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“I’m afraid no amount of training can fully prepare anyone for our rather demented family,” Braden commented.
Donella took the empty seat on the other side of her husband. “That’s certainly true. I’m still getting used to them, even after several years.”
“Says the woman who was kicked out of a convent, and then followed that up by triggering a kidnapping and a clan feud,” Logan dryly said.
“Thankfully, you rescued me by throwing several men off a bridge into the River Tay,” Donella replied as she reached for the teapot.
“Only two men, love,” Logan corrected.
“True. You shot the rest of them.”
Ryan, who’d been clearing empty plates from the sideboard, knocked over a tray of scones.
“You may return to the kitchen,” Will told him with heavy disapproval. “Immediately.”
The poor footman almost tripped in his haste to get out of the room.
“It’ll be a miracle if the fellow doesn’t give his notice forthwith,” Braden commented.
Donella sighed. “And I was so hoping that Ryan would work out. Really, Logan, you simply must stop growling at everyone.”
“How is this my fault?” her husband protested. “Besides, I only growl at family members who get themselves into dangerous situations and then try to hide it from me.”
“Possibly because you kick up such a fuss?” Braden said before taking a gulp of coffee.
“Papa does get fashed when any of us gets attacked,” Joseph said.
“No more getting attacked,” barked Logan. “I forbid it.”
Braden smiled at Joseph. “I was perfectly fine, lad. I promise.”
Thanks to a mysterious young woman and her equally mysterious companion. That detail, however, was not something his family needed to know.
“But Papa can help protect you,” Joseph earnestly replied. “It’s his job.”
“Exactly right, my boy,” his father said with an approving nod.
“I cannot disagree,” Donella said. “I saw your coat, Braden. The rip is quite beyond repair.”
“Well, that’s a bother,” Braden replied.
At that observation, Logan looked ready to explode.
Donella glanced at her husband’s face. “Macklin, perhaps you might bring us some fresh tea,” she said to the butler.
When Will tactfully retreated, Braden looked at the clock on the mantel. “Good Lord, the time. As delightful as this discussion has been, I’m off. Already late for work.”
Logan jabbed a finger at him. “Don’t even think about it. You were attacked, Braden. And how was your coat ruined? Perhaps by a knife?”
“Och, don’t be silly,” Braden said.
Donella wrinkled her nose. “Truly, Braden, we’re not trying to be busybodies. We just worry about you.”
Braden eyed the faces studying him with obvious concern. They were all so different—his brawny older brother, who had the strength and courage of a giant, his lovely sister-in-law, whose kind heart had rescued Logan from a lonely life, and his nephew, whose gentle nature was complemented by a maturity beyond his years.
What united them was their steadfast devotion to each other and to every member of the family. Behind all the bluster and nonsense was love—and worry. Kendricks were champion worriers. Given all the tragedies they’d suffered over the years, it was hardly surprising.
Now that the cat was well out of the bag, trying to dismiss their concerns would only fash them more.
