Page 11 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

It was a mother’s job to protect her children. He’d seen it well enough with Lady Kenna, Mari, and Dorie with her new little one. Liam wouldn’t judge Evelyn harshly for wanting to protect her child. But it stung seeing the little girl afraid of him and unable to do anything about it.

As soon as they finished eating, they packed up and were off again until dark. That night, Evelyn moved her blankets on the other side of the fire from where he’d bedded down, as if she feared he’d launch himself on her.

He grumbled his displeasure at being left alone and falsely accused. Despite the fact he’d been thinking of being with her all day as he watched her fine arse bounce up and down in the saddle before him.

He started a new carving until he dozed off. By the time the girl woke the next morning, it was finished. Gwennie was more cautious that morning, but when he held out the second rabbit, she rushed over to collect it.

“I’m sorry, lass. I know how to make only the rabbits. Anytime I try to make something else, it’s a pitiful mess.” He laughed and she smiled at him.

When Evelyn stirred, Liam backed away so she wouldn’t panic at him being close to Gwennie.

And so it went on for the next few days as they made their way back to Dunardry. He’d not so much as kissed his new bride, though he’d longed to do that and more.

He’d added six more rabbits to Gwennie’s collection. At this rate, the wooden ones were outproducing live rabbits, but they were working only to gain the trust of one of the females in his party.

He would give his wife time to adjust to their new situation and hope that eventually they’d be a family like he’d always dreamed.

Chapter Seven

Evelyn grew weary of being the fierce protector. Each time she saw the uncertainty in Liam’s eyes as he backed away from Gwennie, she knew she’d hurt him with her distrust. But he’d not once complained or argued with her about Gwennie’s care.

At the time she married Liam, she’d been desperate, but as was the way with decisions, very few were made without repercussions. She didn’t know what she expected. She thought maybe he’d be angry to find she had a child. She thought he might take her to Dunardry and not want to have anything to do with her. That would have suited her fine.

But she’d landed the one man who actually wanted a family and didn’t care if the child didn’t come from his loins. She should’ve known the sweet man she’d met in her darkest hour years ago would have the patience to stay with her. Other than a few grumbles she couldn’t make out, he’d not spoken an ill word.

Her new husband had shown nothing but kindness to her and Gwennie as they traveled, yet she made sure to keep distance between him and her child. He’d offered more than once to take Gwennie with him for a bit as they rode, but she couldn’t allow it. Gwendolyn was her child. Her responsibility.

It was Evelyn’s job to protect her daughter. She hadn’t been there to do it for the beginning of the girl’s life, but she would see to it from now on.

At night, she waited until Liam was settled before taking her daughter to the other side of the fire. It was colder compared to the first night when Liam had slept next to her, but she couldn’t let down her guard.

They stopped midday for a quick bite to eat and a drink. The May sun warmed her face and arms, which had become chilled while riding in the hills. Her cloak was wrapped around Gwennie to keep her warm.

When they were ready to leave again, Liam came to help her mount as he always did. She made sure to tend to her daughter. But as she reached for Gwennie this time, her daughter cried out in pain.

“What is it, love?” Evelyn asked.

Gwendolyn held up her arms to be lifted, but again when Evelyn placed her hands on Gwennie’s ribs she screamed. Evelyn bent to look, pulling up her dress to find bruises.

“It’s from that bloody sash. In the hills it pulls on her too much,” Liam said.

“She’ll be fine. The land will level out soon enough.” With a firm nod she adjusted her hold on Gwennie and put her in the saddle before getting up without his assistance.

“Evelyn,” Liam said quietly, “I’m your husband, which means she’s my daughter, too.”

“Stepdaughter.”

Liam waved his hand in disregard. “Step is an extra word that has no relevance. I’m Gwennie’s father, and I’ll take care of her the same as you. It’s my duty.” With that, he reached up and lifted Gwennie from the horse by her waist instead of her ribs and carried her to his horse. “I can ride one-handed and make sure she doesn’t fall.”

Evelyn expected her daughter to cry and protest at being carried off by a stranger, but she didn’t even though Evelyn herself tensed. Over their journey and despite Evelyn’s attempts to keep her away from him, her daughter had grown to trust Liam. They’d bonded in the mornings while Evelyn slept as he made her an army of wooden rabbits and won her heart.

She should’ve been happy her new husband cared so much for her child, and she definitely preferred that to how he might have felt considering her deception, but Evelyn still wasn’t comfortable for her child to be out of her arms. It was so new.

Evelyn’s father had sent Gwendolyn, his own grandchild, away after she was born, as if she were rubbish.

Men, even ones who should care for you, weren’t to be trusted.

“She’ll be fine.”