The Scot's Angel

by Keira Montclair

“I did. He wasn’t where I expected him to be, but I found him working in Lochluin Abbey. He does many things for the abbey in return for a chamber and food. We had a good conversation.”

  “Truly? I’m pleased to hear that. I would have welcomed him here. You should have invited him.”

  “I did, but he lost his vision and is getting on in years. He didn’t feel it was a safe trip for him. I promised to visit again in the good weather.”

  Connor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him. “So…I was disappointed to see you have such callous disregard for Claray’s feelings. Are you still interested in pursuing my daughter?”

  “Aye, I would like to ask for her hand in marriage. We would wait until her mother is hale again, but I don’t wish to postpone the betrothal.”

  “And can I trust that this will never happen again? I expect you to protect my daughter. You cannot do that if you ride off without leaving a message.”

  “You have my word that I’ll not do anything like it again. I…” He struggled with his words, wondering how much he should admit. “I love Claray verra much, and I’ve loved her for a long time. I don’t wish to wait any longer, and I hope she feels the same.”

  “Have you asked her?”

  “Aye, I did. I was so happy to find her in the cave that I blurted it out and she accepted.”

  “Found her? Alone? In a cave? Apparently I have more to learn about this trip.”

  “Aye, my laird. I think it best for your daughters to explain everything. I wasn’t there for much of it.”

  “May I ask you another question? Why have you waited so long? I’ve seen the attraction between the two of you.”

  Thorn considered his words, which called for an honest response, then said, “This journey gave me a new sense of clarity. Connor, I’ve always respected you and wanted to be like you. It was uncommon good fortune that led Nari and me to you and Gregor that day. But I always questioned whether I deserved it. My father helped me work through those feelings.”

  “May I ask how?”

  “He reminded me that things happen for a reason we may not comprehend. He’s pleased we are part of Clan Grant. Proud of me. He feels his struggles were worthwhile because Nari and I were able to stay together, to learn to be warriors. As for why I waited…I didn’t know if you would ever accept me as a suitable match for your daughter. Fear held me back, I guess.”

  “But have you forgotten what a large part you played in helping me find my wife? You found Sela for me on the streets of Berwick, then again in Berwick Castle. That is something I don’t know if I could ever repay. Giving you my stepdaughter’s hand in marriage seems quite appropriate. You were a brave lad back then, and you’ve grown into a fine man. Believe in yourself.”

  Thorn was so shocked by his words that he didn’t know what to say. Connor was right. Thorn had helped him find Sela. Why hadn’t he remembered that?

  Connor stood up and said, “I’ll ask Claray for her feelings, but if she wishes to go ahead with the betrothal, you have my blessing, Thorn.” He came around the desk and clasped his shoulder. “Welcome to the family.”

  He spun around to open the door, a little too quickly.

  Claray nearly tripped and fell into her father’s arms, her beautiful hair a halo around her head.

  Connor arched his brow at her clear attempt to eavesdrop.

  She just said two words. “Aye, Papa.”

  They were officially betrothed.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The whole Grant family shared in Claray and Thorn’s excitement. Never had Claray felt happier, more a part of the clan she loved.

  Then Dyna declared, “The Camerons and the Ramsays are on their way. We have to get the castle ready.”

  Aunt Jennie stood up in shock. “Aedan is coming?”

  “Aye, and he’s bringing everyone. And Uncle Logan, Aunt Gwyneth, and Aunt Brenna were there, too, with others coming behind them. They’re all going to be here. Apparently, Grandsire has been appearing in a few dreams.”

  Aunt Jennie broke into peals of laughter, and they all stared at her. When she stopped, she said, “That means my brother haunted Logan and told him to get his arse up here. He’d not move at this time of year otherwise.”

  Claray, who stood in the center of the gathering, said, “Then we must prepare everything. Mama and my aunties can take care of the menus and talk with Cook. Dyna, Astra, our cousins, and I will take care of arranging the linens and guest chambers. Thorn, Derric, Morgan, Hagen, and anyone else who wishes to help can move the beds up from the cellars into the chambers so we get them aired out and arranged in time. Then those who wish to try to battle the snow drifts can go on a hunting expedition this afternoon. The snow is melting quickly in the sun.”

