“But now,” Torin continued, situating himself against his pillows, “it’s time for me to move on, to start over someplace new, and hopefully not make the same mistakes again.”
She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “You won’t.”
“And you have to stop making the same mistakes too.” His tone was gentle. “Stop being afraid to love Kiernan.”
She clasped his hand harder, as if she could cling to him and never let him go. “It’s more than just being afraid to love him.” Although she was sure that was a big part of it.
“I realize you don’t think you can be what he needs in a wife. But I know you, so I do. And you are more than enough for Kiernan.”
More than enough? Was she really? A part of her knew that even though Kiernan had created the list, he could change his mind about what he wanted in a wife. Maybe their relationship had helped him grow and learn to see life a different way.
Torin smiled. “I think Bellamy saw that Kiernan needed someone exactly like you—someone who accepts and admires him for who he is inside and not for what he accomplishes.”
Oh aye, she admired him for the man he was inside more than anything else. She’d rejected him again that morning in the hallway when he told her he loved her and wanted her to marry him. And, like past rejections, he’d still given her another new book.
“He’s a good man,” she whispered.
“I agree.” Torin fell silent for several heartbeats. “That’s why you would make me very happy if you would marry him before I leave for California.”
Could she really consider the option?
“It would put my mind at ease, knowing you’re wed to a man who adores you.”
“He doesn’t adore me.”
“Oh aye, he does. Whyever do you think he went to so much trouble to save me?”
“He would have helped you regardless of me.”
Torin gave a one-shouldered shrug. “So you’ll marry him?”
“You’re sure you don’t want me to move to California with you?”
“No, lass. Your life is here, with Kiernan.” The steadiness and certainty in the depths of Torin’s eyes assured her that he’d be okay without her, as long as he knew that she was happy.
A sudden keen longing swelled inside her. She would be happy with Kiernan, of that she had no doubt. But how would she ever adjust to the life he led?
She didn’t know how she would ever fit into his world. But the truth was, she loved him too much not to try.
At a knock on the bedroom door, she shot out of her chair and fidgeted with her hair, twisting a loose strand back on one side and then smoothing the rest.
Torin chuckled. “You’re more than in love with him. You’re crazy in love.”
She scowled at Torin over her shoulder as she approached the door. “Hush now.” Straightening her shoulders, she swung the door open wide, her heart pattering hard. What would Kiernan say now?
An unfamiliar man stood in the hallway, middle-aged and rotund, with a mustache and one drooping eye. He tipped the brim of his cap at her, then peered past her.
She stepped into the hallway and snapped the door closed, hoping he hadn’t already caught sight of Torin.
Even if Torin wasn’t fully healed, maybe the sooner he left town the better. It would be difficult to keep his presence asecret at the house for much longer, especially if any of the other Shanahan family came to visit. Thankfully this week, except for Kiernan’s da, everyone was gone.
The fellow took a step back. “Mr. Shanahan said Torin wanted to see me.”
“Torin is dead.” Had Winston let this fellow in the house, and if so, why?
“Who is it?” Torin called. “Is it Donahue?”
The rotund man nodded vigorously and leaned toward the door. “It’s me, boss.”
