Page 47 of Her Scot of Yesteryear
“The trees Aspen and her sisters are named after are deeply entrenched in this pact and will, one way or another, lead them to the MacLeods before Sutherlands,” she said. “Or ‘tis Elspet’s belief, and I agree.”
“So why are there pictures of our trees in her dining area?” I asked. “How do they tie in, because I can’t say I was crazy about seeing them there.”
“If we’re to believe Elspet’s claim, this is where things get interesting,” she replied. “According to her, they were painted by Malcolm Sutherland. It seems among his many talents, he was an artist, and they were his favorite trees. She tried to remove them, but they are magically bound to that room, so she assumed they were connected to the pact.”
“Which would imply my father was connected to the pact somehow, ” I said softly, aware he liked to paint. Ellie claimed he was pretty good at it, but I never bothered checking out his work.
“What else did you and Elspet discuss?” Broderick asked because, at that point, he had been too busy fighting Dugal on top of Sutherland Castle.
“I promised to see the pact through,” Chara said softly, surprising me when she crouched in front of me, cupped my hands in hers, and looked at me with the strength and comfort I needed right now. “You have my solemn promise that Marek and I will do everything in our power to ensure ‘tis as the pact says and your sisters come here before going anywhere else, for the trees already protect them because the Sutherlands cannae locate your sisters nor get to them.”
“And if they somehow do?” I wondered, sensing something before she said anything. “Because I can’t go back to the twenty-first century right now, can I? The pact forbids it.” I shook my head. “Even though I don’t remember reading that anywhere.”
“Because you didnae,” she said gently. “’Twas an agreement made on the Sutherland battlement betwixt me and Elspet so I could get to you and try to save your life.” She shook her head. “If ‘tis broken, she willnae hesitate to try and get to your sisters before a MacLeod does.”
“She is avileperson, isn’t she?” I said, sighing. “While I’m thankful to you for saving my life, I’m not sure I would’ve put my life before theirs.”
“Then you dinnae understand how important you are to us MacLeods.” Chara's knowing gaze went from Broderick to me, and she squeezed my hands, sending a burst of warmth through me I knew was made up of unicorn magic because it allowed me to see how important I was to them. “Especially to your fated mate. Keep that in mind because you will only grow stronger together, and that strength is what your sisters will need in the days ahead when they make their way back to this era.”
“I hope you’re right,” I said, but knew it was only a matter of time before I saw them again.
“I am.” Chara stood and held out her hand. “Might I show you something I think will make you verra happy?” She looked at Broderick. “You as well, son. Mayhap the perfect place to wed?”
Curious, I slipped my hand in hers and let her lead me to the window.
What I saw when I looked out took my breath away because she was absolutely right. Itwasthe perfect place to wed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
–Broderick–
THE LAST THING I expected to see when my mother led us to the window in the war chamber was a large aspen at the edge of the forest. My mother suggested we might like to be married there, and I couldn’t agree more.
“Oh my goodness,” Aspen said softly, a tear rolling down her cheek as she gazed at it. “It’s here…it followed me…us.”
“And I suspect ‘twill follow you bothforever.” My mother looked from me to Aspen. “So you always find your way back to each other.”
Even though it remained unspoken, I was sure we had Aspen’s father, Malcolm Sutherland, to thank for that, and I could only be curious about his role in all this going forward because I didn’t doubt for a moment that he was still alive. Somehow, some way, he had every intention of beingthere for his daughters.
“I agree,” Aspen said softly, catching my thoughts as she gazed out at the glorious yellow leaves swaying in the wind. “Yet I can’t help but wonder about my sister and niece, who are caught in this nightmare and all alone at Sutherland Castle with no protection.” She looked at my mother. “What happens to Lilias and her daughter?” She shook her head. “I know you think she can’t be trusted, but I think she can, and neither of them deserves this.”
“Then we will trust your judgment,” my mother assured, meaning it. “And do our best to look after her from a distance, at least for now.”
“Aye,” I agreed along with my kin, including Kenneth, who was as devoted to us as his fellow MacLomains.
“Though ‘twas not me who swore to look after you when you traveled to Sutherland Castle, Aspen,” Kenneth said, “I would have done the same as my imposter. That said, whilst I might not be able to get too close, Icanand do visit Sutherland Castle at will so I can keep an eye on Lilias and her daughter.”
“’Twould be truly appreciated, cousin,” I acknowledged.
“I agree.” Aspen offered Kenneth a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He offered a small smile in return. “But I would ask one wee favor of you both in return.”
“And what would that be?” I asked, about to frown that he would ask anything of us when we were trying to protect a lass and her bairn, but I should have known better when Kenneth’s smile widened.
“That I get to witness you two marry this verra morn?” He gestured out the window where MacLeods were already gathering, clearly aware of what was coming. “Beneath your aspen with your Aspen, aye?”
“Deal.” Aspen’s smile widened, too, and she slipped her hand into mine. “And the sooner the better.”
