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He shoved to his feet intent on finding her. Slipping away from the celebration, he ventured into the neighboring darkness. The night was clear except for an occasional drifting cloud. The muted brightness of the moon and stars illuminated the ambling brook. The water surging over and around the stones, caressing them with its cool touch, was a peaceful melody in the darkness.
Vangie, her head bent, stood beyond the fire’s flickering light, apparently watching the river.
“Vangie?”
She looked over her shoulder, the hint of a welcoming smile on her lips.
“Sweeting, are you well? You left the festivities—”
“I’m fine.” She faced the river once more.
Ian gently grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “Are you?”
Her gaze flicked to his before she lifted her shoulders, breathing out a deep sigh. Attuned to her every mood, he sensed her uncertainty.
“What is it?” His thumbs caressed her shoulders. “Is it the babe?”
She shook her head, her midnight curls swirling around her shoulders. The silky strands stroked his hands. “No, I…” A cloud glided past, permitting the moon’s full radiance to shine. She tilted her chin upward and peered at him. “Ian, I don’t blame you for the loss of the baby.”
Her gaze dipped to his mouth. “I did at first.” She shook her head and pursed her lips. “But not anymore.”
His breath caught and hitched in his lungs. She didn’t blame him? Relief, pure and cleansing, surged through him. His eyes misting, he closed them for a moment and slowly exhaled. Her words didn’t alleviate the entire weight of his guilt. He still blamed himself. Always would. His deceit and thirst for vengeance had cost them their child.
“I would’ve cherished our baby, and its loss pains me greatly.” Her voice caught.
He opened his eyes and rapidly blinked. How could he ever make recompense to her? Vangie’s attention wandered to the dark row of trees behind him. Tears glistened in her eyes. He’d caused those tears. Those, and countless others.
“But it’s unfair to blame you when even I didn’t know I carried your child.” She tucked her chin to her chest. “Because of our hasty marriage and the numerous changes in my circumstances these past weeks, I paid no heed to…” She trailed off into an embarrassed silence.
Ian bathed her in a love-filled gaze. He understood. She hadn’t realized she missed her monthly menses. He braced himself to ask the other question that had been tormenting him for days. Dread kicked him in the ribs, but he knew in his heart what he must do. What he would do, though he didn’t know how he’d bear it, if she confirmed his greatest fear.
“Is it Besnik, then? You harbor a tendresse for him?”
Vangie gave a watery chuckle, wiping her eyes with her shawl. Faith, was the man addled?
Besnik?
“Why are you laughing?” Ian furrowed his brow, his expression as nonplussed as a schoolboy. He sent a glance in the direction of the merrymakers. “It’s obvious he’s enamored with you.”
Was he jealous? The notion sent a jolt of pleasure skittering through her spine. It was really wicked of her, but she savored the moment.
“Do you?” His question was an agonized whisper. “You can tell me.”
Vangie searched his silvery eyes. Were those tears? No, it must be a trick of the moonlight.
“I promise, sweeting.” He trailed a finger across her jaw. “I shan’t be angry.”
The remorse in his voice tore at her heart. She couldn’t bear his pain. “I’m convinced Besnik’s affections lie elsewhere, though he may not, as yet, be aware.”
Ian’s strong hands cupped her shoulders more firmly. “You,” he hesitated, “you aren’t in love with him?”
“Besnik is a dear friend. Nothing more.”
“Ah.”
Ah? That was it? What did ah mean?
He wrapped his arms around her and drew her into his embrace. She didn’t resist, but rested her head against the wide planes of his chest and listened to his steady, comforting heartbeat. The circle of his arms offered her solace. He spoke against her hair. “What is it then? Why aren’t you celebrating with the others?” He kissed the top of her head and gave her a slight squeeze. “You can trust me.”
