Page 89 of A Fierce Archer

“Is it not strange that destiny would make me a fourth-born laird?”

Darach studied him. “Are ye happy here?”

The question startled him, and Ewan did not reply. He considered that there was absolutely no reason not to be.

Thankfully, Stuart interrupted by giving him a wide smile. “Yer wife is beautiful. Tis too bad she didn’t see me first.”

“She would have hidden in horror,” Ewan teased.

His younger brother gave him a warm look. “In all honesty, Brother, ye have done well. I am happy for ye.”

“How is it?” Ewan asked Darach. “Taking over for Da?”

“Not easy at all,” Stuart interjected. “Darach has a lot on his shoulders.”

Ewan studied Darach. “Father did a great deal of damage, I assume.”

“Against both the MacNeils, the Uisdeins and the Macdonalds, I’m afraid,” Darach replied. “I have to find a way to make repairs, else we will find ourselves at war.”

“The MacNeils?” Ewan asked. “Surely they will take our side. Mother is a MacNeil, after all.”

“We will see,” Darach said, placing a hand on Ewan’s shoulder. “Do not worry. I am sure all will be well.”

Despite Darach dropping the conversation, Ewan sensed the tension. All was not well. “If ye need help at any time, send word. I will come immediately.” Then he continued. “And Malcolm has hundreds of warriors. He will not hesitate to send help.”

Darach nodded. “Aye, he has given his word to support our cause. For it, I am grateful. I do not foresee needing it.”

“Why?” Ewan asked. intrigued.

“Because, as ye know, our numbers are almost the same as the three of them.”

“They can be strong if they combine,” Stuart said. “Ye should plan to ask Malcolm for support.”

***

When Ewan walked into the bedchamber, he was exhausted. The days his family would remain there would fly by and he wasn’t sure he’d be ready for them to leave. However, he had a new life, people’s needs to see after and a wife and household to maintain.

Catriona stood and greeted him with a tight hug. It seemed his wife was in need of reassurance.

“Does something bother ye?” he asked after pressing a kiss to her lips. They remained standing, arms around each other’s waist. “Tell me.”

She frowned. “I love yer mother and yer brothers. They are nice as well.”

“Why, then, does a frown mar that beautiful face of yers?” Ewan asked and kissed the crease that formed on her brow.

“It could be that we should have gone to Uist upon marrying instead of remaining here. We are both so far from our homes here.”

Ewan chuckled. “I am glad ye care for my mother and brothers. However, I have given my word to Malcolm to take over this lairdship. I plan to fulfill my vow and so should ye.”

She lifted her chin and gave him a challenging look. “Ruari and Esme would do well here. Perhaps better. She is much more suited to be a laird’s wife than I am.”

Ewan thought about what Catriona said. A part of him discounted each word. However, as a dutiful husband, he considered what life would be like if he were to return to Uist.

“We would live in a humble home on the isle. I would return to archery and ye would have only Maisie to help ye. Our meals would be taken at the keep and ye would fall under whoever Darach marries.”

She kissed him, her hands sliding down the sides of his neck. “Sounds divine.”

Epilogue