Lily (The Highland Clan Book 3) (3 page)

“Kyle, how could you forget such important news? I’ve missed my Sunshine so much. Do you not know how she lights up my day? Every day? I suppose you cannot understand such a thing, can you?”

He nodded. “Actually, I do understand.” That was exactly what the sight of Lily Ramsay did to him each day—not that he would admit it to anyone. She was his type of sunshine, all by herself.

“Why? Do you have a favorite horse? Is there one special horse that lights up your day? Which one is it? It must be the fine chestnut colored one. Am I right? Am I?”

Lily had to run to keep up with him, so he slowed his steps, but she was so excited that it didn’t seem to matter to her. Kyle couldn’t take his gaze from her as she skipped and ran all the way to the stable.

Kyle held the door open for her when they arrived. “She was verra tired and dirty, but she showed no major distress or injury. I had the lads comb her down, get her some oats. She rested right after that.” As had he, once he’d finally succumbed to exhaustion.

They moved down the stable to the last stall, the one reserved for special circumstances with its own door to the outside. As soon as Lily caught sight of her beloved white horse, she raced ahead of him. “Sunshine! My sweet Sunshine. Are you all right?” The white horse nickered as she edged over to Lily and nuzzled her neck. Lily threw her arms around the mare’s neck in a hug. “Oh dear, look at your braid. The ribbons are almost out. I shall have to fix them later.” She ran her hand down Sunshine’s mane, straightening the matted spots the best she could. Then she hugged her horse again, her face alight with sheer joy. “You are a bit dirty, Sunshine, but I’ll clean you until you sparkle.”

Watching Lily like this was sure to drive him quite mad. What he would not give to trade places with that lucky horse…

Lily gushed as she petted her horse, “Oh, Sunshine, I missed you so. I’m so sorry.”

She crooned and kissed her horse so much that Kyle grew hard just from imagining her kissing him like that. He turned away and she jumped, startling him.

“Oh, I must find her something sweet, I must feed her from my hand so she’ll accept my apology.” Lily bumped into Kyle as she chased back down the passageway in the front of the stable, shouting for the lads to find her an apple.

Kyle grunted, wondering if there was any sweeter torture than watching Lily this excited over her horse.

That damn horse. He ran his hand down his face, praying for strength, watching all the stable lads trip over one another to do her bidding.

Lily sprang back down the passageway, holding the apple out in front of her. “Look, Kyle, does this not look like the sweetest one?”

He nodded, knowing he’d never answered any question more truthfully. Aye, Lily bubbling with excitement and happiness
was
the sweetest thing he’d ever seen. She stopped next to him and said, “Here, smell it. It has the sweetest aroma.” She closed her eyes and leaned close to the apple, taking in its scent and smiling. Her eyes flew open just before he was about to let out a groan. “I must give it to her so she’ll forgive my carelessness yesterday.”

Kyle couldn’t help himself. “Och, so you admit you were careless? You should not have gone out past the guards?” He waved at the lads to go back to work and stop staring at his Lily.

Giving him a haughty look, she replied, “Kyle, I already apologized twice. Please do not ruin my reunion with my sweet horse.” She shoved past him, just close enough for him to catch her enticing scent. He planned to savor it.

“I’ll leave you with your horse, Lily.” The torture was too much. He needed to step away.

He pivoted to leave, but stopped when he heard her say, “Kyle, wait.” When he turned back, he was shocked to see she was almost upon him. She placed her hands on his still bare chest and leaned in to kiss him. “Thank you for saving my Sunshine.” She placed her warm lips on his and it took all his might not to groan with pleasure.

It was a chaste kiss, but when she pulled back and stared at him, he took advantage of the moment, tugging her back. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her tenderly, because he thought that would be best for the innocent lass she was. Och, she was even more delicious than he had remembered. She leaned into him, her hands on either side of his chest, and he tucked her closer, just because he liked her there.

He ended the kiss and set her away from him. He could tell by the look on her dazed face that he had confused her. What was wrong with him? He’d taken a chaste thank-you kiss and turned it into something carnal. Hellfire, it was because he wanted her with everything he had and was.

