Page 49 of Long Live the King

I had been handed a cup of coffee but hadn’t had a chance to sip yet.

It was cold. I drew some more from the BrewStation and added sugar and cream.

“How are you doing now in the light of the morning, Lochie?”

He said, “We hae come tae an idea.”

“Good! What is it?”

Magnus said, “We are in need of a trip tae Riaghalbane, I need tae speak tae m’mother, so I am takin’ Lochinvar away on urgent business.”

I narrowed my eyes, “But, how does this help the situation with Ash?”

Magnus tapped his temple. “Because absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

“I don’t understand.” I said to Hayley, “Do you get what’s going on?”

“No, I just woke up, but the boys have been planning for hours.”

Lochie said, “I daena think ye realize, Queen Kaitlyn, I will be wearin’ my uniform. Twill be handsome.”

I chuckled. “With the kilt?”

“Aye, my dress coat, m’finest kilt, with m’sword.”

Beaty had come in with Noah and so now Fraoch had Noah on one elbow, Jack on the other, and was playing loud Keeky-bo with both, not hiding, but just saying it loudly, while the boys squealed with laughter.

He stopped playing long enough to say, “A uniform and a kilt, ye see, Kaitlyn, we hae thought of everything.”

I bit my lips.

Hayley said, “So Lochie will be in a uniform with a kilt, what’s that got to do with that waitress?”

Lochie said, “I will go tae the Palace Saloon wearing the uniform, this evening. Then she will see me bein’ handsome in it. She winna be able tae resist me.”

“This is the plan you came up with?”

Magnus said, “Aye, tis a perfectly well-laid plan, she winna be able tae resist him.”

Zach slammed the oven. “Man in a uniform wins the girl.”

Fraoch sat down on the floor with the boys, Noah began toddling around. Jack climbed onto Fraoch’s lap.

I sipped my coffee and watched Fraoch and the boys play, then said, “You know, it actually is a good plan. If she’s trying to decide if you’re dangerous or a protector?—”

Zach said, “Like all women, right baby?” He kissed Emma good morning.

She said, “I have missed all the conversation, who’s the protector?”

“Me! Want a bagel before you go to the hospital to see the baby?”

“Absolutely.” Then she asked, “How did your meet with the girl go, Lochie?”

“Not well, but I hae a plan, I will flash m’knees at her under m’uniform.”

Emma nodded. “That will do it. Though I only have eyes for Zach’s knees.”

He laughed. “Myknees? Mine look like bird knees — I know you’re just trying to be nice, but even I know my knees aren’t my best quality.”

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