“Do you want me to leave?” he asked.
“Of course not, but I cannot make you stay.” She looked at him in her mirror. “You are a man who makes his way in this world. You wander. You conquer. And you—”
“I searched.” He pulled her around to look at him. “Ifound.”
She wanted to believe. Damn it, she wanted everything he said to be true, but…
“You’re going to make me say it first, aren’t you? Ach, lass—”
She winced. “You do not have a brogue! Stop trying to fake one!”
He chuckled. “Very well, Iseabail. For you, I shall break my manly pride and say it first.” He dropped down on one knee before her. “I love you, Iseabail. I was attracted to you the first moment I saw you, but love came later. Love came when you fought like a warrior in Hyde Park. It came when you listened to reason and argued for logic. It bowled me over when you poked fun at my brogue, and it set my blood on fire when you faced down your uncle and claimed your birthright before God and your clan. Iseabail, I have not met a woman equal to you, and I cannot help but love you. You have my heart, my soul, and my body for as long as you will it. Iseabail Bates Spalding, will you allow me to stay by your side forever?”
It was true. He meant it, every word. She could see the truth of it in his face and body. He was devoted to her. Helovedher!
“You won’t get bored and leave me?” she asked.
“Do you not think there are challenges enough here? Good God, woman, I have such ideas for your market. I shall make your corner of Scotland the center of all commerce! And I have relatives in London who will let me market their wares here.” He waggled his eyebrows. “London goods in Spalding. Scottish goods sent to London. It will take years to accomplish. But I will not do it without you by my side.”
She snorted. “I am your laird. Of course, I will be here.”
He laughed. “You are that, indeed.”
He loved her, and the truth of that blossomed inside her as nothing else ever had. She felt it in her heart as well in as in his touch. And so she answered with her full truth.
“I love you, Reuben. Please stay with me forever.”
“Forever.”
He kissed her then, and she returned it fully. And though there were a million things to do, and a million more things to plan, the Spalding laird and her consort remained in their chamber for the entire day. One day for just them.
But on the morrow, they both got busy creating a future for themselves and everyone they loved.
