Page 49 of Lochlan

“Wonderful,” Ian says, “we're all here. I'm told that the path is narrow in some places. I suggest that Geordie and Fiona walk ahead while Kenzie and I walk together next, and Lochlan will bring up the rear. Is that suitable for everyone?” he says, as if anyone would disagree. “If there are no objections, then Geordie and Fiona, please begin.”

We watch as the two trail down the path. When they have disappeared around a bend, Ian hooks his arm into mine. He turns to Lochlan. “Count to about fifty, then start your trek.” Lochlan frowns as Ian and I begin our leisurely stroll. “I hope you don't mind,” he says with a conspiratorial smile. “I arranged this foray so we can talk.”

It appears Ian is craftier than even his grandson knows. He predicted Ian would request a private chat in one of the rooms. Instead, he's talking to me in plain sight, just out of earshot.

“I've been curious about you since we met at the Association's lunch. Since my grandson is interested in you, it should come as no surprise that I did some checking into your background. I just received the information and only had time for a cursory review of the information. Does that bother you?”

“I would be lying if I said I didn't mind. But I understand why it's necessary.”

“I'm happy to say that on the first pass, it shows that you are an impressive young woman. Lochlan mentioned you have a business/economics degree from Berkeley. That alone would make you stand out among many candidates. However, I did see that you are a nationally ranked player in beach volleyball. How did you excel in academics and physical endeavors?”

“I love both, but it's my parents who taught me to be disciplined. They're examples of practicing what they preach. Both are highly regarded in their fields.”

“Then how are you with affairs of the heart? Are you in love with Lochlan?”

I glance back to see the towering figure of Lochlan keeping his distance. “I can't say that I'm in love with your grandson, but I have deep respect for him.”

Ian bobs his head at my response. “That answer is more honest than I expected. I wouldn't have trusted your answer if you had told me you had fallen in love with him after knowing him for only a few weeks.”

I inwardly give a sigh of relief. I don't know how I feel about Lochlan. We haven't spent time as a couple and I still need to get over my prejudice towards rich, privileged Scottish men. Lochlan was never the target; I only wanted to get enough proof to complete the challenge. Just because he's become less of a prick, it's not like me to set a goal, then abandon it when it becomes too hard. I intend to fulfill my portion of the bargain by the end of this weekend, and I expect him to honor his promise. I can't predict what will happen after that.

Ian pats my arm like a concerned grandfather. “If you want to be a part of this family, you must understand you won't be allowed to sit on the sidelines. You'll be encouraged to express your opinions and fight to protect your husband and the family when we are threatened by the outside. Lochlan is the second son. And if neither he nor his older brother Harris have children, this part of the family will die. Marriage to Lochlan also means children.”

“Lochlan wants kids?” I blurt out, before I realize who I'm talking with. It's a scary thought that there would be a miniature Lochlan in the world.

Ian smiles, ignoring my comment. “He understands what he must do. I've taught him from a small child what's expected.”

Ian speaks as if entrance to the MacTavish family is equal to entering royalty. If I say yes to this clan, I'm to be the protector of my husband and his family and be a broodmare on top of everything else… wonderful. Not that this will ever happen, but I'm curious. “Does that mean I can't pursue my own dreams?”

“A woman who marries a man from a powerful family has obligations. You can pursue your dreams if they align with the family's goals. Your priority will always be the MacTavish family.”

Up ahead, Geordie and Fiona have stopped to look at the view. They also seem to be deep in conversation; neither appear to like what's being discussed.

“I think they're signaling it's time that we walked as a group. I'm not sure who I'll need to rescue, my grandson or my opinionated protégé.”

I halt my progress, forcing Ian to plant his walking stick in the ground for support. “May I ask a question?” I say, slipping my arm from his. I navigate to face him, so I can see him when he answers me.

He studies me for a few moments, trying to decide what I want to hear. “I'll give you an answer, if I can.” His reply seems to be genuine, so I go on.

“Fiona told me that Lochlan called off their wedding at the last minute. Do you know why?”

He lifts his shoulders, then glances back at Lochlan, who's stopped a distance away, watching us. “To learn that mystery, you'll need to ask Lochlan. He never gave me an explanation of why he didn't marry Fiona. They planned the wedding years before the day; it was surprising when he made the announcement in the church. They've been dating since they were teenagers. He was besotted with her and followed her around like a puppy dog since they met.” His attention comes back to me. “Maybe he wasn't ready and the prospect of marriage scared him. As far as I know, he's only been with Fiona. My theory is that Lochlan realized he missed out on life and decided not to go through with it, at least not at that time. I say this because he changed almost completely after he walked away from Fiona. He was living his life recklessly. I won't go into all my grandson's sordid adventures during that time. They were many and unusually creative. I thought he was just going through a phase, but when he continued on this path with no direction, I thought a change would be best for him. He needed to be in a place where he could reinvent himself. I sent him to America to expand our winemaking operations and Geordie went with him.”

“Did you bring Fiona with you to America hoping that they would reunite?”

He taps his cane. “You're clever. I didn't know you existed until we met at the luncheon. I suspect my grandson chose not to tell me he was seeing you because he was protecting you from my scrutiny.” He sighs. “I admit I was playing matchmaker. I thought that after three years, whatever was in his system would be purged and he'd be ready to come back to Scotland and settle down.”

“If this is your plan, would it be better for everyone if I conceded the field to Fiona?”

“Please don't take offense, lass. Fiona would best suit him because of their shared background, but Lochlan is not back to his old self. After speaking with you, I'm not so sure if she's the right fit for him now. You'll be happy to know I don't get involved in the minutia of relationships. I won't be behind the scenes as a puppet master. It's Lochlan's decision, not mine. I only ask that he decide soon. Don't give up so easily. I've seen sparks between you and my grandson. You are very much in the race for his affection. But I would not count Fiona out. She has known him longer and knows precisely what buttons to push to get what she wants. If you want a future with him, it appears you will have to fight for him.”

CHAPTER22

WILDSIDE

LOCHLAN

Walking with the MacTavish familyin the wilderness almost makes us seem normal. I suppose the bigger spaces give our egos room to expand, unlike a paneled boardroom that constrains and suffocates.

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