dependent on you.”
“Sound reasoning. Or people will see I love my bride and can’t go without her one more moment,” Brodie countered.
“Compromise?”
“Such as?”
“Each on their own mount but holding hands.”
“Agreed.” Brodie proffered another kiss before setting Laurel back on her saddle. They rode through the village just beyond the wall, the bells tolling to signal the laird’s return. As people came out of their homes to wave, Brodie laced his fingers with Laurel’s. It wasn’t the easiest position, but Brodie understood the powerful signal it sent. They entered as equals, as partners. That was exactly how he viewed Laurel.
They rode into the bailey to cheers but confused expressions. Laurel realized people expected Brodie to return with Eliza beside him, not her. He hadn’t returned to Kilchurn before going to court. She glanced at Brodie and smiled at his sheepish expression.
“I shall have to explain,” he murmured.
Laurel watched a couple standing together on the stairs. Laurel assumed they were Brodie’s brother Dominic and his wife. The man resembled Brodie in most ways, but he didn’t carry himself with the same certainty and confidence Brodie possessed. It was clear he was a powerful warrior, but Laurel supposed Brodie’s demeanor came in part from being the laird, not the laird’s tánaiste. The woman who stood beside Dominic was pretty, but she looked wan. Her expression and posture were unassuming. Laurel wondered if she might make friends with her new sister-by-marriage. She would try.
“Once we’re inside, what would you have me do first?”
Brodie looked into Laurel’s eyes as they came to a stop. She never ceased to move him when she thought of others first. If only people had been compassionate from the start. They might have met the Laurel who always lurked behind the shield she wielded. She was unselfish and dutiful. Once more he counted his blessings.
“Brodie? Do you have a housekeeper who will see to our guests? Do I need to attend to their chambers and baths? Will your sister-by-marriage do it?”
“Sorry, mo ghaol. You distract me in the best ways. Aggie will see to our guests, so you needn’t rush aboot a keep you don’t know. Colina never took an interest in the household. I suppose she always knew one day my wife would arrive and be chatelaine,” Brodie shrugged. He realized he’d barely thought of it in his brother’s three-year marriage. Once it was obvious Colina didn’t want the position, he ceased thinking about it, knowing he would have to marry to gain a lady to run his keep. The couple was too enamored with one another to pay attention to anyone else. They were a love-match.
“What would you have me do?” Laurel pressed.
“Stand beside me as we greet our people.”
Laurel appeared uncertain, but she nodded. She would follow Brodie’s lead. But she realized there was one thing more pressing than any other. “Do you have a healer?”
“Aye, Nora—or rather Honoria—is our healer. I’ll send for her. She can see to the men who need her. Thank you for thinking of it. Come, Laurie. Let me show you your home.” Brodie dismounted, then lifted Laurel from the saddle, easing her body along his until her feet were on the ground. “I regret I may be late to bed tonight. But I will be there.”
“And I shall be ready. Wake me. Promise?”
“Do not fear, Laurie. There will be little sleep for either of us.” Brodie pinched her backside before he took her hand. She reached across her arm and pinched him back. Brodie jumped, then laughed as he looked down at Laurel, who looked as innocent as a lamb. He walked them to the top of the steps outside the main door of the keep. They turned to look at those who’d assembled. “I am happy to be home.”
People cheered, and Laurel saw the sincerity in people’s excitement matched what she heard in Brodie’s voice. He squeezed her hand in reassurance before he released it and wrapped his arm around Laurel. He whispered, “It’s not just for show. Don’t doubt that.” Laurel had wondered that very thing.
“Stop reading my thoughts,” she teased. Brodie drew her against his side and looked out at his people again.
“You know I left to settle the alliance with the MacMillans and to bring home a wife. God had a different plan for me and for our clan.” Brodie paused as his gaze swept the assembled clan members. “Our party was attacked on our own land, and they killed Lady Eliza.” He waited for the buzz