Page 7 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

In fact, this would be the best thing for both of them. He could go on about his life as the war chief, and she would be safe on MacKinlay lands. It was clear by fact of her having murdered her first husband that Mari didn’t take to marriage well. So this union would be just the thing to keep them both happy and free.

Cam waited for Mari to respond. She swallowed, then answered, “It appears that we are, based on Scottish law, my lord.”

“And we are in Scotland, aye?” Lach shifted and shushed the squirming children, who settled with their heads tucked on either side of his neck.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Humph.” Lachlan turned toward the door as Kenna stepped through it—though waddled was more accurate. Kenna was expecting another babe in a month or so.

“Hello, there,” Kenna said to the woman at his side.

Mari took a step forward, her eyes wide in surprise. “Sister?”

After a moment of shock, Kenna gasped and her eyes filled with tears. “My God! Marian?” She rushed to her sister. “Is it really you?”

…

Marian stood frozen as her taller sister hugged her. Or tried to. It wasn’t easy with her large belly in the way. Kenna pulled back to look at her, and Marian saw the confusion clear on her familiar face.

Marian now understood why Cameron would have thought her the wild one and Kenna the pretty one. Kenna was absolutely radiant. Her coppery hair was pulled up in a tidy bun with curls erupting in a perfect way. Pregnancy definitely agreed with her. It had given her lovely curves, and her dress was new and fashionable.

“Are you well?” Kenna asked, taking another step back and resting a hand on her belly.

“I am better now I’ve seen you.” And with that Marian broke down in tears. “I didn’t think I’d make it.”

She’d managed to keep her wits since leaving London. Her focus had been on getting somewhere safe. With that task finally accomplished, she was able to give in to the fear of what might come next. From the time she’d been a young girl and her father had made his plans to improve his standing with the English through her, she’d known what her future held. She had no idea what to do with this new feeling of uncertainty.

“Mayhap we should allow her to clean up,” Cam said. “She’s come a long way. Might ye have a clean dress that would fit her?”

“It would be a bit long, but I think we can manage,” Kenna replied.

“She’ll need a room,” he added.

The laird laughed once without humor. “Nay. She’s your wife now. She’ll stay in your chamber.”

It was clear her brother by marriage was using the situation to punish Cam—her husband. She’d been hoping this marriage could be one in name only. In truth, she didn’t want to give up a chance of freedom, but the MacKinlay name would protect her if Ridley or others showed up wanting to secure the bounty on her head.

“Wife?” Kenna looked between Cam and Marian with a startled expression.

“Aye,” Lachlan said bitterly. “Cam’s been gone for the morning. Doesn’t he always come back from such a task with a bride?” She could see the laird’s simmering anger at his war chief lurking underneath the amusement.

Instinctively, Marian took a protective step between this man and her younger sister. She wasn’t sure what to think of the laird. He looked ready to launch into violence at any second…and yet the children clung to him without fear.

“Mama,” one of the boys said while reaching for Kenna.

Kenna was the mother of these children? And the one still in her belly. A familiar twinge of jealousy sparked in Mari’s chest and she quickly brushed it aside.

She was happy for her sister. And it was clear Kenna was happy and loved here. Something Kenna hadn’t been at Fletcher Castle.

The jealousy twisted into shame. How many times had she and her parents tried to force Kenna to conform rather than accept her as she was?

“Stay with Papa, Roddy. I must see to Auntie Marian.” Kenna kissed the children and then her husband before looping her arm through Marian’s and tugging her toward the keep. “Come. We have much to catch up on.”

That much was true, though Marian didn’t know where to begin.

She was taken to a sparse room with a large bed taking up most of the space. Kenna settled on a chair and rubbed her belly as a tub was carried in and filled with hot water.

How Marian longed to slip into the bath and allow the warmth to soothe her aching body. Perhaps this would be the last time she need call on the healing properties of a bath. She hoped to be safe here.