Alannah answered before he could finish. “The family that bought our home had a son who joined with our brothers.”
“This is the farm you sold?” He slowed, taking a longer look at the fields around them.
“Aye.” Alannah gritted her teeth against the ache that rose in her chest at the sight of the front door opening. It was impossible not to imagine her mother behind it, even after all these years. She felt Conan’s eyes on her.
He didn’t say a word. He took her hand instead, giving it a squeeze.
“Alannah, is that you?” Nuala called from the open door. She hurried to meet them before they reached the house, walking back toward it with them. “I saw someone walking down the path there, but I never expected to see you all the way out here. What brings you? Oh, I’m Nuala, by the way,” she added, smiling at Conan.
“Nice to meet you, Nuala. I’m Conan.” He grinned at her, charming as ever.
But his smile didn’t hold the same promise of mischief as it did when it was for her. That realization eased her chest a bit, but the ache didn’t go away completely.
“I was wondering if Darragh had returned with the rest of the men,” Alannah asked.
Nuala’s face lit up like a bonfire. “Darragh!” she yelled. “Come out here, would you?”
A tall, lanky man with shaggy brown hair hurried out the door. He’d filled out since he left with her brothers, but he still had the same freckled face and fun-loving smile.
“Alannah.” He ran over and lifted her into a giant hug.
Over his shoulder, she saw Conan’s jaw clench. He didn’t try to hide his glare, either.
If she didn’t know any better, she’d say he was jealous. But that was ridiculous. They weren’t even lovers, really. She’d bedded him twice, aye, and she’d grown entirely too fond of him. But they hadn’t discussed anything more than that yet. And he still planned to leave.
He had no business being jealous, but Alannah couldn’t suppress the way it made her chest swell knowing that he was.
“How are you?” she asked after Darragh set her back down. “When did you get back?”
“Just two days ago,” he answered. “And I’m just fine. Had a few cuts and a close call or two, but I fared better than many.”
“I’m just so glad he made it back to me.” Nuala looked at her son like he was her whole world, then she turned to Alannah. “Have your brothers come back yet?”
Alannah swallowed. “That’s actually why I came by. They haven’t. I was hoping maybe you knew why.”
Darragh’s face went blank, then he perked up. “They were transferred,” he said. “Almost as soon as we arrived at the fort. I don’t know where, but they both left right away.”
Air returned to her lungs. Conan placed a hand on the small of her back.
“They might still be alive,” she breathed.
“Oh, I’m sure they’re just fine,” Nuala soothed, rubbing her arm. “They’re strong and clever. Good men. They’ll be alright. Do you want to come in? I can fix some porridge.”
Alannah waved away her kindness. “No, thank you. I should get back and tell Emer.” And there was no way she was ever setting foot in that house again. “Thank you, both of you.”
Conan’s hand never left her back as they turned and walked away. “Are you alright?”
“Of course,” she answered automatically.
He stopped walking. “Emer’s not here.” His tone was soft but firm. “You don’t have to put on a show of strength or hide your wounds. Now, are you alright?”
Her shoulders dropped in response. “No,” she whispered. “I don’t think I am.”
“Come here.” He pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in the earthy scent of leather and the warmth of his body.
She buried her face in the hard plane of his chest. “I just really thought they’d come home. I thought I’d get to see them again.”
Beneath her forehead, his heart pounded out a steady rhythm. She felt tension forming in his arms. Looking up, she saw it in his face, too. “What’s wrong?”
