Highlander Most Wanted

chapter 48





It was difficult to relinquish Genevieve into Rorie’s and Eveline’s care even for a moment, but he settled the lass with his sisters and went in search of Genevieve’s father.

He found him in the great hall enjoying a tankard of ale with Graeme.

Lachlan glanced up when Bowen entered the room, his face twitching with amusement.

“ ’Tis about time you pulled yourself away from my daughter.”

Bowen inclined his head respectfully. “Genevieve says you have much to discuss with me.”

“Aye, I do at that.”

He gestured toward the seat in front of him. Graeme occupied the head of the table.

“Sit, lad. There needs be a serious discussion between us.”

Bowen took a seat, prepared for the fight of his life. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to prove himself worthy of Genevieve. And he’d move heaven and earth to have her as his wife.

“My daughter is carrying your bairn,” Lachlan said bluntly.

Graeme nearly choked on his ale, coughing violently as he stared agape at Bowen.

Bowen nodded. “Genevieve told me.”

“And? What say you to that?”

“ ’Tis most welcome news. I couldn’t be more happy that she carries my child.”

Laird McInnis stared shrewdly at Bowen. “She says you love her.”

“With all my heart.”

The laird looked satisfied with Bowen’s response, his posture relaxing as he continued to stare at Bowen.

“And I take it that you’re open to marrying the lass?”

“If ’tis what she wants, I’d marry her within the hour. However, I’ll not force her to do anything she doesn’t choose. She’s been denied choices for too long.”

Laird McInnis’s eyes glinted with respect. “I like you, lad. I think you’d be a fine husband for my daughter, and don’t think I’d accept just any man for her. She is my only child, and beloved by all her clan.”

“I would love her and care for her all my days,” Bowen said quietly. “There is no other man who will ever love her more.”

“I believe you,” the laird said in a sincere voice. “And ’tis obvious the lass loves you as well. Now, there are other matters—important matters—we must speak on before we settle things between us.”

Bowen nodded. “I am listening.”

“Genevieve is my only child, and my heir. When the lairdship falls to her, she will need a strong husband to stand beside her. Can you be content with that?”

Bowen sat straighter in his seat, his gaze narrowing. “If you’re asking if I would seek to undermine her position or put her behind me so that I may assume leadership of your clan, the answer is no. All I want is Genevieve. She is enough. She’ll always be enough.”

The laird nodded again. “There’s more I’m asking you, lad. Would you be willing to spend spring and summer within our clan instructing the men and training with them, so that when Genevieve does inherit the leadership role you will be an able taskmaster to assist her in her duties?”

Bowen let out his breath. It wasn’t something he’d ever considered. Aye, he’d gone to the McHugh clan on behalf of his brother and he’d assumed leadership there, albeit for a short time. But it had never been on the assumption of anything more permanent.

What Laird McInnis proposed was no small thing, and it would mean leaving his own clan. His brother, to whom he owed his loyalty.

But to have Genevieve? To have her as his wife. To live and love and raise their children. Aye, he’d do anything.

He glanced at Graeme to gauge his reaction, but there was no disapproval on his face.

“If you are asking me my thoughts, I would say ’tis your choice. I’ll support you in whatever you choose,” Graeme said. “You’ll be sorely missed, but ’tis also a great opportunity for you, and you’ll have your heart’s desire. If the positions were reversed and this was the way I could have Eveline, I would not even hesitate a moment.”

“She would remain here until after the birth of the child. Through the winter,” Laird McInnis continued. “But come spring, when she and the babe are able to make the journey, I would like for you both to come … home.”

“Have you spoken on this with Genevieve?” Bowen asked. “Is she in agreement?”

Laird McInnis chuckled. “You truly do have my daughter’s best interest and happiness at heart. A man can ask for no better when choosing a husband for his only child. Aye, I’ve spoken with Genevieve on the matter. She is of much the same mind as you. She is happy and content as long as you are together.”

Bowen’s shoulders sagged in relief. It was almost too much to contemplate. When he’d said his farewell to Genevieve, he’d truly believed he would never see her again. That she was here, and he was being given an opportunity to marry her and that they were having a child together, was too much for him to take in. He was overcome and could not gather his thoughts enough to respond.

“It would appear we have a wedding to plan,” Laird McInnis announced. “I would send word to my wife, who was not happy that I did not allow her to accompany us on our journey. She woke up ailing on the morning of our departure, and I feared the ride would prove too arduous for her. But she’ll not miss her daughter’s wedding, or I’ll not be allowed back in my own keep. If ’tis agreeable to you, I’ll remain until she’s able to make the journey, and then you and Genevieve will be wed before both our clans. I’ll not have some hasty affair, as though I’m shamed by the fact my daughter is with child. It will be a celebration unrivaled by any. I would give her a wedding worthy of a lass who has no equal in my eyes.”

Graeme nodded. “I agree. Eveline will be delighted to plan such a grand event. It will truly be a joyous occasion. My brother has moped as a man half alive in this time that Genevieve has been away. I would see him happy and celebrate his good fortune.”

Laird McInnis chuckled. “Between the lass ailing with the babe and her missing Bowen, it’s been a dirge within my own keep.”

“Sick?” Bowen asked sharply. “Genevieve has been ill?”

Laird McInnis waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “ ’Tis nothing more than the usual with a woman in her condition. I remember when my own wife was carrying Genevieve, we had to keep a chamber pot in every room. We never knew when the lass would take ill. Worry not. Genevieve is hale and hearty, and now that she is returned to you she’ll improve all the more.”

Bowen took in a breath and leveled a stare at the man who would be his father by marriage.

“I know this is not easy for you, to let go of Genevieve so soon after being reunited with her. I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to make her happy and ensure she never wants for anything I can give her.”

The laird smiled a little sadly. “Do you remember why you let her go?”

Bowen frowned. “I wanted what was best for her. I wanted her to be happy.”

The laird nodded. “ ’Tis the same thing her mother and I want for her. She assures me she will be happy with you, so I am content to let her go. This time I know she’ll be in a situation where she is provided for and not abused. I can be at ease regarding her welfare. ’Tis the not knowing that is agony.”

“There will never be another woman more cherished,” Bowen vowed.

The laird looked satisfied with Bowen’s response. Then he picked up his goblet and toasted the air.

“I’ve kept you from my Genevieve long enough. I know you’re itching to go back to her. There will be plenty of time to talk on matters in the coming days. I must send word to my wife, and we have a wedding to plan.”