Caitlyn glanced at Alex, who nodded. He climbed down awkwardly, hoping it appeared like he tried to avoid jostling Caitlyn. But he paused when he stared up at her. She rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned toward him, making it easier for him to wrap his right arm around her. He pulled her from the saddle and eased her to the ground. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him, finally able to embrace him. She buried her face against his chest.
“You gave your bride a right scare, didn’t you, lad?” Helen bustled forward, tutting as she approached. She peered at Alex’s wound and shook her head. “Come along before that gets infected. And your wife looks ready to drop.”
“Gram, there’s no room in your croft, but there is in ours.” A woman who appeared older than Alex stepped forward. She ushered Alex and Caitlyn toward her open door. “I’m Mary, and this is my husband, Benedict. You’re welcome to stay with us. Our Matthew is married now,” Mary pointed to the first man who spoke, “and has his own croft with his family. We have space for you.”
“That’s kind of you. All we really need is some boiling water and the needle and thread, please.” Caitlyn leaned heavily against Alex as they approached the kind woman’s home. “We don’t wish to be any trouble.”
“We were just aboot to sit down to sup,” Benedict said as he opened the door wider for them. Caitlyn glanced at Alex, who looked just as weary as her, but she knew he was vigilant. They appreciated the hospitality, but how easily the families offered it unnerved them.
“We may not sound like some, but you’re in the Highlands now, lass.” Benedict spoke as though it explained it all, and Mary’s expression led Caitlyn to believe there was something she should understand but didn’t.
“Och, Highland hospitality,” Benedict elaborated. “You’re clearly in need, so we won’t turn you away. Share our hearth and our supper. You’ll be right as rain by morn.”
“You’re very generous.” Alex’s warm tone didn’t match the suspicious gaze that took in every detail within the croft. Curtained areas took up opposite corners of the back wall. The kitchen lay to the right of one of them, and there was a large wood table with benches in the center of the croft. The fire blazed, and the scent of cooking pottage wafted toward Alex. His stomach grumbled, which elicited a giggle from Caitlyn.
“You still growing, Alexander?” Benedict teased. Standing closer, Benedict was several years older than Mary and likely close in age to Alex’s father, Tavin. When Caitlyn ducked her head to hide another giggle, her body pressed against his hip. He could think of something that would grow if he didn’t put some distance between them.
“The meal is nearly ready, but there is plenty of time for you to get cleaned up and for Sorcha to mend your arm.” Mary nodded toward a ewer and basin. Caitlyn fetched it and placed it on the table while Mary fetched a sewing kit. “I can get you fresh water before you clean your husband’s wound.”
Caitlyn and Alex exchanged a long look, a range of emotions flickering across each of their faces. First to break their gaze, Caitlyn lathered a linen square and washed Alex’s face and neck. She’d helped him throughout his fortnight convalescence, and it felt natural now. When she was through, she washed her own hands and face. While Benedict poured out the dirty water from the basin and refilled the ewer, Mary worked in the kitchen. Caitlyn helped ease the doublet from Alex’s wounded arm, trying not to stare at his bare chest. She knew the effort was pointless. She’d yet to overcome the temptation even once.
“C—Sorcha.” Alex caught himself but only barely. “It can wait until after we’ve eaten. You look exhausted.”
Caitlyn ignored Alex as she washed the gash and inspected it. She accepted the jug of whisky Benedict offered. She tried to pass it to Alex, but he refused. It was she who winced when she poured the alcohol over Alex’s wound. Her eyes watered when Alex didn’t seem to register any pain.
“I can feel it,leannan. But there is naught either of us can do. I know you’re doing your best.” Alex squeezed Caitlyn’s hand as he called her sweetheart. Caitlyn nodded, appreciating his reassurance. Once the needle and thread were ready, she angled Alex toward the fireplace, needing the extra light. She was quick and efficient, wanting to cease adding to Alex’s pain.
“Seems like you’ve stitched your mon up before.” Mary pointed to the beginning of a scar on Alex’s back. “Accident prone, are you?”
“Aye.” Alex nodded but kept his eyes on Caitlyn as she worked. She applied the salve Mary offered and accepted the linen strips to bandage Alex’s arm. When she finished, Alex feared she might fall asleep on her feet. He made room for her on the bench and held out his right arm. She slid onto the seat next to him, sagging against him as his muscular body seemed to shelter her from the world. “Can you stay awake long enough to eat?”
Caitlyn nodded as she struggled to stifle a yawn. She didn’t understand how Alex appeared as though they’d done little more than go for an afternoon jaunt. She ate without tasting the food, even though the sustenance helped revive her. She watched as Alex struggled into his doublet. She wished to help, but she didn’t want to embarrass him by appearing to coddle him. But she didn’t know if she made it worse by making it obvious that Alex couldn’t easily dress himself. At her confused mien, Alex kissed her temple.
“I’m going to check on Strong. I won’t be away long.” Alex ducked out of the croft, and Caitlyn turned to find Mary stood watching her.
“Strong?”
“Aye. Alexander was still a boy when his horse was born. He was enormous even then, so he figured it was the right name.” Caitlyn shrugged, recalling not to mention the entire reason for the animal’s name.
“Then you’ve known one another a long time.”
Caitlyn grew cautious as she responded to Mary. “Since I was five, and he was seven. We grew up together in the same village.”
“No wonder you’re so in love. You’ve been sweethearts since the beginning.” Mary smiled as she led Caitlyn to one of the cordoned off areas and drew back the curtain. The bed was made with fresh sheets, which Mary turned down. “I can lend you a chemise if you wish for something else to sleep in.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you anymore. You and your husband have been so generous already.” Caitlyn shook her head but smiled.
“Then I’ll help you unlace your gown. I’m sure your husband would rather have the task, but I think his arm needs the rest.”
Caitlyn’s cheeks radiated heat as she considered Mary and Benedict expected them to share the bed beside her. Many married lairds and ladies didn’t share a chamber, but peasant couples shared their bed. She offered a jerky nod and turned her back to Mary. She hung the gown on a peg as she heard the door close and realized Alex returned from the stables.
“Your wife is in bed, lad.” Mary’s soft voice floated to Caitlyn just before she scrambled to get under the covers before Alex could catch sight of her in only her chemise. They’d swum together countless times as children, but it had been years since he’d seen her in her underclothes.
“Sorcha?”
“Aye, Alex. You can come in.” Caitlyn watched as Alex eased back the curtain, cautious not to expose her to Mary and Benedict. But she pushed back the covers and climbed across the bed to kneel before Alex. She undid his doublet’s buttons, then nudged him to turn around. She eased the garment over his bandages. She ran her fingers over the healing wound on Alex’s back.
“I’m all right, Caity.” Alex kept his voice so low that Caitlyn barely heard him. He turned to her and offered a reassuring smile before he pulled the covers back up on his side of the bed. To lie on his right side, he had to turn away from Caitlyn. It also forced him to be farther from the door, leaving Caitlyn as the first person anyone stumbled upon. He would have to lie on his left arm. “Switch sides.”
