She gripped his hand as the butler opened the door. “But—”

“Kennan!” bellowed Lochiel, his arms stretched wide. “Och, son, I thought you’d be away for another year at least.”

The captain squared his shoulders and faced his father. “We made good time of it for certain, sir.”

“And what of Vane?”

“Handed him over to the queen’s dragoons after we disembarked.”

“Imagine that. My son captured the greatest scourge of the high seas.”

“And claimed his fortune.” Divana peeked around from behind her husband. “Grand enough to build an empire.”

After they’d left Ethan on Hades, they found no fewer than fifteen chests filled with priceless jewels, gold, and silver. They’d given the men generous shares, but only Divana and Kennan knew the extent of the fortune they now possessed. Kennan said he wouldn’t be surprised if they were the richest people in Scotland.

Lady Jean came below stairs carrying Adam, her wee son, on her hip. “Och, Divana, we thought you’d gone back to your kin. Cook will be ever so happy to see you. She said the kitchen had fallen into disorder after you left.”

Biting her lip, she looked at Kennan. “Ye’d best tell them, else I’ll be donning an apron.”

“Forgive me.” He grasped her hand and clutched it over his heart. “There’s so much to say all at once. Most importantly, Divana is my wife.”

Everyone in the hall gaped. “What—?” asked Lochiel.

“Before you go off asking questions, allow me to say that we married the Highland way. But for the family, we want a proper wedding just as soon—”

Lochiel raised his palm. “You mean to say you haven’t been married in a church?”

“Nay,” said Kennan.

“Then the marriage can easily be annulled.”

Divana’s breath froze in her chest. The backs of her eyes stung. Blast it all, she knew the laird wouldn’t want her.

But Kennan gripped her hand tighter. “There will be no annulment. I’ve a fortune in my coffers, and I’ve chosen this bonny, smart, and fascinating woman to be my bride. And if you do not accept her, we’ll be on our way forthwith.”

Lochiel gripped the banister rail. “Just a moment, son. Let us retire to the library and discuss this man-to-man.”

“I fail to see what there is to discuss.”

“Humor me.”

Lady Lochiel gestured to the drawing room. “Divana, perhaps we can chat over a cup of tea.”

Rather than follow, she wanted to turn and run, but the determination in her husband’s eyes made her stay. “Thank you, m’lady. Tea would be lovely.”

Adam stretched out his chubby arms to Divana. “Hug!” His adorable smile helped ease the tension in the hall, and suddenly the happy bundle was in her arms.

And the kiss Kennan applied to her cheek helped as well. “Go with my stepmother. I’ll attend you anon.”

Divana followed Her Ladyship and carried the bairn through to the drawing room.

“Please do have a seat.”

“Thank you.” Divana held the lad out to his mother, but he wrapped his arms around her neck. “Hug!”