“It has been a long time since I had a good night’s sleep,” he told her. “But last night I slept better than I have for years thanks to you.”
“What did I do?” Amanda asked, puzzled.
“You were here,” he replied tenderly. He smiled into her eyes, loving the way they darkened as he gazed at her. “You were holding me.”
Amanda sighed and tucked her head under his chin. She felt as though she was meant to be here, as though her whole life had been leading up to this man and this moment.
Being in love was infinitely better than being the heroine of any romantic story she had ever read. She knew that whatever happened to her from this moment on, her life would have been worth living because she had met Hamish.
The bristles of his morning beard were rasping against her forehead, making her giggle with the rough but pleasant sensation.
“You need to shave,” she told him.
“Hmm,” Hamish mused. “Is that an order?”
“Of course,” Amanda replied, raising her head. “I prefer men without beards.”
Hamish laughed. “It shall be done,” he said, then he yawned and looked around. “I suppose it’s time to rise and start the day, but it feels so warm and comfortable lying here with you.”
Amanda nodded and sighed in reluctant agreement, then remembered something she had forgotten in the heat and passion of the previous night.
“The letters I wrote to my sisters—will you make sure they are delivered for me?”
“Yes, of course,” Hamish replied. “But I have a better idea. Why do we not do it together?”
Amanda opened her mouth to speak, then she paused for a moment.
“There is something we have to do that is far more important,” she said as steadily and firmly as she could. “I want to help you to get your clan back, Hamish. I have seen what a terrible state your people are in, and how much they need you. You must take back what is yours, and I will help you. I consider it my duty, and I trust you to protect me.”
Hamish could feel his heart skip a beat, and felt his face drain of colour as he looked at her. “But it’s not your duty,” he told her. “It’s mine.”
“But you have been trying all this time,” she pointed out, “and with no success. I can help you, and I will do so.”
Seeing the determination in Amanda’s eyes, Hamish experienced a mixture of wonder that she should be willing to put herself in danger for his sake and the sake of his clan, and rage at his brother for having forced them into this situation.
“Amanda…” He shook his head in disbelief at her tenacity; it was clear that she would not take no for an answer. He was lost in admiration for this remarkable woman. “Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind?”
She smiled, then her eyes twinkled as she said, “Hamish, the only way you can stop me is to tie me to a tree.”
Hamish laughed heartily at her jibe. “You will never let me forget that, will you?” he asked, then his expression grew serious. “I do not deserve forgiveness, Amanda. It was a horrible thing to do to you.”
He looked away, avoiding her eyes.
“Hamish.” Amanda cupped his face between her hands and smiled into his sad eyes. “I forgave you as soon as I saw those poor villagers. Do you think I would be lying here now if I had not? Do you think I would have let you make love to me?”
“I suppose not,” he replied, then he looked away from her, suddenly embarrassed. “Was it… Did I hurt you?”
“It was heavenly,” Amanda whispered. “And I am so glad it was you, Hamish.”
Hamish pulled her tighter into his embrace. “Thank you. Thank you, Amanda. You are truly a brave and wonderful woman.”
“And you are going to be the best Laird in the whole of Scotland,” she replied.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Hamish said grimly. “There are still battles to be fought.”
“You will win them all,” she assured him. “I believe in you.”
“I wish I had your confidence.” Hamish sighed. “But if I conquer, I will not do it alone, Amanda.Wewill win—you, and I together.”
