Free Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair

look changed from one of anger to something much softer. His gaze was on her, and he watched every interaction she had with the bairns, smiling particularly at Gavin and Gregor.
    Torrian, the eldest of the group, said, “I’m sure Jennie’s husband has made sure Lina will not be hurt again. He will protect her.”
    Lily, who had grown so much in the past few years, had tears running down her face, so different from her usual animated presence. “Why must people hurt our sweet Aunt Lina?” Lily threw her arms around Lina and hugged her tight.
    Gregor turned to his cousin. “Dabin, we must dive Wina another tiss.”
    Gavin nodded and the two clambered onto her lap, causing her to giggle at their sweetness as they leaned in to kiss her cheeks.
    Gregor pointed to her bruised cheek and said, “Does it huwt you?”
    “I’m much better now,” Lina insisted, shaking her head. “My thanks, lads.”
    Once they climbed down, Gavin reached behind him and pulled out his wooden sword. “We are here to protect you, Aunt Lina.”
    Lina noticed that Logan had settled a hand across his mouth as he glanced at Gwyneth, totally engrossed in their son’s sweet behavior. She suspected he was hiding a smile at the lad’s antics.
    Gregor nodded, then mimicked his cousin by pulling out his smaller sword. “Aye, we will till him if he tomes neaw you.”
    “Come on, Gregor. We must guard the door.” They chased over to the doorway and Gavin pointed to a spot. “You stay there, and I’ll stay here. Naught will get past us.”
    “Aunt Wina!” Gregor shouted over to her, his small sword pointed toward the rafters. “We are your ‘tectors.”
    Avelina smiled and then hugged each of her wee nieces in turn. Drew had made his way over a bit closer, though she wasn’t sure why. She had noticed he followed everything her clan had done.
    Jennie and Aedan made their way over to greet their visitors, and Jennie said to Gwyneth, “I’ll get some fruit and bread for you, and goat’s milk for the weans. You must be hungry after your trip.”
    Logan added, “Molly, you and Lily can go with Lady Jennie to help bring some food out. Maggie, take the others over there, please. You can settle at that table while we speak to Avelina.”
    The wee ones did as they were bade.
    Lina’s eyes misted as she stared at her brother who had knelt down in front of her. She loved Logan so much. He was such a tough man, yet so gentle with his family. She so admired his relationship with Gwyneth.
    “How do you fare? As soon as word of the incident arrived, all your nieces and nephews insisted on coming to see you. Quade and Brenna stayed back since Brenna has had some trouble with this babe, but they send their love.”
    She swiped at her cheek and said, “You’re all verra sweet. I’m better now. Tell me about Brenna’s troubles.”
    “She’s just been nauseous with this bairn,” Gwyneth replied. “She was with Gregor, too.”
    “We’re more concerned about you. Are you sure you’re all right? Would you like to talk to Gwynie alone?”
    “Nay, I’m fine.” Suddenly embarrassed that they had all come to Cameron land because of her troubles, she looked down into her lap.
    Logan said, “Good, then I only have one question.” He paused, giving Lina a chance to clear the tears from her face. Then, in the commanding voice Avelina knew quite well, he asked, “What’s his name?”
    ***
    Drew arrived in time to see the group of children run to Avelina’s side. Everything they did and said spoke to how much they adored their aunt. He couldn’t imagine having that many people look up to him. If his father would just admire one thing he had ever done, he would be grateful. She deserved their affection and more, though, and he was especially grateful to the two wee lads who climbed onto her lap to kiss her cheeks. They made Lina giggle, and that was a sound he hadn’t yet heard from her.
    Over the past few days, he had forced himself to stay away from