Page 122 of A Wife for the Highland Villain
He meant what he said. At that moment, his words weighed so much more than the bloody sword in his hand.
“I am sorry, Lily,” he said, his tone softer with each word. “I thought I had to protect ye. It dawned on me just too late that I should have had much more faith in ye in the first place.”
She looked up at him, her eyes red. “Oh well, ye’ve always been a stubborn man.”
“Dinnae ruin the moment,” he countered, as he gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
She smiled. “Thank ye, husband. But we still have work to do.”
CHAPTER 36
A few hours later,Lily stepped out of Clara’s cottage and looked up at the sky. It was darkening with each passing second. She knew it was only a matter of time before the sky became completely dark.
“I will return tomorrow to check upon yer son, and Timothy. Please try to rest as well, Clara. The birth of a bairn isnae easy,” she called to Clara.
Clara wrung her hands, her tired face brightening with gratitude. “I cannae imagine what we would have done without ye, M’Lady. Ye are the reason me husband will get to see his son grow up. I cannae thank ye enough.”
Lily gave her a faint smile. “‘Tis the least I could do. Yer husband is a very brave man.”
Clara’s lips trembled, and she nodded. “That he is.”
Lily smiled warmly. “I must go now. Daenae forget to rest. Tis the only way ye can care for yer family.”
As she closed the door behind her and walked away, the air was cool, tinged with sea salt. Lily turned and went still. Alasdair was leaning against a tree not far off, his arms crossed, watching her.
She rolled her eyes. “Did ye wait for me here?”
Alasdair shrugged, a half-smile playing on his lips. “One cannae be too careful.”
Lily smirked. “Right. This doesnae have anything to do with ye trying to get back into me good graces after ye tried to send me away?”
He pushed off the tree and stepped closer. One of his hands stayed tucked behind his back. “I thought I was already in yer good graces.”
Lily raised her eyebrows. “Perhaps. But it’s still fun to bring it up once in a while.”
He leaned in, lowering his voice. “And I’ll keep apologizing until ye nay longer have to.”
Lily narrowed her eyes at him. “That’ll take a really long time, Alasdair. Are ye ready for that?”
His gaze held hers. “Aye. I’ll apologize for all of eternity if I must.”
A laugh escaped her lips, light and unexpected. He reached out his free hand and guided her toward the horse waiting nearby.
She stopped short, staring at the beast. “We arenae going to the castle?”
“Nae yet,” Alasdair said, straightening. “There’s something I need to show ye first.”
He offered his hand, lifting her into the saddle before climbing up behind her. His chest brushed her back as he gathered the reins, the warmth of him seeping into her. They rode in silence, the horse’s hooves thudding against the packed earth.
Lily watched the passing trees, the fading light dancing between the branches. After a long while, she spoke, “I want to move Timothy, Clara, and their son to the castle. The baby should receive the best care, and his parents should have everything she needs.”
Alasdair nodded without hesitation. “Ye’re Lady MacRay. Whatever ye say goes.”
She turned her head slightly, surprised. “Thank ye.”
He smiled faintly. “Ye’ve nay need to thank me.”
They rode on until the trees thinned and the roar of waves drifted to her ears.
