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Holly had had two weeks to come to terms with it. Maybe she was one of the lucky ones since the pregnancy had been so new and she had less time to grow attached or hopeful. But she was ready to have all of Fraser again, both by her side and in her bed. If nothing else, it would help her make new memories to replace the old.
And who knew, they might even have a chance at a child again in the future.
Then Fraser’s words came rushing back: Even if we’re never gifted with a child again, I still want you by my side.
Rubbing her palms against her jeans, Holly decided she wanted Fraser in all ways. She would do whatever it took to convince him of that.
Shay, the young Lochguard Protector assigned as her driver, spoke up. “We’re nearly there, miss.”
Holly frowned. “I told you before to call me Holly. ‘Miss’ makes me sound as if I’m your teacher.”
“If you say so, Holly. You might want to wake your dad up, though. If Lorna MacKenzie is taking charge of Mr. Anderson’s care, she’ll be there ten minutes early, tapping her toes and waiting for us.”
Holly smiled. “To be honest, I think my dad will enjoy the attention.”
Her dad’s sleepy voice filled the car. “I can hear you, Holly. Who is Lorna MacKenzie?”
She glanced to her father. Curiosity filled his eyes; the man didn’t like being left in the dark. “I told you before, Dad. She’s Fraser’s mum. Once you meet her children, you’ll understand just how strong the dragonwoman is.”
“Oh, aye? Well, if she aims to boss me around, she’s going to have a surprise coming. I may be ill, but I’m not dead yet.”
Holly grinned. “To be honest, I think she likes a challenge. Give it to her as good as you get.” Shay merely shook his head in the front seat, but Holly ignored him and focused on her father. “Are you sure you’re okay to stay with them a bit? I can delay things with Fraser until you’re ready. Just say the word. I won’t abandon you, Dad.”
Her father smiled. “Don’t worry about me, Holly-berry. I’m a strong man. Cancer couldn’t kill me. I can handle a wee dragonwoman.”
Shay choked in the front seat and Holly bit her lip to keep from laughing. “I’m sure you can, Dad. I’m sure you can.”
Her father touched her arm. “I can tell you want to see him, lass. It’s all right to take a slice of happiness for yourself, especially since you gave up so much to help me.”
“It wasn’t that much, Dad. Any child would do the same.”
Her dad squeezed her arm. “No, they wouldn’t. You are special, Holly. And I want to start repaying you by allowing you some time with your lad.” He winked. “Besides, I wouldn’t mind a wee bit of attention from a lass my own age.”
She chuckled just as Shay made the final turn to Lochguard. “Well, brace yourselves. I spot not only Lorna, but Finn and Meg Boyd as well. Those three are a force to be reckoned with.”
Holly ignored the twinge in her heart at Fraser’s absence. There had to be a reason why he was late.
To try to fool her father, she made her voice strong. “I inherited my stubbornness from my father. Either one of us can take a challenge.”
The gates opened and Shay drove the car just inside them. Once he cut the engine, Finn opened Holly’s door at the same time Lorna opened her dad’s.
Lorna beat Finn to the punch. “Hello, Mr. Anderson. My name’s Lorna MacKenzie. Welcome to Lochguard.”
Finn muttered under his breath, “So much for letting me handle things.”
Lorna’s voice filled the air again. “I can hear you, nephew.”
Hoping to prevent a row that would make a poor impression on her father, Holly jumped in. “How about we exit the car first and then finish the introductions?”
Lorna helped Holly’s dad out of the car and Finn helped Holly. As Finn guided her around to the other side, he whispered, “Fraser thought it best to let your dad meet the older females first. He’ll be along shortly.”
While she only half-agreed with the plan, they rounded the back of the car and Holly merely nodded. She could scold Fraser later.
Meg Boyd was already at her dad’s side. “My name’s Meg Boyd and I’ll also be helping to look after you.”
Her father grinned. “Two bonny lasses. A man couldn’t be happier. You can call me Ross.”
Holly resisted groaning at her father’s antics. The last thing she wanted to see was her dad flirting with anyone.
