Page 147 of My Brave Highlander

Dirk shook his head. "I haven't told him yet. He was very ill and sleeping."

"I hope you will break the news to him gently. He is a caring lad."

"Aye." And she was a caring lass. He could hardly contain his joy that she was recovered, but he hid it well. He had never been one for showing emotion.

"How long did I sleep?" she asked, squeezing his hand.

"Since last night, around nine."

She gave a faint grin. "Have you been sitting here staring at me all night?"

His face heated at her taunting tone, though he knew not why. In truth, he was beyond happy that his prayers had been answered and that she was feeling well enough to tease him again. "I had to make sure you were well," he said in a tone huskier than he'd intended.

She lifted his hand, kissed the back then held it to her cheek. "You are a treasure," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.

Damn, he hoped she didn't cry or he might do the same. "And you are my treasure, lass."

"Dirk?" she said.

"Aye?"

"I love you." Her words and her wee smile lit up the dark corners of his heart.

Scarce able to breathe, he pulled her up into his arms. "And I love you," he whispered into her ear, but even those words seemed inadequate. "You are my life," he added, hoping to tell her how much she meant to him. "And you near scared the life out of me, Isobel."

"I'm sorry." Her arms went around him, holding him close.

He kissed her forehead, her eyes and her cheeks. Saints, how he cherished her.

She giggled and tears streamed from her eyes.

He pulled back a few inches. "Don't cry. What's wrong?"

"You love me," she breathed, her throat obviously constricted.

"Of course I do, but 'tis naught to cry over." He stroked her tears away with his thumb.

"I was afraid you wouldn't," she confessed.

He gave her an exaggerated frown. "How could I not? You bewitched me and stole my heart."

She grinned. "I wish we could get married today."

"As do I, but we might have to wait a day or two until you and Aiden are fully recovered."

"Oh, m'lady, you're awake!" Beitris rushed into the room. "Thank the heavens."

Dirk released Isobel and rose from the bed to pace about the room.

Beitris fussed around her for several moments, plumping her pillows, asking how she felt, and if she was hungry.

After Beitris hurried out in search of oat porridge, Isobel said, "I'm so glad you don't like tarts."

Dirk gazed into her dark eyes, knowing what she was thinking.

"If you did, you would have eaten double the poison I did and mayhap died." Tears glimmered in her eyes.

Seating himself on the bed again facing her, he kissed her forehead. "Shh. 'Tis over."