Page 76 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Do ye have any aunts or uncles?”

The boy shook his head.

“I’ll take you to someone who may look after you for a bit.” He found the woman who had spoken up. “Might you be able to take him in?”

“Nay. I’ve no place of my own. I’m sure the Hardys wouldn’t mind one more. They have so many children already.”

Liam gave a nod. He knew where the Hardy cottage was. He knew his men would take care of the hanging without him, so Liam was able to see to the matter of the boy.

In truth, Liam wasn’t one for watching someone die. He’d seen it many times and even caused his share of death on the battlefield, however, protecting yourself and your clan in battle was a very different thing than a hanging. It was too slow, too much thinking of it.

Knocking on the Hardy’s door he rested his hands on the lad’s shoulders, noticing how he shook. Liam crouched down to his level and gave him the wooden rabbit he’d been working on for Gwennie. She’d not mind if he didn’t have one for her today, especially if he told her Sheamus needed it. The two had been fast friends when she’d lived here. “The Hardys are kind people. You don’t have to worry about them hurting ye. Do you understand?”

He nodded and wiped at his dirty face. Something in Liam’s heart hurt for the boy. Even if he was given food and a place to stay here, he was just another mouth needing fed. Another body. How would he receive any attention or love here?

Mrs. Hardy opened the door and looked down at the boy with a frown.

“Might you have room, mistress? This is Sheamus.”

“Would it be temporary? I’ve only a spot on the floor.” Mrs. Hardy had a big heart but unfortunately a small home and a brood of children.

“Aye. I’ll try to find him a place with someone else soon enough.”

Mrs. Hardy smiled and hugged the boy. “Very well. We’ll see you safe for now.”

Liam thanked her and turned to leave, but the boy didn’t release his hand. He bent down again. “I must get back. I’ll see you again soon.”

Sheamus said nothing. Simply put his arms around Liam’s neck and squeezed. “Thank you, sir.”

Liam hugged him back and then stood to go. He turned back once to see the boy wave. Liam needed to do something better than find the boy a place to sleep and food for his belly.

Sheamus MacKinlay needed a home.

After everything was handled with Robert, Liam turned for the castle feeling determined and hopeful. He was certain of what he needed to do and thought Ev would feel the same as he did.

He couldn’t wait another moment. Knocking on the door to the solar, all the women looked up. “Might I have a word with ye, Ev?”

She came out into the hall alone, leaving Gwennie to play with the other children. He led her to their room and closed the door.

“Is everything well? You looked so grim when you came for the laird earlier.”

“It was not an easy morning. Robert beat his wife to death.”

“Oh God. Madra.”

“He was punished for it.” Liam said sparing the details.

She rested her hand on his arm. “I’m sure that is unpleasant.”

“It’s easy enough to carry out the laird’s orders. I’m sure it weighed on Lach to give them.”

Ev nodded and wrapped her arms around him as if she knew he needed her touch to push away the darkness. He held her for a moment or so, enjoying the warmth of her body in his arms before he backed away.

“Poor Sheamus,” she said.

“The lad saw everything. I found him hiding in a corner.”

“He’s a sweet child.”