Page 66 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Stop, Gwennie. You’re not going back to Scalloway. We’re going on an adventure like the bunnies.”

She blinked and quieted. He smiled at her and wiped the wetness from her face.

“We’re much too heavy to take a leaf to the sea, so we must use horses, you see?”

While she’d stopped crying, she still looked unsure.

“Do you remember each morning after we left our camp how I would tell you a story as we rode?”

She nodded.

“Do you recall the sun was always behind us on this side?” He held up his left hand.

She looked to where he pointed and after some thought she nodded. He could only hope she understood what he was trying to tell her. It was never too early to gain a keen sense of direction.

“The sun is behind us still, so we’re heading in the same direction as before. Not back the way we came.”

“The seals?” she asked.

“Aye. It will be too dark to see them tonight when we arrive. But tomorrow morning I’ll be able to show them to you.” He kissed her head. “I promise. Do you trust me?”

She nodded.

“I’ll always keep you with me. And you don’t always have to be a good lass for me to love you. Can you understand that?” She was probably too young, but he’d keep telling her all his days until she realized the truth — that she didn’t need to be perfect to be loved.

One of the other guards had ridden up to see why they’d stopped.

“We’re fine now. Let’s go,” Liam said, and started out again.

“Did you want me to take her?” Ev offered.

“Nay. We’re fine. But I daresay Gwennie could use a bannock from your pack and one for her papa as well.”

Ev smiled and gave them three. As they continued on, Gwennie had him tell the story yet again of the bunny that traveled out to the sea and became friends with the seals.

Liam found a shady spot to stop midday. He helped Gwennie down and went to help Ev, who was stiff when he set her on her feet.

“What is it?” he asked, looking around the area. A small waterfall filled a deep basin where the water was clear and calm. It would be a good place for a swim if they didn’t have four other men with them.

“I know this place,” she said quietly, her arm crossed her stomach in a protective gesture that hurt his soul.

“They’re gone, Ev. They can’t hurt you ever again.” He looked around. “Would you rather we continue on a bit and find a different place to eat?”

The other men had already dug out their meals and sprawled in the shade, but they’d get up if he ordered them to.

She swallowed and shook her head before her shoulders lifted. “No. This is a fine place to stop.”

“You don’t need to prove your bravery to me. I know how strong you are. If you’re uncomfortable here, I will happily move on.”

“I won’t let them take anything else from me. I’m done with that.” Lifting her chin, she took a blanket from her horse and spread it on the grass away from the other men.

He sat next to her as Gwennie went off to collect flowers. “You don’t need to battle these demons alone, Ev. I’m rather large and I carry a sword. I’m happy to defend your weak arm.”

“You’ve already helped me more than you know.” She smiled at him. For a moment, he thought she might say something else. The way she was looking at him spoke of deep feelings.

Feelings he felt for her.

He’d thought himself in love with her before he knew her. But now they knew each other well. There was an ease between them, friendship, and comfort, but there was also something more. He felt it growing each day.