Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

She staggered forward, grasped his hands. “I can’t believe this is happening.”


“I mourned no’ only my wife, but my mother and child for years. I longed for both of you to return. You have your grandmother’s eyes, and those of a child born under a falling star. Did you too make a wish to return?”

“Yes, I made my wish while visiting Mingary in the future.”

“You were drawn to your home. Good.” He kissed her cheeks. “My daughter. I have a daughter.”

Nanna wiped her eyes as she cried. “I always dreamed of this moment, to see the two of you together.”

“You saved my child, Mother.” He held out a hand toward Janet. “I have them back.”

“You do, as you’ve always told me you would.” She rushed across, and John pulled them all together into a hug. “The fortuneteller told you the truth.”

“She did.”

Nanna sniffed. “Janet, for the longest time, I’ve wanted to thank you for what you did in saving John’s life. I read of what happened on your wedding night. The terrible massacre was recorded in history.”

“Oh my.” Tears misted her gaze. “You truly read of the account?”

“Yes, and my heart ached at what I read.”

“My son took so many of your kin’s lives that eve. ’Twas an atrocity I’ve never forgiven Lachlan for. I’m so sorry.”

“That is his burden to bear, not yours.”

“As I continually tell my wife as well.” John kissed the top of Janet’s head then tugged on a shaft of Lila’s hair. “’Tis a miracle you’re alive, something I never thought I’d see, regardless of the fortuneteller’s decree.”

So many emotions swamped her. Relief. Disbelief. Love. A sense of belonging and excitement stole through too. This was her father, and now they were together again, as they always should have been. “I’m so glad you’re home. Now we have the chance to get to know one another.”

“The king wouldnae permit me to leave until he’d entered into talks with all three chiefs. I had to wait for Lachlan MacLean’s arrival.”

“Nanna said you had to give evidence of what you’d witnessed.”

“Aye, he questioned me about it all. Now I pray the king will come to a decision, one which will go in our favor. This feud must end.”

Janet rubbed her cheek against John’s shoulder. “I wish for it to end too, but no’ at the loss of my son’s life.”

“MacLean’s willful nature will be his downfall. He cannae continue to ravage the isles, plundering as he does. Although for your sake, I too hope he does no’ lose his life.” He glanced at Nanna. “On the night we wed, Lachlan and I argued. I hadn’t expected him to demand I break my ties with my MacDonald kin and fight against them. Our marriage should have been the start of a resolution to the feud, no’ to inflame it further. I was sadly mistaken.”

“Yet you stayed at Duart that night. Did you not expect Lachlan to retaliate when you chose to remain loyal to your MacDonald kin?”

“I didnae believe he’d be that vindictive. Now the king will have his way. I only pray MacLean’s second willnae wish to battle us in his chief’s stead.”

“Calum is Lachlan’s captain and he’s a good man,” Janet pressed, intervening. “John, surely you have no’ forgotten ’twas Calum and his brother who restrained Lachlan on our wedding night. As of yet, Calum has no’ attacked, and I dinnae believe he will.”

“Aye, though I will continue to guard and defend my land against any threat,” John answered her. “The king has interceded, and I hope he can bring about a resolution, but should he no’ then I will ensure Mingary does no’ fall to Lachlan MacLean or his men.”

A round of hearty singing broke out in the great hall and John cleared his throat. “The ale is flowing. Come, no more talk of this feud. We have much to celebrate, and our clan awaits.” He flung open the door and bellowed, “’Tis time for festivity. My mother and daughter have returned.”

Cheers abounded, and Lila’s heart ached in equal measure. Her father’s acceptance had been everything she’d hoped for, yet this feud was far too real and the stakes deadly.

“We’ll sort this,” Nanna murmured in her ear. “For now, let’s enjoy the feast. It’s time for you to get to know your father as you always should have.”

Yes, this was her home, her clan. She had time now, as she hadn’t had before.





Chapter 8


“Load the cart with enough provisions to send to the men.” Ian’s booming voice filtered through the window, ringing with authority from the lower courtyard.