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“Of course they’re goin’ to Kinglas, ye ninny,” Angus said. “I told ye that.”
Logan shook his head in disbelief.
“Do ye really think our Braden doesn’t ken what we’re doin’?” Angus demanded. “He’s got more brains than the rest of ye put together.”
“True,” Kade said. “But we were trying to be slightly more subtle about it.”
“This family doesn’t know the meaning of the term,” Braden said. “You’re here because of me, although I’m not entirely sure why. It’s not like I’ll be alone for the holidays. I’ve already got a house full of Kendricks, in case you failed to notice.”
“Hardly a houseful, my dear,” Donella said.
“And you and Logan are in on this scheme to save me from whatever it is, correct?” Braden asked.
She looked slightly guilty. “It seemed a good idea at the time.”
“Fine, but what exactly are you all so worried about?”
“They’re worried that you’re suffering from melancholy,” Joseph said.
Braden didn’t know whether to laugh or pour another glass of whisky down his throat. “Melancholy, really?”
“I overheard Papa and Mamma discussing it.”
Logan, who’d been looking sheepish, frowned at his son. “You overheard, or you eavesdropped?”
“You were quite loud, Papa. I didn’t have to eavesdrop.”
“Your papa speaking loudly? Hard to imagine.” Braden eyed his brother. “So you decided to write to Nick, did you?”
“You do realize that I write to Nick on a regular basis.”
“True, but this time you apparently got him worked up about me.”
“The laird worries about all of us,” Angus said. “It’s his job.”
“He doesn’t have to worry about me. For the hundredth time, I’m fine,” Braden said, exasperated.
Angus scoffed. “Yer not. Practically wastin’ away, ye are. And what’s this we hear about ye larkin’ about in Old Town, almost gettin’ yerself—”
“A-hem,” Logan said in warning, nodding in Pippa’s direction.
“Why in blazes did you tell them aboutthat?” Braden asked his brother.
Now they wouldallbe dogging his steps like faithful, fretful hounds.
“I told them,” Donella calmly said. “They needed to know.”
Angus nodded. “Aye, so Nick asked us to come check on ye. To settle his mind, ye ken. And to help ye take a rest and spend time with yer family over the holidays.”
Braden had to unclench his teeth to get out the words. “What I need is peace and quiet, not a houseful of nervous ninnies fussing over me.”
Kade tilted his head, studying him. “Braden, aren’t you happy to see us? It’s been ages, after all.”
His brother’s calm question caught him up short.
“Yes, of course I’m happy to see you. It’s the fussing I can’t stand. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you. It just means . . .”
“That you’re a man who likes his solitude?” Logan wryly said. “Yes, we are very aware of that. That doesn’t mean you can’t spend a wee bit of time with your loved ones over the holidays.”
