Keeley sighed and cast another stare over the water. The calmness soothed her. Gave her peace when her insides were in turmoil. If only she could pull it around her like a cloak. Steel armor that no one could breech.

“You know the McDonalds were my clan.”

The words were baldly spoken, laid out in brash fashion. She had no idea why she said them. Gannon was hardly a person to confide in. The warrior would likely rather have his arm cut off than to listen to womanly blether.

“Aye, I know it,” he returned.

There was an odd note to his voice that she couldn’t quite define.

“They are no more.”

Gannon nodded. “Nay. You’re a McCabe now.”

She smiled at that. She couldn’t help it. It filled her with such warmth that it was all she could do not to throw her arms around him and squeeze for all she was worth.

Her eyes went watery and he gave her such a look of horror that she had to laugh.

“Thank you for saying that. ’Tis a fact I needed to hear that this morn. I was … I was unprepared for their arrival as of yet.”

“No reason to cry,” he said gruffly. “A McCabe doesn’t cry. They hold their heads up and don’t allow others to trod on them.”

This time the temptation was simply too strong. She flung her arms around him, making him stagger back as she hit him right in the chest.

“What the … ?”

He grasped her so they didn’t both go down and stood as stiff as a boulder as she squeezed him. Then he sighed. “Between you and Lady McCabe, I swear the McCabe clan is becoming an emotional watering pot.”

Keeley grinned against him. There was gruffness in his voice but there was also true affection. She drew away and smiled through her tears. “You like me.”

He scowled. “I said nothing of the sort.”

“Admit it. You like me.”

“I don’t like you very much right now.”

“Ah, but you did before.”

His scowl deepened. “You should come back inside the keep now.”

“Thank you, Gannon. ’Tis a fact I was not feeling very well today.” She glanced up again and was tempted to hug him once more, but he seemed to realize her intent and hastily stepped back. She grinned again. “I find I like my new clan very much. The McCabes recognize the importance of loyalty and family.”

He looked offended. “Of course we do. There’s no more loyal a clan than the McCabes and no better a laird than ours.”

“I’m very glad I’m here,” she said softly as they turned to walk back toward the keep.

Gannon hesitated a brief moment and then glanced sideways at her. “I’m glad you’re here, too, Keeley McCabe.”

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31