Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) (22 page)

Epilogue

Torrian strode through the bailey, Kyle by his side, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Hellfire, you’re giving me a tougher workout every day,” Torrian said to his friend, casting a sideways glance at him.

“I do my best to prepare you for battle.” The response was delivered with a smirk.

“On my cousins’ next visit, I’ll put you against the toughest one,” Torrian snorted. He wondered how long it would be before he saw the Grants again. They usually came in late summer for the Ramsay Festival.

Life had taken a new turn now that he was married. He looked forward to returning to his wife every day, and there was often a smile on his face for no reason. He had worked hard to help Heather adjust to his large clan. Nellie’s easy acceptance of their new family life made them both smile.

As they stepped into the great hall, Torrian was surprised to see his sire sitting in front of the hearth, as if awaiting the final meal of the day. His father’s knee had been plaguing him more than ever lately, and he hadn’t gone to the lists today as he often did.

“Da, are you well?”

Quade grabbed the arms of the chair to help himself stand. Brenna stood on the other side of the hall and Quade nodded to her, signifying something, though Torrian had no idea what.

His father limped toward him. “Son, we’d like to talk to you inside the solar, if you do not mind. Kyle, he’ll find you later.”

“Aye, my laird.” Kyle gave a nod and departed.

“As you wish, Da.” Torrian had no idea what the purpose of the meeting might be. They seemed to have accepted Heather as their own daughter, and wee Nellie never caused any problems.

His father grabbed a cane and limped toward his solar. “Your stepmother finally convinced me to use this to help me walk. I have to admit she was right about it easing my pain.”

Brenna joined them and opened the door to the solar. “Aye, on occasion your sire does listen to me, Torrian.” She winked at him after Quade passed her. Once they were all inside, Brenna shut the door behind them.

Torrian froze as he took in the room’s new arrangement. A second desk had been added to the room, and the two desks were arranged at a right angle, allowing the occupants to see each other and freely converse.

Leaning on his cane with one hand, Quade clasped Torrian’s shoulder with the other. “I see you’ve noticed the change.” He had a broad smile on his face, a rare thing for his oft-serious father.

“I’ve made an important decision. I’ve decided to step down as chieftain of the Ramsay clan. The time has come for you to take over.”

Torrian was dumbfounded. He stared in open shock at his father, then at his stepmother. “But…”

“But naught. You are ready, son. You have a good woman at your side, and you’ll make a fine chieftain. Brenna helped me reach this decision. She convinced me the transition would probably go easier for you if I were still here to guide you through it. My knee ailment is not improving, and I cannot move around as I once could. The time is right.”

Torrian still could not think of a single word to say. A long moment passed, then he said, “Da, I do not know if I’m capable…”

“You are more than capable,” Brenna said. “Your father will still take an active role. He will help you with the ledgers, the crops, and the stores; advise you on the training of the guards; and assist you with our clan’s dealings with the king.”

“But you’ve already done a great job with the guards,” Quade added. “That will not be a challenge for you. I’m convinced you’ll step into this role with ease.”

Torrian could not think of anything to say. Would this be too much for Heather? He knew she hated crowds, but she already knew he was to be chieftain one day. He needed to discuss the matter with her.

“Torrian,” Quade said. “We’d be pleased if you’d embrace this change. You’ve been preparing for this role for many years, but if you’d prefer to discuss it with your wife before accepting, please do. As your acting second, Kyle will have to take on more duties. I think you’ll agree that he is up for the challenge. He’s verra loyal. I’ll leave my own second in charge of the guard for a short time to train Kyle. But Seamus is agreeable to taking a step back. It’ll be as much a relief for him as it will be for me.”

Torrian thought for a moment before nodding. “I accept, Da, but I’d like to discuss it with Heather first, if you do not mind.”

