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“Perhaps you smelled smoke?”

“I do not believe so,” she responded. “But ‘twas something.”

“Nevertheless,” Niall said. “The fire had just started. We were able to save them, but . . .” He looked at her. “I do not believe we can save the stables. There is simply too much kindling.”

Maisie could not find her voice but nodded instead.

Kieran’s arm wrapped around her. “Did you see them take her?” he asked.

“Aye. At Maisie’s first yell of ‘fire,’ I was up and running from my chamber. I saw both her and you at the same time.”

That seemed to please Kieran. And oddly, it pleased her too.

The rest of the evening went by in a blur. By the time morning broke, a makeshift stable had been crafted with water bins and hay for the horses to feed on, though they needed to be tied off. The fire, though it had consumed her stables, was not fully finished yet. It taunted them even now, the remaining flames fewer than before but ever present.

“I need to begin the morning meal,” she said to Kieran, who had just finished helping to construct the makeshift watering bins.

“In a chemise?” He looked her up and down, grinning.

“Perhaps not,” she said.

“Come, we will change you.”

We will change you.

Stopping briefly in the kitchen, Maisie took a bucket of water, no longer needed as they’d long ago given up attempting to put out the fire, and she made her way abovestairs.

When she finished wiping down her face and arms, Kieran did the same.

“I fear that cloth is no longer for this world,” she said, the previously cream fabric having turned completely black.

“I fear you are right.”

At that, no more words were exchanged. Maisie simply walked into Kieran’s arms and never wanted to leave. He held her tight for too long. She needed to get dressed and return to the hall. But when she tried to break away from him, Kieran stopped her.

“Not yet,” was all he said.

And so they stayed that way for a bit longer.

“I love you,” Maisie whispered into his ear. “I love you so much, Kieran.”

He pulled back. “’Tis good to hear the words.”

“I’d planned to say them anyway when you returned. To tell you I was just not ready to marry but that I loved you nonetheless.”

“Was?”

“Was. I spoke to Lina. Thought hard about what I was afraid of and realized ‘twas unreasonable. You would never attempt to control me. To have me do something I dinnae wish to do.”

“Never,” he agreed. “And I am glad you know that now.”

“I do. My hesitation is gone, and with it, the fear that I’ve held on to. I would be honored to be your wife, Kieran. In fact, I demand it to happen.”

“Demand?” He laughed. “Then who am I to deny a demand from the woman I love?”

“We are to be married.”

“Indeed, we are.”