Page 103 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Shea tugged on his arm. “I’m no bastard, am I? My da was a bugger but he was married to my ma.”

It was sad that someone so young knew how these things were.

“We’ll not use that word.” Liam frowned. “Either of those words,” he added when he remembered “bugger” wasn’t suitable for a child. “They don’t mean a thing in our family. We are all loved and happy, yes?”

Shea nodded.

“Good. I would like you to meet my da.”

“Is he a bug—uh.”

Liam winked at the boy. “Nay. I don’t think so.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

As they walked to the head table, Evelyn was sure to keep her wits about her as they passed her father. She was careful not to look in his direction, instead, smiling at the women who were waiting on the other side of the man whose heart was filled so with hatred.

She followed Liam to stand beside his father. Liam was carrying Gwennie, whose face was tucked in Liam’s neck. Evelyn didn’t want her children to be subjected to any more harsh words. She could only hope Gaven Morgan had a kinder soul than her father.

“Ah, Valkyrie,” Gaven addressed her with a wide smile earning a laugh from her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Who are you, little one?”

Rose reached out to the man, fearless as usual. To Evelyn’s surprise the laird took her and held her up as people did with little children. Rose squealed and patted his face.

“These are our children, Rose, Gwendolyn, and Sheamus,” Liam said.

She noticed a glimpse of confusion from David for a moment before he offered a smile. She loved her father and brother by marriage for the kind way they held their tongues.

“Children, this is your grandsire and your uncle.”

Gwennie peeked out and Shea offered a bow. Rose called Gaven, “Papa.” Then pointed to Liam and repeated it. They did look so much alike.

“I have a sword,” Shea said to David. “My papa made it for me.”

“I shall love to see it,” David replied.

“After dinner,” Evelyn said when Shea turned to her. David laughed and pulled Shea up on the bench between him and Gaven.

She reached to take Rose, but Gaven patted her back. “She’s well enough here for a bit longer.”

Gwennie sat between Liam and Evelyn, but soon enough she was on Liam’s lap chatting with Gaven, her earlier shyness forgotten. Kenna patted Evelyn on the leg.

“I’m so glad everything worked out,” she said.

“Was Lachlan very angry at ye for helping me wage a battle without his permission?”

Kenna laughed. “Nay. In fact, he told me it was the most rousing thing he’d seen in some time. The children will be staying in the solar with the nurse tonight.”

At that, the MacKinlay laird stood and raised his voice, demanding quiet throughout the hall.

“Let’s raise a drink to our guests. There’s no greater thing than family, and we’re blessed to call the Morgans such. Welcome!”

Evelyn couldn’t help but notice her father’s sour expression during the toast. Obviously, family wasn’t important to her sire. She kept her smile in place, but Liam must have noticed, for he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“I’m sorry, love. I wish there were a way to make him see what he’s missing.”

“I know.” She patted his hand. “We’ll not worry over it now. We have wonderful things to celebrate this night.”

She couldn’t allow her father’s hatred to ruin this evening for her husband and his family.