Page 56 of The Plight of a Scottish Lass
“I’d welcome your assistance, Thane. Of course, I trust you. You have saved me twice, though I am unsure if I thanked you for the last time? If not, I will thank you now.”
He held out his hand. “You are welcome. Come and feel the water. Your clothing is fine, but we should both remove our boots and hose.”
She giggled and held on to him while she did as he suggested, her toes wiggling in the grass as he waited for her to finish before removing his own. The long grass was cool and refreshing on her feet. Someone had cut a path across the area closest to the water to make it easier to swim or fish.
Thane removed his tunic and said, “I’m glad I wore trews.”
Then she peered up at him and said, “I’m ready. Please hold on to me.”
“I promise never to let you go,” he said, an odd feeling coursing through him when he spoke the words.
Thane took her hand in his and led her to the edge of the loch, the sun peeking out through scattered clouds as they approached, the warmth making the impending dip even moreappealing. “I’m nervous,” she whispered.
“I’m not surprised after all you’ve been through. You must always be careful about the area you enter, making sure it is as shallow as you need or deep enough for a jump. Every loch is different.”
“And what about this one?”
“Derric and Dyna chose well. This section of the edge is quite shallow, perfect for wee ones to swim in so they can touch the bottom. It is mostly flat too. Many areas can have a quick drop-off, so always test it out to be certain.”
They reached the edge, and something brought her hairs upright, the quick twinge traveling through her, a shiver coming unbidden. She shook it off along with the images of her husband moving her out of a boat. Her body whirled away from Thane, but she turned back to him, fighting the images in her mind.
“I’m here,” he whispered. “I’ll not desert you.”
Her eyes misted because his words were true. “Many thanks.”
“It will be cool at first, but I think we will warm to it.” They stopped as soon as the water touched her toes and he said, “Go ahead. Take a step in.”
She stuck one foot in and squealed, but then put the other foot in, wiggling her toes again. “It feels refreshing, Thane. Join me?”
He did, but then he surprised her, taking four large steps in before letting her hand go. “You’ll be fine. I’ll be right back.”
Tamsin watched Thane duck into the water, going up to his shoulders before turning back to face her as he treaded across the bank to see how deep the water was, if she were to guess.
“This is perfect. Walk forward to me and once you are wet, I’ll help you float.”
Tamsin froze, her gaze locked on his chest, the dark hairs moving about in the water. Thane was a handsome man with afinely chiseled body. The span of his shoulders was double her husband’s. Thane’s thick muscles were bigger than she’d ever seen. His hair grazed the water at his shoulders, dipping and curling with the water’s movement. He was as handsome as any she’d met, the slight scruff of his beard from traveling something she found attractive.
Dyna broke her focus because she called out, “Best of luck, Tamsin. You’ll love it once you learn to swim. Take that power from Garvie so he’ll not try it again.” She loped up the bank, one bairn in each hand. “Turn your back so Derric can get out. We’ve been in long enough, though they’d stay in all day if we’d allow it.”
Tamsin turned toward Thane and waved to the group as they left. “Tell me what to do next, Thane.” She had to concentrate, listen to his instructions, and ignore his chest. That was her only choice at present. She was still married, though she would officially end their marriage if she could do it. For this moment, she’d allow herself to dream that Thane belonged to her, that they were married and had a daughter together named Alana. How sweet her life would be if it were true.
“Walk out to me and I’ll take your hand, then I’m going to help you lean back until your feet come off the ground.”
They locked gazes again, and he whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ll hold you.”
Her voice came out in the same whisper. “As you always have.” Tears threatened to drench her cheeks, but she held them inside, taking her time with each step until she reached him. This lesson was too important to ignore.
“Have fun!” Dyna called, letting her know that Derric was out and dressed. Tamsin’s hand was intertwined with Thane’s, but she broke away to turn and lean into his arms.
“Now trust me and tip your head so your hair goes all the way into the water, then kick your feet up enough for me to catchyou.”
She tried twice but failed.
Thane said, “Let’s take a break from this. Just enjoy the water with me. Bounce in it, walk, swing your arms, whatever you wish to do.”
“All right. I am more comfortable in it now, and it is much warmer to me.” She spun around and nearly fell, but Thane caught her. She giggled as her feet found the bottom of the loch again, but she had a sudden urge to ask him a personal question. “Thane, are you married?”
He appeared surprised by her question, but he replied quickly. “Nay. I’m not married. I have no plans to marry.”
