Page 98 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Hugh Stewart frowned but said nothing.

“Bloody hell,” David exclaimed. “I’ve lost my birthright and my bride today.” He mounted and rode off.

Liam opened his mouth to offer to go after the lad, but their attention was drawn away by the thunder of hooves and a high-pitched war cry. Everyone turned to see the MacKinlay warriors from both clans coming at them. In the front, Liam made out three women, one with hair of golden fire.

“My wife better not be with them. She’s carrying a babe,” Cameron grumbled.

“It appears only three of our women have decided to launch an attack,” Lach said with a resigned sigh.

…

Evelyn’s heart was beating so fast she could feel it over the pounding of her horse’s hooves as she descended on the group. She thought she’d made out Liam but then realized there was a second man with white hair. She spied her father and slowed.

She’d never been in a battle before, and her emotions were shifting with every inch they grew closer.

She was scared yet determined. While she didn’t want to have to draw a dagger against another person, she’d fight to stay married to Liam. Instead of mounting to face off their attack, the men remained rooted to the ground and stood calmly next to one another.

She slowed again and the warriors following did as well. Were they too late? Was the document already signed? Had she lost Liam?

They slowed to a stop and Evelyn was the first down from her horse. She rushed toward the group. Her hair had come undone during her siege and fell over her shoulders.

“Who is this Valkyrie who descends upon us?” the man next to Liam asked.

“That would be my wife.” Liam smiled and came to greet her with a kiss. His eyes were bright as he rested his hand on her cheek.

“Am I still your wife?” she asked. “I’m not too late? I was a fool to say I’d go with them. I can’t. I belong with you, Liam MacKinlay. I love you. I’ll not leave you. Not ever.”

Tears had started to fall as she reached for him. She pressed her face to his neck, breathing in the soothing scent of him. Sunshine, happiness, and loch water.

He set her down and looked over his shoulder before turning back to her.

“I’m afraid you are destined to be the wife of the Morgan heir,” Liam said. His words didn’t match his easy tone and wide grin. Perhaps she’d misunderstood.

She stepped back and shook her head. “Please, Liam. I want to be with you.”

“And you shall. You’re my wife and will be for the rest of our lives.”

“But you said…”

She glanced to the man standing beside Liam, and noticed how similar their smiles were. Their eyes were the same pale blue.

“Father, may I introduce my wife, Evelyn? Ev, this is my father, Gaven Morgan.”

“You’re his heir?” she whispered, putting it together.

“Aye. It seems you’ll still be able to do your duty as the laird’s daughter.” Liam cocked a blond eyebrow at her, but the smile remained.

“I didn’t mean anything I said. I was only—”

“Trying to protect the men,” Cam interrupted. “Why do they think they should protect us?”

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Evelyn said to the laird of the Morgans. “I apologize for not wanting to marry into your clan before.”

He raised his hand, halting her apology. “As Alexander said, you’ve married the Morgan heir as promised.”

“Alexander?” Evelyn tilted her head at the unfamiliar name.

“’Tis the name I was given at birth,” Liam said.