Michael, seated nearby, raised a goblet hesitantly, catching Connor’s nod.
“I… I give thanks,” he said softly, voice steadying, “to be returned to Clan McLaren, to be with family again.”
A ripple of warm approval passed through the hall, and Connor reached over to clap Michael on the shoulder, pride evident in his strong grip.
“Ye’ll find your place here, brother,” Connor said, his voice low, “as true McLaren as any of us.”
Eva squeezed Connor’s hand, her heart swelling as she watched the two men she loved most exchange a look of kinship.
Connor leaned close and whispered, “Tonight, ye’ll see just how much fun it is being Lady McLaren,” he teased.
“I look forward to it,” she said.
Platters were passed along the benches, wine refilled, and Eva found herself swept up in the warmth of the hall.
Eva felt her mother’s hands on her shoulders and looked into Annabeth’s eyes, seeing pride and relief shining there.
“Eva, lass,” Annabeth said softly, “I am so proud of ye. Ye’ve grown into a strong woman, and seein’ ye happy fills me heart.”
Eva smiled, taking her mother’s hands, “Maither, we will never struggle again. Castle McLaren is our home now, our family is safe.”
Annabeth squeezed her hands and nodded, “Aye, as long as ye are happy and Jason is cared for, I could want nothin’ else.”
They embraced tightly, holding onto each other for a moment longer than either intended.
Just then, little Jason ran up, his cheeks smeared with crumbs and excitement.
“Eva! Look! Cake!” he shouted, holding up a piece triumphantly.
Laughing, Eva bent down and hugged him, “Aye, lad, there will be plenty. And ye shall have an education, grow up to be a good man.”
Jason’s eyes twinkled as he nodded eagerly, “Will there be more cake too?”
Eva laughed, ruffling his hair, “Aye, plenty more, ye wee mischief.” She looked back at her mother, who watched with soft amusement, pride filling her gaze. The family, whole and safe, felt a warmth that no castle walls could contain.
Connor approached, bowing slightly with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Eva, will ye honor me with a dance?” he asked, offering his hand.
Eva placed her hand in his, laughing softly, “I thought ye’d never ask, Laird McLaren.”
They moved together, weaving gracefully through the hall, their steps in perfect rhythm as the music swelled around them.
Connor leaned closer, whispering in her ear with a teasing smile, “Mind ye daenae step on me toes, lass, or I might take it as an affront.”
Eva laughed, “I daenae think I could, even if I tried. Ye hold me too steady.”
Their eyes met, full of warmth and affection, and the world seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the two of them in the center of the hall.
As they danced, Eva felt a flutter of joy in her chest, her heart full and light. She thought back to the very beginning, to that day shehad sneaked herbs from the castle, never imagining she’d end up here.
And yet, here she was, in Connor’s arms, safe, loved, and surrounded by her new family. She rested her head briefly on his shoulder, savoring the moment, knowing she would treasure it forever.
EPILOGUE
SIX MONTHS LATER…
“David,” Connor began, his voice steady but tinged with concern, “have ye heard any rumblings from the McKay clan? Any word of vengeance for Jack’s death?”
