“Sorry, love,” Ross answered as he released his daughter and let Lorna have a turn.
“Love?” Fraser echoed.
Bloody hell. He’d never used “love” with Lorna before today. Leave it to him to ruin what should be a happy moment for his daughter. “Aye, love. I care for your mother.”
Narrowing his eyes, Fraser took a step toward Ross. “I thought I told you to stay away from my mum.”
Lorna jumped in. “Fraser MacKenzie.”
Ross put up a hand. “I will deal with him.”
Lorna sighed. “Males. I give up. Come, Holly, let’s tell Gina the news.”
Ross was vaguely aware of Lorna and the others leaving, but he refused to break his gaze with Fraser. If he didn’t take care of Lorna’s protective son now, it would cause more stress for all, including Holly.
Once they were alone, Fraser spoke again. “I’m not sure you’re worthy enough for my mother.”
Raising an eyebrow, Ross asked, “And why not?”
“Because you’re not my father.”
“Look, lad. I’m not trying to replace your father. But it’s been nearly thirty years and your mum is lonely. Would you deny her happiness in her later years?”
“She is happy, human. You just like to take advantage of free cooking and board.”
With a growl, Ross closed the distance between. “Your mum deserves more respect than that, Fraser. She is one of the most independent women I know, and there’s no bloody way she’d tolerate someone taking advantage of her. Are you saying different?”
“Of course not,” Fraser muttered.
“Then what?” When Fraser remained silent, Ross remembered something Gina had said earlier. “You of all men should know that love and attraction aren’t planned.”
“This isn’t the same. I doubt you’re my mum’s true mate.”
“Aye, you’re right. I’m not. But that doesn’t keep me from thinking she’s the most beautiful woman on Lochguard. Hell, maybe even in Scotland.”
Fraser studied him for a few seconds before replying, “And how do I know you’re not spouting fancy words? My mum’s been hurt before when my dad died, and it devastated her. I might’ve been young, but I remember enough. I don’t ever want her to go through that again.”
“I don’t want to hurt your mother. I’ve had months and months to get to know her. We suit. Not only that, she’s a great kisser.”
Fraser frowned. “I don’t want to think of you kissing my mum.”
“Scowl all you like, lad. One day you’ll be my age and understand. Unless you’re suddenly going to stop wanting to kiss my daughter when she hits her sixties.”
“Of course not. Holly is my true mate, and I love her. I’ll always want her.”
“Aye, well, just because I’m not your mum’s true mate doesn’t mean I don’t want her with every bit of my being. All I ask is for you to allow your mother to fight her own battles. If she becomes fed up, we both know she’ll toss me out on my arse. If she feels quite the opposite, then you should want your mother to be happy and feel loved.”
When Fraser didn’t answer straight way, Ross merely waited. This was
the first real conversation he’d had with his son-in-law since meeting him. Truth and candor seemed to be working with the lad better than Ross had hoped.
Fraser finally spoke up again. “I will give you a chance, but don’t think I won’t be watching you.”
Ross put out a hand, and Fraser took it. After shaking, he answered, “That I can live with. Now, how about we celebrate your own twins and leave the arguing here in the kitchen? For Holly, if nothing else.”
At the mention of the twins, Fraser smiled and stood a little taller. “Aye, let’s celebrate.”
As Ross and his son-in-law exited the kitchen, Ross met Lorna’s gaze. With a nod, he moved to Lorna’s side and wrapped an arm around her.