The Scot's Angel - Keira Montclair Page 0,45

a resounding gasp echoed across the group, all of them huddling together. A sense of wonder unfolded within Thorn.

“Look, Claray,” he said, squeezing her hand. “’Tis just as you said.”

There, standing in her green velvet holiday dress, stood Maddie Grant, Alex behind her in his dress leine and plaid. The shades of red and green were so vibrant that they could be seen from afar. They both had warm smiles on their faces and an odd mist swirling around their feet. They appeared to be floating in the air a wee bit above them where everyone could see them.

“A verra warm Yule greeting to you all,” Maddie said. “We’re sorry we brought you all here in the cold, but we have a reason.”

“Mama? Papa?” Connor and Jamie announced in unison.

“Grandsire?” Dyna and Chrissa whispered.

“Grandmama? ’Twas you who helped me, was it not?” Claray asked, her hand grasping Thorn’s so tightly it hurt.

Her grandmother glanced around at the group and said, “Aye, ’twas the two of us. We had to see you to safety, and Grandsire loves riding Midnight again, even in cold weather. Fear not, you have much happiness coming, Claray.”

Alex Grant said, “I’ll answer all the questions bouncing in so many of your minds. Aye, I’m verra happy to be with Maddie again. So please don’t grieve for me any longer. Celebrate all that you have this Yule season. We brought you together to celebrate one another, so please do.”

Maddie said, “Claray, don’t forget your gifts for everyone.”

Dyna was audibly sobbing, and Thorn thought he could hear more sobs from the group, too, but Claray had a serene smile on her face.

Jennie waved as their image began to disappear. “Love you and miss you both.”

Maddie blew them all a kiss, then leaned against Alex and wrapped her arms around his waist. But then she stopped. “Wait!”

All quieted, anxious to hear what she had to add. “Just remember, we do have the ability to prod our loved ones now and again, so if we nudge you or you feel an inclination to do something, please consider it. We sent Thorn and Claray down the mountain, along with Dyna. The three are stronger for their travels.” Their images melted into the landscape, disappearing with a wave from Maddie.

Thorn wrapped his arms around Claray, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “I miss them so much but seeing them together like that makes it better.”

“You have gifts for everyone? What did she mean, sweetling?” Thorn asked.

“Aye, I do. We must go back inside.”

Logan Ramsay, clearly choked up, said, “Proceed, and we’ll all follow. It sounds as if we have some celebrating to do.”

Grant war whoops echoed through the night, and competing Ramsay, Menzie, Drummond, and Cameron whoops rose up too, followed by a gale of laughter.

The rest of the group followed, satisfied that they’d seen all they were meant to see, and spoke quietly of the image and the time of year.

Brenna said, “’Tis such a beautiful picture. I wish to remember them both that way forever. Happy. Connor, you have many to house and feed. Will you be able to squeeze us all in?”

“Of course we will,” Jamie said. “We may have to put a few extra pallets in chambers, but we’ll use all the towers. Claray already knew many were coming, so they’ve been working all day to fill the chambers with extra beds. If we need to, we’ll put extra pallets in the hall for some men. I don’t mind sleeping in the hall with my relatives so the women can have the chambers. We have much wood stored and there are plenty of hunters among us. This will be fun. Something Papa always wished to see, everyone together. ’Twill be a Yule to remember.”

“I’m so glad they brought you here,” Kyla said with a radiant smile. “Mama and Papa were both relaxed and happy. ’Tis what they both deserve. They will always be my angels.”

***

Once inside, they all shuffled about the doorway, hanging up mantles, removing boots and shaking snow off themselves. Hats were tossed every which way. Wood was piled into the hearth and furs were passed around to settle on laps for warmth. They settled around the trestle tables, chattering and laughing in a delightful chorus. Kyla, Gracie, Dyna, and Chrissa headed into the kitchens to gather food for a quick repast, handing Claray loaves of bread to leave on the tables, some serving lasses joining in to help.

Once Claray was able, she hurried up