because Amelia deserved to be asked after properly.

  “Ye were thinkin’?” Liam interjected. They had stopped walking, and Amelia and Iain were just out of sight. It’s now or never.

  “Aye, I was thinkin’ if ye gave yer blessin’ and I married th’ lass. We would effectively be combinin’ our clans. Cabduh would dare not strike against th’ MacLeods and the MacGilles together.”

  Gavin held his breath as Liam seemed to ponder the idea for a moment. “Specifically, lad, our clans are already joined by th’ marriage of yer brother and Lady Ella. But I see where yer mind is workin’. Cabduh is nay thinkin’ of Lucas and his bride. He cares only for his revenge on Amelia. I could marry ye both and it would send a signal that ye aren’t tae be touched.”

  “Exactly,” Gavin replied. Liam didn’t seem opposed to the idea, and that Gavin thought was a good solid beginning to the conversation.

  “I just have one question lad.”

  “Aye,” Gavin said, suddenly very nervous as to what Liam would say.

  “Do ye love her?” Did he love her? Gavin looked at Liam. Wasn’t it that clear to everyone? Of course, he loved her. He had admitted it to himself a million times since they had arrived at the MacLeod Keep. He loved her, and he would never stop loving her. If Liam did not give his blessing now, it wouldn’t mean Gavin would stop loving Amelia. It simply meant Gavin would have to work harder to prove he was worthy of the lass.

  “Ahh, lad. I see it in yer eyes. I had that look once as well. It was the lass’ mother that did me in. One word of advice for ye, mate. If ye love her, ye must tell her. Ye must treat her well every day, an’ never let her forget it. If ye doona do it for her and for yerself, one day ye’ll wake up and yer an old man, and she’ll be gone. Ye’ll
regret it. Mark me words.”

  “I willnae let her go. Why do ye think I want tae marry th’ lass. It’s nay only for protection from Cabduh. Ye’ve been told our history. I’ll nay let her go. Not again.” Gavin swelled with anger, quickly taking three deep breaths like Amelia taught him to calm himself. Laird MacLeod was not his enemy, but the mere thought of Amelia being taken from him again set him in a rage. He had to learn to control that part of himself if he was to be a good husband, the husband Amelia deserved. The thing was that when she was near, he never felt the rage stir. She had a calming effect on him. One he wanted to experience for the rest of their lives.

  “Aye, lad, then I’ll happily marry the both of ye. Mind ye, if and only if th’ lass agrees.” Liam gave him a stern look. He could tell the man saw his anger and his power over it. Gavin quickly realized he would not want to be on the bad side of the MacLeod temper. A wedding was a fine idea, it had been Gavin’s intention all along, though he would have liked to wait until they were back at Cadney, settled, and the house he was building on his own land completed. However, there was no doubt in his mind sooner was better than later. They needed to sedate the mad Laird Cabduh, and even he would not dare cross a joined MacGille and MacLeod force. No one in the Highlands would.