“It has to be,” Burke said, drawing her close in his arms. “Fate couldn’t possibly bring us together only to tear us apart.”
Storm cuddled closer in Burke’s arms, and he knew her thoughts, for he was certain they mirrored his. Fate couldn’t be that cruel.
This time Burke did not intend to leave anything to fate. This time he would be the one in charge. He would determine the outcome. He would make certain the escape plan was foolproof, that nothing would go wrong, and most importantly, that no harm would come to Storm.
He would do anything to keep her safe.
“You’ve traveled all the way from America to fulfill your father’s dream. Don’t let anything stand in the way of freeing your brother,” Storm said, her head resting against his chest.
Burke remained silent. He knew what she meant and he refused to acknowledge it. He would not trade her life for Cullen’s. He would make certain both she and his brother were freed, if he had to die doing it.
Chapter 34
Camp was a bustle of activity once the news of the rescue plan had spread and the fact that each and every one of them was free to make a choice of going to America to start a new life or remaining behind with funds to help them survive for a while.
Time was of the essence, so it was necessary that everyone make a choice quickly, for soon their home would exist no more. Those going to America would be escorted to Burke’s ship to await departure, while those choosing to remain in Scotland would be provided with funds and be on their way.
Storm stared up at the homes they had fashioned in the treetops and the various shelters on the ground that had served them well. She thought of the months of hard work constructing the homes and the camaraderie that had gone into it all. They truly were a family.
By late afternoon, she wasn’t surprised to learn that the young ones wished to adventure to America while several of the older people preferred to remain in their homeland. Out of the twenty-five people who comprised the camp, only four had chosen to remain in Scotland.
All her men had chosen to join her in America.
There was joyfulness in the camp that she had never seen or felt, but then there was finally hope, and hope brought joy.
Janelle walked over to her. “Do I interrupt a moment of solitude?”
“A moment of memories,” Storm said with a smile, and hooked arms with the older woman to walk.
“I wanted to tell you that I am glad you have finally allowed yourself to love again. It is long past time for you to release your hurt and pain and begin to live, and to allow the others to live,” Janelle said.
Storm stopped and looked at her strangely. “Allow the others to live?”
“No one here would have ever deserted you even if they grew tired of such a confining life. They are all loyal to you and would have it no other way.”
“Do you tell me some wished to leave?”
Janelle patted her arm. “Weren’t there times you wished to leave?”
Ellie’s anxious call for help had Janelle running off but not before saying, “Ellie is so excited about a chance for a new life for her and Tanin. Thank you for being unselfish and allowing my son, his wife, me, and all the others to take this chance.”
Storm stood staring after her. She had never considered how the others had felt. She assumed this life had been their lot, but had it? Had she pursued it with a vengeance without thought of others? Had she carried her revenge beyond the necessary?
“What’s wrong?”
Storm went easily into Burke’s arms as he spun her gently around and embraced her as if she had been gone too long from his arms.
“I have been wrong,” she said softly.
“Wait,” he said and paused. “I want to savor this moment, for I doubt I will hear those words from your lips again.”
Storm gave a short laugh and shook her head. “Incorrigible.”
“No, I’m honest,” he whispered and kissed her cheek. “Now tell me what you were wrong about.”
She realized at that moment just how much she loved her future husband. He had caused her to laugh and feel at ease before addressing her problem. Her feelings were of the utmost importance to him, and what a wonderful thought that was.
“I was wrong to think that my life consisted only of rescuing people. There comes a time to live life as these people have proven, embracing the opportunity with joy and eagerness and not a bit of regret.”
“Sometimes it takes others to open our eyes for us,” Burke said.
“I certainly had blinders on. I not only prevented myself from living, but others as well.”
“You did what you believed necessary. One last rescue and it will no longer be necessary. Life changes.”