But he could not have her. Shite, he needed to remember that.

The sound of a lad rustling down the passageway interrupted them.

“Sorry, but Lady Lily is wanted back in the castle. Both chiefs wish to see her.”

Lily’s face dropped as she handed Sunshine the apple. The horse bit into it, chomping on her treat, and Lily turned to Kyle with a crestfallen face. “Now what have I done?”

Hell, but people had to stop crushing his sweet one’s spirits, himself included.

Chapter Three

Lily stepped into the solar where her sire Quade, her stepmother Brenna, and her brother Torrian sat waiting for her. Her shoulders sagged as she moved over to the empty chair and flopped into it, making a major event of straightening her skirts.

Her sire said, “Lily, you know we love you and we’re concerned about you.”

“There is naught to worry about,” she said immediately. “I am fine.” She twisted her skirts in her hands, unable to fully concentrate on the present moment because a lad with long dark hair was monopolizing her thoughts. Or was it the kiss she could not get out of her mind? She licked her lips, hoping to savor the taste of him. She stared at the sword hanging on the wall behind her father, her mind lost in the wonderful memory of Kyle.

“Lily? I need you to listen to me,” her sire barked.

Oh, he must have said something while she was lost in thought. She gave her father her best smile, pushing Kyle to the back of her mind. How she loved her papa.

“‘Tis plain as day to all of us that you feel a bit lost now that Torrian has taken over as chieftain and his wife has assumed your duties.”

“What? Where do you get such an addled idea?” She prayed to be forgiven for her lies.

“Lily,” Torrian added. “You know naught has changed between you and me, and Heather was only trying to help out by taking over those jobs. She wishes to contribute as the new mistress of the castle.”

“You said you were pleased about her taking over your duties,” Brenna added.

“I know, Mama. I am pleased, and you know I adore my newest sister.” While Torrian had reverted to calling their stepmother by her given name, Lily had not. She was the only mother she’d ever known, and Brenna would always be Mama to her.

Brenna moved her chair closer to Lily’s and took hold of her hands. “I think you need to find another interest. Would you like to travel with me in my healer’s tasks? On occasion, I could use an extra set of hands.”

She gave this careful consideration, for she did enjoy visiting her clanmates, especially the wee ones. “I could help with some,” she finally said, “but you know I do not deal well with lots of blood. Bethia and wee Jennet are a better fit for your work.” Bethia and Jennet were the healers, not Lily. Jennet was the youngest of the family, but had the quickest mind of all. She loved spending all her time with Mama, working in surgery or as a healer. Much as she’d wanted to, Brenna had not started taking Jennet along for births yet. She’d informed her she was too young, to Jennet’s dismay.

“Why do you not take up the bow and arrow with your cousins?” Quade said. “Sorcha, Maggie, and Molly go out every day to practice. They’d be glad to teach you.”

“Oh, Papa. I could never hunt an animal, nor watch my cousins kill one. ‘Tis not for me.”

“But it would mean you could join our annual competitions with the Grants.”

“I’ll give that some thought.” She had absolutely no interest in firing arrows. It was totally out of the realm of possibility for her to ever purposefully injure an animal, and what did she care if an arrow hit a target?

Neither of her parents’ suggestions was agreeable to her, but she said, “Of course, I’d be happy to try your suggestions. Please do let me know, Mama, when you think I could be of assistance to you.” She nodded her head as if the gesture would convince her family of her sincerity. “May I take my leave now that this problem has been solved?” How many lies was this? She would have to do penance for certes.

Torrian’s brow furrowed as he considered his sister. “Och, I know your ways, sister. Naught is solved yet, but I’ll allow you to think that it has been. You may try these two tasks, but I do not think either will suit you.”

Lily glanced at her beloved brother, trying her best to frown at him—he was right, but she did not wish for her parents to know it—but she could not. She loved Torrian too much to be upset with him. “Torrian, have I told you what a fine job you’re doing as our new chieftain?”

“Aye, you have, Lily, and I appreciate it, but I recognize your attempt to distract me. We are still discussing you.”

Oh, fiddle. Why did he know her so well?

