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“And I’m happy for Reeve,” Duncan confirmed, draping his arm around his brother.
“Good, then you two happy men go hunt us something special for supper tonight,” she ordered.
“With pleasure,” Reeve said, Duncan nodding beside him.
“Can I speak with you for a moment, Reeve, before you go?” Tara asked.
He hurried to her side while Duncan made his way to the door, and Mara joined her husband by the hearth, affording the couple privacy.
Reeve stepped close to Tara, and she whispered, “Tell me that you don’t love me.”
Chapter 23
Tara could see that Reeve was relieved when Bliss entered the room with shouts of joyous congratulations and for hurrying over to Tara and hugging her. It gave him time to make a sneaky and hasty exit.
Carmag soon followed the men, leaving Mara to join the two women to chatter away about plans for the wedding. She soon had Bliss and Tara hurrying upstairs to tell Mercy the good news and include her in the planning.
The women chatted quietly, Trey still caught in a deep slumber though he no longer suffered with fever. While offering opinions on the wedding plans, Bliss laid gentle hands on Tara’s ankle, after Mercy had mentioned it was slow in healing.
Tara enjoyed the camaraderie with the women. They truly were pleased about the coming nuptials and excited about making it a memorable day for Tara. And while she should be thrilled or at least hopeful, it troubled her that Reeve had hurried off rather than give her a quick answer.
Her concern grew as Reeve continued to avoid her throughout the day, and the more he did, the more she dreaded hearing his answer.
If he loved her, she couldn’t marry him.
Tara waited anxiously in the great hall. Supper wasn’t far off, and while the whole family would appear soon enough, including Reeve, she would request a moment alone with him.
Bryce was the first to arrive though it appeared as if he was trailing after Willow.
“You are the mostwillfulwoman,” he shouted at her back as he kept pace behind her.
She halted so abruptly that he almost collided with her, and Tara watched the exchange with amusement.
“I’m a capable woman,” Willow shouted, jabbing at Bryce’s chest. “Who doesn’t need abrutetelling her what to do.”
Bryce’s flared nostrils looked as if they were ready to snort smoke.
Duncan and Mercy drifted in during the heated exchange and joined Tara at the table.
“Someone has to make you see reason,” Bryce said.
“Makemesee reason?” Willow finished with a sharp jab to his chest.
“Jab me again and so help me—”
“What?” she challenged, her chin jutting up.
Bryce let out a roar and stomped off, shaking his head and heading in their direction.
Duncan was grinning from ear to ear.
“Open your mouth, and I’ll beat you,” Bryce warned, reaching for the pitcher of ale and filling a tankard until the liquid sloshed over the sides. He picked it up and downed almost half then slammed it on the table.
Willow disappeared up the steps, and Duncan said, “Not good.”
“Better she retreat than stay here, or I might just wring her neck,” Bryce said.
“Think again,” Duncan said. “She’s going to relieve mum from watching Trey, so that she can have supper with the family.”
