Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
She sighed and cupped his big face in her hands, forcing him to meet her eyes. “I would take care of your heart, Thomas.”
It took a moment for him to comprehend her words—or perhaps it was that he did not believe his own ears. “You like me?”
“I more than like you, Thomas.”
“But you do not—”
“I still heal from the loss of my husband and feel guilty that I should care for another man.”
Thomas placed his hands on her slim waist. “I know you will always love your husband John and rightfully so. If you but love me half as much as you loved him, I would be a happy man.”
“And if I love you more?”
His breath quickened and he thought for a moment he could not breathe. “I would be honored.”
“Oh, Thomas,” she said. Tears once again spilling down her cheeks, she kissed him.
He held her with gentle hands, fearful he would hurt her, and kissed her just as gently.
“I will not break,” she said when they parted.
Thomas hung his head. “I am not well versed in the ways of love.”
Brigid smiled softly and took his hand. “Then let me show you.”
Magnus and Reena arrived well after sunset, the sky dark and filled with ominous clouds that drifted in haste past the full moon—not a good omen, and one that had many crossing themselves as they hurried along to their cottages.
Reena was eager to see Brigid and how she fared, though she knew Thomas would keep her safe. She wondered how Justin and Maura were, and her parents. She felt excited to be home, really home, for Dunhurnal land would truly be hers once she wed Magnus.
She hurried off her horse and headed to Brigid’s cottage.
“Wait,” Magnus called out. “I will go with you, for I am sure to find Thomas there.”
Reena slowed her step, allowing Magnus to catch up with her, and they both hurried on to the cottage. Calling out her friend’s name, Reena opened the cottage door with a sound knock. Once inside, she stood frozen in shock.
There, in bed, were Brigid and Thomas, naked beneath the covers and wrapped in each other’s arms.
Magnus smiled as he walked up behind Reena. “Time for a wedding.”
“Only if Brigid agrees,” Thomas said, his arm firm around Brigid. “I will not have her marry me if she does not wish to.”
Reena continued to stare in silence.
“My only objection would be”—Brigid looked to Thomas, and the large man held his breath—“is if Thomas does not love me, then I wish not to wed.”
Thomas let out a whoosh of relieved breath. “No one will love you as deeply and strongly as I do, Brigid.”
“I know this,” she said, snuggling against him. “I but wanted to hear you admit it.”
“I will shout it if you wish,” he said seriously.
“I do not think that necessary,” Magnus said and reached for Reena’s hand. “We will leave you now, and I will speak with you in the morning, Thomas.”
Reena was almost out the door when she stopped and looked to Brigid. “You are happy?”
“More than I thought possible.”
Reena smiled, and before she could respond, she was yanked out the door.
“They need time alone,” Magnus said. “As do we.”
“But you have things to see to.”
“All will wait till morning.” He sounded as though he insisted and would have it no other way.
But it was not to be, for when they entered the great hall, several of his men were waiting, and they appeared concerned. After speaking with them, Magnus told her that there were things needing his attention and that he would see her later in the evening.
Reena understood. Though she wished he would confide in her what was amiss, perhaps later tonight, when they shared his bed, he would speak of his concerns.
She retired to her bedchamber and set her sketches out on the desk. She thought of mapping, but her mind was too cluttered and her room too confining. She grabbed her cloak from where she’d dropped it on the bed, swung it around her shoulders, and headed out the door.
The great hall was busy with warriors gathered around Magnus. Maps were spread out on several tables, and she was pleased that her mapping would assist him in protecting his home. She did not stop to speak to him, intending to return before he finished with his men, which looked to be several hours.
She slipped out the doors without being noticed and turned in the direction of her parents’ cottage. She hoped her father was free to speak with her. It had been some time since they’d had a chance to talk, and he would enjoy hearing about her mapping experiences.
“Mapmaker.”
Reena froze, not certain if she’d heard the whisper or imagined it. The night shadows made it impossible to see clearly, and heavy clouds had moved in to conceal the full moon’s light. Was it her imagination? Did she hear a voice?