After a long moment, she shook her head. "I don't know. I need some time to think."
"I'll give you the time, Dani, or anything you wish," he murmured.
Gavin released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He'd taken a grand risk, giving her full opportunity to go back to her chosen time and place. If she'd spoken the truth about traveling through time, he could've lost everything in that instant—his future, his da, his clan. All were trapped in an eddy, spinning downward, about to be engulfed, swallowed up by an evil witch.
Their sole chance at a good life rested in the hands of this lass.
Dani nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Thank you."
Now, he would have more time to convince her she could have a fine life here and that he would be a worthy husband.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Yes." She followed him out, and he locked the door. "You must have been busy today. I didn't see you the whole day."
Every time she mentioned his absence during the daylight, apprehension stabbed at him. What if she learned about the shifting? Then, she would leave for a certainty, wouldn't she? "I searched the wood and along the border for the knaves who bashed Father John on the head."
"Alone?"
"Aye. Since I have so few guards, I do a lot of the patrolling and scouting myself, especially with Finch gone. I'm determined to protect the clan lands." He offered his elbow, and when she slid her hand around his arm, she held on tighter than before. A startling emotion punched at his chest, one he'd never felt before. He wanted her to hold onto him forever.
"Going out alone is dangerous." Her voice rang with clear and sharp concern. "Why not take Ewan or Hewie with you?"
"'Tis more important that Ewan guard you and Da. Hewie is at the beginning of his training. I would need to protect him."
"Well… why didn't you ride a horse at least?"
"'Twould draw too much attention. I had to be stealthy." Gratified that she worried about him, he opened the door to her chamber and motioned her in.
"M'laird!" Crocker called from the end of the corridor.
Gavin turned. "Aye."
"Your da is asking for you."
"I'll be right there." Gavin faced Dani again. "Enjoy your meal, lass." He motioned at the full tray on the table.
She nodded, her gaze forlorn. "Thank you for bringing it."
He eased closer to her, then kissed her forehead. "I'll see you in a wee while."
As he strode away, he glanced back to see her still watching him. Gladness suffusing him, he winked and descended the stairs. She was concerned about his safety and displeased he'd been called away. He considered that a good sign. Mayhap the old adageabsence makes the heart grow fonderwould hold true in this case.
Before he reached the doorway, his father called out his name.
He entered and strode toward the bed. "I'm here, Da. What is it?"
"Do nay tarry. You must marry. Do nay tarry. You must marry." His father repeated over and over in a sing-song rhythm.
"Saints! You have turned into a poet." A very bad one indeed. Gavin drew the straight chair closer to the bed, then sat.
Once his father grew tired of the rhyme, he dropped silent.
"I believe she will decide to marry me," Gavin said. "She but needs time to think it over."
"Witch… evil potion," his father mumbled. "Ugly."
"I'm certain the ugly hag is always brewing one evil potion or another."
