“Why wouldn’t she?”
Cullen stared at him as if he were daft. “She is a lady. I am but a peasant.”
“Not in America. Besides, you’re probably wealthier than her father.”
“Truly?” Cullen asked in disbelief.
“Without a doubt. I offered the earl one of our gold mines in exchange for your release.”
Cullen shook his head. “One ofourgold mines?”
“Yes, and the fool thought he’d get the gold mine, you, and me. Now not only does he lose all three but his daughter as well.”
“That makes me happy,” Cullen said with a grin that turned to a wince.
“That lip looks painful.”
“My heart feels too much joy to acknowledge pain.”
The brothers smiled and continued walking. There’d be time to talk more of their past, but for now they hurried their steps toward the future.
In an hour’s time, they reached the area where Alaina waited along with the others from camp. They would all travel from there to Burke’s ship, and by nightfall tomorrow they’d be on board and setting sail.
The problem was, they wouldn’t be safe until they were on the ship. Soldiers probably were already beginning to prowl the woods in search of them, and being they had a good head start, they had to keep it that way.
Everyone was advised to keep their voices hushed while Burke and Storm saw to organizing the group in sections and placing one of Storm’s men in charge of each section.
“Where’s Alaina?” Cullen asked, anxiously searching the sea of faces.
“Can’t find her?” Burke asked with a grin.
Cullen gave a frustrated shake of his head, while glancing from person to person until…
“That’s my Alaina,” he said softly when what appeared to be a young lad removed a stocking cap and her long red waves fell free.
He rushed to her side, scooping her up in his arms and hugging her tightly to him. Alaina buried her face in his chest and when she lifted her face, tears stained her cheeks. Cullen kissed them away and they held on to each other as if they never intended to part.
Burke watched them, his smile wide.
“It must feel good to have found your brother and to reunite him with the woman he loves,” Storm said, taking Burke’s hand.
He grasped on to her. “I only wish my father could be here. He had searched so long and hard for Cullen.”
“I think he knew that you would not fail him and died with a peaceful heart.”
Burke leaned down and kissed her. “Did I tell you I love you today?”
She nodded. “While you carried me.”
“Well, I’m telling you again. I love you.”
She poked him. “I think the Longton brothers love—”
“For life,” Burke finished, stealing another kiss.
“You mean I’m stuck with you until I die?”
“Longer,” he said. “You’re never getting rid of me.”
