Scot to the Touch (The Hots for Scots #7) - Caroline Lee Page 0,58

at Graham. “I hope ye dinnae mind if I steal Malcolm away for a bit? The lads’ nurse says she’ll watch them if we want to have some time alone.”

When she shot a look Malcolm’s way, Graham had no trouble interpreting it. So, a slight smile curving at his lips, he gave a little bow. “No’ at all, madam. I imagine privacy must be in short supply with such fine sons, and I willnae mind a few moments to myself as well.”

As Malcolm scooped up his older son to sit on the hip opposite the bairn, Evelinde nodded knowingly. “The Oliphants are a bit overwhelming at first, are they no’? But they are all good people; the very best truthfully. I ken ye’ll find yer place here in nae time.”

But did he want a place here?

Distractedly, Graham waved goodbye to Malcolm and his family with the leg of mutton. He frowned at it, then tossed the meat on a nearby platter as he considered his new sister-in-law’s words.

A place here among the Oliphants? Yesterday, he hadn’t even known he was an Oliphant, and now he had more relatives than he could count on two hands.

Besides, there was only one place he really wanted to be…

Across the great hall, Davina was watching him. He knew it; he could feel her eyes on him, the same way he imagined she knew when he was nearby. Had it really only been yesterday morning when they’d met in the dark, her small hand in his, as she’d vowed to give up everything to be with him?

And damn his soul, he’d been too much of a coward to accept!

Now, her grandfather wouldn’t let her out of his sight. But mayhap if they stayed in his sight…

Determinedly, Graham strode across the floor, dodging well-wishers and dancers alike. He wouldn’t have to touch her or even say anything to her. Just being near Davina would be like a balm to his soul.

But he should’ve known it wouldn’t work.

The MacKinnon laird happened to glance up and notice his passage across the hall. As he stood, the older woman who’d been sitting on his lap squawked indignantly, but he smacked her rear end lightly, and she blushed. Then he grabbed Davina’s arm, and without a word, hustled her toward the stairs.

Well, at least Graham knew where she slept. Unless her grandfather had blocked off the doors to the secret passages.

“Well, what was that all about?” the old woman groused, as Graham arrived at her side. Both of them were staring after the disappearing pair.

He glanced at her. “I imagine Laird MacKinnon is trying to keep Davina away from me. Forgive me, but I dinnae recall yer name. Lady…Agnes? Alice?”

The woman grinned widely. “Close, but nae cylindrical smoking thingy.”

What?

Graham blinked in confusion. “Nae…torch? Cannon? Close, but nae cannon?”

“Och, it doesnae matter.” She waved a gloved hand dismissively. “I’m Agatha, yer father’s great-aunt. Call me Aunt Agatha; everyone does, except that hot hunk of man-meat.” She nodded toward the stairs, where MacKinnon was disappearing. “He calls me Sweet Cheeks.”

Graham very carefully did not allow his gaze to drop to her arse.

Instead, he cleared his throat. “ ’Tis nice to officially meet ye…Aunt Sweet Cheeks.”

The old woman burst out laughing and nudged him with her elbow. “Ye might look as dour as our Duncan, but ye’ve got a sense of humor hiding under all those manners after all! Now, what’s this about Laird MacKinnon keeping Davina from ye?”

Uncomfortable at the thought of having revealed even the little he had, Graham shifted his weight and cleared his throat. “It matters no’, milady.”

When she snorted, it took Graham a moment to realize she was laughing and not choking as it sounded.

“Call me Aunt Agatha. We’re family after all. And aye, that means yer business is now my business. At least, I’m making it such because I’m an auld woman and I like to meddle. Now, dinnae tell me, let me guess.” She pursed her lips and cocked her head as she studied him, then nodded emphatically. “Ye and Davina are sweethearts, but her grandfather doesnae think ye’re good enough for her.”

The man who married MacKinnon’s granddaughter was destined to rule the clan after his passing. Up until yesterday, no one considered Katlyn would be the one to marry first, so technically, the burden now fell to Kiergan. But since Kiergan was now in the running to be the next Laird Oliphant, only time would tell who would be the next in line to lead