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All of a sudden, Eva felt ill.
“I wanted to speak with you, Liam, I’m glad you came.”
Liam ran his hand across Axel’s body. “Hey, buddy.” Then he turned, his eyes landing on Eva.
She took in his light blond hair that stuck out from under his cap, and his light hazel eyes, so much like his brother’s. His features were younger than Cillian’s, but there was a hardness that lay beneath them, a wisdom beyond his years.
She wouldn’t recognize him from any battles since their father kept them on Stone Haven land—away from any of the fighting. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and tried to calm her frantic heart.
He assessed her for a moment before he nodded in her direction. “Eva. Hi, I’m Liam, Cillian’s younger brother.” Then he waved to Becky.
Looking back to Cillian, he said, “I wish we had time to talk, but... word has spread about Eva. Some of the villagers aren’t happy. Some want answers. I thought you should know before things got out of hand.”
Cillian clapped Liam on the shoulder. “Shit, I thought we would have more time. I appreciate you coming to me about this.”
Eva’s heart continued to pound. They knew she was here. No more hiding. If she was going to announce her presence, then they might as well get it out of the way now.
She stood, using her good leg to take most of her weight as she took a couple steps toward the brothers. She felt the comfort of the boot Becky had brought her and was able to walk more normally with it on.
She stopped just before them and said, “We need to address them, tell them our plans—to marry and unite the settlements.”
Cillian reached out and tucked Eva under his arm. “You’re right. It’s the only way to squash the rumors. Liam, do you think you can call a village meeting in the hall? For seven tonight?”
“Sure can. Do you need anything else?”
Becky stood and moved next to Liam. “I can help tell the villagers too.”
Cillian nodded. “Good. No, Liam, I think that will be all. Eva and I will be there to address Stone Haven about the future of the settlement.”
With that settled, Liam turned to Becky. “I’ll take the north village if you take the south.”
Becky snorted. “You know we could just tell mouthy Margret and everyone would know in an hour.”
Liam laughed as Cillian turned Eva to face him. “You sure you’re ready for this, Angel? Cause if you’re not, we can figure out another—”
Eva pressed her fingers over Cillian’s lips. “I’m sure.”
A confidence rolled through her as she gazed into Cillian’s eyes. This is where she was supposed to be. Fate had intervened and sent her down this path—to Cillian. To not only save Everwood but Stone Haven as well.
Separately they were strong; together they were invincible.
The skies had darkened, giving the landscape an eerie appearance. Eva shivered as she stared out the hall window, watching the wind flicker the flames of the lanterns hanging off the nearby buildings. It could have been the chill in the air that caused her gooseflesh to rise—or maybe the urgency she felt to save Everwood.
Murmuring came from the other side of the office door she leaned against. The village of Stone Haven had assembled to hear what their heir, Cillian Beck, had to say.
Or in this case, reveal. Her.
Eva’s heart thumped in her chest as the time to step out onto the stage neared. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, noting the room smelled of candle wax and the minty scent of eucalyptus.
Cillian spoke with his brother at the office desk. The sound of their voices seemed to echo off the bare walls.
Liam had met with their father about what was about to happen. He was unable to attend due to his health, but they had his blessing to move forward. How sick was their father?
Liam did mention Thomas Beck had a request after the meeting. He wished to meet her. Eva couldn’t say she was thrilled about it, old habits dying hard and all. She needed more than a few days to accept the fact that maybe they weren’t the enemy after all.That they were a lot like Everwood and were just trying to survive.
If Derek hadn’t fired that shot and started a feud, who knows, maybe Stone Haven and Everwood would have partnered up sooner.
As far as Eva could tell, this was a sound settlement. The weather up this far could be a problem though—the avalanches and mudslides being the main culprits. But Cillian was working on a remedy for that. With a little work, and education on food sourcing, Stone Haven could be just as prosperous as Everwood.