“Tell us about the man you encountered in the meadow. Why have you not mentioned it to any of us? Kyle told us.”

Kyle, the snitch, she’d asked him to stay silent. Now she was in trouble for sure. “When I was in the forest, I heard some rustling behind me. I thought ‘twas an animal, but I saw naught. But as it grew closer, I became frightened. I ran back to where I’d entered the forest, and that’s when I discovered my dear horse was gone.” She stared at her hands, wishing this conversation was over.

Quade said, “Lily, how many times have you been told that the chieftain’s daughter does not wander off alone?

Her voice took on a strange tone, almost a shout. “But I’m no longer the chieftain’s daughter.” She started, surprised at her own vehemence. Judging from the expressions of the three people gathered in front of her, they’d noticed the same edge to her voice. “Forgive me, but I am now the chieftain’s sister, as I must remind you.”

Quade began to say something, but Lily’s mama reached over and tucked his hand in hers, stopping his next sentence short.

“Did you get a good look at this man?” Brenna asked.

Tears misted in her eyes because every answer she gave them made her sound dafter, if that were indeed possible at this point. “Nay, he was dressed in armor. I could not see beneath his helm.” She turned her gaze away so she would not have to meet her sire’s gaze. She was afraid he would think she had created this story, which would break her heart for sure.

“What color was his hair?” Torrian asked.

“I do believe ‘twas brown hair, but mayhap I’m not sure.” She stared at her hands in her lap. “He was too far away.”

Quade peered at Torrian. “Did anyone check the area?”

“Aye,” Torrian responded. “Kyle checked the area after he brought Lily back, and while there was evidence of trampled grass…”

“You see? I am not daft. Kyle saw.” Lily leaned forward in her chair, hoping this was enough for them to believe her.

“…it could have been from our own men hunting. ‘Tis a favorite area.”

Quade said, “I want another slew of guards checking the area again today. You send them in all four directions. I need to know who was on our land.”

Lily did her best not to pay much attention to them since she knew they were not worried about her. Torrian and her father were always so logical and forthright, the exact opposite of her. She could not help but wonder if her mother, Lilias, had been more like Lily—light of heart. After all, she must have gotten it from somewhere. She shared absolutely naught in common with her sire and her brother. She snorted.

From the way her sire and brother stared at her, she’d done so loud enough for all to hear. She smiled at her sire, not wanting to explain herself, and folded her hands back in her lap.

A light rap sounded at the door just then, and Torrian barked, “Enter.”

One of the maids entered and said, “Forgive me, my lairds, but Lady Brenna has been requested at Mary’s cottage. A healer is needed.”

Brenna stood immediately. “Tell them we’ll be right along.”

We?
Could that word mean what Lily thought it meant? She did not have to wonder for long. The maid left quickly, and Brenna turned to face Lily. “Are you ready?”

Lily started. “For what, Mama?”

“Well, this is a birthing. I could use your assistance, if you are free. Bethia is not feeling well today. You know she loves to assist, but I would prefer she stay back.”

What a silly comment. Of course, she was free. Did she wish to go? Nay.

“Of course, Mama, I would love to attend the birthing with you.” It was lie number…goodness, how was she to keep track of all her terrible lies? She thought it had been less than five, but she had to admit she didn’t know.

Lily followed her mama out the door of the solar, and Lady Brenna accepted her healer’s satchel from the maid before heading out the door of the great hall. “Now, daughter,” she said, glancing back at Lily, “you do not need to watch the birth if the blood bothers you. You may help with gathering towels, heating water, or consoling sweet Mary as she delivers this bairn. She has three others that you could care for while we’re busy. Whatever you wish to do is acceptable to me.”

Goodness, but she was learning the problem with lying. She had no desire to attend a birthing. All that blood and screaming… She’d be sure to faint to the floor.

As she trailed behind her mother, she smiled at all the clanspeople who were moving aside for Lady Brenna. They knew how important her work was whenever she carried her satchel. Lily wondered if they’d ever show her that same respect. Nay, they preferred to stop and stare at Lily, acting as if she had two heads attached to her shoulder. She giggled at the image that popped into her head.

