"Nay. As I said, I want to meet the lad. And I want to make certain Claybourne can't kidnap him. If he does, he'll want to exchange him for you. He'll stop at nothing to get his paws on you. You know this."
She nodded. Rebbie was right, of course, but still….
He opened the coach door and held out his hand. She couldn't very well refuse now without looking a fool. After they climbed inside, he sat opposite her.
Dear God, help me… she prayed.
As the coach jolted into motion, Rebbie sat eyeing Calla. She was lovely today, but pale with worry. How could she think he'd put her son in danger? Nay, he wanted to give the lad the best protection possible.
And why wouldn't she wish to spend some time with her son? She rarely got to see him.
The night before, he'd almost told her he loved her, but damnation, the thought made him feel as if he'd been punched in the gut. It snatched his breath for a moment. Still, everything in him proclaimed it the truth. Since he did love her, he wanted to marry her, although he was not yet completely comfortable with the idea of marriage itself. Anyway, he loved the notion of having Calla with him all the time.
If she agreed to marry him, he would want her son to come live with them at Castle Rebbinglen. Imagining that, he smiled, for the big castle wouldn't feel so empty then. 'Twouldfeel like home.
If they were betrothed now, he'd have a much more legitimate reason for accompanying her today. As it was,Glenhavenmight question their curious relationship. He'd wanted all their problems—especially the Claybourne problem—behind them before proposing to her.
Sitting stiffly and almost appearing as if she were heading to the executioner's block, Calla stared out the window, her brows drawn together.
"Are you well?" he asked.
She flicked a fleeting glance at him. "Aye."
But he could tell she wasn't. Nerves had almost gotten the better of her. Did she think Claybourne was going to kidnap one or both of them? Switching seats, he sat beside her and drew her against him with an arm around her shoulders. She went rigid, then finally relaxed and slid her arm around his waist. Saints, but he loved the feel of her pressed against him. He had the mad urge to seduce her in this coach, but there was no time. The drive might be long, but it wasn'tthatlong.
"You worry too much," he murmured. "We'll protect both you and Jamie."
"I know," she whispered, then straightened. She gave him a wan smile. "You'll never know how much I appreciate your help."
"You're most welcome, and I'm glad to help. I've always enjoyed helping you." He winked.'Twastrue. She was an adventure and a half and he loved every minute of it, whether they were in bed or being chased by feral mongrels, either the animal or human sort.
He loved the blush that spread over her face, along with the first genuine smile he'd seen since the night before, in his bed. Grinning, he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you."
Her eyes widened, searching his, questioning, and her mouth hung open.
Saints, had he just said that? It wasn't half as difficult as he'd thought it would be.
"I love you, too," she whispered.
Hearing those words upon her lips melted his heart. He kissed her again, much slower and more in depth this time. Her lips were so soft and delicate, and her mouth sweet as a plum tart. The way she kissed him back, her tongue flicking against his, awoke his lusts. He growled and devoured her mouth.
The coach jolted to a halt, jarring them apart.
"Damnation," he muttered.
Her gaze flew to the door. "Would you like to wait out here?" she asked. "I'm not certain how I'll explain why you've accompanied me.Glenhavenwill surely suspect the truth of our… association." She blushed. "And if that's the case, he might try to take permanent custody of Jamie."
Rebbie ground his teeth and nodded. She was right of course, but he didn't like the idea. If they were already married, there would be no problems or misunderstandings. Soon.
She climbed down from the coach and approached the castle, part medieval monstrosity and part modern mansion.
During the quarter hour after Calla exited the coach, Rebbie wondered if she would bring Jamie along or not, but no doubt they would have to pack his clothes and such.
Still, Rebbie hated waiting. He wanted to jump out and pace back and forth across the worn cobblestones, but he didn't want to draw attention or raise any suspicions.
Finally, the castle's door opened and three people stepped out—Calla, a wee blond lad, and a woman dressed as a servant, carrying a satchel. They headed toward the coach, then someone inside the castle called Calla back.
The thin servant—a nursemaid, he assumed—led the lad down the steps. The coachman took the satchel, then opened the door and gave them a hand up.
