Page 84 of His Secret Highland Bride

Ronan knew everything. He’d known Maria, had been standing next to Shane when he’d said his vows. And he knew how heartbroken Shane had been after her death. As Shane had struggled with his pain, he’d lashed out at Ronan, blaming him for pulling Shane away from the camp and leaving his wife. It wasn’t true. Shane had made the choice to leave Maria unprotected. Ronan had nothing to do with it.

Ronan shook his head. “I’d never have thought you’d marry again. I expected the duty of heirs would fall to Alec.”

Their younger brother grunted and shook his head. Shane decided to confide in these men who were his family. “I think of Lindsay all the time. I try to come up with ways to get her back. She returned to Riccarton, to her home. She and I are still wed. But I worry that when I return from this errand, I’ll find annulment papers waiting. It would mean the last thread connecting us will be severed.”

The flames from their fire cast the other men’s faces in harsh shadows, making their laughter seem sinister.

“Perhaps I’ll never go back home,” Shane said. Then he’d never get such a message and never have to end his marriage.

Alec’s eyes went wide. “Ye must return home. I’ve told you. I have no interest in becoming laird. The clan needs ye.”

“You’re lucky, brother, that no one is attempting to steal your birthright.” Again, Ronan’s face turned grim.

“Are you having troubles with the Grants? You have only to ask, and my sword is yours to command,” Shane said.

“I thank you, but I’m dealing with things on my own. I just don’t always know who to believe.”

Shane nodded. “I’m blessed with Alec. I’d trust him if he told me the sky had turned green rather than blue. There’s something reassuring in that, even with everything else in chaos.”

For Shane, everything hinged on finding Deirdre and getting back his money. Then he might find Lindsay and beg her to remain his wife. He was more certain than ever that he needed her by his side. She was unlike any other woman.

Tomorrow, they’d arrive at Leod, where he hoped to find the woman who had caused him so much trouble. And he could start to put things back to rights in his life. And in his heart.

…

Shane and his men were greeted the next morning by the MacKenzie laird himself as they rode into the bailey. When Shane introduced himself and his brothers, the MacKenzie laird held out his hand and clasped his strong grip along Shane’s bracer as if they were old friends reunited after many years apart. But Shane knew he’d never met the man—Gillen MacKenzie.

“We’ve just finished the noon meal, but come inside and I’ll have food brought for ye and we can discuss why you’ve come.”

Shane nodded and followed the man inside his empty hall. He spoke to a woman who startled at something he’d said before scurrying away as if frightened. Gillen was still smiling as he sat himself in the center of the high table and offered the seats next to him to Shane and Ronan.

“Tell me why you have come.” The laird got the conversation underway as soon as the ale and bread were served.

“I was told Lady MacPherson has come here. I need to speak with her.” He needed to hang her scrawny neck from a rope, but if this man intended to marry her, he didn’t want to show his hatred for the man’s betrothed.

“Ah, yes. There were actually two Lady MacPhersons visiting. One ran off after I caught her trying to empty my coffers, though, thanks to your wife, I didn’t lose anything but my pride from the short relationship.”

“My wife?”

“Lindsay MacPherson. I understand she’s married to you?”

Good God, his wife was here. He’d have his chance to make things right. Shane stood and looked around, not wanting to waste a second. “Where is she? I must see her right away.”

Gillen laughed again, then tilted his head.

“You didn’t know she was here, did you?”

“Nay. But I still want to see her.”

“I sent her cousin to bring her down. But know this—her father has gone on. And I’ve offered her use of my home for as long as she wishes to stay. It will be up to her if she wants to return with ye.”

Shane wanted to bristle at another laird telling him what he could and couldn’t do with his wife, but the man was right. Shane could only thank him for seeing his wife safe. He’d not be able to throw Lindsay over his shoulder and take her back to Cluny. No matter if it was the way of the past, he wasn’t a monster.

If she was happier here with her family, he’d not ask her to leave.

When the laird looked toward the stairs, Shane followed his gaze as Lindsay and the other woman who’d been in the hall earlier came into view. Lindsay looked beautiful, dressed in a lovely gown of gold and green. Her hair was set on her head in a proper manner, and all he could think was how much he wanted to release her midnight tresses from the tidy coiffure.

She paused. He didn’t know what to expect. She swayed as if deciding if she wanted to run toward him or away.