Page 47 of Love Me Forever

They talked of getting wed, though he had yet to ask her. She was confident they would, and she was confident that he would ask her in time. She worried not about her brother’s response to their union, for her brother wished her to be happy. Once he saw how happy she was with Royce, she was certain Ian would agree to their union.

Ian would surely ask Royce to join their clan since he seemed more on his own. If he had been a part of a large clan, he would not be alone in this cottage healing his wounds. There would be clansmen and women to help him.

Now he would be alone no more. He would become part of the clan Cameron, Ian would probably give them a keep nearby, and life would be good for all.

Why, then, this thought of impending disruption? What could possibly happen?

She knew her brother would greet Royce well, and she knew Royce would respond in kind. Whatever was disturbing her?

“What is wrong?” His arm slipped around her to draw her closer so that her head could rest on his chest, and he draped his leg over hers.

“I woke you.”

“Nay, the thought of another day with you beside me woke me.” He kissed her forehead.

“The days do seem more exciting and fuller since I began sharing them with you.”

“And they will remain so. We will share much together.”

“You sound so very certain,” she said, her strange unease continuing to disturb her.

“What troubles you?” he asked, wrapping his arm more tightly around her, assuring her that she was well protected.

She stroked his chest, needing to touch him. “I do not know. I woke feeling . . .”

Her words trailed off, for she found it difficult to explain how she felt.

He encouraged her to speak. ‘Tell me and we will sort this out together.”

Together.

They did much together, for there were

only the two of them here and now. Is that what troubled her? Did she fear returning to a world outside this cottage? What did she think would happen?

“Talk with me,” he said with a gentle squeeze.

She did not wish to spoil their day. “It is nothing, I worry needlessly.”

“Let me worry with you,” he encouraged, giving her bottom a loving pat.

She was reluctant to discuss her concerns. They were, after all, her own fears, and she should deal with them accordingly.

She moved restlessly in his arms.

“You will tell me.”

That he demanded was obvious. That he demanded out of concern was also obvious. She could not be angry with him for caring. His concern touched her heart and made her realize his love for her. It constantly amazed her that she had found such a strong, enduring love with him.

They were strangers, yet they were not.

She settled in his arms and she could feel his tension ease with her calmness.

“I have thought too much over our return.”

“All will go well,” he assured her with a confidence that startled her.

“You really have not a shred of doubt?”