Page 79 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

But it was clear something was the matter. Lach still looked anxious. Sutherland had proven himself a friend, so Bryce wasn’t sure why Lach would delay.

“What is it you’re not telling us?” Bryce asked.

“I’ve gotten word from Dorien. His men can leave England within the month.”

“That’s good news,” Cam said. “Why do you look so angry about it?”

“There’s a condition.”

“Of course there is.” Bryce tossed up his arms. “The bloody English have conditions for everything.”

“So do the Scots,” Cam reminded him with a shrug. “What is his condition?”

“He sent a copy of the annulment. Bryce must sign it, send it back, and promise never to see Dorie again.”

“That doesna seem like much of a condition.” Cam looked at Bryce. “You haven’t seen the lass since she left, and you haven’t seemed worried over it. You’ll be free. Back to the way you were before she arrived and you had to marry her. It’s just what you’d hoped for.”

Aye. It was what he’d hoped for. So why wasn’t he ripping the papers out of Lach’s hand and signing them? He spared himself a moment of sadness. Receiving the annulment meant Dorie wasn’t with child. That should be good news as well…so why did he wish he could hold her?

Because she had always been sad each time her courses came. She’d not said anything, but he had known she was disappointed while he’d only been relieved.

But this time he wasn’t relieved. For it meant she wasn’t coming back.

“We’re sure there’s no way he can double-cross us?” Bryce asked Lach.

“I’ve read through his agreement and it’s quite clear. The only condition is for you to stay out of England.”

Bryce nodded and reached for the documents, but Lach pulled them out of his reach. “You’ll not sign them today. Think it over and we can discuss it tomorrow.”

“What’s there to discuss? Cam’s right, I never wanted the marriage in the first place. I have no reason to go to England, so why not sign it and have it done with? It will take care of all our problems.”

“I understand it will take care of our problems with the McCurdy, but I want to make sure I’m not creating other problems.”

“What other problems?” Bryce didn’t want to talk about this. He just wanted to sign the bloody papers and go on with his miserable life.

“Like ruining my war chief’s chance to find happiness again.”

Bryce snorted and left the hall. There would be no changing Lachlan’s mind. Bryce would have to wait until the next day to be done with it. In the bailey, he sat on the steps and ran his hands through his hair. He didn’t need time to think. He’d been a husband to Maggie and he hadn’t wanted to marry another. How many times did he need to say it?

This annulment was exactly what he needed to put an end to his thoughts of what could happen if Dorie returned. It would ensure he never saw her again. He could be done with all of this unwanted situation with the scratch of a quill across parchment.

Rascal came up and nudged his hand. “Go away.”

Surprisingly enough, the dog listened and lumbered away, leaving Bryce to his unsettled thoughts. It figured the dog would obey when he hadn’t really wanted him to go.

“Razz, come.” The dog stopped and looked back at him as if asking if Bryce actually knew what he wanted. The answer was no. “Here, boy,” he said with more excitement. The big ox ran to him, tongue out and tail wagging. “How are you holding up, lad? Do you still remember her? Do you miss her?”

As if in answer, the dog barked and ran toward the gate. When he saw Bryce wasn’t following, he ran back to sit in front of him, lifted his paw, and scratched it against Bryce’s thigh. He barked again and took off for the gate once more.

“I’m sorry, boy. She’s not coming back. Duty forced me to marry her, and now duty will keep me from ever getting her back.”

It was easy to blame his lack of action on duty to his clan, but he knew the real reason he wasn’t willing to rip up the annulment and head for England. Because if he did, he’d have to admit to the world—and worse, himself—that he missed her and needed her. He’d have to face the fact that he wanted Dorie.

After tossing and turning all night, he was in a poor mood when he entered the hall for the morning meal.

“Where are the bloody papers? I’ll sign them now and be done with it,” he snapped without even bothering to wish anyone a good morning. Kenna frowned when Lach shrugged.

“Very well. They’re in my study. We’ll take care of it after we eat.”