Page 170 of The Highlander's Irish Bride

“I know, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. And I believe that I’ve been approaching the question from the wrong angle.”

“Interesting. What’s the correct angle?”

“I was looking at life as ... as a binary choice. It was either having one thing or the other.”

He nodded. “Me, or Ireland.”

“Yes. And Ireland seemed so simple. But when I started to fall in love with you, I realized that such wasn’t the case. Ireland presented just as many problems as you did.”

“Thus, the binary choice.”

“Yes, but what a silly way to look at things. Because whatever choice one makes, there will always be challenges. Difficulties don’t disappear when you fall in love, nor does falling in love solve all your problems.” She gave him a wry look. “Despite what any romantic book or poem might claim to the contrary. I was thrown off a bit until I realized that.”

“I always thought the opposite,” he confessed. “Love . . . marriage seems insanely complicated to me, even a happy marriage. That’s one reason I avoided thinking about it.”

“You’re right. Love and marriagearevery complicated.”

He tilted his head. “Are we talking ourselves out of it? Because if we are, perhaps we should skip this discussion and proceed directly to seduction.”

Kathleen scoffed. “Now you’re being silly again.”

By way of reply, he leaned down and kissed her, sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips. She felt herself melting against him, and had to muster a strong effort to draw back from his oh-so-tempting mouth.

“That is not playing fair,” she sternly said. “You made me lose my train of thought.”

Grant chuckled.

She cleared her throat and started again. “Where was I? What these last several weeks have taught me is that complicated and difficult situations are simply one part of life. Complications will continue to exist even if you happen to fall in love with the most wonderful man in the world.”

His gaze grew tender again. “Och, Kathleen.”

“And it’s perfectly fine when it’s difficult sometimes, because you no longer have to manage it alone. Even when it’s particularly complicated, it’s worth it. Because the people you love are worth it.” She placed a hand to his cheek, feeling a day’s worth of bristle scratch her palm. “Becauseyouare worth it, Grant. Because of you, I can shoulder my burdens and know I don’t have to carry them alone.”

When he kissed her palm, Kathleen couldn’t hold back a shiver.

“And you’ll never be alone again,” he replied in a husky voice. “I promise I will always be there for you.”

She smiled up at him. “I am counting on it.”

Unceremoniously, he lifted her up and plopped her onto his lap. “Then, sweetest girl, in lieu of our discussion about marriage settlements, may I formally ask you—again—to marry me?”

After she regained her equilibrium, Kathleen brought a finger to her lips. “Hmm . . .”

“Lass,” he growled.

She couldn’t help grinning. “I accept, sir. Gladly.”

“Thank the good Lord. Now, can we get on with the seduction or is there anything else we need to thrash out?”

“I believe we have concluded our discussion.”

“Excellent. Have at it.”

She blinked. “Er, what?”

“You’re supposed to be seducing me.”

“Oh, yes.” She rubbed her nose. “Well, this is rather embarrassing, but I’m not really sure how to go about it. I was hoping for some assistance from you.”

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