Page 3 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Of course. Perhaps another time.” He bowed to the man he respected more than anyone. Nine years separated them, but Lachlan was a man while Liam often felt like he was still the boy chasing after him.

“Liam, take a seat,” Lach ordered when Liam had almost made his escape. Once seated, the man waited a full minute before letting out a breath. “A laird and his war chief need to be partners. To strategize and plan together to protect the clan and ensure victory. We need to communicate with each other.”

Liam knew himself to be a formidable warrior and a skilled war chief. He’d spent much of his life practicing, drilling, and studying battle plans. Aside from eating, it was all he really knew. In the few raids and battles he’d led over the last year, the laird had approved of his strategy.

Liam nodded in agreement but remained quiet.

“Will you tell me what you wanted to see me about?” Lachlan asked finally.

“Yes.” Liam shifted uneasily. He’d never needed to ask anyone for something so personal before. “Last year, when the clan was joined by the Stewarts to defeat the McCurdys, I asked the Stewart laird for his daughter’s hand—Evelyn.” Even speaking her name made his heart flutter before dropping into the pit of his stomach.

“Aye. Bryce had mentioned it to me.” The laird gave no hint as to what he thought of this.

Liam went on. “The man turned me down, she being a laird’s daughter and me being a nameless bastard.”

“He said that to you?” Lachlan’s hands tightened into fists on the top of his desk.

“Nay. Well, not exactly like that, but it was really no surprise, and I don’t take offense. It’s true enough, I’m not worthy of her.” He swallowed. “However, I still think of her. It’s been more than three years since I’ve last seen her, but the burning in my chest is no better after all this time.”

Lachlan fought a smile, but Liam caught it. “Ye wish to petition him again?”

“Aye. My hope is he’ll allow it now that I’m a war chief and hold a more honorable position with my clan.”

“I’ve not met a man more worthy than ye, Liam. I’d recommend you as a fine husband to my own daughter if I had any, and they were of age to marry. But, alas, my wife provides me my own army of male progeny.” He smiled and Liam knew his complaint was in jest. The laird was proud of his four boys and in love with his wife. “Hugh Stewart would be a fool not to approve of you. For no one would treat his lass with more respect and honor.”

Liam appreciated his laird’s praise; however, it wasn’t Lachlan’s nonexistent daughter Liam wished to marry.

“You wish to ask my permission to go speak to him again?”

“Yes, my laird—Lach.”

“I’ll do so, if you will take a letter with you and present it to Hugh on my behalf.”

“Of course.” Liam stood and bowed.

“Do you wish any of your men to accompany ye?” It was a kind offer, but Liam didn’t need any of his warriors to witness another rejection if it came to that.

“Nay. I’ll be fine on my own. Thank you.”

Lachlan gave a nod. “I’ll have the missive ready when I see you off at dawn tomorrow.”

“Thank you, truly. I hope the man accepts my offer this time.”

“As do I.”

Liam knew his chances were slim, but he needed to try once more. He’d never be more than war chief. If his position wasn’t enough to impress the Stewart laird, he’d be forced to give up.

He’d thought of no one but her in all these years. While he didn’t know her well, it didn’t keep him from imagining what their marriage would be like. Her shy smiles and sweet disposition. She was an angel sent to Earth just for him.

Chapter Three

“Bloody hell,” Evelyn muttered to herself as she entered the bailey with her head down.

She was late returning from the village. She could only pray her father hadn’t taken notice. She wouldn’t be able to stay silent through yet another scolding.

It’d been more than a week since her father’s announcement about her pending marriage to the Morgan heir, but she’d hoped to have come up with a plan and a few alternate plans by now.

To date she had nothing. She was so distraught she didn’t hear her name being called at first.