Page 85 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

His father turned toward him. “Perhaps, but I’m not sure the young Campbell will side with you over the McCurdy. Best to wait to speak to the laird. Jathen is unreliable.”

“I wanted to have the task done so I could return home. But I suppose I will have to wait until the laird grows tired.” Bryce let out a sigh.

“You should think of remaining. The laird’s youngest daughter is of age. You could marry her.”

“Aren’t you wed to the laird’s daughter?” Bryce may have missed news of yet another marriage.

“Aye. But from a different mother. Our marriage assured my position as war chief. The match has brought a lot of power.”

“I am already war chief of Clan MacKinlay.”

“But you and I—together—could sway decisions with the Campbells.”

“Besides, I’m already married,” Bryce said without thinking. It wasn’t exactly true anymore. He’d signed the annulment. He was free to marry again. Not that he would. Especially not to the Campbell lass. And not just because he was having difficulty figuring out their relationship. Would his stepmother also be his sister-in-law?

It didn’t matter. He moved on.

His father’s eyes went wide. “That surprises me. I didna think you planned to wed again after your dear Maggie.”

“I didn’t want to. But it was my duty.”

His father nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. “I understand. You know how bad off I was after your ma died. But I had to remarry to have someone to take care of you.”

“Except your new wife didna want to take care of me, so I got shipped off to my mother’s clan instead.”

“Och.” He waved the comment away. “It was for the best. You just said you’re their war chief. Now tell me of your lass. Was it a good match?”

And just like that, his abandonment was brushed aside. Bryce didn’t press it. There was no use. Instead, he allowed his father to change the subject.

“She’s a McCurdy,” he said. That wasn’t exactly true, either, but it was much easier than explaining the confusing truth of it.

The other man’s lip curled in disgust. He leaned closer and whispered, “I’ll not tell a soul you’re already wed. You can come here and marry again. No one will have to know. Leave the MacKinlays with their own trouble.”

Bryce snorted at the suggestion. It was just like his father to turn his back on a vow of honor for the sake of convenience. The man lived only for himself and what others could give him. Those who had nothing to offer were discarded and shipped off so as not to cause him any bother.

Even if they were his son.

“I’ll wait to talk to the laird. Then I must return.” Even if no one would be there waiting for him.

“Bah!” Thomas shook his head. “You’re loyal like your ma.”

“Aye,” Bryce said proudly. A man was only as good as his word. Lach’s father—the old laird—had taught him that. He’d taken up the void left by Bryce’s da, and Bryce felt a better man because of it.

Bryce was served his meal, and he listened to the men as he ate. They were much like the warriors at Dunardry, speaking of battles and lasses. No doubt, each time they told their tales they sounded better and better, their foes and their women’s breasts both growing larger with each telling.

Bryce chuckled, thinking he might have been happy here if he’d stayed. Perhaps if he had, Maggie and Isabel wouldn’t have gotten ill and died.

It wasn’t the first time he’d thought such a thing, but it was the first time he’d thought it and realized he could have made it work. If he’d only tried.

He swallowed down the guilt and left the castle to go see his mother’s grave. It was too early for flowers so he visited her empty-handed. Sitting on the ground he told her all the things he’d been worrying over.

“I let her go before she could cause me the type of pain Maggie caused. Or you caused.” That last part came out in a sneer, and it wasn’t until he’d heard the words spoken aloud that he realized he was angry with his mother.

She’d been the first to leave him.

“I’m a bitter mess,” he told her. “I don’t want to be like this, but I don’t know how else to be.” He shook his head and smiled. “I hope you’re with Maggie and wee Isabel. Give them a kiss for me. I love you all.” He kissed his fingertips and touched them to her stone before heading back to the castle.

He needed to stop by the village before he left. There was someone else he must visit. But perhaps not today. He’d dredged up enough ghosts for now.