Page 51 of The Highlander's English Bride

Will cast Graeme a brief sympathetic look before discretely retiring. The footman, who had been with the family forever, recognized the signs of an impending sermon from Lord Arnprior.

All done in Graeme’s best interest, of course, but what Graeme thought in his best interest often conflicted with Nick’s definition of the term.

“Nicholas, you are not to lecture your brother in the hall,” Victoria said. “He just arrived.”

“I thought I’d wait until we got to the drawing room. Although I’d like to point out that you already delivered the first lecture.”

“True,” Graeme said. “So perhaps we could skip any subsequent ones.”

“It’s my duty as laird to let you know when you stray,” Nick said, his expression wry.

“Something you do quite splendidly,” Victoria noted.

“And with alarming regularity,” Graeme added.

“Hardly, since you’re rarely around,” Nick retorted. “Now, come here, ye cheeky lad.”

His brother pulled him into an enveloping hug. While Nick was tall and brawny, he didn’t match up with Graeme’s size.

Still, Graeme’s throat went tight. It was almost as if he were once more a small boy, running for comfort to the one person who’d always been there for him. More than their father, Nick had soothed his hurts, solved his problems, and knocked sense into him when he’d needed it.

For the first time in months, Graeme felt the twisted threads of his complicated life begin to unspool a wee bit.

Nick tightened his grip for a moment, then released Graeme and took a step back. Once more, that uncanny gaze swept over him. Big brother’s frown again signaled he wasn’t happy with little brother’s apparent condition.

“I could use a drink,” Graeme said. “Then you can proceed with the appropriate lectures.”

Nick snorted. “My lectures are usually more effective after a wee dram, anyway.”

“They’re certainly easier to listen to,” Vicky said.

“None of your cheek,Sassenach, or you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of one of your own. In private, if you’re not careful.”

She gave an exaggerated sigh and rested her hands on her round stomach. “I do believe that’s how I arrived in this condition, dear sir.”

Nick waggled his eyebrows at her. “Practice makes perfect, my darling.”

Graeme held up his hands. “Och, you’re both making me queasy.”

In truth, he found their relationship incredibly touching. Nick and Victoria’s steadfast love for each other had greatly helped to heal the deep sorrows that had scarred the Kendrick family.

Vicky laughed. “We are rather nauseating, especially for such a fusty old couple.”

“Speak for yourself,” Nick said. “I’m in my prime, as I will be happy to demonstrate.”

Graeme shook his head. “It never ends, does it?”

His brother grinned. “All right, I’ll stop. Come upstairs and have a drink before you’re inundated by the rest of us.”

“How’s she holding up?” Graeme murmured to Nick as they followed Vicky. “Well, I hope?”

“You’re not to worry, lad. The doctor is very pleased with the state of her health.”

How could he not worry? Childbirth could be incredibly dangerous. His mother had died of the fever, only a few days after Kade was born.

“What does Braden have to say? Does he agree Vicky’s all right?”

“You do realize Vicky can hear you,” she said over her shoulder. “And she is in fine fettle, despite the fact that she looks like she swallowed a cannonball.”

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