Page 93 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

Was she used to this life? Would she want these things, the beautiful gowns and the jewels he’d seen her wearing when she’d returned home the night before?

His soldier’s pay wouldn’t provide many of these luxuries. Perhaps once they took over the McCurdys and gained access to a port Bryce could learn a trade that would allow him to offer her the things she deserved.

The sun had risen and he still hadn’t come up with any skills he had, save fighting. Being a warrior and protecting his clan was all he’d ever known. Still, he’d find a way. He’d promised to make her happy and he would make sure he never let her down ever again.

Dorie opened her eyes and sat up, looking around. When her gaze landed on him, she smiled. “Oh, good. I’d hoped it wasn’t a dream.” She snuggled up against him then jumped out of bed. “It’s morning! I must go back to my room.”

“I hope this is the last time we have to worry about such things. I plan to speak with your father this morning about marrying you.” He frowned. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

“Of course not.” She looked at him as if he were mad as she yanked her shift over her head, covering up his favorite parts. Her hair was ravished, and she looked radiantly rumpled and a bit tired. Male pride brought a smile to his lips, but he pressed forward with his concern.

He’d been waiting all this time to tell her, and now words didn’t come easily. “This place is very nice.”

“Aye. It’s beautiful. I don’t think I’ve even been in all the rooms.” She laughed and he took a breath.

“I’ll not be able to give you a home like this.”

She blinked at him and paused by the door, ready to make her escape. “Of course we won’t have a home like this. You’re not a viscount, and we already have a home at Dunardry.”

“What about the dresses and the jewels? I’ll not be able to buy you such things, either.”

She tilted her head and came back to stand before him where he sat on the edge of the bed.

“The fancy clothing and jewels were just my father’s way of attracting attention to me. I believe he wanted the potential suitors to see his wealth so they would be more enticed into offering for me. In truth, I’m not one for such elaborate things. Don’t take me wrong, I do enjoy having shoes, which as you recall, is more than I had when we met. But beyond that, I do not wish for more than what I had when I lived with you. I don’t need baubles when I have the love of a fine man.” With that, she kissed him and rushed off to slip out the door as if she’d never been there in the first place.

He fell back onto the bed and pressed his face to her pillow to breathe in the scent of her. Keeping her with him a little longer.

Soon they’d never have to be apart again.

Chapter Thirty-One

Bryce ran a hand over his shirt to smooth it—as if that would help. As soon as the viscount saw Bryce’s smile he’d know immediately what they’d done. And he couldn’t stop smiling.

He coughed and walked into the room where Dorie’s father waited to speak with him. It was better to get it over with. Surely this village had a clergyman who could marry them so they could be on their way by noon. Bryce only had to survive this conversation.

Dorie was already seated in the room and he couldn’t help but notice she was smiling as well. When she spotted him, that smile grew and a lovely blush bloomed on her cheeks. No doubt she was remembering the night before. He couldn’t wait to have this morning over so they could be together as a married couple once more.

He took the seat as far from Dorie as possible so as not to touch her and offend her father. But even the distance didn’t keep them from stealing glances and sharing knowing smiles.

“Bloody hell. What have you done?” the viscount snapped while looking between them.

Even the threat of death couldn’t force Bryce to look away from the woman he loved. “I’m in love with your daughter, sir. I want to marry her. Today, preferably.”

“Did your laird discuss my offer and the stipulations?” he asked, sitting back in his chair and steepling his long fingers.

If the man thought to intimidate him, it wouldn’t work. Bryce was leaving with his wife. No matter what.

“Aye. He told me the only way you’d fund the men we asked for was if I signed the annulment and stayed away from Dorie. I may have signed it, but that was before I realized I didn’t want to live without her.” Bryce swallowed and his smile dimmed slightly. “My clan would like to have your assistance, but Lach told me I needed to do what was right for me. He said we’d figure out the rest later. I have his support. Will you give Dorie and me your blessing to be wed?”

The man stared at Bryce for a long time before turning to Dorie. “I’m afraid I cannot.”

Bryce reached for his sword, forgetting he’d left it in his room for this very reason. It wouldn’t do to slay the man and take Dorie away. She would want to have her father in her life, so Bryce needed to remain calm and not act the beast he felt.

“Papa, please!” Dorie cried, standing to come to his side. “I appreciate everything you did for me to try to find someone to love me, but it turns out I had him all along.”

“This is what you want? To be second best to a ghost?”

“She’s not second best,” Bryce cut in. His earlier smile was long gone now. He’d not allow anyone to belittle his feelings for Dorie. Not when he’d dragged himself through hell to finally allow those feelings. “She’s the most important person in my life.”