“Absolutely. If she agrees, we’ll hold a celebration on the morrow in the eve for the entire clan to greet their new laird. I think they’ll be pleased with our decision. Go talk with your wife.” Quade smiled and hugged his son. “You’ve earned the right, son. You’ve worked hard, and I could not be more proud of you.”

“I agree with everything your sire has said,” Brenna added. “You have made me verra proud as well.” She gave him a warm hug and said, “Go confer with Heather.”

Turning to head out the door, Torrian left his parents behind and headed up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time in his eagerness to find his beautiful wife. While his parents had taken him by surprise, they’d spoken true—this
was
something he’d prepared for forever. He recalled a conversation he’d had with his uncle Micheil’s wife, Diana, who was the chief of the Drummonds. She’d told him the most important quality in a chieftain was for him or her to care about the clan. He’d never forgotten that, and it gave him heart. He loved his clanmates. Of that, he had no doubt.

He arrived at their chamber and peeked his head around the corner of the open door. His wee wife sat in a chair in front of the hearth, working diligently on a new gown for Nellie. She glanced over her shoulder as he entered, her face lighting up at the sight of him.

He moved to her side and wrapped her in his arms, nuzzling her neck. “Good eve to you, my sweeting.”

Heather giggled and hunched her shoulders up in response to his nuzzling.

He knew his wife was painfully ticklish, so he ended his torture. “I have an important question for you.”

“Aye, I’m listening, husband.” She set Nellie’s gown on the small table and gave him her complete attention. “What has you so excited this day?”

Torrian led her over to the bed, setting her close to him. He wished to be able to see the expression in her eyes when he told her his news. “You will not believe what just happened. My sire asked me if I would take over as chieftain now. He wants to pass the leadership over so he can assist me with my role. What do you think?” He watched the expression on her face, hoping he would notice if the thought made her uncomfortable.

Her eyes widened and her face lit up. She squeezed his hands, leaning toward him. “Truly? Now? Or is this in the next few moons?”

“Nay, he plans to make the announcement tomorrow, with Kyle as my second. You should see his solar. He has already added a desk for me.”

“How do you feel about it?” she asked, tipping her head.

He thought for a moment, then said, “I am ready for this challenge, especially now that I have you by my side.”

“Me? How can I possibly assist you? I’m more worried that my lack of social experience might hold you back.”

He could see the genuine concern in her gaze, so he put an end to it. “Never. I want you by my side forever. I trust your judgment in all things, so I will always come to you for advice in matters regarding the clan. Will you support this? Does the thought of my becoming chief frighten you at all?”

Her gaze softened. “Nay, Torrian. I knew when I married you that you would be chief one day. You are born to lead, and I will stand by your side with great pride.” Her eyes misted. “I’m just grateful for your love. I will always be here for you as you have been for me.”

Torrian tugged her onto his lap and kissed her, cradling her face in his hands. “I love you. Promise me that you’ll tell me if the lairdship changes me too much?”

“Aye, I promise. You deserve this. I will stand by your side and help you as I might. I look forward to our future.”

“Have you finished your new gown?” he asked.

“Aye, I did. Lily will help me with the fitting.” She held it up for him to see, a soft green gown with golden threads about the neck.

“Perfect.”

“Do you not think it is too formal?”

“Nay, not at all. ‘Tis perfect. My sire plans a huge celebration on the morrow.”

“On the morrow?” She leaned forward.

“Aye. On the morrow, I will become the new Ramsay chieftain, and you will become the new mistress of the Ramsay castle.” He gave her a sound kiss on the lips and whispered, “Naught could possibly make me happier, wife. I hope to make the entire clan proud. With you by my side, I believe I’ll be able to do it. ‘Tis time to move forward.”

They made their way hand-in-hand down the passageway, heading to the solar to share their decision with the older generation.

***

Lily stood close to the door to the great hall, having made her way around the chamber. She had paid close attention to all of the attendees at her brother’s ceremony, noting especially the pride in her sire’s gaze as he passed the title of chieftain over to his firstborn son. Torrian had grown into such a tall and handsome man. Lily remembered all they’d gone through when they were young, though Torrian’s illness had been far worse than her own.

