Page 55 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

The girl started crying in earnest, and Kenna and Mari took turns comforting her. They didn’t try to stanch her tears, for they both knew how important it was to get them out.

Later, a tray of food was brought in, and they all ate in silence.

When they were done, Evelyn let out a breath and raised her head. “I would like to go home. I’ll just hope they accept me.”

“If they don’t, lass, you get right back on the horse and come straight to Dunardry and join our clan. You will always have a home here, if ever you find yourself in need of one.”

Mari knew how important having a home was for making someone feel safe.

But that worked both ways.

There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t worry she was putting her new home and the people she loved at risk.

Chapter Twenty-One

Cam put Liam in charge of escorting Evelyn Stewart back to her clan lands. After a few days of rest, it was clear the lass was eager to get home. With Liam’s selected entourage and a letter from Lachlan, the group left at first light after hugs and well wishes.

Cam felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment when the girl hugged him and claimed him her hero. He didn’t feel like such.

When the group was on their way, he stayed Mari with his arm around her waist. “Will you go for a ride with me on this beautiful day?”

“Don’t you have drills?”

“Aye. I’ve put my men to their tasks. I can spare an hour.” He kissed her. “Or two.”

“I should get back to the kitchen to help.”

“The kitchen ran fine before you arrived. They’ll do so today.”

He waited for her next excuse, waiting to put it down with the others. His wife had been frightened, and since they’d returned that horrible night, she hadn’t stepped a foot outside the walls. He knew how easily fear could breed when it went unchecked. A warrior who was left to stew in the terror of battle quickly became lost to it. He didn’t want that for Mari.

He wanted her to feel safe on their lands. Ensuring her happiness was the reason he pushed when he saw her discomfort. It was not an easy thing to watch, but she needed him to be strong.

She grasped at another excuse. “It looks like it could rain.”

“There’s not a cloud in the blue sky. Now, either come with me to the stables or tell me the truth of why ye do not wish to take me up on my offer,” he challenged.

“I think it’s clear why I wouldn’t want to go out. I’m wanted by the crown for murder.”

At least that was a valid concern. Though easily dealt with.

“We’ve been out dozens of times since you arrived, without issue. We’ll be fine today as well. I’ve vowed to protect you. Unless you don’t find me up to the task…?”

She bit her bottom lip and looked toward the gate. “I’m scared,” she finally admitted.

“Aye. I don’t doubt it. But you’re also strong. You don’t back down from fear, you face it. I’ve seen you do it time and time again. Why is this different?”

“Because you were put in danger because of me,” she snapped, as if it had been on the tip of her tongue, eager to come out of her mouth for days.

He shrugged and winced up at the sun. “We could go round and round over who put who in danger, lass. But it would be a waste of a fine day.”

She let out a breath and nodded. “Very well. I’ll go with you.”

He bent to kiss her hard, then stepped away just as she melted into the kiss. With a wink he took her hand to lead her out to the stables. There would be plenty of time later to make sure they didn’t get too close. For now, he was going to enjoy the advantages of being married. Even if it was just for convenience. There was no reason they couldn’t make the best of the situation.

As soon as they left the protection of the curtain walls, Mari tensed. Her eyes shifted constantly, and he was sure she was watching for danger. She’d fallen behind his horse instead of riding next to him.

It was difficult to see her so nervous. “I can assure you the guards will not let anyone wander onto our lands again. They’ve been dealt with.” Not as severely as Cam had wanted, but he trusted Lach’s decision to be sound instead of the punishment of a man who’d nearly lost something precious because of their incompetence.