Page 97 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

“I hope for the same thing I always hope for—that whichever it is, the babe is healthy and happy.” Kenna smiled and Dorie felt a yearning for that same type of joy. She felt almost greedy to wish for more than she’d already been given. Her husband loved her, which was a miracle unto itself. She was happy.

But the truth of it was, despite her blessings, she wanted a child with Bryce. Guilt washed over her as the door burst open, letting in one of the maids.

“An army is approaching the castle. The men are leaving to head them off.”

Dorie jumped up and ran down the stairs into the hall, but there were only a few scattered soldiers remaining. Rascal ran out of the hall and she followed after him. In the bailey the men were mounting and preparing to leave. She searched the men closest to the gate, knowing the war chief would have the place of honor in front of his men.

“Bryce!” she called and caught his attention. Despite the seriousness of the moment he offered a smile and slid down from his horse to pull her into his arms.

“I’m sure it’s just the Campbells or maybe the Stewarts.”

“The maid said there was no flag.”

“Aye. And that’s why we’re going out to greet them.”

Dorie knew well enough that a welcome party didn’t call for every soldier to join them. Especially not fully armed. They were preparing for what might happen if their visitor was not friendly.

“Come home to me.”

“I’ll do my best.” He kissed her and she knew that was all the promise she would get from him. His kiss was fierce and full of intention. “That will have to do until I return. But when I do, ye might want to be ready.” He gave her a wink and patted Rascal. “Guard her well, lad,” he instructed, then mounted his horse.

She stepped out of the way as only a few warriors followed her husband through the gate. The rest remained in place, in case things turned bad.

…

Bryce swallowed as he crested the hill and saw the approaching army. Nearly a hundred men approached with no flag among them. This was even more men than he had left back at Dunardry. They wouldn’t win this battle. Bryce knew the warriors remaining at the castle could fight them off for a time, but he worried they’d lose in the end.

The leader of the other group spurred his horse and came toward them. When he was in sight, Bryce relaxed and scabbarded his blade. “Stand down. It’s Dorien.”

Bryce eyed the soldiers again, spotting a red coat here and there, but overall they were out of uniform. Paid soldiers.

Lachlan kept his blade at the ready and narrowed his eyes on Bryce. “What have you done to his daughter now that he sends an army to take you down?”

“Nothing,” Bryce answered while his mind recalled the things he might have done to displease his father-by-marriage. “I’m fairly sure,” he added, not sounding very certain.

“Welcome back to Dunardry,” Lach called when he was close enough. “To what do we owe this honor?”

Dorien smiled in greeting, which Bryce took as a good sign. “It was my understanding you wished to have access to the sea through the McCurdy port. And the only way to have it was to take over Baehaven”

“Aye. It was our understanding that your offer of men to help was only available if Bryce came home without your daughter.”

Dorien spared a look at Bryce and offered a nod of respect. “I wanted to make sure your heart was pure when you made your decision. You picked her even when faced with losing something valuable.”

“I will always choose her,” Bryce said honestly. “Always.”

Another nod from his father-in-law, this one of approval. “My men are yours on one condition.”

“That is?”

“I want Baehaven Castle when the McCurdys fall. And they will fall.”

Lach spared a glance at Bryce, but nodded. “As long as you’ll grant us access to the port.”

“My daughter is married to your war chief. I propose an alliance. This time offered by a man of honor.”

Lach agreed and they rode on to the castle. Bryce went ahead, happy to tell Dorie the news of their visitor. She was waiting and worrying in the hall when he returned. “Your father is on his way,” he told her after she released him from a relieved and rather passionate kiss.

“My father?” He saw a moment of worry in her blue eyes. “You’ve not changed your mind, have you? Are you going to send me back?”