Page 47 of All In Good Time
“He remained unconscious, but his men managed to get him back to us. Our main concern was the head injury, but he eventually came to and seemed fine. His wound appeared to be healing, but it has since become infected, making a full recovery now seems impossible. We’re afraid he may nae make it.”
Sara was unable to speak. She was appalled at what had happened and dreaded having to tell Aisla. She’d be devastated.
“So, you see, he may nae be awake to speak with ye. He drifts in and out,” Kat said.
“Me wife tells me yer here from Breaghacraig, is that correct?”
“Aye,” Logan answered.
The atmosphere in the hall had become muted as everyone around them spoke softly in deference to what the family was going through.
“I’m so sorry,” Sara said. “We don’t want to bother him if he’s not well.”
“Why are ye here to see him?” Nick asked.
“’Tis a personal matter,” Logan said before Sara could speak.
“I see. We’ll see how he’s doing in the morning and make a decision then.” Nick tried to lighten the mood. “How is everyone at Breaghacraig? It wasn’t long ago that I was there meself. How are Cailin and Cormac?”
“They are well. Their wives are each with child,” Logan replied.
“Good news. Give them my best wishes.” Nick gazed at Kat and they shared a wordless exchange.
“Sara, I’m going to retire for the evening. I’ll speak with ye in the morning.” Kat laid a comforting hand on her arm and then went to her husband, who also bid them good night as they left the room together.
“This isnae a good turn of events,” Hamish said.
“Aye. ’Tis nae.” Logan agreed.
“Aisla will be beside herself, but she has to be told. She has to know that the reason he didn’t come back for her was because he couldn’t.”
The men were used to the fragility of life in these times, but even they appeared down at this news. The only thing Sara could think about was how Rory would be alive and well in her time, but not here. Not now.
“There has to be something we can do.”
“’Tis in God’s hands now, Sara,” Logan put an arm around her shoulders and the three of them made their way back up to their chambers.
* * *
“Good night, Hamish.” Sara said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Ye willnae. I intend to visit me cousin tomorrow. I’ll be gone most of the day.” Hamish strode down the passageway and was gone.
Logan opened the door to Sara’s chamber and Sara passed through in front of him. He waited at the door, unsure of what to do. He wanted to stay with her, be close to her, hold her one more time. Sara turned back and considered him, clearly she wasn’t sure where to go from here either. She came back to the doorframe and took his hand, drawing him into the room. Logan closed and latched the door, then went to stoke the fire. As he turned, he almost tripped over Sara. “I’m sorry, love. I didnae see ye there.”
“No worries. I only wanted to get warm. It’s chilly in here.”
Logan pulled her into his arms and ran his hands up and down her back to warm her. “Is that better?”
“Much,” she said, melting into his arms. “Are you sure it’s summer. The temperature hasn’t been nearly hot enough.”
“’Tis our summer, Sara. ’Tis what we’re used to.” She looked so beautiful standing there gazing up at him. He pulled her closer, massaging the sore spots along her back. At least that was what he was telling himself. She felt so right in his arms. The glow from the fire shone in her dark brown locks and her sweet blue eyes were alight with something he was unsure of. Was it love or lust he saw there?
“Logan,” she turned her head into his neck. He could feel her breath there, and lowered his head to kiss her hair. “I know I told you we couldn’t be together, but I’ve changed my mind. I want you to make love to me.” Logan stilled. Sara pulled away a bit to look up into his eyes. “I don’t care that things might not work out for us. I only know that I want you. I want to be with you right now, in this moment.”
He was shocked into silence. This woman had his heart in her hand. She was bold and strong and smart and beautiful. He was the luckiest man in the world to hold her in his arms for even a moment. And now, she was offering him more. She was offering him everything and even if it would only be for this moment, it would be a gift he would treasure all his days.
“Am I being too forward?” she asked, suddenly shy. She looked away and became stiff in his arms. She started to pull away from him, “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I mean, I’d understand…”