Jennie rested her head on Brodie’s shoulder. “Can I see him? I just want to give him a kiss. I think he will get better faster if I give him a kiss. Papa always said that hurts and cuts need kisses to get better. Alex probably needs a lot of kisses.”
Brodie chuckled as he smoothed her hair. “Nay, lass, Brenna has to sew him up first. And he is very tired, so I think he may sleep a bit after Brenna is done paining him. Even I am tired. Alex rode us hard chasing after those bad men. We had quite a battle going before we captured them.”
Madeline peered at Brodie expectantly, “Is he talking?”
“Aye, he is in and out, but he has not asked for you yet, my lady.”
Madeline’s shoulders slumped with defeat. Maybe he would never want her again. Perhaps, but he would not get rid of her that easily. She was not moving from this spot until he came out of that chamber or he talked to her, whichever came first.
After an hour or two, Maddie’s legs went numb. How long could she sit on the floor waiting? She chided herself for being so weak and renewed her vow to stay until she could actually see Alex with her own eyes. A short time later, Brenna stepped into the corridor and announced that Alex dozed in and out. She ushered Brodie in with wee Jennie, then turned to Maddie, “Why don’t you go down and eat something? It will be awhile until he is awake. I slipped him a sleeping draught.”
“How bad are his injuries?” Maddie searched Brenna’s face for clues to Alex’s condition.
“He will be all right, Maddie. Our biggest worry is fever. His wounds were very dirty. I cleaned them the best I could. I don’t think he has any broken bones. But, as you know, the biggest bone we need to worry about is his head. He will not remain in bed for long, he is too stubborn.”“Brenna, I wish to stay by his side tonight.”
“It isn’t necessary. Brodie has taken Jennie in just to give Alex a kiss, then he will stay with him tonight. We’ll call you when he awakens and asks for you.”
“Do you think he will ask for me? After all that has happened, he may never want to see me again,” she whispered.
“I don’t know. My brother is pig-headed, but I believe he has feelings for you.” Brenna patted Maddie’s hands. “Give it some time. Much has happened. From the tales I listened to, it is a wonder any of the clansmen are still on their feet. It was not an easy battle.”
“I will stay here.” She retrieved a stool and posted herself outside Alex’s door.
***
Robbie entered Alex’s chamber to speak to Brodie a couple of times, but nothing changed for several hours. Maddie thought briefly about her stepbrother in the dungeon, but quickly rejected the thought of visiting him. She never wanted to see him again. Shortly before midnight when Maddie’s head was nodding from exhaustion, Brodie came out and touched her shoulder. “Alex is asking for you, lass. I will go get something to eat.”
Madeline smiled at Brodie and straightened her skirts before entering Alex’s chamber. She paused once inside to allow her eyes to adjust to the darkness. One small candle flickered on the table near his bed. The chamber was larger than she had expected. The bed was probably the biggest she had ever seen. On one wall in the chamber was a hearth with two chairs in front of it. Three chests of various sizes flanked the room with several weapons hanging from the walls. Two recessed windows with fur coverings kept the warmth in. Alex stood in front of one with the fur pulled back, staring at the moon. Donned in nothing but his plaid, Maddie unconsciously licked her lips as she took in his massive shoulders and the rippling muscle evident down his back. A bandage peeked out on his right leg and she thought she noticed stitches in his left arm. His hair hung loose and almost reached his shoulders. Maddie waited to be acknowledged.
He turned, softness in his countenance, staring at her for a few minutes before whispering, “Aye, Maddie, you have my word. I will not tie you to the marriage bed.”
Maddie gazed into his eyes with a sigh as he opened his arms to her. “Oh, Alex, I was so worried about you. I am so sorry for all the trouble I have caused.” She fell into his warm embrace, wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in the soft hairs of his chest.
“Maddie, you have not caused any trouble.” He rested his chin on her head and sighed. “You have turned my world upside down, but you have not caused me any trouble.”
Alex reveled in the rightness of her in his arms, her scent of lavender drifting up to him. He closed his eyes to take in all that was his Madeline. He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes, “You still have not answered my question. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”