Cullen pressed his cheek to hers and spoke of his fears, wanting her to hear, to know how he truly felt about her. “I was afraid I’d lose you. I was afraid you thought I wouldn’t come for you. I was afraid I’d be too late. I was afraid you’d never hear me say I love you.”
Sara rubbed her cheek against his. “I admit I didn’t think you’d rescue me, and I never expected to hear you declare that you love me.”
“I would rescue you from the depths of Hell.” He kissed her cheek, wishing he could taste her lips, but her wound was too tender to disturb.
“Why? Do you think you’ll have to?” she teased.
“Come to think of it,” he grinned, “I doubt the devil would welcome you.”
She poked his chest. “I’d set him straight.”
“Like you did me,” he said softly.
“You didn’t need to be set straight. You’re a good man.”
“I was a blind man, blind of the heart, and you taught me how to see again, how to feel, how to love without guilt.”
Sara grew teary-eyed and shook her head. “You taught yourself. I simply gave you the impetus to do so.”
He felt the overwhelming need to hear himself claim his love for his beautiful wife. “I love you, Sara,” he stated. “I love you so very much.”
She beamed with joy. “I’ll never grow tired of hearing you tell me so, and I’ll never grow tired of saying it myself. I love you, Cullen, more than you will ever know. I love you.”
He hugged her gently, not wanting to disturb her bruises and cause her pain.
“Now can we go on deck?” she whispered in his ear.
He pulled away from her. “You are persistent.”
“Which is why we married in the first place,” she reminded him with a grin. “You know I was relieved when you agreed to my proposal but surprised that you did.”
He stood and reached for the dark green velvet robe at the foot of the bed. “Why?”
“I thought you’d protest more and I’d have to convince you.”
“You convinced me well enough from the start,” he said, holding the robe for her to slip into.
Sara hurried out of bed and into the robe, Cullen fastening the belt around her waist. She turned around in his arms. “I was determined.”
Cullen laughed. “You’re always determined, and glad I am of it. Thanks to you, I have a wonderful, beautiful wife and a loving mother for my son.”
Sara hugged her husband tight, though winced loudly.
“Damn, you should be in bed,” he scolded, stepping away from her. “One touch and you’re in pain.”
“First we go topside,” she insisted, linking her arm with his.
He walked with her to the door.
“Then we return to the cabin and you make me forget all about my pain.”
Cullen grinned and shook his head. “You’ll not feel an ounce of pain by the time I’m through with you.”
“Promise?” she whispered
He nuzzled her ear and whispered, “I promise.”
“Then let’s hurry,” she said with a tug. “I just realized there’s something I cherish much more than bidding Scotland farewell.”