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“Oh! Before I forget.” Becky grabbed the burlap bag she had set on the bed and the one Cillian had taken from her. “In here, you will find some toiletries, feminine products, and a few little extras I threw in there. And the other satchel has an extra pair of boots, a couple shirts, a pair of pants, and shorts for sleeping. I’m sorry we don’t have more to offer—”
Eva reached out and rested her hand on Becky’s, stilling her movements. “This is wonderful. I wasn’t expecting...” Eva hesitated, not knowing the right words to say.
Becky’s brown eyes lit up. “You weren’t expecting a warm welcome, probably.”
Eva let out a breath. “Yes. With the feud, I thought everyone might hate me.”
“Well, I’m of the mind that the feud had little to do with you. You are welcome here, as far as I’m concerned. I’d say more than half of Stone Haven is going to be thrilled you’ve come. It will mean more food on their table for their families. If you have accepted the peace treaty... Would they be right to think that?”
Eva’s chest tightened at her words. This whole time, Stone Haven had been the enemy, but the reality was, there were innocent families here that needed Everwood’s help.
She nodded as she met Becky’s inquiring eyes. “If Cillian and I have anything to say about it, it will.”
Axel lay at Cillian’s feet as he stirred the food, the rich aroma filling the cabin. He looked over his shoulder and nodded in her direction, his words echoing in her head. Together.
Becky turned to Cillian. “And how are your ribs, sir? Are you keeping the wrap on?”
Cillian held up his hands. “Feel free to check me. I assure you, the wrap is in place. They feel better already, I swear.”
Becky gave him a look of disbelief, then removed the jar of salve she had and set it on the stand next to the bed. “I’m leaving this here, use it on your ankle, Eva, and Cillian, your ribs.”
Cillian removed some mismatched plates from the shelf and scooped some food from the pan onto them. Handing Becky her plate, he said, “Will do, we appreciate you looking after us, Becky.”
Becky’s cheeks flushed with color as she sat in the chair by the fire and began to eat her food. Cillian handed Eva a plate, then rested on the floor, his back against the bed frame next to her legs. Axel pranced over to her other side, sitting with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, eyeing her food.
They were quiet as they ate. Her mind raced, and her heart swam with unease. Her father and crew were in danger, and here she was receiving care and food. She looked to the bracelet that still hung from her wrist—the one Sarah had given her. Eva closed her eyes and tried to shut out the sudden wave of pain that ran through her.
The mattress shifted under Cillian’s weight as he moved next to her and wrapped his arm around her back.
He wanted to bear some of her burdens. That’s what he had said.
His silent support helped her take her next breath, and the next. With him by her side, she was able to finish her food.
“It was very good, Cillian. What was the herb you added to it? Rosemary?” she asked.
He stood, taking her plate. “Yes. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
He took Becky’s plate and returned to the kitchen, then scooped the last bit of food onto a plate and set it down on the floor. “Here, buddy, this is for you.”
Axel trotted over to the plate and ate greedily. Eva smiled at the sight.
Her joy was short lived, as she startled when a pounding sounded at the door.
“Cillian, open up,” a male demanded from the other side.
Eva’s heart dropped into her stomach, and Axel barked over and over again.
Cillian was calm as he petted Axel’s head. “Easy, boy, it’s just Liam.”
Liam?
Cillian moved to the door, unlocked it, and eased it open. A gust of snow and wind whipped into the room, causing the flames of the fire to whirl.
“Brother, how are you?”
Cillian’s brother.
Liam shook the snow from his black coat and brown cap, then embraced Cillian. A red band was sewn onto the arm of his coat—the mark of a soldier.
