Page 104 of Defy the Highlander

His voice was faint and Brody left Lilia to jog towards the old man so he wouldn’t have to strain himself.

“M’laird,” he greeted pleasantly. “’Tis good tae see ye. I dinna know ye were coming tonight.”

Laird Currie took Brody’s hand warmly. “I know,” he said. “’Twas a sudden decision, but I’ve come early because I wanted tae see ye. Clegg said ye’d be coming out of the arena soon, so I waited for ye.”

“Oh?” Brody said. “Why did ye not come tae the arena? Ye would have seen a good fight.”

The old man shook his head. “I dinna come tae see the fights,” he said. “I came tae see ye. I’ve brought ye something.”

Brody looked at him curiously. “What’s that?”

Laird Currie continued to hold Brody’s hand. “First, I must say something,” he said. “I’m glad for the life ye’ve found here for ye and Lilia. Colm would be very happy tae know how well ye’ve taken care of his daughter. Even though ye both ended up at a place like the Ludus Caledonia, I’ve never seen her happier.”

By this time, Lilia walked up, smiling when she heard Laird Currie’s last few words. “Thank ye, m’laird,” she said. “I’ve never been happier.”

“Good,” Laird Currie said. “Now that I’ve got ye both here, I’ll say what I came tae say. Brody, ye’ve asked me about Tynan a few times and I’ve told ye that the lad was well.”

Brody’s warm expression vanished. “God,” he hissed. “Dunna tell me that has changed. Nothing has happened tae him, has it?”

Laird Currie quickly shook his head. “Nay, lad, he’s well. But Tynan told me something once, something ye promised him. He said ye’d teach him how tae fight when he got older. Did ye mean it?”

Brody nodded. “Of course I did. With all my heart.”

Laird Currie smiled as he let go of Brody’s hand and turned for his carriage. “I want ye tae teach him, too,” he said. “He’s a smart lad. If he stays at Hawkhill, the best he can hope tae be is my majordomo. Or mayhap he’ll be in charge of the stables. He’s a good lad and he deserves more opportunity than I can give him. Amy has given her permission, so I came tae ask him if ye’ll take him now. He wants tae come with ye, Brody. Will ye take him with ye and give him the opportunities that I canna?”

With that, he opened the door and Tynan spilled out, falling to his knees because he’d been leaning against the door, listening. But the moment he saw Brody, he bolted to his feet and ran at the man, who took him in his arms and held him tightly.

“Brody!” Tynan wept. “Brody, can I stay with ye? Please?”

Brody hugged the lad before gently setting him to his feet. Brody looked him over, seeing that he’d grown taller and fatter since he’d last seen him. But the straw-like hair was still the same; that just made him laugh.

“My, my, lad,” he said, putting his hand on the boy’s head. “Ye’ve grown up behind my back. Look how big ye are.”

Tynan smiled hugely, displaying two front missing teeth. “I serve Laird Currie now,” he said. “Me and my mam. And I play chess!”

“Is that so?” Brody said, stroking his chin as if impressed. “Then ye can teach me.”

“I will if ye teach me tae fight!”

Everything about Tynan was enthusiastic and happy. Brody couldn’t get over how happy and healthy the boy appeared. He looked at Laird Currie.

“And his mother approves?” he asked. “The lad would have tae remain here with me, ye know. He couldna go home frequently tae see her.”

Laird Currie nodded. “But I can bring her here when I come,” he said. “She can visit him then. I have a confession, Brody… Amy and I… well, she’s the woman I should have married. I dunna know why I never considered her, but I should have. She’s meant the world tae me.”

Brody smiled at Laird Currie, admitting his affections for a servant. “I hope she’s a good companion tae ye, m’laird,” he said, returning his focus to Tynan. “As for the lad… if it’s agreeable tae my wife, I’m happy tae keep him here and train him.”

Lilia opened her arms to Tynan, who immediately hugged her tightly. “Of course I’m agreeable,” she said. “Tynan and I are old friends. He’s most welcome.”

Brody put his arm around her shoulders as she held Tynan. “Even with our own bairn on the way?”

“Think of what a wonderful older brother Tynan will be tae Mattox.”

“Or Henry.”

“Another change?”

Brody simply laughed, but the situation with Tynan was settled. Laird Currie watched the exchange, knowing he’d made the right decision. As Lilia bent over and picked up the boy that was very nearly as tall as she was, Laird Currie reached out to Brody.