Page 18 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“The most important thing is we can be together.”

He knew she spoke of herself and Gwennie, but he didn’t allow her words to bother him. “I hope you and Gwennie will be happy here. I want this to be a home for all of us.”

She nodded once and looked away. He wanted to touch her and convince her that they’d have a good life together, but he’d learned from his past mistake and kept his hands by his side.

He let out a breath. “And now, whether we want it or no, there’s a celebration beginning in our honor. I’m not one to enjoy being forced to the front of everyone’s attentions but, since I wouldn’t be facing it alone, I should be able to manage.”

Another nod. She seemed distracted. This time he was certain she was looking at the bed, and he thought he understood why. Did she think he was going to throw her down and take her before the meal with a child sleeping a few feet away? As he had before, he tried not to take offense.

He wished she knew him better, but in truth they were barely more than strangers. It was odd that he’d thought himself in love with her all these years. He’d made her out to be someone in his mind. But, so far, it hadn’t gone as planned.

Her past experiences with men hadn’t been pleasant. Between the beasts that took her and her bugger of a father, she’d need time to see Liam didn’t plan to treat her roughly or take advantage.

Rather than bring it up now, he pointed to Gwennie. “I don’t want to have to wake her.”

“We must, otherwise she’ll be awake all night asking you to tell her stories about the bunnies.”

Liam smiled, thinking that didn’t sound so bad.

Gwennie was a bit grumpy when Ev woke her, but the girl allowed him to carry her out of the room, her head tucked under his chin. With his free hand he reached for Ev’s hand, but when she stiffened, he let it go and led them down the corridor toward the great hall.

“I get to introduce my family to the rest of the clan. I don’t think I’ve ever been so honored.”

They were greeted and patted as he led them to the front table where the laird and lady waited with Cam and Mari. He helped Evelyn into the seat next to Kenna and took the seat next to her, setting Gwennie on his knee. Cameron was next to him and Mari was at the end. She leaned out to wave to Evelyn.

Liam wouldn’t be able to thank these women enough for making his wife feel welcome.

The laird stood and tapped a glass to get everyone’s attention. “Tonight, we welcome Evelyn and Gwendolyn into the MacKinlay clan and into our hearts as family.”

Liam smiled at his wife and kissed Gwennie’s hair. He knew he probably looked a fool beaming with happiness as he was. But that was how it was when a dream he’d had since he’d been a child was finally fulfilled.

He was part of a family.

Chapter Eleven

Liam couldn’t stop smiling as his clansmen drank to his happiness and wished his family well. The laird could decide to make them leave in the morning for the safety of the clan, but for that night Lachlan stood before their people in welcome.

Liam hoped it was a good sign. He’d spent the afternoon thinking of ways he may win over his wife and have a true marriage. He hoped tonight she’d allow him to kiss her goodnight. It seemed a small thing, but it would be a huge step toward bringing them closer.

Gwennie was asleep when he carried her up to their room. The festivities had wound down, and it had been a long day with big changes for everyone.

After settling Gwennie in the little bed in the corner he removed his weapons and kilt, hanging them on the pegs as usual.

“It was nice of your clan to go to such effort to welcome Gwennie and me,” Ev said while sitting on the edge of the bed. Her fingers twisted and released the fabric of her gown. Liam found he was as nervous as she. He didn’t want to make another mistake and move too quickly.

He pointed to his kilt. “I generally make use of these pegs. Unless it bothers you to see my things hanging about.”

“No. It’s your room, do what you wish.”

He let out a breath and came to sit next to her. When he placed his hand on hers, she flinched and pulled away.

“I’m sure it’s common for new couples to have a bit of adjusting when they come to live together. It’s probably more so in our case, since this isn’t what you wanted.”

“Liam—”

“It’s fine, Ev. I know why you did it, and as I’ve said, I don’t blame you for it. But we’re married now, and we’ll have to find our way together. I don’t want to spend the rest of our days doing something that bothers you because you don’t feel comfortable to speak up. Let’s promise to be honest with each other. I think it’ll make things easier, and perhaps save me from irritating you to the point you pull my dirk across my throat while I sleep.”

He laughed but she didn’t. She still looked unsure. His dark humor hadn’t dislodged the creases on her forehead. He puffed out a breath. “Tell me true, do my things bother ye hanging on the pegs?”