“I wish you didn’t, but I ken you do because you take your duty seriously.”
“This isn’t just aboot duty as your husband and as a laird. This is aboot the woman I love being in danger, and I can’t stop it. I can’t protect you the way I want, the way I should.”
“Brodie, cease.” Laurel’s voice was laced with authority, and Brodie’s chin jerked back. “We can want everything under the sun, but we rarely get more than a taste. I’ve known since I was a wean that I would likely marry a laird one day. As I grew aulder, I understood the danger that comes with being a clan’s lady. Whether I married you or some lesser chieftain, I could still be at risk. That isn’t your fault. That is life among Highlanders, and the price we pay for our position. As for what you should or shouldn’t do, cease your blathering. I’m alive and at your side, the only place I want to be. If you didn’t make me feel the way I do, I wouldn’t have been strong enough to survive. I would have given up. You’ve given me more than you realize, and that’s kept me alive.”
“Laurie…” Brodie didn’t know what to say. His wife’s philosophical perspective made simple work of what felt complicated.
“Hush, husband. I was exceedingly comfortable a moment ago. I’d like to go back to that.”
“I am ever your servant, my lady.”
“I shall remind you of that the first time you complain that I harp at you.”
The couple smiled at one another before Laurel yawned. She sighed as she closed her eyes. They lay together in the now dark cave. Laurel wasn’t certain when she fell asleep, but she was unprepared to be disturbed when Brodie shifted from beneath her for his turn at watch. She grumbled but settled back under the plaids they’d shared. Her hand rested where Brodie’s heart had been. The heat he left behind was a slight comfort.
