Page 60 of How to Woo a Highlander

He took the seat beside her bed.

"I am so proud of you," he said gently.

She squinted in confusion, wondering whether or not she heard him correctly. Seeing her expression, he chuckled as though realizing how unexpected it must seem.

"Don't get me wrong, what you did was very reckless, and you should never do anything like that again," he explained. "However, I am proud of you. I can say that you are the strongest woman I know. I was furious, but I could not help the swell of pride when I heard how you escaped captivity and even had a hand in bringing down the traitor."

Of all the things he could have said, that was the last thing she expected.

"I have to admit that you inherited your willfulness and fighting spirit from me. I should have never tried to force you to do what I wanted," he added.

Jane felt her heart speed up at his words. Never tried to force her to do what he wanted? Did that mean that he would no longer force her to marry William and instead allow her to marry Alastair?

"I will bless your relationship with Alastair," he finally said, making her squeal with delight.

"I have decided I like him; he is a strong, brave, and loyal man. He is deserving of your love," he added.

For the second time that morning, she threw herself into someone's arms.

"Oh thank you father, thank you!" she cried gratefully.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Just be happy now, alright?" He smiled, and she nodded. He released her, ending their hug and got to his feet.

"You should get some rest. I’ll have someone bring you food. Then I’ll come to apply more medicine to your face later, he said, heading for the door.

"Will you get in trouble, father?" she asked before he could leave the room, and he paused, looking at her questioningly.

"With the King, for using the soldiers," she clarified. Her father pursed his lips, the action proving that he was not sure if he would.

"Whatever happens, I will deal with the consequences. So don't worry about it," he assured her.

"I love you father," she said, causing him to pause again. This time he smiled.

"I love you too, Jane."

Joy filled her heart, and she was grinning from ear to ear when he shut the door, leaving her in the silence of her room. Her face was stinging from her smile, but she could not stop, despite the pain.

Just hours ago, she had thought that she had lost Alastair forever and that their night together would be her last memory of him. Now she had the hope of a future with him, one where they could get married and have children.

This was something she had not even dared to consider before. She could love him openly, not worrying about an impending engagement or other misunderstandings. Now, she had the opportunity to spend her life with the man she loved.

A knock on the door made her raise her brow. Had her father already sent her breakfast? She sat up in bed, totally surprised when the door opened, and Suisan walked into the room. Her jaw dropped; she had forgotten entirely about the woman.

"Suisan!" she exclaimed as the Scottish woman shut the door behind her and came closer, twiddling her fingers. Her eyes were red as though she had been crying, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Suisan looked troubled. It must have taken a lot to bring herself to visit Jane when she had been avoiding her for over two months.

"Jane…" Suisan began, glancing up shyly. "I came to make certain that ye were alright. I was there when William brought ye back the night before, and ye looked like ye were… dead."

Jane was not sure how to react, she must have looked terrible, but she hadn't expected that Suisan would care enough to visit her.

"Oh… I am alright, and my injuries will heal. Thank you for visiting me," she said, and on second thought added, "Please, do sit down for a moment."

She motioned to the seat beside her bed, but Suisan waved the invitation away.

"Nay, it is alright I can stand. I will be gone soon. I heard everythin' that happened. The castle is abuzz with the news. They are especially talkin' about ye and yer bravery," she added.