Page 101 of Love Me Forever

She leaned across to him, placing her hand to his cheek. “I was proud to stand beside you so that all knew how much I love you and” —she paused a moment— “because I was fearful that Arran’s return meant that we could never be together.”

He took her hand and kissed her palm. “That is not going to happen. We will be together forever, we will love forever.”

“I want to believe that.”

“Then believe it, for it will be. This I promise you.”

CHAPTER27

Time flew by, with days turning quickly into weeks, followed by months. Brianna found herself content and happy in Royce’s home. If she was not spending time with him, which was unusual, she was busy with Delia and several of the other women who saw to the running of the keep.

Royce encouraged her to assume the duties of his wife and see to the running of the keep, but she feared if she did it would be harder if the day came she had to leave. The thought upset her, and she tried not to dwell on it. Royce appeared to have no doubts that she would remain with him, as did the clan. They simply accepted her as Royce’s wife regardless that she was wed to another man.

She had rounded much in the last month, though her time was still three months away. She was no longer weepy or as tired as she had been; she actually felt more vital. Royce constantly reminded her to rest even though she insisted she did not need to.

Life had been very good since her arrival here, and she wished it could remain so, but she had doubts, and those doubts haunted her now and again. When they did, she would seek the solace of the woods that bordered the keep.

She was never without a guard, and while it annoyed her that once again she was deprived of her freedom, she understood the necessity of it. The men did keep a distance, allowing her some privacy, though they never allowed her out of their sights.

She walked now in the early afternoon sunlight. The day was beautiful, the sky a brilliant blue, the air warm and rich with the heavy scents of spring. She had pinned her hair up with combs, though a few strands fell loose, and she wore a pale blue dress and tunic altered to accommodate her changing shape.

Several fallen branches caught her eye. It had been some time since last she fashioned a basket, and her idle hands itched to be busy. She quickly set to work gathering branches that would suit her needs.

“You are too busy for a woman who carries a child.”

Brianna smiled and turned to watch her husband approach.

He appeared to grow more handsome with each day. The scar on his face had healed to a thin, barely visible line, and his dark green eyes were alight with a vibrancy that could not be ignored. It was obvious that he was happy.

“I have sat idle all morning,” she said and turned her cheek for a kiss.

Royce laughed, grabbed her chin, squeezed until her lips puckered, and then kissed her.

She laughed when he finished.

“You laugh at my kisses?” he asked teasingly.

“I can do better,” she challenged.

“Of course you can; you had an excellent teacher.”

“Perhaps it is time for the teacher to learn from the student.”

Royce grinned. “I am always willing to learn.”

“Then bring your lips to mine and let me teach you.”

Before he could do as she directed, Brianna let out a yelp, dropped the sticks in her hand, and grabbed hold of her stomach.

Royce’s arm went instantly around her. “What is wrong?”

She laughed, taking hold of his hand and placing it against her rounded stomach. “The babe kicked me. Can you feel?”

Not to disappoint the father, the bairn

kicked again.

They both laughed.