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Kathleen stopped outside the door, drawing in a calming breath as she prepared for the upcoming fireworks. When a brawny arm wrapped around her shoulders and pulled her close, she had an overwhelming urge to shut her eyes and snuggle against Grant’s chest.
“No worries, lass. We’ll get it sorted.” He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head before letting her go.
“Grant, dear, that was an extremely anemic first kiss,” Sabrina said with disapproval.
He winked at his sister-in-law. “How do you know it was our first kiss?”
“I have an infallible instinct for such matters.”
“You are both ridiculous,” Kathleen said.
He smiled. “Aye, that. Want me to go in first? I can tackle Graeme to the floor and clear the field.”
“That sounds very helpful,” she retorted.
The silly exchange, however, had done the trick. Kathleen no longer felt like leaping out the nearest window and fleeing into the night.
She squared her shoulders, stalked into the room, and came to a dead halt. Grant almost ran over her, sidestepping at the last moment.
“Jeannie, what in God’s name are you doing?” she blurted out.
The vicar was squeezed between Jeannie and the bookshelves to the left of Graeme’s desk. One part of Kathleen’s mind registered that he looked utterly horrified. A larger part, however, noted that Jeannie was standing with her back to him, facing Graeme with her arms spread wide.
“What do you think?” Jeannie snapped. “I’m saving David from being murdered.”
“Och, nae worries,” said Angus as he held Graeme’s arm, trying to pull him back. “Our lad will nae be killin’ anyone.”
“That remains to be seen,” Graeme barked. “No one takes advantage of a girl in my house, not even the bloody vicar.”
“But . . . but I didn’t take advantage of anyone,” David stuttered, turning whiter than his clerical collar.
“Don’t worry, David,” Jeannie passionately exclaimed. “I’ll protect you.”
Kathleen threw off her paralysis and rushed to her sister. “Dearest, I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. And there’s no need to squish poor Mr. Brown against the bookshelf. It’s a wonder he can even breathe.”
“I’ll not move one inch until I know he’s going to be safe. We’re going to be married, so it’s my duty to protect him.”
David let out a whimper.
Graeme overrode the whimper with a growl. “So yehavebeen taking advantage of yon lass. Now I will have to kill ye.”
“Sabrina, could youpleaseget your husband under control?” Kathleen gritted out.
Her cousin marched up and took Graeme’s other arm, giving it a shake. “Graeme, you are acting like a jinglebrains. I am sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.”
“I’ve yet to hear it,” Graeme snapped.
“I already explained it, if people would just listen,” Jeannie said. “David and I are getting married, so he’s not taking advantage of me.”
“You are most certainlynotgetting married,” Kathleen said. “For heaven’s sake, Jeannie, look at the poor man. He’s utterly terrified.”
“I say,” protested Brown, “it’s only because Sir Graeme keeps threatening to murder me.”
Kathleen all but goggled at him. “So you do want to marry my sister?”
“No, of course not! I want to marry—”
“Please don’t say another word about marriage,” Kathleen hurriedly cut in.
