The Highlander's Christmas Bride

by Vanessa Kelly

  “Grandda. He said the scaly Sassenach tried to kidnap Auntie Ainsley and Tira. And he almost killed Uncle Royal, except Auntie Ainsley shot him.”

  “And what else did Grandda tell you?” Victoria asked in a deceptively mild voice.

  “Oh, nothin’ worth mentionin’,” Angus hastily butted in.

  Joseph frowned at his great-grandfather. “But you told me you killed the other bad Sassenach with your dirk. That’s why you had to leave Scotland so fast.” He glanced at Logan. “You were there too, Papa. Grandda said you threw a man out a window.”

  Trust Angus to embellish any story.

  “I just pushed him against a wall.” Logan had used quite a bit of force, but Joseph didn’t need to know that. “And your grandfather did not kill anyone with a dirk.”

  Angus pointed his pipe at him. “But I did kill him, ye ken.”

  Joseph beamed up at his grandfather.

  Logan pressed a hand to his eyes. “I cannot believe you told him all that.”

  “I dinna like to lie,” Angus said in a pious tone, “especially not to bairns. Sets a bad example.”

  With the exception of Kade, who was trying not to laugh, everyone stared at the old man with disbelief. Angus was the most accomplished liar in the family—probably in all of Scotland.

  “Thankfully, those sad events are now behind us,” Victoria said, clearly anxious to redirect the conversation. “Graeme was tireless in helping to track down the rest of Cringlewood’s men and gather evidence for the magistrate. In fact, my brother thinks he would make a splendid investigator.”

  That was high praise indeed. Victoria’s half brother, Aden St. George, held a rather mysterious senior position at the Home Office and wielded a great deal of influence at the highest levels of government.

  Graeme actually blushed. “I just wanted to help.”

  “And I’m that grateful to ye, lad,” Angus said. “It’s no fun havin’ a murder charge hangin’ over yer head.”

  “Perhaps we can talk about something else, Grandda,” Logan said, aware that his son was hanging on every word of the wildly inappropriate conversation.

  The old man rolled his eyes.

  “How is little Tira?” Victoria asked Joseph.

  “She’s all right for a baby, but she’s noisy and still spits up sometimes.”

  “Not such a baby now,” Angus said. “She’s almost three and poppin’ up like a weed.”

  For a moment, the old fellow looked stricken. He’d helped raise Ainsley and Royal’s daughter from birth and was devoted to the little lass.

  Joseph wriggled closer and took his great-grandfather’s hand, squeezing it in silent comfort. The boy had a grand, kind heart, just like his mother, and Logan felt his throat grow tight.

  “Auntie Ainsley said I had to take care of Grandda, because he would miss Tira something fierce,” Joseph said in a serious tone to Victoria.

  Angus smiled. “I do miss her, but I’m glad to be with ye, laddie. And glad to be home with my family.”

  “And what about Aunt Ainsley?” Logan asked Joseph. “Do you like her?”

  His son’s gaze lit up with the expression of a devoted acolyte. “Oh, yes. She’s so pretty and always smells so good. Uncle Royal thought so, too. He would make sheep’s eyes at her. Grandda and I used to laugh when he did that.”

  Logan smothered a chuckle. Ainsley was quite the loveliest woman he’d ever met—until Donella Haddon. Even dressed like a disheveled urchin, Donella’s beauty had shown through like a rising sun breaking through the mist.

  And why the hell are you thinking about Donella? God knew he would likely never see her again.

  “Papa, are you all right?” Joseph asked.

  Logan blinked. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  The dogs suddenly dashed for the drawing room door, yipping with excitement.

  Victoria shot Logan a glance. “That will be Nicholas.”

  “Oh, good.” Kade scrambled up. “He’ll be so surprised and excited to see Grandda and Joseph.”

  Logan, Graeme, and Angus exchanged swift looks. Clearly, they were all thinking that same thing—that this meeting might very well be difficult for Nick.

  Joseph tucked his legs under him and slowly stood, staying close to Angus. He’d once more adopted a tight, wary expression, as if expecting the worst from whatever was about to happen.

