Page 24 of The Best of Brenna Grant

Chapter Twenty-Four

Loki is granted Castle Curanta as its chieftain, and he and Bella adopt Kenzie.

After they had all stuffed themselves, Alex stood at the dais, his usual movement when he was about to make a speech. The large crowd settled quickly.

“As most of you are aware, our clan was once again challenged by an evil force that attempted to hurt one of our own and steal some of our wealth. We were able to easily put an end to this threat. I thank all the warriors for traveling with me, as well as their wives for supporting them in this venture.

“Fortunately, the battle was short. Loki, Bella, and Kenzie, come forward please.”

Kenzie’s eyes bulged, but he came forward as requested, his wee legs trembling, bending his neck as far back as he could to gaze up at Alex Grant. Bella reached down to squeeze his hand in a show of support.

“I cannot tell you how proud I am of my nephew, Loki Grant,” Alex continued, “who demonstrated the value of his years of hard work and training in front of all of us. He fought hard and achieved a quick victory in a pivotal sword fight. I also wish to commend Kenzie, who helped us from start to finish, and was the person who retrieved King Alexander’s jewels.”

Shouts and cheers erupted from the clan, and Kenzie beamed from all the attention.

Alex raised his hands to quiet everyone. “Kenzie, we are pleased to have you at Clan Grant, and there are two people here who are interested in adopting you if you agree. Loki and Bella would like you to be their son if you are agreeable.”

Kenzie’s delight and surprise told them all how he felt. He burst into tears and looked from Bella to Loki, then back again. He ran to Bella and hugged her tight, then rushed over to Loki to do the same. He stared at both of them with a tear-stained face and asked, “I do not have to live alone? I have parents and a Mama and a Papa again?”

Bella knelt in front of him, Loki right beside her, and the sight of the lad’s crumpled face nearly broke her heart. She couldn’t imagine what Loki must be thinking and wondered how close this was to his life. “Aye, ‘tis true, Kenzie, if you wish to stay with us.”

“Aye, I prayed every day, just like Father Brian and Father Francis told me. I asked for a new mama and papa, and now you are here.” He hugged them again. “Many thanks. I love you both.”

Bella’s tears slid down her cheeks, but she wiped them away when Alex motioned for them to stand.

“This really is not finished yet, though I’m pleased to see that Kenzie Grant will officially be your son. We have taken over a small castle not far from here, and my brothers and I have decided that we wish to ask Loki to take over as chieftain of the keep.”

Gasps of surprise and cheers and whistles greeted Alex’s announcement. Bella’s heart swelled with pride as she turned to look at Loki. He met her gaze with a question in his eyes. “What do you think?”

Bella nodded with tears in her eyes. “Aye. I’ll go anywhere you wish to go, Loki. Forever.”

Epilogue

Welcome, Lucas!

Bella stepped cautiously, her hands on Maddie’s shoulder, making her way from the chair back to the changed bed.

“There you are,” Maddie said. “Do you not feel much better with a fresh gown on? We’ll get you back in bed so you can rest. What a fine son you have.”

“Many thanks, Lady Madeline.”

“Once we get you settled, I’ll get Loki to bring the bairn back up to you. Have you decided what you’d like to name him?”

Bella frowned as she thought back on all the names she and Loki had discussed. “We tried many times, but we just could not come up with the perfect name without having first seen the babe. Once he returns, we’ll discuss it.”

Once they had her in bed and covered with furs again, a knock sounded on the door. Loki entered carrying their bairn with Father Prestwick, Celestina, and Brodie trailing behind them. Caralyn motioned to Ashlyn and Maddie, and they all stepped out of the chamber to make room for the others.

“Good eve to you, my lady,” Father Prestwick said.

“Father? What a lovely surprise.” Bella glanced at her husband to see his reaction, but he seemed pleased. Brodie and Celestina both had genuine smiles on their faces, so she hoped Father Prestwick’s visit was acceptable to all.

“I apologize for the surprise at such a moment. I had no idea, but I confess that I am overjoyed to see the babe.”

Celestina pulled a stool out for him. “Father, please sit.” She sat in the chair next to him. “Bella, we’re all pleased to meet Father Prestwick, and he wished to give you his best wishes. I promise we will not tire you.”

“Aye, congratulations on your new bairn.” Brodie kissed her cheek.

“Father? Would you mind giving a wee blessing on our son?”

“Why, of course, lass. I’d be delighted.”

He took his place beside Loki and reached for the babe’s forehead, but then stopped. “What’s his name?”

He glanced at Loki, then at Bella, but neither spoke. Bella nodded at Loki, because she knew her husband and could see in his gaze that he had thought of the perfect name.

He leaned down to kiss her cheek, then gazed at the beautiful babe in his arms.

“Lucas. His name is Lucas.”