Page 79 of The Outlaw's Bride

When she pulled away, she saw that his eyes glittered with tears. However, a moment later, he shifted his gaze to Lachlann and his mouth compressed. “Make sure ye look after my daughter, Fraser.”

Lachlann inclined his head. “With my life.”

Adaira waved until her arm ached, until the four figures on the jetty were merely specks in the distance. Even then she continued to watch, her gaze upon Duntulm’s lonely silhouette, perched upon the cliff-edge.

The wind bit and clawed at her, stinging her wet cheeks. She pulled her fur mantle close and tried to ignore the emptiness in her chest. Lachlann sat next to her, but remained silent, giving her the time she needed. Meanwhile, the screech of gulls and the rhythmic splash of the oarsmen were the only sounds. Caitrin had asked four of her men to escort Adaira and Lachlann across the water and ensure they reached Argyle safely.

Eventually, Adaira sniffed and withdrew a scrap of linen. Embroidered and scented with rose, it had been a gift from Caitrin that morning. Adaira dried her face and turned to her husband. “I hated that,” she whispered. “It feels as if someone just tore my heart out.”

His gaze was soft as it met hers. “That’s because ye love more deeply and true than anyone I’ve ever met,” he replied, reaching out and brushing the last teardrops from her eyelashes. “There’s no shame in it. It’s why we all adore ye. A woman with yer capacity to love will never be alone.”

A smile curved her mouth at his words. He spoke them with gruff sincerity.

“Thank ye for understanding,” she whispered. “For putting up with my bossy sisters.”

He huffed a laugh. “I’m glad ye had the chance to mend things with yer kin before ye went.”

Adaira watched him, noting how his eyes shadowed then. Lachlann would not have such an opportunity with his brothers or father. He was dead to them now, or as good as dead if his path should ever cross theirs again.

“I’m sorry yer family is lost to ye,” she murmured.

He shook his head, flashed her a smile, and put his arm around Adaira’s shoulders, drawing her close. “Ye are my family now, Aingeal,” he replied softly. “The only one I’ll ever need.”

The End.