“Nothing so drastic,” Bran said reassuringly. “I think they’ll be surprised, or at least Rhys will. Gwyn is less likely to be because she has a better sense of the emotions of all her children.”
“Whereas Rhys is a protective father to all of us and might disown me for taking advantage of his beloved eldest daughter,” Cade said flatly.
“Anyone who believes that Tam can be taken advantage of doesn’t know her very well,” Bran said dryly. “I expect that after the first shock, Rhys will see reason. If there’s going to be trouble, it will be among the younger members of the family, particularly the girls. They all adore Tam and have her firmly on a pedestal. Some might have trouble seeing her as a woman in her own right rather than as an icon.”
Cade frowned as he thought of the younger Tremayne brothers and sisters. “I think you may be right. They’ll surely blame me for behaving badly where Tam is concerned.”
Bran nodded. “Some will think it’s romantic, others will be appalled.”
“What about Cameron? I’ve always suspected that he might be half in love with Tam himself. That makes me the villain again.”
“Perhaps, but he rather idolizes you. He might think that you’re a worthy mate for the Tremayne golden girl.”
Taken aback, Cade said, “Why would he idolize me? That’s ridiculous!”
“You underestimate the effect you have on others.” Bran’s expression became troubled. “I think there’s a reasonably good chance the family will eventually accept a marriage between you and Tam, but I have no idea how any given family member will react, nor how long acceptance would take.”
Cade wished Bran’s analysis was more optimistic, but it sounded realistic. Bran was always honest with him. He asked quietly, “How doyoufeel, Bran? Your opinion matters more to me than anyone else’s.”
“I want you to be as happy as Merryn and I are,” Bran said, his gaze direct. “If you and Tamsyn are right for each other, I hope and pray that you can find a way to be together that everyone can accept.”
“Thank you,” Cade said awkwardly. “It would be very hard if you disapproved.”
“This brings up an important question,” Bran said slowly. “Is she as committed to you as you are to her?”
Cade’s first reaction was to retort that of course she was, but then he forced himself to be objective because that question was critically important. Leave it to Bran to ask it. “I think so, but I’m . . . not quite sure. I’ve been in love with Tam for years, but this is new for her.”
Though the mutual attraction was strong, he wondered uneasily if Tamsyn might be confusing the discovery of passion with deep, lasting love. He hated that thought, but in fairness to her, the issue must be considered. “With everyone in the family gifted, I suspect that she and I can’t even talk to each other without other Tremaynes noticing now that we’re back in England.”
Bran’s expression became thoughtful. “There may be a way around that. Your gift for stealth. If you want to go to her room tonight to talk or anything else, you should be able to do so unnoticed.”
Startled, Cade said, “I hadn’t thought of using stealth in such a personal way.”
“Why not? It could be a useful way to give you and Tam the chance to work out your future without having an audience watching and judging.”
“An excellent idea.” Cade smiled a little. “Ideas have always been your specialty.”
“Here’s another one. Don’t call on Tam until she’s had time to wash up.” Bran laughed. “She’s surely cherishing having hot water and won’t want to be interrupted. And get that expression off your face!”
Cade groaned. It was hard not to imagine Tam blissfully enjoying the hot water as she washed her bare curves. Her blond hair would be pinned on top of her head and a few silken tendrils would curl around her neck. “You’re right. And now that you mention it, I could use a good washup, too. I’d love fresh clothes as well, but I don’t have much with me.”
“I brought along a change of clothing for you,” Bran said.
Cade stared at him. “You were that confident you’d find me?”
“Not exactly confident, but hopeful.” Bran reached under his bed and pulled out his traveler bag. “If you want to go down to order some hot water, I’ll unpack the outfit I brought.”
“You are the best of brothers!” Cade exclaimed.
Bran laughed. “Indeed I am!”
CHAPTER32
Tamsyn usually enjoyed the freedom of wearing boy’s clothing, but after doing that continuously for so long, it was a pleasure to dress as a female again. She hung up the blue morning gown she’d worn to dinner in the hope that some of the wrinkles would fall out, and after her delightful hot-water washup, she donned a soft shift to sleep in. Mrs. Williams had lent her a cozy shawl for the evening, and she felt thoroughly pampered.
As she combed the tangles from her freshly washed hair, she wondered if Cade and Bran really would talk all night. Quite possibly, and much of their discussion would surely be about her and Cade.
She was starting to braid her hair in preparation for going to bed when there was a soft knock on her door. As she crossed the room to open it, she wondered who would be calling at this late hour, but she couldn’t sense who was on the other side of the door. Which was interesting because she almost always knew.
