Page 78 of Fearless Heart

“Aye, I’m saying I love you, Lillia Fraser, with all my being. You gave me your heart and I now give you mine.”

“You really mean it?” Lillia couldn’t stop her hand from shaking as she tried to tuck her hair behind her ear. His words brought the most joyous tears to her eyes.

“I do.” Heath leaned forward. “I have a way to prove to you I mean what I say.” He untied the tassel secured to his boot and tossed it into the fire. “I only want to serve you, if you’ll allow me to, for the rest of our days.”

Lillia wiped at her eyes. “Why did you do that? I know how much it means to you to receive forgiveness for those you’ve killed.”

He grinned. “I’ve decided to release myself of the quest. I’ve forgiven myself as will God. For all the killing I’ve done, I’ve atoned. I won’t hold guilt for taking lives when my hand is forced. There are times … When the clan or you are threatened that will force me to defend without remorse.”

She leaned forward, her heart heavy with his admission. “I don’t want to stay here without you. You will go with the guard when they return to the caves?”

Heath pulled her from her chair and settled her on his hard thighs. “I must go with them. Until the king releases us of our vow to protect him, we’re beholden. Are you certain you want to go with me? It has not the comforts found here.”

Lillia held his face in her hands and smiled. “Where you go, so shall I. And besides, I’m not bringing this bairn into the world without you nearby.”

He chuckled. “Lillia, Sweetness, you are fearless. Aye, fearless of loving, fearless of protecting, and fearless of living. I am naught if anything but impressed by you. You’ve loved me and I’m humbled by that.”

“I do love you, Heath, and always have.” She kissed his face and pulled back to see the many clansmen and friends trying to see inside the hall.

Heath forced her against his chest and grinned. “Promise me one thing, love. That your face is the very first thing I see when I awaken each morn.”

“I promise.” Lillia pressed her lips against his to seal her pledge. Life would be easier now. Now that she knew Heath loved her in return.