He smiled and caught hold of her hand. “How lucky am I.”
“I’d say luckier than you know,” Lachlan called out.
“I agree,” Artair said, smiling at Zia.
They joined Addie and Lachlan at the table, and soon Cavan and Honora joined them, everyone pleased that Honora was feeling better.
“I’m going to spend the morning stitching. I have several garments I wish to have ready for the babe,” Honora said with a gentle smile at Zia.
Cavan kissed his wife’s cheek. “I will keep you company if you like.”
Honora laughed. “Don’t be silly. You have work to do.”
“I will look after her,” Addie assured.
“And I would love to see the garments you stitch for the babe,” Zia said, letting her know she would check on her.
“Could it be that you’re ready to start stitching your own baby’s garments?” Lachlan asked with a laugh.
“Could it be that you’re jealous?” Zia asked. “Wanting a wife, but having none?”
Everyone laughed and joined in teasing Lachlan.
“Enough,” he finally said, holding his hands up in surrender. “I will find a wife when I’m ready for one.”
“You’ll never be ready,” Artair teased. “Cavan should find one for you.”
“Do not even suggest that,” Lachlan said.
“I have had inquiries,” Cavan said.
“Not ready,” Lachlan said, shaking his head.
Cavan grinned. “A couple look promising.”
Lachlan kept shaking his head. “Don’t tempt me.”
“I think I should have a look at them,” Honora said in a serious tone.
“No!” Lachlan yelled. “She’ll have me wed before I have a chance to protest.”
Honora laughed. “Perhaps, but I would find you a wife who would suit you.”
Lachlan sighed with relief. “Then when the time comes, I will seek your help.”
Zia wanted to linger and enjoy this time with her newfound family, but she had much to do.
She stood. “I must go. I wish to see James before I start the day.”
“I’ll go with you. I’d like to visit with him,” Artair said.
“Later,” Cavan said. “I need to talk with you.”
Zia planted a gentle kiss on Artair’s cheek. She knew a command from a laird when she heard one, and she wondered over it as she took her leave.
Cavan, Artair, and Lachlan retreated to the solar.
“Is something wrong?” Artair asked as soon as the door was closed.
“Lachlan has heard news about the village Black,” Cavan said, and nodded to Lachlan.
“It seems that the village Black harbors barbarians,” Lachlan said.
Artair nodded. “I know. I watched as Zia and her grandmother worked to help heal one while I was there.”
“And you didn’t protest?” Lachlan accused.
“I made my objection known, but it’s their village, their rules. I was a guest, and one who sought answers about his brother. If I made demands, where would it have gotten me?”
“Artair is right,” Cavan said. “We cannot stop them from sheltering or healing barbarians, but it does raise a question that has yet to be answered.”
Artair nodded. “Who brought Ronan to the village Black.”
“You never found the answer?” Lachlan asked anxiously.
“A friend, was all that I was told, though I got the impression that they knew the person well.”
“I think it’s time to speak with Zia about the barbarians in her village, and about Ronan,” Cavan said. “You agree?” he asked Artair.
“I find Zia to be an honest woman, and anything she knows, I am certain she will share with us.”
“Then see when your wife has free time today to talk with us,” Cavan said, though it was more an order.
Artair nodded and left the solar in search of Zia. He had planned to discuss Ronan with her, but at the moment was more interested in her unexpected and outspoken declaration of love that morning. It shocked him, and while he certainly felt the same, he felt unsure about what to do.
He wanted nothing more than to steal her away in order to discuss her outburst with her, to see if it had been real or if she simply wanted to add credence to their ruse of being married.
Now, however, he had this added problem his brother wanted addressed immediately, and he couldn’t blame Cavan. He had never truly known how Ronan managed to get to the village Black, and it seemed odd that he should just disappear. The healers there—especially Bethane—knew what was going on at all times. He had a feeling there was more to his brother’s arrival and departure than he’d been told.