“I’ve changed my mind,” the man said. “I want to get off the ship now.”
“I’ll help him off,” Cullen offered and looked to Burke.
Burke understood. Cullen didn’t want Storm to know that he wouldn’t be sailing with them. She would certainly disagree and then insist on staying to help him, and Cullen was right. Storm needed to get far away from Scotland if she was ever to be safe.
“Let me get some coins for you,” Burke offered the man.
“How generous. Thank you,” the man said.
“Cullen, come with me,” Burke said, and the brothers walked off together.
When they entered the cabin, Burke said, “I want to make certain you have sufficient funds to find your son.”
Cullen stared wide-eyed at the coins he handed him.
“Enough?” Burke asked, ready to reach for more.
“I believe this will suffice,” Cullen said and tucked the purse in his kilt.
“I also want you to have this,” Burke said, slipping their father’s ring off his finger and holding it out to Cullen. “It belonged to our father and he had hoped to give it to you.”
Cullen looked at it but didn’t take it from Burke. “Keep it for now. Give it to me when I join you in America.”
Burke realized what his brother was saying without saying it. If by chance he didn’t make it to America, Burke would still have their father’s ring.
“I’ll keep it safe for you,” Burke said.
“I’ll be looking forward to getting it from you.”
The brothers stared for a moment at each other and then left the cabin.
“Hurry, Cullen, we leave soon,” Storm said.
“I won’t be gone long,” Cullen said with a smile, and helped the older man down the gangplank.
“I need help with something,” Burke said to Storm, drawing her attention away from Cullen and keeping her busy until the ship had set sail away from the dock.
Burke stood on the deck watching Scotland fade from view when Storm joined him.
“I can’t find Cullen,” she said, sneaking beneath his arm to snuggle against him.
Burke held her tight, knowing her reaction once he told her about his brother. “He’s not coming with us.”
“What?” she shouted and tried to slip out of his arms.
He wouldn’t have it. He held her firm.
“I can’t believe you let him stay behind. Why?”
“He has good reason,” Burke said and explained.
A tear trickled down Storm’s cheek. “Cullen was right. I would have insisted on remaining behind to help.”
“Cullen will come home,” Burke said, hugging her close.
“He’d better or we’ll be returning to Scotland.”
“You’ll not be returning to Scotland,” Burke insisted.
