"So, marry Torr." Brodie shrugged. "You have my blessing."
Thrilling excitement and boundless joy spun through her. Grinning, she hugged Torr's arm to her and placed her cheek against his hard shoulder.
"I thank you, Brodie," Torr said, then smiled down at her.
"I wish you both much happiness." Brodie leapt up and headed toward the door. "I must be going. She has a generous dowry, by the way."
"Wait!" Cat said. "We wish to marry soon, before MacPeter returns."
Brodie turned, glaring. "He'd best not return—ever—if he wishes to live. Aside from that, Father Helms is still here."
"What about the betrothal and marriage contracts?" Torr asked. "All legal details must be in order."
"I'll have my steward draw them up this night, then I'll return in the morn to sign everything. I'll have him backdate the betrothal contract five years."
Aha. So, Brodie had told a lie about that one, but Cat wanted to keep imagining 'twas true. She had been in love with Torr far longer than five years.
"'Twas nice seeing you again, my friend." Brodie shook Torr's hand, then mussed Cat's hair as if she were still a child. "Behave yourself, wee hellion." He disappeared out the door and closed it.
She frowned, for her brother was completely out of touch with her and the entire clan. "He wanted out of here urgently."
Torr nodded. "'Tis the curse, I'm guessing. Or Margaret."
"Who's Margaret?" Cat asked, shocked to hear a woman's name mentioned.
"Someone he's sharing a cave with."
"A cave?" She grimaced. "Ugh. Sounds horrible."
Torr laughed, his gorgeous smile and infectious amusement almost distracting her from this important topic.
"Is she selkie or human?" Cat questioned.
"I have nay inkling. She was deeper in the cave somewhere."
"You should've asked him."
"Brodie detests prying."
Cat placed her hands upon her hips. "I'll pry. If I'd known, I would've asked him. She might be someone who could vanquish his curse."
"Possibly." But Torr sounded doubtful.
"Do you truly think he will return in the morn?"
"I've always known him to keep his word."
Hearing a noise in the bailey, Cat hurried to the window and peered out. She was glad to see the rain had stopped. Gavin, Dani, and Brodie stood in the torchlight on the gleaming, wet cobblestones. A few other clansmen and guards milled about. "He's talking to Gavin and Dani."
"I'm glad." Torr moved in behind her to gaze out over her shoulder. "Mayhap Gavin will talk some sense into him. Brodie did nay seem interested in throwing off the curse."
"Which is strange, aye?" she asked, anxiety gnawing at her stomach. "He could be in love with a selkie and reluctant to leave their society. That could spell disaster for our clan."
"You fash too much." Torr drew her back into his arms and kissed her ear, sending a heated tingle down her neck.
Cherishing him more than ever, she placed her hand along the side of his cheek, his beard stubble rough against her palm. "I am so thankful you and the others returned safely. I was beside myself with worry."
"I told you we would return." He placed sweet, lingering kisses on her cheek, moving closer to her lips with each one and sending need crashing through her.
"Will we truly be able to wed soon?" she breathed, wishing the ceremony could take place that night.
"Indeed."
