Page 97 of The Laird's Secret Bairn

Skye wasn’t sure of what to say. She gazed at him, wishing he would change his mind. It was his last chance.

But he didn’t.

“Ye were the best false betrothed a lass could ask for,” she said. She couldn’t even believe the words tumbled out of her mouth.

Of all the things she could say, it had to bethat?

“I hope ye found everything ye were looking for when ye agreed to the arrangement.”

Skye blinked back tears. “I did.”

“Goodbye, Skye.”

“Goodbye, Dougal,” she whispered. “But I need to ask one thing of ye before I go. Stop forcing the title of the Lion of the Highlands onto yerself. Give it a rest because it isnae the truth.”

Without another word, she climbed into the carriage.

Freya reached over to take her hand. “Are ye all right?”

Skye blinked, forcing a smile. “Nay, I am nae all right, but it doesnae matter, does it?”

“It does matter, little sister.”

She glanced out the window, not sure how to feel about going home. Before, she had been eager to go home to see her family,but now she was dreading it because it meant she would no longer see Dougal, Lily, or Kenna.

A part of her was even going to miss those precious animals Lily was so fond of. Not because she herself was fond of them, but because they reminded her of Lily.

Everything was going to remind her of those three for a while.

“Skye, if ye need to talk?—”

She shook her head. “Nay, I daenae want to talk right now, Freya. Perhaps when we get home, I may be willing to talk, but nae now.”

The two of them fell into silence.

Skye was grateful her sister did not push. Right now, she just wanted to forget that any of this had ever happened.

It was easier said than done, but she was going to try.

35

Dougal did not know how long he stood there, watching until the carriage vanished. Lily had run off to play with her pets, and his mother had followed, not wanting to leave her to her own devices.

He heard familiar footsteps approaching him and took a bracing breath.

Stephen stood shoulder to shoulder with him, neither of them saying a word. It would have been easier if he said something to break the silence.

“What do ye want, Stephen?”

“Is it a crime to check on me laird and best friend?”

Dougal’s jaw tensed. “It is when ye obviously want to say something. But let me warn ye, I am nae in the mood to hear yer judgment.”

Stephen placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. “Ye daenae have to worry about that, Dougal. I’ve only come to see how ye are faring.”

“I’m faring wonderfully. Is it nae obvious?” Dougal barked, glaring at him.

The two of them remained there until Stephen finally managed to convince him to turn around and head back to the castle.