Free Highland Sparks: Logan and Gwyneth (Clan Grant Series Book 5) by Keira Montclair Page B

his shoulder. “Good to see you again. I presume you have located Robbie and have news?”
    “Aye, Robbie sent us ahead. He’ll be following with the lasses’ mother.”
    Ashlyn just stared up at him. “Captain Grant is saving our mama. Are you Captain Grant, too?”
    “Nay, lass,” he tousled her hair, “I’m Laird Grant. Are you hungry?”
    Gracie nodded her head so fiercely that Alex laughed. “Come, we’ll find you something to eat. My wife will fill your bellies.”
    “Laird Grant, do you have enough room for us to sleep inside tonight? ‘Tis verra cold sleeping on the ground.” Ashlyn held her sister’s hand. “May we sleep inside?”
    “We’ll take good care of you until your mama arrives. I promise. You can sleep in the lassies’ room tonight.”
    Gwyneth wondered briefly where she would fit in.
    He turned to speak to Logan and led them across the courtyard and up the steps to the great hall, asking questions about Robbie as they went. At the top of the steps, another man who looked like Robbie stood smiling at them.
    “Greetings, I am Brodie, Robbie’s brother.” He held the door for them to enter the keep.
    Once inside, they met Alex’s wife, Maddie; Logan’s brother, Quade; and his wife, Brenna. After exchanging warm greetings, they beckoned them to sit at a long table surrounded by playing bairns. Servants brought food and ale and before long a lad and a lassie ran over to Logan shouting, “Uncle Logan!”
    Logan introduced his niece and nephew, Lily and Torrian. They also met Jennie, Robbie’s sister; Celestina, Brodie’s wife; Loki, Brodie’s son; and Avelina, Logan’s sister. Lily held her hand out to Gracie. “Come play with me.”
    Gracie peered up at her sister and Ashlyn nodded her head. “Go ahead, Gracie.” Avelina and Jennie came over to talk to Ashlyn.
    Gwyneth was so confused by all the names and faces that after she stumbled into her chair, she just stared at all the people in the room, all laughing and trading stories. She watched Logan with his niece and nephew, amazed at how much love he showed the bairns. His brother didn’t look at all like him, except for their eyes. Quade seemed much calmer than Logan.
    Eventually, the girls returned to the table to eat. Gracie ate everything she could and Ashlyn picked at her food, more concerned with Gracie than herself.
    After they were fed, Lily came over and grabbed Gracie’s hand. “Come, you can sleep with us.”
    Maddie stopped her. “Lily, please wait.” She turned to Gwyneth and said, “Would you like your own chamber, or would you prefer for the girls to sleep with you?”
    Gwyneth just stared at her for a moment, uncertain of what to say.
    “If you would rather sleep on your own, they can stay in the girls’ chamber. Jennie, Avelina, and Lily sleep there together in a verra large bed. My maid sleeps in her own pallet in the same room. I’ll make sure to introduce you to Alice. ”
    Wee Gracie turned to look at her sister, as if leaving it to her to make the decision. Lily, who still stood in front of them, started to hop in place in excitement. “Sleep with us. Please? ‘Tis fun to sleep together.”
    Ashlyn glanced up at Gwyneth, as if for permission. “Go ahead, lass,” she said with a smile. “Sleep with the lassies and know that I will no’ be far away. If you change your mind, you can come to me later.”
    “Why don’t we all go look at it now,” Maddie said with a smile.
    The bairns tore up the staircase, excited to show the newcomers the girls’ chamber. Gwyneth trudged behind with Maddie, uncertain of what to think.
    She had never been around this many girls in her entire life.
    When they reached the girls’ chamber, Maddie followed the laughing lassies inside and Gwyneth stuck her head in the room to make sure they would all fit.
    Ashlyn turned to face her. “Look how big the bed is, and how many furs are on it.”
    A voice from behind her caught her attention. “Come, Gwyneth, I’ll