Page 60 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Why?”

“It’s better they know so we could devise a plan as to how to handle things.”

“And what was decided?”

“Lachlan has sent Hugh his own letter letting him know his only option is to back down or declare war on us. I don’t think he’ll do such a thing.”

“My father will not like an ultimatum.”

He smiled and kissed her. “Maybe not, but I think waging war with a clan with which one holds an alliance is a lot of effort for one fair maiden.”

“One who wasn’t fair or a maiden.” Evelyn walked in a small circle. Now was the time to tell him the rest of it. But Liam was right. Trying to get her back to marry the Morgan was one thing. War with the MacKinlays was yet another, and she was sure her father would stand down now that the laird himself had made it clear what would happen if he tried again.

“He’s not in a position to take us and he knows that. He’s also not in a position to lose our friendship. He’ll concede. He has no other choice.”

Evelyn hoped that was true. She relaxed and wrapped her arms around Liam. He rested his head on her stomach. “It’s over,” she said, willing it to be true.

…

While Evelyn remained hopeful her father had given up on her, she knew Liam had been right to speak to the laird and devise a plan. She, too, needed to come up with a plan.

If it came to it, she would not allow the clan to go to war for her. She was Hugh Stewart’s daughter and by rights she had a duty to marry whom he chose. She’d known it well enough when she escaped with Liam but could think only of being with Gwennie.

Now that they’d settled here, she knew her daughter would be loved and cared for by this clan, even if she wasn’t there to do it herself. She never thought she’d consider such a thing months ago when she’d been married. But now she was counting on Liam’s sense of responsibility if Evelyn needed to leave.

“I thought maybe you would want to reward me for my bravery today in speaking to the laird. He could have had me flogged for my insolence.”

Evelyn doubted the laird would have done such a thing, but asked, “What did you have in mind?”

“Perhaps a kiss?”

She moved closer, lips pressed against his, and he opened when her tongue touched his bottom lip. She was becoming bolder in their relations. She now felt comfortable enough to take what she wanted and enjoy their joining.

It would be something she would miss if she had to leave Dunardry. She couldn’t imagine having to marry and lie with another man. A stranger. She would store away each memory she made with Liam so she had something to hold on to if it came to that.

The kiss quickly flamed into groping and panting without any encouragement from him. It was only when she ripped his shirt that he must have felt her desperation mixed with her eagerness to get him naked.

“Shh, lass,” he said in a low voice. “This won’t be the last time we make love,” he said before he kissed her.

But she couldn’t be sure that was true. If her father came tomorrow, she’d leave with him to spare her new family.

Unable to control her sobbing, Liam quickly gave up on making love to her and instead pulled her close and held her. She settled against his body, wondering if she’d be able to give them up when the time came.

Evelyn stiffened as she entered the solar the next week to see Kenna reading a missive. Surely any word from her father would have been given to the laird directly, not to his wife. But it was clear Kenna was distressed.

“What’s the matter?”

“My sister. She’s not coming up to the castle today. She’s not feeling well. Let’s go to see her. I want to check in and see if she needs anything. If nothing else, we can bring Lizzy and Aiden back to the castle so she might get some rest.”

“Of course,” Evelyn said, and settled Gwennie with the nurse before following Kenna out of the hall into the bailey. It was still difficult to let Gwennie out of her sight, but she wanted to believe the danger was gone.

It wasn’t until they approached the gate that Evelyn remembered her promise to Liam.

“Wait. I can’t leave.” She frowned up at the blue sky filled with fluffy clouds.

“What? Why not?” Kenna tilted her head. “Did your husband say you must stay here?”

“He did, and I promised I’d obey his order. In truth, after what’s happened, I do not much like wandering about with just you for protection, not that I don’t find you fierce.” Evelyn added that last part when it was clear she’d insulted the laird’s wife.