She was as proud of her brother as their sire seemed to be. It gave her joy to see Torrian so happy with Heather, so satisfied with his role in the clan. Unfortunately, directly behind that thought came another—one that had crept into her mind more and more as the ceremony progressed.

What would become of her now that her dear brother was chieftain? Her closest friend would no longer have time for her.

Suddenly, she had to get out, she just had to leave. Shoving against the door, she rushed headlong into the cool night, running across the cobblestone courtyard as tears blurred her vision. The toe of her slipper caught the edge of a stone. She lost her bearings and tumbled toward the ground, her arms flailing to save her from hitting her head on the hard surface.

A warm pair of strong arms grabbed her, catching her fall, but her instinct was to fight them. She shoved hard against her savior, but he swung her around to face him without letting her loose.

“Lily, stop! I’ll not hurt you.”

“Kyle?” She froze, and catching her gaze, he did the same. She stared into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, wondering why she’d never noticed their coloring before. “What are you doing?”

“Protecting you. ‘Tis my job as the chief’s second to protect his family. You are his sister, so I must protect you, even if I must follow you to do so.”

She took in his chiseled jaw, his dark hair, and his lips, lips that held an appeal she hadn’t noticed before. His gaze did not waver, and Lily had the sudden impulse to do something so out of character that it shocked even her.

Lily kissed him. Aye, she lost all control of her senses, and did exactly what her heart directed her to do.

Even more shocking was that he returned the kiss. His lips were warm, and he angled his mouth over hers, using a soft pressure that encouraged her to part her lips. Then his tongue swept inside her mouth.

What was she supposed to do about that?

He tasted of ale and something else, something sweeter than anything she’d ever tasted. All she knew for certes was that she wanted more. With one kiss, Kyle had brought to life a soft yearning she’d never experienced before.

Kyle pulled back, his blue eyes widened as he stared at her lips, now plumped from his delicious assault. And he only offered one word.

“Lily?”

THE END

Novels by Keira Montclair

The Clan Grant Series

#
1-
RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER
-Alex and Maddie

#2-
HEALING A HIGHLANDER’S HEART
-Brenna and Quade

#3-
LOVE LETTERS FROM LARGS
- Brodie and Celestina

#4-
JOURNEY TO THE HIGHLANDS
-Robbie and Caralyn

#5-
HIGHLAND SPARKS
-Logan and Gwyneth

#6-
MY DESPERATE HIGHLANDER
-Micheil and Diana

#7-
THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE HIGHLANDS
-Jennie and Aedan

#8-
HIGHLAND HARMONY
-Avelina and Drew

The Highland Clan

LOKI
- Book One

TORRIAN – Book Two

The Summerhill Series- Contemporary Romance

#1-
ONE SUMMERHILL DAY

#2-
A FRESH START FOR TWO

Regency

THE DUKE AND THE DRESSMAKER

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoyed my second novel in The Highland Clan series. If you enjoyed reading about Torrian, his story began in HEALING A HIGHLANDER’S HEART.

If you haven’t guessed yet, Lily’s story will be next in the series.

If you want to know more about my novels, here are some places for you to visit.

1.    
   Visit my website at
   www.keiramontclair.com
   and sign up for my newsletter. I’ll keep you updated about my new releases without bothering you often.
   
2.    
   Go to my Facebook page and ‘like’ me:
   You will get updates on any new novels, book signings, and giveaways.
   https://www.facebook.com/KeiraMontclair
   
3.    
   Stop by my Pinterest page:
   http://www.pinterest.com/KeiraMontclair/
   You’ll see how I envision Torrian, Heather, and Nellie, along with wee Jennet and Brigid.
   
4.    
   Give a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
   Reviews help self-published authors like me and help other readers as well.
   

Happy reading!

Keira Montclair

www.keiramontclair.com