Page 37 of The Best of Madeline Grant

“Papa asked me if I loved him and I said I did. I hope he’ll ask me again when this is over.”

“Kyla, I’m so pleased.” Her mother gave her a light hug. “Come, we’ll get you cleaned up.”

Chapter 20

Alex returns from battle, and Maddie is prepared. Another favorite scene of mine.

Maddie stood just outside the stable, searching the chaos descending on Cameron land as her husband’s warriors brought their horses outside the gates and celebrated their victory. Her heart burst with happiness when Finlay broke apart from the others and scooped Kyla onto his lap, kissing her for everyone’s entertainment. She was so happy her daughter had found love, and she hoped it would be a good love like the one she herself had found with Alex.

Her gaze drifted past each of her sons to check on them before finally coming to rest on her husband. She caught his gaze and relief swept through her, but she knew him well enough to sense something was off. He rode his horse well, but it struck her that he wasn’t carrying a flag. Had he given one to his sons because he wanted to give them the honor as lairds…or because he was weakened from battle? The closer they came, the more she fretted.

Aye, her husband, the wonderful Alexander Grant, was proud of their sons and all they’d accomplished, but hiscountenance told her two things. First, he was pleased with the outcome of the battle. She knew without asking that the tyranny of Buchan and de La Porte had come to an end. Second, he struggled. He’d not shown his sons how he struggled, but she could see it in his face, in his hands. At the moment, he fought to stay upright on his horse. She glanced at Brodie, the man who’d acted as his second many times, to see if he’d noticed. He nodded to her, mouthing the words, “I’ll get him.”

Alex rode in a direct path toward the stables, followed fast by Robbie and Connor. Jake and Jamie drew the attention away from their sire, running another circle back around the warriors and Finlay, waving the flags and calling the warriors into another invigorating round of celebration.

Brodie had already made his way to the stables, and as soon as he dismounted, Maddie grabbed his elbow and said, “Bring him to the stall at the end.” She raced to the cupboards, pulling out Cameron plaids, and made a bed in the corner of the stall as fast as she could. She would not allow her husband to drop in front of his men.

When she finished, she made it back in time to see Robbie standing next to Black Lightning, appearing to clasp his brother’s shoulders while he was actually supporting him. Brodie stood in front of Alex to catch him when his knees buckled as his feet hit the ground. They managed to fake a walk with him until he was inside the stables, and then Brodie called all the lads out to give them instructions. They were each given different directions.

The stables were empty except for Brodie, Robbie, Connor, and Maddie. Alex caught her gaze as soon as he stepped inside. “Wife, I’ve come home to you this time.”

A tear trickled down her cheek as she leaned forward to kiss him. “And I thank the Lord for that. Alex, if you do not mind, I’dlike to sleep here in the stables this eve so we can hear what goes on around us.”

He nodded and took a step forward, saying nothing. The glint in his eye told her that he knew exactly why she’d made the suggestion. She’d never allow him to be embarrassed in front of his men. The last experience had been difficult enough for him. This time, he’d come home from the battle with his pride intact.

She was leading him down the passageway to the spot she’d set up when she heard Connor say something. She spun around as her youngest son pushed Robbie aside and then lifted Alex up to carry him down the rest of the passageway.

“Do not put him down alone, lad,” Brodie said. “He’s too tall. We’ll help you.”

His brothers helped Connor get him onto the plaids on the straw. Alex was able to say, “Many thanks, all,” before he rested his head down on the pillow Maddie had made from the blankets and closed his eyes.

Each of his brothers clasped his shoulder and said, “Well done, Alex.” They turned and left.

Connor knelt next to him and said, “You made us all proud, Papa. Now ‘tis time to rest.” He clasped his father’s hand, then kissed his mother’s cheek and whispered, “If you need aught, come and get me, Mama. He’s just exhausted. He fought hard.”

“I know. Thank you, Connor.”

“We’ll keep everyone away.” He reached up to a top cupboard and pulled another blanket down. “Here’s another one to cover yourself with, Mama. ‘Twill be cool tonight.”

When they’d both gone, Maddie lay down next to her husband, her arm over his shoulder. “Alex?”

“What, love?” He opened his eyes and smiled. “Lass, ‘tis done. How’s our daughter?”

“She’s happy now. Quite bruised and she has a sprained ankle, but she’ll heal. She told me Finlay asked you for her handin marriage. She wishes to marry him as soon as possible. What say you?”

He reached over to brush a stray hair back from her face. “I will accept. What say you?”

“Finlay is a fine lad, and she loves him. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“I told him I’d think on it. Besides, the lad saved my life.”

“He did? Finlay?”

“Aye, I was fighting in Buchan’s great hall and had my back to Buchan. He came at me with his sword. Finlay warned me. That was when I finished the bastard. I’ll talk to them both on the morrow.”

“What about you? Do you have a wound I should know about? Anything I should tell your sisters?”

His hand rested on her cheek. “Nay, I just need sleep. I’m not as strong as I used to be, but please don’t reveal any of my secrets. This spot is perfect. I’ll awaken on the morrow to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of our children…all of them.”