  A solemn, too-mature child had stolen in and taken the place of Logan’s happy little boy. The change was mostly to be laid on his doorstep, and he had no bloody idea how to make it better, at least not right now.

  “Nicholas will be thrilled to see Angus again,” Victoria said cheerfully. “And he’ll be so eager to meet his nephew.”

  “Really?” asked Joseph.

  Angus scoffed. “Och, he’ll be delirious to see us both. He’s been missin’ my help at Kinglas. Poor lad’s been in a lather without me, not knowin’ one end of a ledger from another.”

  Joseph’s pursed lips started to ease into a smile until the door opened and Nick strode in.

  The Laird of Arnprior paused, his steely blue eyes sweeping the room and its anxious occupants.

  Every muscle in Logan’s body urged him to sweep his son into his arms, holding him protectively close. Nick was the kindest of men, but he was laird and chief of his clan. His word was law, and that word would set the tone for Joseph’s life in Scotland.

  “No wonder Henderson was in a flap,” Nick said. “This is quite the surprise.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Angus hauled himself up. “Aye, it’s yer grandda, come home to help ye out of yer troubles. I knew ye’d be lost without me.”

  Nick snorted but opened his arms wide for a hug when Angus stomped over to him. Joseph hung back, clearly more than a little anxious about meeting his uncle.

  Logan moved to stand beside his son. When Joseph’s hand reached up and clutched his, Logan’s heart throbbed with love and concern for the wee lad.

  “Yer lookin’ grand,” Angus said, clapping Nick on the shoulder. “Except for some gray hairs, I see. Yer workin’ too hard, so it’s a good thing I’m back to help.”

  “Kinglas will muddle on a bit longer without you, Grandda,” Nick said with a wry smile. “You can take all the time you need to recover from what I’m sure was a taxing sea voyage.”

  “Och, we were bored out of our skulls, ye ken.” Angus rubbed his hands. “I’m ready to get back to work.”

  It was a running joke that Nick’s worst nightmare was Angus getting back into estate business. To say their grandfather was old-fashioned and disorganized in his management techniques was an epic understatement.

  “Nick’s right, Grandda,” Graeme said. “I’ve been helping around the estate, and Victoria works on the books. You can relax as much as you want.”

  “Uh-oh,” Kade muttered, when the old man started to bristle.

  “Well, that’ll be enough of that nonsense,” barked Angus. “Estate steward is my job, and ye’ll nae be takin’ it away from me, ye cheeky lad.”

  Graeme winced. “I can hear you, Grandda. You’re only three feet away from me.”

  Joseph tugged on Logan’s hand. “Auntie Ainsley never let Grandda yell in the house. It was a rule.”

  “We tend to have a bit more yelling in Scotland, Joseph, but it’s harmless.”

  “There’s plenty of work to go around,” Victoria said. “Between giving Kade lessons and taking care of my daughter, I am quite busy.” She flashed Angus a smile. “I’ll be happy to have your help, Grandda. You’re so good with babies.”

  Angus was instantly diverted. He adored babies and was as good with them as he was with boisterous little boys.

  “Whatever I can do, lass.” He winked at Nick. “We were all that thrilled when ye wrote us with the news.”

  “Thank you, Grandda. Rowena’s birth was a truly splendid day.” Nick’s voice was gruff with emotion.

  The arrival of Rowena Caroline Kendrick five months ago had brought immense joy to the hous
ehold, especially to her father. For Nick, many old wounds had been healed that day. He would never truly get over the loss of Cam, but now he had another child to love with a free and open heart.

  “Rowena’s a pip,” Kade said.

  “What are we waitin’ for?” Angus enthused. “Let’s go have a look at the bairn.”

  “In a bit,” Nick said. “Besides, you’ve all been quite remiss when it comes to introductions.”

  Joseph glanced up at Logan. “What does that mean?” he whispered.

  “It means your uncle Nick is anxious to meet you, son.”

  “I am at that,” Nick said with a smile.

  While the others silently watched, Nick approached Logan and Joseph. He cast Logan a sharp, assessing glance, then hunkered down so that he and the little boy were on eye level. Joseph regarded his brawny uncle with the sweet gravity that was so much a part of his character, and so much like his mother that Logan could barely breathe.

