"Thank the saints," he muttered, relief flooding through him. "I'm not letting you out of my sight again. I thought I would go mad before I reached you. I want to go get my son, too."
She bit back a smile. "You cannot say that in front of people," she whispered.
"I won't." Damnation, it still irked him. "But he is my son and I will take care of him. We'll tell everyone he's my stepson, once we marry. But we ken the truth of it. And one day he will, too, when he's old enough to understand."
Tears brimmed in her eyes. "I am sorry… for everything. Can you forgive me?"
"Aye, of course, I forgive you. I ken why you did it. But now, indulge me. Allow me to make up for lost time… with you and Jamie."
She nodded, stroking an affectionate hand over his jaw and short whiskers. "I'm glad you want to. How many people know?"
"Lachlan, Angelique, my father. 'Haps anyone with eyes."
She sent him a mock glare, but he saw the amusement behind it.
"You ken 'tis true—the handsome lad looks just like me."
Smiling, she nodded. "He does, and I'm glad."
***
Calla rode behind Rebbie the three miles to theGlenhavenEstate, cherishing the feel of him within her arms. How she'd missed him and been terrified she would never see him again. But now she was elated and could hardly contain her smile and tears of joy. He still loved her and wished to marry her. She couldn't believe how fortunate she was.
While his friends and the rest of the men waited outside the gates at theGlenhavenEstate, Rebbie took Calla up the drive to the castle on his horse. At the front steps, he helped her dismount and accompanied her to the entrance. The cut on her arm still smarted and burned, but she tried to ignore it and focused on Rebbie. Thankfully, he'd removed the blood-spattered gambeson he'd worn during the battle and put on his dark blue doublet again. They'd both washed the blood and dirt from their hands and faces in a small fresh stream they'd passed.
He smiled at her in the early evening light as if he could hardly contain his excitement. She was so thankful he'd forgiven her and rescued her. He'd been like a dark, avenging angel smashing through the door. She would never be able to thank him enough or repay him.
She wore her cloak, hoping it hid her bloody bandage for the most part. She must look a fright, but she truly didn't care. Rebbie loved her, wanted to make her his wife, and their son's future appeared to be safe. She would not rest easy until LairdKilverntayreturned and said he'd interceptedClaybourne'smissives, but she had full confidence in the man. She could not believe how he'd looked at her with kindness just before he'd ridden off.
A male servant, Tandy, opened the door. The guard behind him didn't look near as friendly, as his hostile gaze flew to Rebbie.Glenhavenpushed by the guard, his graying hair gleaming in the waning light.
"Lady Stanbury." He frowned, his suspicious gaze darting to Rebbie.
"LairdGlenhaven, this is the Earl of Rebbinglen," she said.
"Her future husband." Rebbie offered his hand. "RobertMacInnis. A pleasure to meet you."
Glenhavenlooked taken aback for a moment, then shookRebbie'shand. "I'm pleased to meet you. Won't you come in?" He stepped back, then followed the two into the great hall.
"Ma!" Jamie raced toward them, his face alight with joy. "You came back."
She knelt and hugged him. "I did, indeed."
"Rebbie came, too." Jamie stared up at him, wide-eyed and curious.
"Of course. I promised to give you a ride on Devil, did I not?"
Jamie nodded eagerly, beaming.
Calla was thrilled that Jamie and Rebbie seemed to already like each other so well.
"What is happening?"Glenhaven'sgaze shifted to Rebbie, then back to Calla. "You returned the lad only this morn."
Releasing Jamie, Calla stood. "I had a bit of business to attend to.'Tisall cleared up now, I think." She looked to Rebbie, ashamed to admit how much she needed his reassurance.
"Indeed." Rebbie nodded, then turned toGlenhaven. "I plan to marry Calla—Lady Stanbury—as soon as possible. I would also like for her son to come live with us at Castle Rebbinglen."
Calla glanced down to gauge Jamie's reaction to this news. He stood gaping at Rebbie.