Her mama gave her a strange look, but continued to make haste toward the cabin. “You’ll find your own way, lass,” she said, still moving quickly as she spoke. “I’m sure of it. You are a talented and loveable young woman.”

“Mama, are you any good at catching things?” Lily rubbed her head. The more she thought about it, the more certain she was she would faint during the delivery. How she hoped her dear stepmother would be able to catch her before she cracked her head open on the stone floor.

“Whatever do you mean, Lily?” Brenna gave her a perplexed look, but there was no time to explain. They’d reached Mary’s cottage, and the lass’s sire was standing in front of the door, wide-eyed. “Please help her. And if you can…” he whispered. “Can you not help her husband, as well? The man is quite addled with this one.”

Lily and Brenna stepped into the cottage. Lily’s first reaction was to cover her ears. Everyone was screaming. Brenna moved straight into the adjoining chamber, the source of the loudest screams, to attend to Mary, but Lily stayed put in the front of the cottage. A large man wearing a beleaguered expression on his face sat in the corner with a screaming child on his lap, a lass around one summer old. Two other lassies sat on the floor crying, though Lily had no idea why. She glanced at the man, who said, “Help me, please? I know not what to do without my Mary. The bairn is hungry and she cannot feed her.”

Lily headed over to the table near the hearth and searched through the food baskets until she found a carrot and a hunk of bread. She took the wee lassie from her sire’s arms and sat on a stool near the hearth on the opposite wall. The father, clearly grateful, stood and said, “My apologies, but they’ve been like this since Mary started with the baby last night. I just need a moment, lass. Please?” When she nodded her answer, he slipped out the door.

Lily settled the bairn on her lap, placed the carrot in the wean’s mouth so she had something to gnaw on, and waved the other crying girls over to a spot beside her. All three bairns were still crying, but the wee one stopped every so often to gnaw on the carrot for a few seconds. Unsure of how she could calm them, she did the only thing she could think of to help maintain her own sanity.

Lily began to sing. She started off by humming, but once the two bairns on the floor started to listen—their tears turned to mere sniffles—she sang with all her heart, about her horse and rainbows and flowers and all the things dear to her. The singing carried her away, and she almost missed it when the lassies on the floor leaned over and snuggled together, one of them placing her thumb in her mouth. None of the bairns were even sniffling now.

Pleased with her small success, Lily continued, singing even louder. Eventually, the older lassies curled up on the floor and closed their eyes. Within moments, they were asleep as fast as slumbering newborns. The wee lass in Lily’s arms continued to gnaw on the carrot, her mouth turning orange, her wee gaze locked on Lily’s mouth as she continued to sing. Eventually the wean pulled the carrot from her mouth and closed her eyes, letting her head rest in the crook of Lily’s arms.

Once the three girls’ bellowing had stopped, Lily noticed Mary was no longer screaming either. Not daring to stop her singing because it was so peaceful, she continued until the door to the inner chamber opened. Her mama stood there holding a squealing bairn, though the child’s cries couldn’t come even close to the screaming that had come from the other three. Brenna carried the child over closer to Lily, motioning for her to continue her song, and the child stopped its squealing, closed its eyes, and nestled into Brenna’s arms.

At the sound of the babe, the front door flew open and Mary’s husband reappeared. His gaze fell on Lily first, and Mary’s sire, who had entered behind him, stared at Lily as well. Though the attention discomfited her, she continued with her song, afraid the bairns would all awaken screaming if she stopped.

Mary’s husband then turned to stare at Brenna. “My lady?”

“Congratulations, Sorley. Your wife has gifted you with a son.” She held the lad up to Sorley, and the man fell onto a stool. Tears erupted from his eyes as he staggered up and took his son from her, then ran into the chamber. “Mary, we have a son. Finally, a wee laddie.”

Brenna moved over to close the door, giving the couple some privacy with their new babe, and then turned to Lily. “Well done. I’ve never seen anyone quiet bairns the way you did.” Brenna found a plaid on a chair and tucked it around the two lassies snuggled together sound asleep on the floor. She then took the sleeping bairn from Lily’s arm and settled her into the swaddled drawer in a nearby chest.