  “Hello, lad. I’m your uncle Nick.”

  “Hello, sir. I’m Joseph Kendrick.”

  Nick pressed a finger to his mouth for a second, as if holding back a chuckle, then he extended a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Joseph. Welcome to Kendrick House.”

  The boy glanced up at Logan.

  “Go ahead, son. Shake his hand.”

  Still holding on to Logan, Joseph tentatively reached out. His small hand disappeared into Nick’s.

  “Thank you, sir,” the boy said. “Grandda told me all about you on the trip.”

  “Did he now? And what did he say?”

  “That you’re the laird.” He said laird carefully, as if trying it on for size. “And you’re the clan chief, too.”

  Nick stood, still holding on to the boy’s hand. “That I am.”

  “Grandda says it’s a great honor, and that I must treat you a . . . accordingly.”

  Nick threw Angus an amused glance. “I’m honored to hold the title, Joseph. I try to do the best I can, but I don’t always get it right.”

  Angus scoffed. “Och, yer the best laird the title’s ever had.”

  “Since you’re the head of Clan Kendrick, that means you’re my chief, too,” Joseph said.

  “That’s very true. You’re definitely a member of the clan.”

  Logan could see the tension dissipate from his son’s little body. Joseph smiled at his uncle, looking genuinely happy.

  “I told ye not to worry, lad,” Angus said. “The laird will take care of ye, just like he takes care of the rest of us.”

  “From the day you were born, Joseph, you were a member of this family and clan.” Nick raised his eyebrows at Logan. “There was never any need to worry.”

  Logan was embarrassed to have ever thought his brother would have a whit of trouble welcoming the lad into the family fold. For one incredible moment, with Joseph standing between them and holding their hands, Logan experienced a sense of peace he’d not felt in a long time.

  The boy tugged on his uncle’s hand to reclaim his attention. “Grandda says you’ll teach me everything I have to know to be a good member of the clan.”

  Nick appeared much struck by the notion. “I do believe that’s true.”

  “You wouldn’t mind?” Joseph asked, suddenly shy.

  “It would be my great honor, laddie.”

  “Drat,” Victoria muttered. “I never have a hanky when I need one.”

  “Take mine,” said Graeme, extracting one from his inside pocket.

  Victoria narrowed her gaze. “Is it clean?”

  “Er, mostly.”

  “I’ll make do without one,” she dryly replied.

  Logan suppressed a laugh.

  “I have a chief back in Canada,” Joseph said. “He’s Mi’kmaq, like my mother was.”

  “Is he now?” Nick said. “I hope you’ll tell me all about him while we have tea.”

  Joseph let go of Logan’s hand. “Really?”

  “Indeed,” Nick said, ushering the boy to the chaise. “We clan folk have to stick together.”

  Joseph plunked down on the chaise, beaming up at his uncle, who beamed right back at him.

  For a moment, Logan didn’t know what to feel. His son seemed more comfortable with Nick than he did with him.

  Then he mentally kicked himself. For so long, he’d been worried if Nick would truly accept his son. Now it was clear that the powerful shield of Lord Arnprior’s protection would surround the most vulnerable member of the family. It was all Logan could wish for and more.

  Angus returned to his chair by the fire. “Aye, we Highlanders have to stick together, especially against the Sassenachs. Those bloody bas—”

  “A-hem,” Victoria loudly interrupted.

  “Give it up, lass,” Logan said. “I suspect Joseph has heard worse from Angus.”

  “Auntie Ainsley told Grandda not to swear, but sometimes he forgets,” Joseph piped up with fatal candor. “On the ship, he and the sailors swore a lot.”

  Logan snorted. “I can see you’ve been a splendid influence on my son, Grandda.”

  “At least I was there, ye ken. Unlike some people,” Angus pointedly replied.

  Logan had to struggle to keep his voice even. “Not because I didn’t want to be.”

  “It’s all right, Papa,” Joseph said with an odd grimace. “I know you wanted me to stay with Meme Marie. You thought I would be happier with her.”

  God, the boy was killing him. “I always wanted you with me, Joseph. I missed you every single day.”

  “I know, Papa.”

