Page 42 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

Since she couldn’t get her throat and lips to work, she relied on her only method of communication and squeezed his hand again.

“They were able to get the arrow out without causing more damage, but you’ve lost a lot of blood. Abagail says it’s why you’re shivering. I was concerned of fever, but your skin is much too cool for a fever.”

He said more, but now that she knew everything was well, she was able to focus on the sound of his voice rather than the words, and she slipped into a comfortable sleep.

Bryce was here.

Everything would be fine.

…

It was an excruciating three days before Dorie finally opened her eyes and looked at Bryce. Thank God, he thought. At last! He smiled at her. But it didn’t help.

She gasped in fear and tried to back away, wincing when the action pulled at her wound.

“It’s me. Bryce,” he assured her. “You’re safe, lass.”

She blinked and he figured he understood her concern. No doubt he was a dismal sight. He’d rarely left her side since arriving at Cam’s house. He’d not taken time to bathe or shave. He’d only changed clothes because his cousins and their wives forced him to out of shame.

They brought him food and ale.

“It’s so nice to see your beautiful eyes open again,” he told her, and leaned over to kiss her forehead. When he pulled away she smiled up at him. “Can you swallow some broth? It will be nice to have your assistance rather than pouring it down your throat and making a mess of it.”

She nodded, and he helped raise her head, bringing the cup to her lips. When she emptied the cup, he settled her back against the pillow, relief pouring through him. Dorie had been weak from losing so much blood, so he knew how much she needed rest and nourishment.

He’d practically taken over Cam and Mari’s house, having had their bed brought down to the front room for Dorie. No one had fought him on any of his requests. They’d even allowed the dog in the bed. Bryce would never be able to thank them enough. Not Cam or Mari, nor Rascal.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He thought he might break into tears at the sound of her raspy voice. “Think nothing of it. Go back to sleep so you can heal. As soon as you’re able to be moved, I’ll take you home,” he promised, though he didn’t think she cared much at the moment. A bed was a bed.

He kissed her hand as he’d done hundreds of times in the past days. It had been the only way to reach her. To let her know he was there with her. That he hadn’t left.

“Rest now,” he said.

She nodded and mumbled something. He only made out the word whiskers.

“I’ll take care of it.” He laughed and caught himself. He rarely laughed.

Occasionally one of the children would earn a chuckle from him, but laughing and smiling was not something he did freely. Except when his wife was close by, apparently.

“How is she?” Lach asked him. Kenna had stopped by to check on Dorie earlier but had been called away when Mari complained of a backache.

“She doesn’t like my beard,” Bryce muttered.

“How can ye tell?”

Bryce still hadn’t told the others his wife could speak. It was her secret to share, and he’d wait until she was ready. He was so glad she would live to have the chance.

“I just know,” he answered Lach’s question.

“Aye. Kenna and I are able to speak without words. Just a look or a touch and we know what the other is thinking. It’s a blessing most days.” Lach smiled but rubbed his chin. “I believe we’re going to be needed to help Cam soon, though.”

“Help Cam?” Bryce looked down at Dorie. There was no way he’d leave her side. He’d already left one wife to waste away. He’d stay right where he was and see this one back to health. Beard and stench be damned.

“Mari has said her back pains her.”

“And? It’s no wonder. She’s carrying around a— Ah.” Bryce finally understood what Lach was saying. “Are you an expert on birthing babes, cousin?”