Page 25 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Liam had let his hurt and anger tinge his words. Rather than woo her, he’d no doubt done the opposite.

…

When Liam was gone, Evelyn picked up Gwennie and held her as a few more tears fell. She shouldn’t be so upset. She had exactly what she’d wanted—a home for her and her daughter where her father couldn’t use her as a pawn to forge his alliances. He was angry, but she’d known that. Then why was she still crying? She didn’t want to think too deeply on it for she worried if she did, she might not like the answer.

Liam.

He’d come to her aid immediately and helped her out of a bad situation, and this hadn’t been the first time. He’d helped her out of many bad situations.

When he’d held her and rubbed her back, it’d been nice. Better than nice. But she knew if it went unchecked it would grow into something more, something she didn’t want.

“Mama sad,” Gwennie announced and placed her chubby hand on Evelyn’s cheek.

“Yes, love. Mama is sad.”

“Bunny?”

Before she could answer, a wooden rabbit was shoved in her face, making her laugh.

The next morning, after they’d eaten, Evelyn took Gwennie’s hand and they headed toward the castle. Evelyn wanted to check in on Sheamus and his mother. She would also visit with Kenna and Mari if they were about. Gwennie would enjoy playing with the other children as well.

But when her heartbeat quickened as she passed through the gate, she knew the truth of why she’d come. She’d wanted to see Liam. And see him she did. He was in the bailey working with his men. Sweat had made the ends of his blond hair curl up in an oddly appealing way. He nodded in their direction but didn’t come over to speak to her.

She couldn’t blame him for the distance between them. It was entirely her fault. Maybe she hadn’t needed to keep him so far away. She wasn’t able to be a real wife, but if they could be friends…

She shook the thought away sadly. He was a man. Her husband by right.

Being friends would never be enough.

Chapter Thirteen

Liam had made it all the way to the castle gates and then turned around and went back. After two hard thumps on the door, it opened to a teary-eyed Evelyn. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he knew well she wouldn’t welcome his touch.

“I spoke hastily earlier. I do wish to know if you plan to leave. And if you do, I’d request we handle the annulment here so that I might move forward. That I might find a wife who truly wants me. It was wrong of me to try to make you fit into the life I’d dreamed up for us. I see that now. But it doesn’t change the fact that I do want a family someday, so I pray you will release me if you choose to leave.”

“Of course, Liam. I know I’ve been selfish throughout everything. I wanted out of my father’s reach and I saw you as an opportunity.”

He couldn’t help but wince at her words. What a fool he’d been to think everything would finally fit into place and allow him happiness. He’d long wondered what he might have done at such a young age to earn such punishment.

He’d been given a clan who accepted him, but he was unable to accept their love.

He’d been given the wife he’d dreamed of for years, but he was unable to win her heart.

Always so close to what he wanted, but never quite reaching it.

He nodded. “Please send word of your decision.”

This time when he left the village, he wasn’t angry or hurt, he was simply numb. He stayed that way until the next evening when he stepped into the hall and made for the head table where he held a place of honor next to the laird.

But as he greeted the clansmen, he caught a glimpse of fiery gold. Evelyn and Gwennie were seated at a table near the front of the hall. Wee Sheamus sat next to Gwennie.

Changing his course, he went to their table, preparing to hear her choice.

“Good evening, wife.”

“Bunny,” Gwennie said with a smile and reached for him. He picked her up and pretended to drop her as was their game. As usual, he earned a shriek of laughter that made the clan laugh as well.

He pulled three rabbits from his sporran and held them out. “Which one do ye think we should give to Sheamus?”