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He was in love, and there was no denying it. He just hadn’t expected for it to be this difficult, to face so many obstacles, and each more insurmountable than the next. He refused to give up. He told Tara he would not fail her, and he wouldn’t. A plan was already bubbling in his mind. He would stir it around, let it simmer, and when it was finished, he would serve it up hot and ready and most likely not to everyone’s taste.
He had tried to capture Tara’s attention, but she had avoided looking his way. His heart ached for how much she must be suffering, but he’d soon remedy that.
Bryce came over to stand beside him, his hand on his shoulder. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
Reeve loved the unspoken understanding amongst his brothers. Bryce had no idea what Reeve had planned, but he was letting him know he stood beside him regardless. Reeve never doubted he would, and it was good to know that he could always count on that.
“He will take her before sunrise,” Bryce whispered.
“Agreed.”
Duncan joined them, smiling and retaining his grin as he said, “Don’t leave me out.”
The brothers smiled and nodded, all the while planning.
Tara was relieved when Willow entered the room and explained that Tara was needed in Trey’s room. Mara grew upset and was quick to jump up, ready to go to her son.
“Stay. You have guests,” Willow urged with a strong grasp of her arm. “Tara can see to this without any help.”
Mara returned to her seat, and Tara looked to her father, knowing if she didn’t seek permission, he would make a scene.
“May I?”
“Be quick about it,” her father snapped. “It grows late, and we leave at first light.”
Tara left with Willow and was surprised when the woman stopped abruptly on the staircase as they neared the second floor.
“Bliss, Mercy, and I have talked and decided that you must leave here, not only if you wish to live but if bloodshed is to be avoided.”
“When have you had the time—”
“That doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you are much like us—”
Tara shook her head. “You are all so strong.”
“As are you, which is why we know you can do this.”
“Do what?” Tara asked, a bit fearful yet eager.
“Escape to the protection of the Picts.”
Tara felt a smidgen of hope. Her father often spoke about avoiding the pagan Picts. He wanted nothing to do with them. They lived by their own rules, guarded their land vigilantly, and were fierce fighters.
Willow continued explaining. “Bliss has offered you sanctuary with her people and insists that you stay at her cottage. She will not be returning until she makes certain that Trey is healed. You should be safe there.”
“And with Reeve and his family not knowing where I’ve gone ...”
“Your father cannot hold them responsible.”
“When do I leave?” Tara asked. Thanks to the help and caring of her new friends, she didn’t feel as isolated as she had felt for so many years. Their courage gave her courage, and she finally felt that she just might be able to survive this ordeal and hopefully find a way to conquer the curse and, please God, be free to love Reeve.
“Now,” Willow said. “Follow me.”
Willow took her through passages in the keep that she hadn’t known existed, and she surmised that Mercy must have shared their secrets. That these women trusted her without question and believed in her made her all the more determined to succeed.
In the night shadows of the towering keep, Willow stopped and searched behind several barrels. She pulled out a wrapped bundle, untied it, pulled out a thick wool cloak, and handed it to Tara.
Willow retied the bundle. “There is a change of clothes and food that should last until you reach Pict land. Bliss thought of having Roan and his men take you home, but if she did, that—”
