"Indeed. I thank you for your hospitality," Gavin said, then kissed Dani on the cheek.
Torr's gaze darted to Cat, then away. 'Twas clear he wanted to kiss her but didn't dare yet. A thrill tingled through her.
"At least have a drink," her mother offered.
The men agreed a tankard of ale would refresh them before their journey in search of Brodie.
Everyone entered the great hall where maids placed wooden trays containing full tankards upon the tables. Once the men had guzzled the ale, Torr sent her a secret wink and headed toward the exit with Gavin and the other men. 'Twas clear they were in a hurry.
When her mother disappeared up the stairs to show Dani and her maid to a chamber, Cat followed Torr outside. Worry clutched at her stomach. What if she never saw him again? What if he never held her again?
Torr didn't appear to notice she had emerged from the keep, for he was focused on making plans with the men.
Needing a moment of privacy with him, she headed toward the stables, then cleared her throat loudly. When she glanced back, his gaze met hers, then darted to the others. Gavin grinned when he noticed their silent exchange, then said something quietly to Torr.
She proceeded into her mare's stall, leaving the door open. She talked to Ginger, whom she'd missed, and petted her.
Torr entered quietly and pulled the door closed. His questioning gaze met hers, then softened. He pulled her into his arms, then bent and softly kissed her lips. "Do nay fash, lass. All will be well," he whispered.
"I have no way of knowing that." She traced her fingertips over his dear face. "You are mine." She sucked in a deep breath to still her fluttering heart. "You are my husband in every way but on paper."
Tender emotion gleamed in his green eyes. "Aye, and you are the wife of my heart. Soon, 'twill be legal, and all the world will know."
"Well, probably not the whole world."
He grinned. "They'll nay take you from me. You have my word on that. Before you know it, we shall be married and sharing a warm bed."
She sighed, imagining Torr in her bed here at Farspag, his hot, muscular body snuggled next to her.
He kissed her again. "If we're late, have nay concern over it."
"Well then, return quickly."
"I'll do my best." He smiled, kissed her forehead, then disappeared out the door.
She prayed he would return safely with Brodie in tow. But what if they couldn't find her defiant brother?
***
TORR MISSED CAT ASsoon as he left her in the stables. Joining the men in the bailey, he covertly glanced back and watched her return to the keep. He was glad, for she would be safer there.
Focusing on their forthcoming search, Torr turned to Gavin. "'Twould be best to comb the shore on foot. The rocks are too craggy for horses."
"Aye. And we may have to take a galley out to Ròncreag."
They enlisted the help of several members of Brodie's clan, including his sword-bearer and bodyguards. Once outside the walls, gusts of wind buffeted them as they descended the steep cliff path to the shore.
Torr held a deep urgency to gain Brodie's permission to wed Cat. He must do it before MacPeter received word of Cat's return to Farspag.
Finnian went along with Torr and the other men, his advanced age proving little hindrance as they descended the jagged path.
"I wonder if Brodie is in the cave there?" Torr called over the whipping wind and pointed. As lads, the three had often explored the caves hereabouts.
They proceeded to the nearest one. The scent of smoke emanated from the rough stone walls, but no sign remained that Brodie had been here recently. On a rock ledge inside, Torr found a leather satchel containing Brodie's plaid, shirt, belt, and boots.
"His clothes?" Gavin asked.
"Aye. He must come here to dress after he's shifted and hidden his sealskin underwater." Torr put the satchel back and turned to Finnian. "Did you bring the keek-stane?"
