Page 99 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Evelyn was grateful no blood would be spilled; however, she was still uncertain what this meant for her family.

“It seems we have much to discuss,” Kenna said, ever the mistress. “Now that we’re all friends, may I welcome you to Dunardry to eat and drink with us as our honored guests?”

“Thank you for your kindness. I accept,” Gaven Morgan said.

The men mounted and moved toward the castle. Liam stayed back and walked over to her father. She followed him, ready to come to his defense if her father said something cruel. Apparently, she was still set to protect her husband.

“Laird? A word if it pleases you?” Liam said.

Her father stood impassive and silent.

“I ask your forgiveness for the way I married Evelyn.”

“You mean the way you stole my daughter when I told ye you couldna marry her three times already?”

It was just like her father to bring up a person’s shortcomings. How long had she lived like that, listening repeatedly to all the ways she’d failed him? She’d wanted only to make him proud. She’d wanted to be loved like he’d loved her when she was younger, before she’d been ruined. But the man couldn’t see past it.

It was strange how different she felt now. She’d thought the laird a good father once, but seeing Liam with their children changed that impression. She knew without a doubt that Liam would love their children no matter what trouble they found themselves in. He would offer support instead of harsh criticism and judgement.

Liam had been a father only a few months and he was so much better suited for it than the man who had claimed her the majority of her years.

Liam didn’t falter from her father’s accusation. “I’ll have you know she married me willingly.”

“She would’ve married anyone to defy me.”

“Perhaps, but it was me she married, and I’ll be forever grateful.”

“It doesn’t matter now. Your father is the Morgan and he’s said he’ll honor the contract and give me the cattle I require.”

Liam wrapped his arm around Evelyn. She thought he was shaking, but it was her.

“Is that all you care about, Father? The cattle? You care nothing about my happiness?”

“I care about daughters who are honorable and see to their duties.” Her father didn’t even look at her when he spoke.

She stepped back, sagging slightly against Liam.

“You are a guest of clan MacKinlay, so I’ll thank ye to treat my wife with respect or you may leave our lands, since your alliance is complete.”

Her father’s eyes went wide. “You think to send me away? Your laird may have something to say about your arrogance with his guests.”

“My laird is like a brother to me, and I know he’ll support my decision to send you from here if you upset my wife.”

Her father stormed off and mounted to follow the other men to the castle. No doubt he would tell Lachlan how he’d been mistreated.

She placed her hand on his chest. “It’s all right, Liam. He doesn’t matter. I’m your wife. To him I was just livestock with which to barter.” She offered him a smile.

“Is it enough to be my wife?”

“It’s more than I could have ever hoped.” She’d wanted only a way to be with her daughter, and Liam had given her that and so much more.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Liam kissed his wife as the men prepared to move the festivities up to the castle. They’d be together the rest of their lives, but he couldn’t seem to get enough. Eventually, he managed to pull away and smile down at her.

“Will ye go help Kenna to see the men settled? I’m off to talk with my brother.” He laughed. “That seems a strange thing to say.”

“Your brother,” she said with wide eyes. “The man I was to marry.”