Too Scot to Hold (The Hots for Scots #8) - Caroline Lee Page 0,32

deep breath. “Which is why it really chaps my arse to see ye sneaking about with that MacKinnon lass.”

The words, so unexpected, had Graham’s hackles raising. “We’re no’ sneaking—”

“No’ anymore, aye, but dinnae think I dinnae ken what ye’re doing. Ye’re wooing her outside her grandda’s sight. The auld goat is too wrapped up in his new wife—and let us never speak of how he might be wrapped up in my Aunt Agatha, aye?—to notice what’s under his nose. I ken ‘tis yer plan, but ye deserve better than that.”

Better than Davina? Impossible. “She is a—”

“She’s wonderful, aye. And she deserves better than that too. When are ye going to confront her grandfather and ask for her hand?”

The fight rushed out of Graham, and he scrubbed a hand over his face. With a sigh, he confessed, “I was just wondering that myself. I ken he still doesnae approve.”

“Then make him approve.” Da’s fingers tightened on his shoulder. “Ye’re a good man, Graham. I’m proud to call ye son, and he’d be lucky to welcome ye into his family.”

His father’s support and belief in him made Graham’s chest swell once more. He did need to confront the MacKinnon. He needed to ask for Davina’s hand…properly.

“Ye ken,” Da began in a low voice, “if Katlyn doesnae birth a son first, Kiergan will become the next Laird MacKinnon?”

Immediately, Graham nodded. “And he’ll be a good one. He might no’ believe it, but he is honorable, diplomatic, and cares about people as much as I do. He’ll be a fine laird.”

“Aye, and so would ye.”

His father’s statement had Graham’s chin jerking around, staring incredulously at the older man, who nodded.

“Graham, ye’re a good man. All of my sons are good men. I tried to raise the others like that, although I cannae take all the credit. But ye…? Ye grew into a good man all on yer own, despite the hardships of yer childhood.” He patted Graham’s shoulder once more before he lifted his hand. “I ken ‘tis likely Kiergan will become the MacKinnon after my aunt exhausts the current one”—he shuddered theatrically—“but I wanted ye to ken ye deserve happiness too. Ye deserve to marry Davina, and I for one will welcome her into the family. She loves ye, and that makes ye more than worthy.”

For the first time since he was a lad, Graham felt tears pricking at the back of his lids. His father was proud of him. His father supported him. His father praised him.

And even after almost a year of knowing the truth, the fact he was standing here, talking about the future with his father, was still enough to surprise him.

Wisely refraining from mentioning his reaction, Da harumphed and pulled him into a hug. This embrace was just as bone-crushing as Rocque’s had been, though with less threat of snot, but Graham did his best to return it.

He buried his head in his father’s shoulder and accepted the love and support every man owed his children. “Thank ye,” he murmured, and knew Da heard him.

And Da was right. He did deserve happiness, and so did Davina.

He’d confront her grandfather.

Chapter 8

“Ye’re happy, for certes,” Katlyn teased, as she shot Davina a sideways look. “Ye’re humming.”

Was she? Davina smiled. “I hadn’t realized. It’s been a nice day.”

“A nice day…with Graham?”

Giggling, Davina ducked her head. “Days with Graham are the best sorts of days.”

Her sister sighed happily. “I ken that feeling. And it’s amazing to discover that just being with him can be so wonderful, aye?” She winked. “It doesnae even have to involve tongues or cocks or—”

“Katlyn MacKinnon Oliphant!” Davina tried to look scolding but broke down in giggles instead. “I’m a young and impressionable lass, and ye’re a terrible example.”

“Or…” drawled Kat, with a wink, “I’m the best kind of example!”

They were both laughing as Kat tugged her into the women’s solar. Evelinde and her lads were the only ones there, and the other woman looked relieved when she glanced up to see them.

“Is Lady Agatha no’ joining us?” Evelinde asked.

“Nay,” giggled Katlyn, “but I did notice the door to Grandda’s auld chambers was shut tightly. I thought they’d moved in together here, since Agatha’s rooms are larger, but mayhap they’re being creative.”

Davina shuddered theatrically. “If ‘tis aright with ye, I’d rather no’ consider how creative our grandfather can be.”

As her sister chuckled and swept further into the room, Davina noticed Evelinde was grimacing. Glancing around the room, Vina saw Tomas playing a game based on how far he