Page 53 of Highlander’s Lesser Evil

He’d still abandoned her.

And she may never forgive him for it.

24

Although her heart was heavy, the next few days were filled with genuine smiles as the residents of Loch Moran flocked to her to welcome her back and greet the news of her babe with tidings of joy. Agnes had forced her to sit and questioned her about the issues she was facing, and was already concocting something for her to drink every morning to assure her safety and the babe’s well-being. Already, everyone wanted a feast to welcome her back.

No one had the bad taste to ask where her husband was with the exception of the children, David and Cameron being the first to ask why she was alone.

“Laird Theo has much to do at his keep, and he thought this was the safest place for me,” she told them as she knelt down to give them a hug. Unable to help herself, she found herself searching for signs of their own well-being, but they both had smiles on their faces; the kinds of smiles she hadn’t seen in a long time. “How do you like Oliver?”

“Ye must meet him!” Cameron exclaimed, jumping up and down with joy. “He is training David to be fierce, and he promises to do the same with me. If yer husband is gone, ye can wed Oliver, and we will be a family!”

David tried to shush him even as someone chuckled from the door. Gemma looked up just in time to see a handsome man, close to her age, walking in. He’d overheard everything. “My apologies, Lady Gemma, but ‘tis hard to keep an eye on these two sometimes. I am Oliver.”

“Gemma is fine. Here, I am hardly a lady,” she said as she let him help her to her feet. “And I know just how secretive these two can be. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are here. You are well-liked by the village and by these two.”

“I would have been here sooner had my cousin’s letter come directly to me. Unfortunately, it passed many hands, including that of my uncle.” A shadow passed over his face. “I assure ye that he will never get his hands on them.”

“So you plan to stay here?”

“Yer husband has given me six months to make a decision, but aye, I like it here, and I think I can prove useful.”

Gemma smiled. “And ye like a certain lass here.”

“My proposal was not met with the joy I had anticipated,” he grumbled with a scowl on his handsome features. It was obvious that he wasn’t one used to hearing the word no, and with a face like that, it was no wonder. Elizabeth had her heart set on love, and would settle for no less, but there was no reason to tell him that. He seemed like a smart man. He would soon learn to woo her like she deserved.

“Was it a proposal, or did you simply tell her that you were going to marry her?”

“‘Tis a man’s duty to protect his beloved.”

Lord, save me from highland men.

“Keep at it, Oliver. I am certain you will understand her soon enough. Will you be joining the guard?”

“I tried, but I was denied a post.”

That was strange. Theo was willing to accept anyone at an appropriate age who could be trained, and it sounded like Oliver already had training. But maybe that was the point. Thomas didn’t trust him until he’d sworn his loyalty to Theo. There was so little trust in the Highlands.

“I am certain that when Theo comes to visit, he will meet with you personally.” When would Theo come for a visit? In a few months to see how she was progressing? For the birth of their child? Or would he just send a letter asking if it was male or female?

What if she didn’t see him for years? The idea of a child growing up never knowing their father filled her with pain, but she pushed it away as she stared down at the two boys in front of her.

Oliver nodded and bent down to pick up Cameron, who had anchored himself to the man’s body. “If ye will excuse us, I need to feed them. They are bottomless pits.”

“There is a community dinner tonight. I am certain I will see you then,” she said as she leaned over and gave Cameron a kiss on the forehead. He grinned, and her heart warmed. It was obvious that he loved his cousin and vice versa. Even David was looking at Oliver with respect. It was one dark chapter of Loch Moran that looked like it had a happy ending.

“I will look forward to getting to know ye better.” Oliver paused. “And should ye have any insight on Elizabeth, I would be pleased to hear it. I had hoped to learn more from Jillian, but whenever I get near, I feel Graeme’s breath at the back of my neck.”

Well, wasn’t that interesting?

“You seem to be a smart man. I don’t think you need my help,” Gemma said gently before she shooed them out. It was warm now, and she wanted to go for a walk around the loch. The more time that passed without hearing from Theo, the heavier her heart got, but she hoped some sun and fresh air would help.

She wasn’t alone for very long. Someone had no doubt seen her and rushed to tell Elizabeth and Jillian, for the two ladies flocked her now, complaining endlessly about Graeme and Oliver while she smiled, happy to have a distraction.

Stopping by one of the trees, Elizabeth spread a blanket and they sat while Jillian opened her basket of cheese, apples, and biscuits. They were quiet for a moment, snacking and staring out at the water.

“Ye fell in love with yer husband,” Elizabeth said finally.