Carissa laughed.
“My brother was humorous?”
“No,” she said, trying to stop from chuckling, “it’s just that Cavan wanted to know if you had asked me to marry you yet.”
They both smiled and continued holding hands as they rode along.
Ronan went in search of his mother, Septimus having told him she had recently returned with Hagen and they were warming themselves by one of three campfires.
Septimus took Alyce and Lachlan to see Evan and Piper, and Carissa went off alone with Dykar. She informed him that Cavan now knew of Cregan, but following his advice, though she was aware it was more an edict, she had yet to tell Ronan.
“I could see where Ronan would be upset if he knew Cregan was coming for you,” Dykar said.
“Have you found out why yet?” she asked.
Dykar shook his head. “His man has been vocal in his reasons for leaving Cregan’s crew, too vocal, but he remains tight-lipped when it comes to important information. He foolishly thinks we believe that he wishes to join our group.”
“Perhaps he simply bides his time until Cregan arrives.”
“Either way, I believe he knows much more than he says,” Dykar said.
“How long before Cregan arrives?”
“A small contingent of his men should be here soon enough,” Dykar said.
“He sends an advance group?” Carissa asked curiously. “I wonder why?”
“I’ve wondered the same myself.”
“I don’t like this,” Carissa said. “I need to discuss this with Cavan, and, like it or not, Ronan needs to know about this.”
“I agree.”
“Keep the men on battle alert,” Carissa said. “Have the scouts reported any unusual movement in the area?”
“Nothing of note.”
“I want to speak with Evan and Piper,” Carissa ordered. “They see things others don’t.”
Dykar nodded and went to find them.
Ronan spotted his mother sitting next to Hagen in front of the campfire. Her smile was wide and she practically beamed with joy. He was pleased to see her so happy. His brothers had told him how much she had grieved for their father. He was glad to see that she would always love his father, but also that she found happiness for herself with a good, trustworthy man.
She jumped with a cry when she spotted him and ran to him. He caught her in his arms and hugged her tight, just as she had done so many times to him when he was a lad.
“I have news I want to share with you and Carissa,” Addie said. “It will make Carissa so happy.”
“Tell me,” Ronan said,
Addie shook her head.
“No, the news is for Carissa, and she should hear it along with you.”
“I’ll go get her,” Ronan volunteered.
“Let me,” Addie urged. “I’ve spent little time with her.”
“But you won’t tell her anything without me, will you?”
“I promise,” Addie said. “I will tell all when I have you two together.”
Ronan nodded as his mother hurried off, then he turned and sat next to Hagen on the thick fallen tree by the campfire.
Hagen shook his head. “I’m not saying a thing.”
“Just give me a hint,” Ronan cajoled.
“Your mother remembered who Carissa reminded her of.”
“Who?” Ronan asked anxiously.
“Would you break a promise to the woman you love and intend to marry?” Hagen asked.
“You got me on that one—” Ronan glared at Hagen. “You intend to marry my mother?”
“I do,” Hagen said firmly. “I love her, and I will have her as my wife if she agrees.”
Ronan grinned. “You do realize that you’re going to have to speak to Cavan first. And then there’s Artair and Lachlan. Now if you were to share just a bit of information with me, I might be able to ease the way for you since you have no worry from me. It’s obvious that my mother loves you and that you love her, so I have no problem with the union . Besides,” Ronan said with a slap on Hagen’s back, “I know you’re a good man.”
“I appreciate the offer, truly I do,” Hagen said, “but I gave your mother my word, and I will not go back on it. And your brothers don’t frighten me.”
Ronan rubbed his chin. “I was afraid of that. There isn’t much you fear.”
“Only losing your mother,” Hagen said.
“I’m pleased and proud to welcome you to our family,” Ronan said.
Hagen smiled. “Thank you, Ronan. I appreciate that.”
Ronan held his hands out to the campfire to warm. “Now that we’re going to be family, at least tell me where you and mother went.”