Page 53 of Highland Hearts

Cavell hesitated, wanting to respond yet reluctant to do so. Finally, he spoke. “My wife.”

Cree stared at Cavell a moment then burst out laughing and Kirk joined in.

“I assure you it is not funny,” Cavell snapped, attempting to keep his flaring anger in check.

Cree could not keep the chuckle from his voice. “Why not have the Gallowglass help you?”

“Because they are the ones responsible for the marriage. Do not ask me anymore,” he demanded. “I feel fool enough having to tell you. Will you help me or not?”

“Or perhaps you simply want coin for yourself,” Kirk said, then shook his head. “Nay, no honorable man would wound his pride with such a ridiculous tale simply for coin.” Kirk looked to Cree, a twinkle of laughter in his eyes.

“Find it funny all you want just give me the coin,” Cavell said annoyed with himself for sounding as if he begged. “I will find a way to repay you.”

“If I give you the coin you will return and work here until it is paid,” Cree said, all laughter gone.

Cavell nodded. “I can do that. I will return here right after I find and rid myself of my wife and work for you as long as it takes.”

“You lost your wife?” Cree asked, feigning shock, then burst out laughing once again, and once again Kirk joined in.

* * *

Cree saton the side of the bed, Dawn sitting up braced comfortably against a stack of pillows looking much better than she did a few hours ago and gesturing without pain after he detailed what Cavell had said to him.

“Aye, I believe him. It is too tall of a tale even for him and I recall him always being averse to marriage. So, he would do anything to find his way out of it. I do not envy him the task of hunting for a wife he never met, returning her home, and paying for the task to do so. But that is what her father ordered him to do if he wished to void the marriage.

Dawn scrunched her face, shrugged, then gestured.

“If anything, Cavell is loyal to the one he serves. He proved that when he was with me and proved it again by being loyal to the Gallowglass. I have no doubt he will keep his word to me and serve the clan well.”

Dawn gestured again.

“It is good that my wife trusts my decision.”

Dawn raised her hand to various heights, her way of referring to the children, hugged herself gently, and smiled.

“Aye, the children were happy to see you doing better and to kiss you good night. I spoke with Valan. If he is to lead this clan one day, he must learn the difference between being wise and foolish.”

Dawn’s smile grew as she pointed to her husband and nodded.

“Aye, I will teach him well and I think us lucky that Lizbeth was born after Valan, or she would demand that she be the leader of the clan.” Cree grinned. “I never gave thought about a woman leading a clan but given our daughter’s intelligence for one so young and her confident nature, she has the makings of a good leader.”

A yawn escaped Dawn as she nodded in agreement.

“You need more sleep so you can heal,” Cree said, standing.

Dawn nodded, eased the blanket back and patted the mattress for him to join her.

“I should sleep away from you tonight since I always hug you close when we sleep, and I fear I may cause you pain,” Cree said, not liking the thought but knowing it was necessary.

Dawn scowled at him, pulled the blanket back farther, pounded the mattress with a fisted hand, then turned just enough to slap her backside, and point to him, then pounded the mattress again.

“Are you telling me to get my arse in bed?” he asked.

Dawn’s scowl deepened and she mouthed,now! Then she gestured.

Cree smiled and shook his head. “You tell me what I told Valan… there comes a time you know it is wiser to obey.”

Dawn gave a sharp nod and once again pounded the spot beside her.

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