Page 58 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

“Me darling, I want ye tae be happy. I always have. I want ye tae be with whomever yer heart desires.”

“And about the alliance,” Benedict said, “Audor has agreed tae honor the alliance, even if it isnae he who is marrying Evelyn.”

Donald’s face lit up with surprise and delight. “Are ye certain?”

It occurred to Evelyn in that moment, that her father was going to allow her to wed Benedict even without the alliance. She couldn’t believe she had doubted the depth of her father’s love for her.

He then looked at Benedict. “Yer braither is a very good man. I will go find him and I will thank him dearly. And fer someone who isnae the laird, ye have done a fine job in keeping yer clan and mey family safe. I applaud yer bravery and yer determination. Ye have more than proven yersel’, Benedict. And with that said, I would be delighted tae have ye marry Evelyn, and tae welcome ye intae our family.”

He then stood from his chair and opened his arms to Evelyn, who hurriedly ran into them. Holding her close to him, he murmured in her ear. “I only ever wanted ye tae be happy, me dear. And I can see it how happy ye are in yer face.”

Afterward, Benedict and Donald shook hands, and the latter went to look for Audor.

When evening fell, everyone met in the family dining room, and Audor confirmed that the council had agreed that the alliance would be honored, much to everyone’s delight, as Audor’s brother and heir would be marrying Lady Sinclair, so the bond was still very much in the family.

“We have much tae organize, as I am still determined that this wedding should go ahead earlier,” Audor said.

“That shouldnae be too hard,” Killian said.

“Och, what would ye ken about weddings?” Yvaine said drily. “Ye wander about all day twiddling with yer sword.”

Evelyn stifled a giggle.

Killian was about to retort when Audor said, “The threat is still very real. More o’ Laird Keith’s men have been spotted, and because o’ that, it is imperative that everyone remain on high alert.”

“But, surely, we are safe in the castle,” Yvaine said worriedly.

Audor smiled kindly at her. “We have the largest army o’ any surrounding clan, Yvaine. I swear, nae harm will come tae ye here. Be that as it may, I must ask that none o’ ye leave the castle grounds. Nae fer any reason.”

“I agree,” Donald nodded sternly. “I can speak tae the sneaky tactics Laird Keith uses, and when he strikes, it may nae be an obvious attack. Everyone must be wary o’ anything strange or unusual.”

Special attention was given over the following two days, as the castle was a hive of activity. Food was gathered, the kitchens busily prepared stored meat for the feast, maids and servants helped with decorating the grand hall and the gardens. Yvaine assisted the seamstress with Evelyn’s wedding dress. The days flew by, until at last, the night before the wedding arrived.