  Nick shot Logan a glance before ruffling Joseph’s hair. “Your papa missed you very much, just like we all miss Royal and Ainsley and little Tira. Family always misses family when they can’t be together. But this is your home now, Joseph. We want you to be very happy here.”

  Joseph studied his uncle with a seriousness that prickled the back of Logan’s neck.

  “What is it, son?” Nick gently asked.

  “Papa told me you had a little boy too, but he died. He said you were very sad.”

  Logan suddenly felt paralyzed. He desperately tried to remember exactly what he’d told Joseph about Cam.

  Nick regarded the boy with equal gravity. “Yes. I was very sad when Cameron died.”

  “So was Papa for a long time. He tried not to show it, but everyone could tell.”

  “I know,” Nick said gently, avoiding Logan’s eye.

  And thank God, because Logan was all but choking on his emotions.

  “Goodness,” Victoria said, making a show of peering at the clock on the mantelpiece. “It’s late. I’m sure Rowena must be finished with her nap by now.”

  Nick flashed her a grateful smile before again ruffling Joseph’s hair. “Would you like to meet your cousin now? She’s very sweet, if a bit noisy at times.”

  The lad scrunched up his face. “Will she spit up on me? Tira used to spit up a lot, sometimes on Auntie Ainsley’s best dresses.”

  The adults chuckled with relief that the fraught moment had passed.

  “Rowena is quite good at not spitting up.” Nick stood and held out a hand. “Let’s go meet her, shall we?”

  Joseph smiled and stood to take his uncle’s hand. Clearly, Logan’s big brother was better at dealing with little boys than he was.

  “I’ll just go warn Nurse that she’s about to have visitors,” Victoria said. She winked at Logan before hurrying out of the room.

  Following her with Joseph, Nick paused at the door and turned, lifting an imperious eyebrow. “Are you coming, Logan?”

  “Do you want me to come?”

  “Pinhead,” was his brother’s only reply.

  “You’d better come, Papa,” Joseph said earnestly. “Uncle Nick wants you to.”

  “Of course, son. I’ll be right up.”

  “Get to it, lad,” Angus said with a smirk. “Don’t want to get left behind.”

  Logan shot him a dirty look and stalked out after his brother.

  Families. They
were a royal pain in the arse.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Families could certainly be a pain in one’s backside.

  “Uncle,” Donella said, trying to be patient, “I’ll simply remain quietly at Blairgal until any gossip dies down. Then I can decide what I want to do next.”

  Join another religious order, if she got her way.

  Her great-uncle, ensconced in the old baronial chair by the fireplace, scowled. “We’ll discuss it as a family, Donella. It’s the way we’ve always made our decisions.”

  While the family’s traditional methods of decision-making hadn’t exactly worked in the past when it came to her, her uncle would thunder if she objected. If there was anything Donella couldn’t abide, it was a thundering male.

  Uncle Riddick, truly a good man, was both stubborn and her laird, which made for a tricky combination. She was used to obeying him and had done so for most of her life. But she was determined to hold fast on this one, no matter what he thought.

  Besides, what else could she do with her life but become a nun? She obviously wasn’t cut out to be a wife, and the idea of dwindling into spinsterhood, dependent on her family, was a humiliating prospect. By joining another religious order she could still be of use to the world, either through a life of contemplation and prayer, or by good works. She would have a purpose, not just rattle around Blairgal Castle like a boring old ghost, useless to everyone.

  Her anxiety spiked at the vision of such a future, and her mind involuntarily searched for a reassuring image.

  Somehow, Logan Kendrick’s face popped into her brain. He was the most irritating man she’d ever met, and yet she’d felt safe with him. When they’d finally reached the security of her great-uncle’s lands, Donella had been reluctant to say good-bye, as if in doing so, she was losing something important.

  Something that could have been something, if given a chance.

  Heat rushed into her cheeks at the memory of their leave-taking. She was not the demonstrative type, and yet she’d kissed him, clearly catching both Logan and herself off guard.

  “You’re looking a bit red in the face, lass.” Her great-uncle peered at her with concern. “You’ve just suffered a great shock to the system, you know. Mayhap we should send for the physician again.”