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“I was thinking,” Lachlan defended.
“Of Terese, no doubt. Andrew has completely lost his senses over Megan. Evan spends all his time with Piper in or out of the woods, and now Kyle is witless over one of the young women that arrived at Everagis the other day. You have all gone mad.”
“Or are you simply jealous?” Lachlan suggested, which only served to agitate Boyd all the more.
“No one has caught my fancy.”
“I see the way you watch Hester,” Lachlan said, looking over the work the men had done to extend the small stable area.
“She’s not interested, I’ve tried.”
“You’re not sincere.”
“No, I’m not,” Boyd admitted, “which she pointed out with a jab of her finger.”
“Bonnie, that sweet lassie you favor, will see to your needs when we return home.”
“Which will be?” Boyd asked anxiously.
“Want to leave already?”
“This place doesn’t suit me. It’s too remote and too damn quiet.”
“I find it peaceful,” Lachlan said.
“Because you’re as love-sick as Andrew. You mark my words, he’s not going to want to return home with us. He’ll want to stay here with Megan.”
“Megan can go with him.”
Boyd snorted a laugh. “Not a one of these women will leave here. They’ve made it their home and they’re not going anyplace. A man who loves any one of them better realize that, or he’s in for a big disappointment.”
One of the men working on another cottage called out to Boyd.
Boyd waved to the man, but before leaving he said, “You know there’s really no reason for us to remain here. A messenger can deliver the church’s decision to these women. We can be on our way whenever we please.”
“The women need protecting,” Lachlan argued.
Boyd began drifting away. “Open your eyes, Lachlan. They can protect themselves.”
Lachlan grew annoyed, since he knew Boyd spoke the truth. It was no longer necessary for him and his men to remain at Everagis. He could take his leave anytime. The truth was, he wasn’t ready to leave.
After last night and this morning, he knew that there was much more between him and Terese than he had ever planned on. And he wasn’t about to walk away before he gave it a chance to take root and grow.
He’d be an idiot not to admit to himself that he was falling in love with Terese and had been since almost the beginning. Love had struck him and it wouldn’t let go, and he believed Terese felt the same way. However, he didn’t wish to rush her and there was the problem that Boyd had pointed out. Not a one of the women would leave Everagis, and he couldn’t stay here. He needed time to resolve these issues the best way possible.
It was easier for his men. Andrew or Evan, or anyone of the other single men could remain here if they chose to, but he had an obligation to clan and family. And then there was his brother Ronan. He and his brothers would not rest until Ronan was found.
His brow frowned with deep ridges at the thought of Ronan. He worried over what was happening to him. Had he healed? Was he being treated well? And why? Why hadn’t he been able to return home? He had so hoped to learn something from the mercenaries in the area, but so far that had proved unsuccessful, Evan being upset over not being able to pick up a trail or a scent.
“Something troubles you?” Terese asked, approaching him with an outstretched hand.
He grinned, recalling how just a few hours ago she had stood stark naked in front of him. It had pleased him to know that she didn’t feel vulnerable in front of him, but rather that she trusted him. That was good. They were good and would only get better together.
He took her hand. “Your beauty chases away any troubles.”
“Tell me,” she urged and stroked his brow. “You looked so very upset.”
“I was thinking about how upset Evan is that he can’t find even a hint of a trail to the mercenaries’ camp.”
“Perhaps they have left the area.”
He shook his head. “I don’t believe so. From what the people who have arrived here tell us, the mercenaries have claimed land and intend to stay. And as I have said, one of the clans will decide it will be better to bargain with the mercenaries, having them as friends, which will settle the matter for all.”
“And those that have lost homes?”
He kissed her softly then answered, “Will find a home here at Everagis. Your village grows, haven’t you noticed.”
She nodded slowly.
He tapped her brow. “Then why the frown?”
“I wish you to find your brother.”
“Believe me when I tell you we will. My brothers and I will not stop searching until Ronan returns home.”
“Ronan may not be the Ronan you know when he finally returns home.”
Lachlan nodded. “True enough. Cavan was not himself when he first returned, but with time and his wife’s love, he is himself again. Once Ronan is home with family he will do fine.”
