Page 6 of Highland Guard
Kieran sat back down and grunted indecipherable words as the tavern owner rushed forward to offer him a complimentary cup of ale and, if Kieran was reading it correctly, the man was also offering a barmaid for his use. She poured him a cup and bent low, so his face was inches from her cleavage. Kieran snarled in disapproval and gave her a menacing scowl. She stepped back with hands shaking and retreated.
“What the bloody hell is the matter?” Lachlan Gair, his fellow guardsman and best friend, asked. “That woman was practically throwing herself at you, and you sent her scurrying away.”
“I dinnae like the look of her.”
“Since when? You’ve never passed up a willing wench before.”
“That is not true. I do it all the time.”
“Not since I’ve kenned you.”
“How would you ken it? You’ve been so busy with Tyra in that sickening love cottage of yours, I rarely see you.”
“Tis not a love cottage. I just enjoy spending time with my new wife. Is that a sin? Besides, you’ve changed, Kieran. You were never this grumpy.”
“Is there a point to your blathering, Lach? Can a man not drink in peace without being mauled by a woman’s bosoms?”
“I’m just saying, lately you’re always in a bad mood and I wonder what could cause it.”
Kieran paused for a moment, then realized he had been in a feral mood for some time. If memory served him correctly, probably the first thirty years of his life. He simply grunted and said no more.
Lachlan paused for a moment then said, “Come to think of it, Kieran, you haven’t been yourself since that bonnie wee lass from the abbey left last summer.”
Kieran gritted his teeth at the recollection. “Dinnae call her bonnie. She’s a bloody nun. Have some respect.”
“Ah... and that’s why you’re out of sorts. Because she is bonnie, but you canna have her if she’s married to the church.”
Kieran scowled. “I have no interest in that daft wench, even if she wasn’t sheltered in an abbey. I’m glad she left. What I’m feeling is only revulsion at the mere thought of her.”
Lachlan replied, “Brother, I’ve kenned you my whole life. Did something happen between the two of you before she left?” Lachlan made a kissing gesture in the air.
Kieran changed the subject. “Lach, why are you here with me instead of spending time with your wife? Where is Tyra? Has she finally come to her senses and kicked your sorry arse out the door?”
Lachlan grinned widely. It was the smile of a happily married man, still in the throes of passionate young love. He replied, “No, she is at the Keep spending time with the women. She wanted to tell them about the babe.”
“What babe?” Kieran asked.
It was then Lachlan’s eyes lit up and became almost soft and reminiscent when he replied, “Our babe, the one who will arrive in spring.”
Kieran took a sharp intake of breath then asked, “Do you mean... you and Tyra are expecting a wee one?”
Lachlan nodded and replied, “Aye, brother. Tis the only reason I’m here. I wanted you to be the first to ken. I’m going to be a da.”
“Well, why the hell didna you just say so instead of blathering on like a fool?” Immediately Kieran’s surly mood vanished and was replaced with elation for his best friend and brother in arms. He stood up so quickly, he knocked the fresh cup of ale over the floor but did not care. Kieran pulled Lachlan up off his seat and wrapped him in a bear hug. He released him then shouted to the entire tavern, “I’m going to be an uncle. Get my brother some mead!” The tavern erupted in hoots of joy, and Lachlan just grinned at his best friend.
Lachlan Gair and Kieran MacKenzie had been through much over the years, serving in the war band to Chieftain Beiste MacGregor. Now they were part of Clan Henderson’s guardsmen. Kieran stood by Lachlan’s side when he wed Tyra Henderson and Lachlan knew without a doubt Kieran would be godfather to his child when the blessed event occurred.
The celebrations continued into the night until the two men stumbled their way back home singing raucous songs. Kieran practically carried Lachlan to his front door because he was so drunk.
They were trying to focus enough to open it when Tyra appeared glaring at her husband with her hands on her hips. “Lachlan Gair, you were supposed to tell him the news and come straight home. Tis past midnight.”
“But I wanted the world to ken that I love you, Tyra... and I love you too, my wee one.” Lachlan crouched down and kissed Tyra’s stomach, then pitched sideways and passed out in the dirt.
Kieran burst out laughing and Tyra just shook her head and muttered, “Big oaf.” She moved aside as Kieran hauled her husband over the threshold. Once indoors, Kieran gave her a warm smile and said, “Congratulations, Tyra, you will make a fine mother. Thank you for letting Lach tell me first.”
Tyra’s gaze softened, and she whispered, “Thank you, Kieran. You mean the world to Lachie. I’m glad he has you.”
“I’m glad he has you too,” Kieran replied and meant it.