  “Claray,” her mother called out. “Since when did you become a leader?”

  Claray squared her shoulders and replied, “Since I got betrothed. I want everything to be perfect, and we will have other visitors. Loki and his brood will be here, and you know we always have surprise guests. Mayhap Roddy and Rose or Braden and Cairstine. Or the Drummonds. We must get ready. And I need another group to look for the last apples still on the trees.”

  They all set to their tasks, but not before Thorn came over and kissed her in front of everyone. “Until later.”

  The crowd hooted until Claray giggled and blushed the deepest shade of red ever, but she loved every moment of it. How could she have gone from a woman lost in a snowstorm, alone in a cave, to a woman who was daftly in love and about to be married?

  She didn’t know and didn’t care. She was betrothed and bursting with happiness.

  ***

  They spent a very busy day and stopped only for a quick meal because there was still much to do. Thorn had enjoyed the day, and even though the men were brutal in their teasing, he bore the brunt with a smile on his face. Claray beamed and said, “I must go back in the kitchens and help Cook prepare more meat pies.”

  Thorn moved over and whispered in her ear. “Before you do that, would my betrothed mind a short stroll this eve? The snow is quite beautiful, and it calls to me.”

  “Aye,” she said, leaning against him with a smile.

  He helped her don her mantle and scarf, then found his own. Just before they left, Dyna called out to them. “Where are you two going in this weather?”

  “Just for a stroll. The snow is lovely and ’tis quiet and magical at night. We won’t be long,” Claray said just before they closed the door.

  They moved across the cobblestones and out through the gates. He waved to the guards, indicating they were going to the small hill a short distance away.

  Once they climbed the hill, she asked, “Thorn, do you believe ’twas really Grandmama and Grandpapa who helped me in the storm?”

  He thought for a moment, wishing he could truly suspend his disbelief and tell her wholeheartedly that he believed her grandparents had come back as angels to watch over her. But he couldn’t.

  “I’d like to think so, but ’tis hard to imagine it…”

  She stopped and turned to him. “Then how did I find my bag? And who made the fire?” She squeezed his hands, a gentle gesture imploring him to believe what she’d told him.

  He wanted to be a believer. He truly did. But it didn’t make any sense. If angels interfered in human life, then where had they been when he and Nari were lost in Edinburgh? Wouldn’t his own mother have tried to guide him?

  A sound came behind them and they both pivoted, surprised to see Dyna and Derric, Connor and Sela, Jamie and Gracie, Chrissa and Drostan, Jennie, Kyla and Finlay all gathered behind them, more streaming out through the gates.

  Claray looked from face to face and asked, “Is something wrong?”

  “Nay,” her father said, carrying her mother.

  “We all felt compelled to come out here,” Sela said. “We’re not sure why, but I was anxious for some fresh air.”

  “I was pushed,” Dyna added, glaring at her husba
nd. “Really pushed by a strange force.”

  Derric drawled, “If you weren’t so stubborn, you might not have been pushed, but you didn’t wish to believe what your parents and aunts and uncles were all trying to tell you.”

  “Then why are we here, wise arse?” Dyna asked, but then she froze, her gaze fixed on something coming up the hill. A quick glance revealed a large number of horses headed their way, cresting the hill in the dark. Who had come so late?

  “Why are you here? Did something happen?” Connor called out as the group approached them.

  Thorn recognized Loki the moment before he yelled out, “Are you all out here to greet us? If so, you have many to greet. The Ramsays caught up with the Drummonds, who caught up with the Menzies and the Camerons. And I caught up with Mama and Papa, Braden and Cairstine, Roddy and Rose, and Daniel and his family. They were all coming up the mountain at the same time. The snowstorm didn’t pass near them.”

  Behind Loki and Arabella and the others from their clan came a group in blue plaids. Logan rode with Gwyneth, and behind them was a sea of Ramsay plaids. Thorn was especially excited to see Gregor and Linnet, along with Merewen and Gavin. He hadn’t seen them in a long time, and Gregor still held a special spot in his heart.

