Page 48 of Never Fall for a Highlander

In her mind, she went over every time she and Robin had been alone together.The last time was especially memorable.He’d claimed that she was his.But as what?Certainly not his wife, and no matter how much she loved the man, she would not become his leman.

She dragged her satchel out and decided packing was the wisest thing to do.Holding a dress in her hand that she intended to pack, she sat on the bed, staring at the small window next to her bed.

The day was beautiful, the air fresh, the sun shining.It was a perfect day.If she could make time stand still, the day might continue to be perfect.But the men were expected back later this afternoon.Would her day become even more perfect, or would it end in misery?She shuddered and jumped up.‘Twas better if she went to the garden and gathered herbs to make more potions.

She’d managed to keep herself busy the entire day.She gathered the herbs she needed and hung them out to dry.She changed bed linens, rocked wee Arthur to sleep, chopped vegetables and spent time in her room staring at her satchel and telling herself she needed to pack.

‘Twas nearing sundown when she heard horses heading toward the brooch.She almost hoped it was an attack so she wouldn’t have to face Robin.The shouts from the guards told her the group that had gone to Gunn had indeed arrived.

After smoothing her dress, brushing her hair and taking a deep breath, she descended the stairs to the great hall.The warriors were all there, the conversations and shouting echoing off the walls.

In the group she spotted Robin, speaking with one of the warriors.He glanced around the room, looked right at her, a slight smile on his face.Her feet were frozen to the floor, so she waited for him to reach her.When he stepped in front of her, he cupped her face with one hand, and ran his thumb over her cheek.He kissed her gently on the lips, then walked away, leaving her wondering what the devil that had meant.

* * * *

Robin strode way from Helena and grabbed one of the lads and told him to have the council members meet him in his solar immediately.

Not even taking the time to clean up from the ride, he went to the solar and poured himself a whisky.The council members came in one at a time.They sat at the table and Robin downed his whisky and closed his eyes for a moment.

He turned and pulled out a document from inside his vest.Not looking any of them in the eye, he tossed it on the table.“Here is yer fookin betrothal contract.The wedding is in two weeks.”

Without waiting for a response, he strode from the room and headed back to the great hall.Helena was nowhere around.He ran his hand down his face and strode from the hall, returning to the stables and had the lad saddle him a different horse since his steed was worn out.

He rode for over an hour, amazed that his body didn’t urge him to get off the bluidy horse and go to bed.Instead he found himself in the Village Inn, sitting at a table, staring at the glass of whisky that he had the serving lass refill so many times he’d lost count.

He had no idea how he ended up in his bed at Dun Ugadale.His mouth was dry, his head pounded and the first thing he did when he opened his eyes was reach for the chamber pot where he brought up probably several bottles of whisky.

He sat on the edge of the bed and held his head in his hands.No matter how much he drank, he couldn’t forget the mess he had on his hands.He had to let the woman he loved go and marry another.Lenora was a nice lass, but he felt nothing for her.He doubted he ever would.

A sharp knock on his door had him grimacing.“What?”His voice was so hoarse it sounded like a frog had taken up residence in his throat.

The door opened and Craig stepped in, closed the door and leaned against it, his arms across his chest.He’d been practicing on the lists by the look of him.It had to be well past the nooning meal.

“How do ye feel?”

“If ye were the one to drag me home ye ken how I feel.”

“Aye.Finn and I went looking for ye last night and found ye at the tavern.Ye took a swing at Finn but missed him and fell to the ground, so it was easy to pick ye up and sling ye over yer horse.”

Just the thought of all the whisky he drank the night before had his stomach churning again.“I need some boiled water or ale.”

“I think it might be a good idea to settle with the water.”Craig opened the door and picked up a jug and brought it to his brother.Robin took it with shaky hands and drank almost the entire thing.He wiped his mouth with this arm and closed his eyes.

Mayhaps if he did that this nightmare would disappear.

“What are ye going to do?”Craig asked.

Robin looked over at him and frowned.“That doesna seem like a bright question since ye ken I signed the betrothal agreement.The wedding’s in two weeks.”

“And Helena?”

Robin dropped his head in his hands.After a few moments, he looked at his brother and said, “I have to tell her.”

“She asked Finn last night if he kenned where you were.You can’t continue to put it off, Robin.‘Tis no’ fair to the lass.”

“How does someone prepare for the worst conversation of his life where he would be breaking someone’s heart?”

Craig walked across the room and sat on the bed next to his brother.“Do ye think her feelings are that strong?”