And she ran.
Her boots pounded against the wooden floor as she backed up, then sprinted forward. The portal was closing fast, but she didn’t slow. Didn’t hesitate.
Didn’t look back.
At the last second, sheleapt. The world twisted around her, and then—
She crashed into something solid and warm, sending them both sprawling onto the stone floor.
A grunt sounded beneath her, and she looked down, dazed. Niall was lying flat on his back, his strong arms instinctively wrapped around her. His face was a mixture of shock, relief, and something so fierce it stole her breath.
Around them, voices shouted, boots scuffled. She barely registered the fact that the corridor was filled with people. MacAllister was being hauled to his feet, Lady Murray hissing something furious as she was dragged away.
None of that mattered. Because she was here.
Withhim.
Charlotte pressed her hands to Niall’s chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breath. His hands clenched around her waist, as if afraid she might disappear.
His green eyes searched hers, disbelieving. “Charlotte?” His voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper. “What—?”
She swallowed hard. “I couldn’t do it.”
His brows drew together.
“I couldn’t leave you,” she whispered. “Because I love you, Niall. Ilove you.”
A shuddering breath left him, his hands tightening on her as if anchoring himself. His expression was raw, his eyes blazing with emotion. Then, before she could say another word, he shifted beneath her, one arm curling around her back while his other hand found her face, fingers sliding into her hair.
“Marry me.” The words were rough, urgent.
“What?”
“Marry me,” he repeated, his voice steadier this time, but no less desperate. “Be my wife. I canna—” His throat bobbed. “I canna let ye go. Not again.”
Tears burned behind her eyes, but she gave a soft laugh. “You absolute idiot,” she whispered, tracing her fingers along his jaw. “OfcourseI’ll marry you.”
A grin split his face, half disbelieving, half triumphant, and then he was kissing her, hard and fierce and full of everything he couldn’t say.
Somewhere beyond them, someone cleared their throat. Joseph?
“Well, that’s finally settled, then. About bloody time.”