  Logan said, “I brought Alasdair, Emmalin, Els, and Joya, too.”

  He recognized Connor’s Uncle Brodie and the group from Muir Castle. Beside them was Roddy and Rose, Daniel and Constance, and the visitors kept coming. The Drummonds, the Menzies, more Cameron’s. He didn’t know them all, but they were all smiling in the light of the bright moon.

  When had they ever seen so many sunny days and clear nights? It had a magical quality.

  Thorn’s mind went back to Claray’s declaration of being watched over by angels. Someone clearly had been watching that large group come up the mountains safely.

  Once they all drew up close, Logan whistled and everyone quieted. He said, “I think I know why we came.”

  “Why?” Connor asked, speaking the question on Thorn’s lips.

  Logan pointed to a spot just beyond where Thorn and Claray stood. “That old goat is still trying to haunt me.” A smirk crossed his face, and everyone followed his gaze.

  “Oh my God,” Dyna whispered as she grabbed her husband’s arm, pointing with her free hand.

  Thorn looked at where she pointed, and 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 to her chamber in the tower and returned with a package wrapped in twine. “What is it, Claray?” Dyna asked as she helped serve goblets of ale to her family.

  Claray stood in front of the group to make her announcement, her gaze occasionally drifting to Thorn. “When I was out in the storm, Grandmama and Grandsire came to me. Grandsire found me in the snow and lifted me onto Midnight with him, and Grandmama was waiting for us in the cave. She fussed over me, just like she always did, brushing the snow away, hanging my coat, warming my hands, straightening my hair…”

  A collective sigh came in unison from her sisters, cousins, and aunts.

  “Anyway, once they got me settled, they left food for me and made me promise not to leave. Grandmama told me I needed to draw my pictures because I had brought the paper and new tools Aunt Jennie had given me. ’Tis kind of chalk and it makes colors.”

  She separated the pictures she’d drawn, then made her way around the hall, handing a picture to each couple. She’d drawn pictures of Alex and Maddie for each of their bairns, pictures of Quade and Brenna, Logan and Gwyneth, Aedan and Jennie, which went to their children. She also had pictures of some of the wee ones in the clan and pictures of Ramsay Castle and Grant Castle.

  Everyone was amazed by her ability. Aunt Bren
na said, “I had no idea you were so talented, but how did you know?”

  “What do you mean, how did I know?”

  “You drew them exactly as we just saw them now. They are younger, dressed in their holiday best, and you’ve captured the serene happiness I saw in their faces. My brother’s smile looks just as it did when he was younger. You’ve illustrated them perfectly. How did you know that’s what they’d be wearing?”

  They all turned to wait for her answer. Claray thought carefully about what they had said and gave them the only answer she had. “’Twas how they appeared to me in the cave. Grandsire came close, and I was finally able to see what I’d been missing before.”

  Thorn moved to look over Kyla’s shoulder. He gasped at the beautiful rendering, then turned back to his betrothed. “My apologies, Claray. I guess I do believe in angels. There is no other answer.”

  Claray handed him the last picture, the one she’d drawn of the sparkling landscape after the storm, a single horse crossing the landscape with two figures atop it. “’Tis my gift to you. I wish to always remember the moment you came for me. I love you, Thorn.”

  He hugged her, staring at her beautiful rendition of the Cameron landscape.

  “’Twas an odd cascade of events that led up to our betrothal and the drawing together of our clans, but ’twill be the most wonderful Yule ever.” She looked around at all of her family—aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings—and realize how blessed they were. She could only hope there would be many other gatherings like the one her grandparents had arranged.

  She hugged Thorn and whispered, “Mayhap someday we’ll be angels too.”

  “Lass, you already are.”

  Dear Reader,

  I wish you the most wondrous holiday of the season. I pray for health and happiness for all of us.

  And for a vaccine…

  I’m off to Elizabeth’s story next.

  Happy reading,

  Keira Montclair

  keiramontclair@gmail.com

  www.keiramontclair.com

  http://facebook.com/KeiraMontclair/