Page 63 of Love Me Forever

“I counted on that,” Royce said, raising his tankard as if in a toast before taking a hefty swallow.

“Sit,” Ian offered as he took one of the chairs near the hearth.

Royce understood it was time for them to talk, and this was what he had waited for. He knew her brother by reputation and knew that he was a sensible man. He would understand when he explained to him how it was best that Brianna and he wed, child or not. He intended to take his time so that there would be no doubt in Ian’s mind that he agreed it was best for them to wed.

He took another swallow of ale, saw that Ian waited patiently for him to speak, and understood the importance of how he relayed his intentions. He would be practical and firm and, above all, sensible about this whole matter.

He took another gulp of ale, then said, “I love your sister and cannot live without her.”

Ian smiled and nodded. “This is what I have waited to hear.”

Royce leaned back in the chair and sighed like a man relieved of a heavy burden. “I do not know how it happened. I cannot even tell you when it happened, it just did. One day I realized that I loved her beyond reason. It made no sense to me and at times still does not. I only know that it is real, and I thrill at the thought of our love. I miss her right this very moment. We have spent every hour of every day together for the last several weeks, and I do not like when she is not by my side. I ache for her presence.”

He shook his head, feeling completely confused by it all.

Ian laughed, a good hardy laugh. “I know exactly what you are feeling, for I experienced the same myself. It was like a punch to the body, but never physically feeling the punch, only being affected by it.”

“Aye, that is it.” Royce rubbed his jaw. “I prefer the punch.”

Ian laughed again. “I agree. It is easier to deal with and the pain fades. The emotion that follows this undetectable punch is devastating to the senses. You sometimes feel a fool.”

“Or behave foolishly.”

Ian nodded in agreement and his face softened in a smile. “But then there are those moments together that linger in your memory and heart and you thank the Lord every day for all the foolishness.”

Royce nodded with him. “I feel that Brianna is a cherished gift sent from the heavens, and I swear I will do everything in my power to see her happy and content.”

“This I also wished to hear.”

“I have no quarrel with you or your clan and have no intentions of warring with you regardless of your decision, and yet I thought to war with you if you did not grant me permission to wed your sister.” Royce shook his head. “An unwise thought.”

“An understandable thought for a man in love,” Ian said.

“Madly in love, insanely in love, ridiculously in love, and loving every moment of it.”

Ian stood, patted his shoulder, and took his empty tankard from him to refill along with his own. “I noticed that my sister feels the same for you.”

“I know she loves me as much as I love her. She is being stubborn.” He folded his arms across his massive chest.

“Determined, we say around here,” Ian said, returning to his seat and handing the full tankard to Royce.

“Your wife’s doing, from what I hear.”

Ian smiled. “You will find Moira’s hand in many things around here, and I warn you she is extremely intelligent, so be careful in your dealings with her.”

He cringed. “Must I deal with her? I deal much better with men.”

“She is protective of Brianna. She was a great help to her in her time of need.”

“Brianna spoke of her husband.”

Ian looked surprised. “She confided in you about Arran?”

“We talked much during our confinement, and I must say that I hope he suffered in death for his sins.”

“I was told that his body was burned beyond recognition. They identified him from the ring that he wore.”

“How can you be certain it was he who burned?” Royce asked.