Page 167 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
Kade smiled at the two men who’d raised him. Their love had never failed through even the darkest of times. For too many years, Nick had carried punishing burdens on his broad shoulders, ones that would have crippled lesser men. Yet he’d never stopped fighting for all of his brothers, especially Kade, who knew that his big brother would have faced down every demon in hell to save him.
And then there was Grandda. Wizened and slight beside the brawny laird of the clan, he was still indomitable for all that. Angus had given up so much of his life for the Kendrick family. When his own beloved daughter had died giving birth to Kade, he’d put his grief aside and cherished and cared for him, steadfast through every crisis. Grandda, for all his hilarious ways, was the epitome of loyalty, and Kade’s life had been infinitely enriched by his presence.
He was here today, happy and whole, in large part because of the two of them. He owed them more than he could ever express.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am to be your grandson and your brother,” Kade said, his voice gruff with emotion. “You are the best men I have ever known.”
Nick cleared his throat and then pulled him in for a hug. “Och, you’re the best of the Kendricks, lad. You’ve got more heart than all of us put together. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”
Kade hugged him back, while Angus extracted an enormous handkerchief from inside his coat and vigorously blew his nose. After stuffing it back in his pocket, he wagged a finger.
“None of yer sentimental blather, son. Ye’ll be lookin’ as queer as Dick’s hatband on yer weddin’ day. But know that we’re all that proud of ye and as pleased as can be.”
Kade pulled his grandfather in for a gentle embrace. “Thank you, Grandda. I’m fairly pleased myself.”
Angus thumped him on the back before letting go. “As ye should be. Charlie’s a grand lassie. She’ll make a fine Kendrick—and she’ll keep an eye on ye, too.”
“The lad is in good hands, Grandda. No need to worry.” Nick checked his watch. “It’s almost gone eleven. Charlotte and her father should be arriving any moment.”
Vicky popped her head into the vestry. “The bride’s carriage just arrived, and all the guests are now seated. The vicar says we’ll be starting in a few minutes.”
Kade smiled at his sister-in-law. “Come in here and give us a hug before I go out and get myself leg-shackled.”
Vicky bustled in, a slight frown marking her brow. “I don’t think your neckcloth is quite straight, dear. Nicholas, please make sure that the hem of Kade’s kilt is even in the back. We want him looking his best.”
“My kilt is fine,” Kade said. “As is my neckcloth.”
Vicky ignored his comment as she made a few adjustments and then brushed imaginary lint from his shoulder. Over her head, Kade exchanged a smile with Nick.
“Och, he looks togged out to the nines,Sassenach,” Angus said. “Nae need to fuss.”
“Of course I need to fuss,” she replied. “My wee lad is getting married.”
“The wee lad could pick you up with one hand, my love,” Nick wryly commented.
“I know. It’s just—” She broke off and rubbed her nose.
Kade wrapped her in a hug. “Thank you for being the mother I never had, my dearest Vicky. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You would have grown up to be an untutored Highlander, no doubt,” she said, snuffling a bit.
Nick drew her away. “Now, love, you don’t want to start crying before the wedding, do you? Lady Kinloch will be terribly shocked by so reckless a display of emotion.”
Vicky let out a watery laugh as she carefully dried her tears with a gloved hand. “Shocked, with a daughter like Melissa? I think not. That young woman is a veritable watering pot.”
“She’s just bit overcome by all the excitement,” Kade said. “They’re happy tears, according to Charlie.”
“I’ll tell ye who else is happy aboot somethin’,” Angus said. “Kinloch, because he managed to foist the weddin’ on Nick instead of havin’ to hold it at Laroch Manor. The cheap bugger.”
“We’re happy to host the wedding at Kinglas,” Nick said. “After all, Kinloch had to fire off Melissa only a few months ago. It made perfect sense to move the festivities down here.”
“And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Vicky said. “It’s been wonderful having the entire family back together again.”
Royal appeared in the vestry doorway. “It’s time, lads and lady. The bride is now waiting in the vestibule, and our good vicar said to get your arses moving right now.”
Vicky huffed. “As if Reverend Carrick would ever say any such thing.”
“Actually, that was Ainsley,” he replied. “She’s at the back of the church with Charlie, and everyone is lined up and ready to go.”
