Page 92 of The Highlander's Christmas Bride

Logan forced himself to meet his brother’s gaze. Nick’s eyes, a mirror of his own, were filled with a father’s deep sorrow, tempered by wisdom and love.

“You were young and foolish. It was an accident—a terrible one, but an accident nonetheless. I forgave you, Logan. Now it’s time you forgave yourself.”

“But I break things, Nick,” he said hoarsely. “And I’m so bloody afraid of breaking Joseph, too.”

Now his brother began to look stern, like the laird he was. “Joseph is a strong boy. You won’t break him, I promise. For one thing, I won’t let you. To quote Angus, ‘Yer not too big for me to paddle yer bum if ye make a mess of things.’”

Logan let out a strangled laugh. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a brother like you.”

“Och, don’t be a silly bugger, man.”

Nick’s gaze was warm with a deep and abiding affection. While tragedy had all but smothered that affection, it had never died. It had only been waiting for light to seep back into their lives, opening their hearts and healing them all.

“My little Cam loved you, laddie,” Nick gently said. “He loved all of us. That’s what you should remember. That’s what we all owe my son and ourselves.”

It took Logan several moments to choke down his emotions. God, he was a lucky bastard to have the family he did.

“When did you get so damn smart?” he managed.

Nick reached for his glass. “I’ve always been smart. You were just too thick-headed to notice.”

“All right, wise one, what do I do about my son? And about Donella?”

“I’ve already told you how to deal with your son. As for Donella . . .”

“Yes?”

“Marry the girl, of course. You’ll get a fine wifeanda splendid mother for Joseph. They clearly have a great deal of affection for each other.”

“He certainly prefers her company to mine.”

“Think how pleased Lord Riddick and his family would be, too,” Nick added. “It could only help your business dealings with the old fellow.”

Logan raised his eyebrows. “Are you suggesting I marry the girl to nail down a business deal with Riddick?”

“Of course not. It’s simply an added incentive.”

“Oh, she’d be thrilled to hear that.”

“Logan, it’s clear that you’re quite taken with the girl. It is also clear—despite her continued insistence on becoming a nun—that she is quite taken with you, as well.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then you haven’t been paying attention. And Victoria would tell you the same.”

“Huh.”

“You can be quite charming, when you’re not being an idiot.”

Donella did seem quite aware of him as a man, which could be viewed in a positive light. And he was more than aware of her as a woman.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Don’t think too long, because you’re notthatcharming,” Nick said. “She just might choose a nunnery, after all.”

Chapter Nineteen

Donella stole a glance at Logan as he expertly steered her through another turn of the waltz. The other dancers swept by them in a swirling array of silks and satins, the sparkle of jewels glittering like tiny stars under blazing crystal chandeliers.

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