Page 41 of Highland Spirit

“Dumped ye,” said Caleb, yawning and closing his eyes. “Ye still canna even say it yet, can ye?”

Logan smiled and continued to polish his sword. “Mayhap we should stay here. That way, if she tries to leave ye again, we can hold her down and keep her from runnin’.”

“That’s enough.” Ethan walked over and took the sword from Logan’s hand, laying it on the table. “Now, I mean it. I want to talk with her alone. I’ll never find out what’s goin’ on with ye two simpkins sittin’ here distractin’ her.” In two long strides, he was across the room, yanking the covers off of Caleb and pulling him to his feet. The pine marten hissed and ran out the open door followed by the wolf. Trapper started to follow but Ethan stopped him.

“Stay, boy,” he commanded and his dog sat down, still looking anxious like it wanted to chase his friends.

“Blethers, ye left the door open and now I need to go out in the cold and find Slink,” complained Caleb. He was barefooted and wearing nothing but his braies.

“Guid idea. So go,” said Ethan, swishing his hand in the air. “I told Alana to meet me here when she was done visitin’ with her daughter. She will be arrivin’ at any minute.”

“Hello?” Alana stuck her head in the door. “Is anyone home?”

“Alana!” Caleb half-turned, holding his hands over his groin area. “Dinna look.”

“Egads, Caleb, it’s no’ like there’s anythin’ to see.” Ethan walked over and grabbed a cloak from the wall and a pair of boots and handed them to Caleb. “Guidbye,” he said. “Dinna hurry back, ye two.”

“Come on, Caleb, we’ll find somethin’ better to do because this looks like it’s goin’ to be borin’,” complained Logan, grabbing his cloak and heading out the door. Caleb still stood there, not knowing what to do.

“Ye, too.” Ethan took Caleb by the elbow and hauled him across the room.

“Wait! I dinna have my boots on yet.” Caleb held the boots in one hand and the cloak in front of his nearly naked body with the other.

With Alana inside the building, Ethan pushed Caleb outside and slammed the door behind him. Immediately, a soft knocking noise was heard.

“I need my clothes,” came Caleb’s muffled voice from the other side of the door.

Ethan grabbed some clothes on a pile on the floor, knowing that is where Caleb always left his. He opened the door and his hand shot out. “Here.” He dropped them in Caleb’s hands.

“Thank y-” Caleb’s words were cut off as Ethan slammed the door in his face. He turned around to find Alana giggling, standing, warming her hands by the fire.

“Ye’re laughin’,” he said softly.

“Aye. I’m sorry,” she apologized. “It just struck me as funny, that’s all. Yer friends are special. I promise no’ to laugh again.”

“Nay.” He strolled across the room, his eyes focused on her. “I like it when ye giggle. It reminds me of the girl I used to ken.”

She stopped giggling then and stared into the fire. As he came closer, he swore he saw tears in her eyes.

“What we had was a guid thing, Ethan. But that . . . that was a long time ago.”

“What happened?” he whispered, coming up behind her. “Why did ye leave me when I thought ye loved me?”

She turned and looked up into his eyes. “I did love ye. And I still do.” She seemed sincere, and this only confused him more.

“Then why in heaven’s name did ye leave me on our weddin’ day?”

“I canna answer that, Ethan.”

“Why no’?” he growled. “Dinna ye think I deserve an answer?”

“Of course, ye do. But . . . but I canna give ye yer answer just yet.”

“Then tell me this. Was it because ye were in love with another man?” Ethan’s hands balled into fists as he considered the possibility.

“Nay!” she cried. “I’ve never loved anyone but ye, Ethan. Ye need to believe me.”

“How can I?” he asked, turning his head and looking the other way. He clenched his jaw as he spoke. “I havena seen ye in five years, and ye never had the consideration to tell me ye birthed another man’s baby.”