Page 59 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

“You look beautiful. I doubt he will notice what you’re wearing. He’s very excited to meet you.” Bryce offered a tight smile.

“He is? He came all this way, for me?”

“Aye. You have his eyes and they crinkle at the corners when he’s excited just like yours do.”

“My father?” Tears pooled in her eyes and she tried to brush them away. She didn’t want to meet the man with red, puffy eyes. “What should I do? What if he doesn’t like me, Bryce?”

Bryce gave her an indulgent smile. “How could he not like you? Let’s go down to the bailey to meet him. I’ll be standing right beside you, holding your hand. Don’t worry about a thing.” Bryce cleared his throat. “If he says anything unkind, I’ll have him on his back with my blade against his throat before his next breath.”

“Please don’t kill my father,” she said, patting his shoulder. He gave a nod and offered her his arm. She slipped hers through it and he led her down through the hall and out to the bailey just as an elaborate carriage pulled up.

There must have been twenty riders with him in addition to Lach, Cam, and the other warriors from Dunardry. The driver hopped down and reached for the door, but it had already opened and a tall man stepped out, offering a wide smile.

Her feet moved a step, but she held on to Bryce’s arm to help keep her in place. It wouldn’t do to run down the steps and hug him. He was a viscount. He wouldn’t like a strange woman attacking him.

A viscount. She recalled hearing that women were to curtsey to nobility, but she worried she would fall over if she tried such a thing.

Bryce led her closer. “Dorie, this is your father, Dorien Sutherland, Viscount Rutherford. My lord, your daughter, Dorie MacKinlay.”

He’d barely got out the introductions before her father reached for her and drew her into a powerful embrace. Of course she failed to keep from crying. At least she felt better when he finally pulled away and she saw his cheeks were wet with his own tears.

“My child. It’s beyond a pleasure to meet you. Please forgive my showing up unannounced. I didn’t know how to reply to your letter. I just knew I had to come see you for myself.”

“You are forgiven, of course. I’m so glad you’re here. I have so many questions I’d like to ask ye.”

“And you’ll have time to ask every one,” Bryce said. “But let’s get him settled inside first. He’s been traveling and will probably need refreshment.”

“Aye. I’m sorry. I get overly excited about things,” she admitted. Her dog was running in circles in excitement as well. “This is Rascal.”

To her relief her father patted the large dog without fear. “He’s a formidable beast.”

“He doesn’t seem to realize he’s not a small puppy anymore and often tries to climb upon vacant laps.”

“I’ll be sure to keep something on my lap at all times,” he joked.

Her father was teasing her. He was pleasant and smiling. So different from the man who had been called her father. She worried this was all a dream. She’d envisioned her father many ways, but she’d not thought he would be funny. What a wonderful surprise.

Kenna was waiting to greet Dorien inside the hall. She’d sent off the maids to ready a room for him and allowed Dorie to escort him to his chamber.

“The solar is free of children for the moment. I’ll have refreshments sent there so you can visit in private. And we ask for your company at our table for the evening meal.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, my lady. I am grateful for the invitation and look forward to spending time getting to know all of you. After I’ve had time to get to know my daughter, of course.” He smiled again.

“Of course.” Kenna returned the pleasantries. “I can assure you, your daughter looks forward to making your acquaintance.”

“He’s wonderful,” Dorie whispered to Bryce before letting go of his arm to take her father’s.

…

Bryce watched father and daughter leave through the arch at the stairs. He couldn’t help the feeling of unease that pricked along his spine. The man was pleasant enough, and he didn’t think he would hurt Dorie, but something bothered him about the man’s presence.

“She’s so happy,” Kenna said by his side.

“Aye.” It was clear that Dorie was elated to meet her father.

“It looks like you might be visiting London regularly,” Mari added.

“London? I’m not going to London.” Bryce snorted at the very thought.