“Aye. I have. Ye’re right. I apologize, truly.”
Grateful as he was for his brother’s words, Keegan shook his head. “It isnae me that ye need to apologize to. Take yer timein it, but ye should be saying the same to Willow. She’ll be yer sister-in-law soon, after all.”
“An odd thought,” Damon replied. “But one that I am getting used to. And I’ll offer me apologies to the lass. Ye have me word, Brother.”
“I thank ye for that, Damon.” The laird’s stare fell to the ground once more. “Now, there is only the matter of learnin' more of Magnus’s machinations to deal with.”
There was a beat between them, and then Damon sat up straighter before standing altogether.
“Ye can send warriors to spy on his territory. Perhaps yer lassie will have knowledge of a bonny sight to set up a watch?”
Keegan swallowed, the idea a fine one, but Damon’s words hit him with an odd punch.
“She is trulymine, Brother. But aye, I will ask Willow if she kens a spot to spy on the man. It is a fine plan.”
Damon clapped him on the shoulder, and Keegan flinched slightly.
“She will certainly be yers after the ceremony, Brother. Ye best be making yer peace with it—and soon.”
Before Keegan could reply, Damon strode to the door and left the laird alone in his study to think. There was undoubtedly much on his mind and much to plan. And still, the lingering thought consuming Keegan concerned the voracity of Damon’s statement.
Willow would behisonce they were wed, tradition and legality demanding it. What might that mean for them? Keegan was unsure, but he could not deny the ultimate truth.
He longed for the eventuality with Willow as the flower yearned for springtime.
21
“Ye have been gifted a bit of a blessin'. Hogmanay is set to be celebrated, and yer weddin' will fall right in line for the decorations and festivities.”
Melissa smiled at Willow as they stood in the Great Hall, and Willow couldn’t tell if she wished to consider the situation a blessing or not. It was true that this would mean less work preparing the castle for a wedding. Still, it was also true that Hogmanay was being celebrated in significant excess because Yule celebrations had been put off due to the abduction and exchange of prisoners.
An exchange that did not come to pass and would now be abruptly switched for a marriage to the very woman the clan had looked to give back.
“Thank ye, Melissa. I appreciate yer help with arrangin' things. I havenae the experience of doin' it meself as the ceremony for me previous engagement was set to be held at the MacMillans’ castle.”
“I am happy to assist. Think of it as a way to show me gratitude to yer sister since she cannae be here to thank properly as well as a way to get to ken ye a bit better.”
Willow smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. Aside from Melissa, she was genuinely doing this alone, and it…was not how she wanted it. Keegan had been scarce throughout the castle these past few days, and Damon was gone with a host of men to secure the land Magnus sought.
Tension filled the backdrop of this supposedly happy occasion indeed.
Happy. It will be a marriage of convenience per the groom. Is that truly to be a happy thing, either? Perhaps this minimal celebration is best.
“I do thank ye, Melissa.” Willow sighed. “I apologize if it doesnae seem like I am looking forward to the day over much. I will admit…I miss Lilith—terribly. She was set to be at me handfasting before, and now…”
It was true that Willow wished for Lilith to be there, but it was also such a strange reality to her that Keegan would soon be her husband. She…felt something for the man, but there had been hardly a moment to consider what.
He was undoubtedly in the same boat, as well. Despite lacking the ability to read the laird’s mind, Willow couldsensethat something was off with him. Keegan still cared about what happened to her in a way that stretched beyond “convenience.”
What isnae he saying? What am I, for that matter?
Melissa paused in looking over a list of necessary items for the ceremony, turning to Willow and laying a hand on her shoulder.
“I can see how it upsets ye, Willow. So,” she perked up, smiling, “why do ye nae just invite yer sister to this ceremony? She will be part of the family after all, and Lilith is the reason for me better experience at Castle McCallum. Surely, Keegan will understand.”
Nervousness clung to Willow, but hope began to bloom behind her ribs, making her heart flutter. She had truly not thought of it, but Keegan was indeed an understanding man, it seemed. He’d never cast Magnus’s guilt upon her. He was marrying her for protection, for Christ’s sake.
“Do ye truly think yer brother will be all right with her comin' to the weddin'? I am all too aware of how the McCallums are the enemy to him.”