Page 56 of Highland Guard
They were about to move on when Eugenie and Oisin Anrias appeared at the door. “If you dinnae mind, I would like a word with my granddaughter before we leave,” Oisin said.
Kieran nodded and stepped out to the adjoining room to give them privacy.
“I hope you dinnae remain a stranger to us, lass. We’ve not had much time to ken one another, but that does not mean we cannot do so in the future. When Florie disappeared many years ago, it was not under good circumstances. But we never stopped searching. I am sorry that our first meeting caused so much turmoil in your life.”
“Tis all right, grandfather. It is in the past now. Someday I would like to visit.”
“You will always be welcome,” Eugenie replied.
Naomi hugged her aunt and grandfather, then they took their leave.
In the adjoining room, Iverson Macrae and Donald Clunes were also making their peace with Kieran.
“Iverson, I wish you all the best as laird of the MacKenzies,” Kieran said and shook his hand with a firm shake.
“Thank you, Kieran. I am sorry again that we had to force you into this position. But it seems this truce will be a good one for all of us,” Iverson replied.
“Aye. More can be achieved in peace than in constant war.”
“For what it’s worth, Kieran, I believe your ma would be proud of the man you have become,” Donald said. “I understand your decision to not take up the lairdship, but I have a feeling you’ll have your hands full guarding that wife of yours.” They chuckled and left.
Kieran felt a weight lift off his shoulders. There were men in the world who aspired to be leaders. He was not one of them. He was a Highland guard, had been one his entire life and now that he had a bonnie, troublesome wife to protect, he would not swap that role for anything in the world.
***
Chapter 14
Lillebonne, Normandy
“Guy, have you forgottensomething? I do not see a wife in your possession. Are you hiding her somewhere under your garments, perhaps?” FitzOsbern asked sarcastically.
“Macbeth married her off to a Highlander before I could prevent it.”
FitzOsbern crossed the room and slapped Guy across the face. “You had one task. Just one and you failed at even that.”
Guy held his bruised cheek. “Macbeth had no intention of allowing the marriage.”
