Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Do you think Avery's role was too small to be the one who murdered the villain? *

• Yes, I think it would be better if Noah was the one who ended Athol's life.
• No, I loved that Avery's character was presented in such a strong manner.
• I can't really decide. I liked that Noah was not portrayed as a murderer, but I'd like to see him receive his satisfaction from killing the one responsible for his life's misery.

Are you tired from epilogues that end with marriage and babies? *

• Yes, I'm tired of seeing the same thing in the end of each novel.
• No, I love these types of endings! They bring me a huge satisfaction.
• I like but, but I won't mind seeing something different too.

Do you think Athol had to die? *

• Yes, I loved to see the villain pay for his crimes.
• It was not necessary. A villain can pay for his crimes by being thrown in the dungeons too.
• I don't mind it either way.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

Submit

One year later

“Avery!” Scarlett called to her brother as she watched him cross the drawbridge.

When he reached the courtyard, she and Noah hurried to greet him.

Over the last year, brother and sister had written to one another often, and though there was still much to learn about him, they had already formed a close bond

I love him dearly. I am only sorry that we missed being together our whole lives.

“’Tis wonderful it tae see ye in the flesh. Letters are good, but nae substitute for seeing ye with my own eyes.” He opened his arms wide, and she embraced him enthusiastically. “How are ye, sister?”

“I am well.” She had news to share with him, great news that she and Noah kept so far. “I have so looked forward tae yer arrival.”

Noah clapped his brother-in-law on the back, embracing him in welcome.

“I’m pleased tae hear it. We have a great feast prepared for ye, enough to keep us all at the table for some time.”

“He’s right,” Scarlett agreed. “I vow tae keep ye at that table until I hear about all yer travels and what it was ye had tae attend tae so soon after our wedding.”

“That is a long tale. Give me a chance tae freshen up before we begin the interrogation?” He chuckled.

“Agreed. Tonight, we celebrate yer return. She turned to her husband. “Can we tell him tonight?” she whispered. “Please? I ken we have tae keep it a secret from the clan for a while, but this is my brother.”

“Aye, we can,” Noah smiled, “as long as we can tell my brother too. Ian watches the two of us so much, I’m certain he kens. He even wondered why I ask after yer health so much. He must have guessed.”

“Guessed what?” Ian’s voice came from the hall as he approached.

“In the name of the wee man, Ian, ye will give us both heart attacks. We have news tae share, but ‘tis nae tae be said yet,” Noah explained.

“What a surprise,” Ian said straight-faced. “I may have guessed what yer news might be.”

“News? What’s this?” Avery joined them to join the conversation.

She reached for Avery’s. “Come, let’s hear all about yer travels now.”

“Ye’re back and she forgets me so easily,” Noah teased as he trailed behind them, into the dining room.

“Ha! Longing for my departure already, my Laird?” Avery asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Nay indeed. And ye can call me Noah.” He brushed off the title as he strode into the room and took his place at the head of the table.

“In fact, Noah and I wished tae say tae ye, Avery,” Scarlett paused as she released his arm and took her place beside Noah, “ye can stay for as long as ye wish tae.”

“Truly?” Avery jerked his chin upward in surprise as he sat on Scarlett’s other side. “I can?”

“Of course.” Noah said. “Ye are family, and family are welcome.”

“I’d certainly prefer it tae returning tae our father’s house,” Avery’s voice lowered with the words, and he shook his head.

Scarlett smiled rather sadly. Since her existence had been revealed to her father, he had attempted some sort of a relationship and written to her a few times. Yet in the last year, that had amounted to just three letters. He evidently struggled with the suspicion that her mother could have been a witch, for the superstitious whispers still ran high, and he didn’t know how to be with Scarlett.

We will be better apart from each other.

“Ye are always welcome here,” Scarlett assured him as she lifted a jug of mead and began to pour.

“Still the tavern girl?” Avery teased her, nodding his head at how she poured out the mead.

“It’s a habit she cannae break,” Noah said, sighing as he leaned back in his vast chair and looked toward her.

“She willnae bother tae break it either,” Ian joined in and began to pass plates around the table, so they could all serve themselves.

“I’m happy as I am,” Scarlett insisted. The way Noah’s foot nudged hers under the table showed he loved her as she was too. She smiled at him, showing she felt what he meant. “How are Eloise’s travels?” Scarlett asked.

“Last I heard, she was still on the continent. Aye, she is adoring her freedom.” Avery smiled with the words.

Scarlett became distracted as Callie came into the room.

“Lady Scarlett, here ye are.” Callie presented her with a small vial. “This should help ye.”

“Ah, thank ye.” Scarlett took the vial and placed it beside her mead cup. It was to help remedy some of the sickness she was feeling, now she was carrying her first child. When Callie didn’t retreat, Scarlett looked up to see her staring at Avery. He did a double take, glancing at her twice before his lips parted.

Wait… do they ken each other?

“Have ye met before?” Noah said before anyone else could.

“Nay.” Avery answered hurriedly, tearing his gaze from Callie. A blush spread across her cheeks and Scarlett caught her eye, raising her eyebrows. That blush was all Scarlett needed to know.

They have met before. What else could that look have meant?

“Nay, yer brother just looked like someone I have met. Long ago. My apologies. If ye would excuse me.” Callie bobbed a curtsy and hastened from the room. Scarlett was ready to call out and ask her to join them, for she often persuaded Callie to sit at their table these days, but she did not get a chance.

“Will ye nae ask who that was?” Ian said with something of a mischievous tone.

“Oh, aye.” Avery was pulling at the collar of his waistcoat, looking abruptly flushed himself. “Who was she?”

“Callie, our healer,” Scarlett explained, staring at her brother with hooded eyes.

Aye, something is amiss, though he willnae say what it is.

“And her treatment for ye? What is that for?” Avery motioned to the vial beside Scarlett’s goblet. Sighing, she looked toward Noah, knowing they could no longer keep it a secret. He cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

“Well, I shall tell them then, but ye two must keep this a secret for us. We dinnae wish for the clan tae ken yet.”

“I can guess what it is,” Ian said, raising his mead cup to his lips. “Let me say this, will the sound of tiny running feet be sounding through the castle corridors soon enough?” When Noah glowered at him and Scarlett continued to smile, he clasped his hands together triumphantly. “I kent it!”

“Ye are with child!?” Avery said loudly, leaning toward her.

“Shh! What do ye nae understand about nae wishing the whole castle tae ken?” she protested.

“Aye, I’m sorry, but congratulations tae ye both! I’m delighted.” Avery bent toward her and laid a hand across her shoulders. It was a comforting and warm touch, one that made her smile again.

“Thank ye. As are we.” Noah’s foot nudged Scarlett’s under the table, and she looked toward him.

Aye, very happy indeed.

“So, we may have an heir tae the clan soon enough.” Ian raised his cup in the air. “Now, that is something we should toast.” They all raised their cups in unison. “Tae the future of the clan and yer child, may they be as happy as ye two are now.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Avery MacTavish is on a mission: to find his first love and avenge those responsible for her misfortune. But when his path crosses with Callie, a lass who owes him her life, he is drawn to her in ways he never imagined possible. But how can Avery keep his vow when all he desires is to succumb to Callie’s charm, thus risking everything he holds dear? Especially when he has no idea she is on her own mission that will leave him with a shattered heart…

Bound by a Highland Lie