Cullen stretched out on the blanket and held his hands out to the lad. Alexander crawled off Sara’s lap and into his father’s arms, snuggling against his broad chest.
Tears glistened in Teresa’s eyes. “There’s no denying he instinctively knows who you are.”
Cullen hugged his son close. “He’s mine and I will always protect him.”
Sara stood with a jerk. “Nap with your son, Teresa and I have work to do in the cottage.” Then she walked off, stubbornly refusing to shed any tears that threatened to spill. Her heart should be familiar with that empty ache by now, she told herself, and would have to get used to it. No one, not a soul, would ever say such loving words to her.
This was all a ruse of her own making, and she had to see it through to the end. She had to keep her wits about her and protect her heart from further hurt. She was thrilled that she could reunite father and son, and that Cullen loved his son as much as he did, but knew he would never love her and that she wasted her time on such nonsense. She would ready her cottage so that when Cullen left she would be set to live her life with the freedom it had cost her so dearly to achieve.
The next couple of hours she worked herself senseless sweeping, scrubbing, and repairing her cottage. When she was done for the day, she could barely raise her arm to wave good-bye to her sister and Alexander.
She was glad that Cullen insisted on seeing the pair home. She intended to return to the keep and bathe her soreness away, maybe even crawl into bed for a nap before supper.
Her plans changed fast enough, however, when she turned to see her father and Harken McWilliams approaching on horses.
She near sighed aloud, but instead jutted her chin up and her shoulders back and approached the men as they dismounted. If Harken thought to intimidate her, he was in for a surprise and maybe even a punch or two. Lord, how she wanted to give the sniveling weasel one good fist to the jaw.
Her father offered no greeting but asked, “Is Cullen here?”
“No, he’s seeing that Teresa and Alexander get home safely.”
“Good,” her father said with a firm nod. “Since I want to talk with you in private.”
“Then what’s he doing here?” Sara asked caustically with a jab of her finger toward Harken.
“He’s told me some disturbing news and I want to know the truth of it,” her father said, and pointed to the cottage.
Sara blocked the path. “I’ll not have the likes of him sullying my home. Say what you have to say here.”
Her father did just that. “Harken says he overheard you tell Teresa that your marriage is a ruse and that your husband will be leaving you. I want to know the truth of it, daughter. Have you played Cullen for a fool with intentions of sending him packing?”
So much for patience on Harken’s part, and so much for her father thinking it all her idea, though it actually had been, but not without Cullen’s consent.
“You would believe a man who’s been jilted twice now over your own daughter?”
“A stubborn daughter who refuses to obey her father or any man for that reason,” Harken snarled like an angry dog.
“Answer me,” her father said, barking the order.
Sara felt herself hounded by nasty dogs about to attack, so she struck first. “How dare you even suggest I would do such a thing, and how dare you believe the likes of a sniveling coward over your daughter.”
“I’m no coward!” Harken yelled.
“Then why didn’t you face me instead of going behind my back to my wife?”
Sara swerved around along with her father and Harken to see Cullen walking toward them. He went straight to Sara’s side, slipping his arm around her waist and giving her a kiss.
“We met up with Shamus,” he said, explaining his quick return.
McHern answered for Harken. “Harken told me you knew nothing about her deception.”
“Did he now,” Cullen said, his heated glare making Harken tremble. “Did he also tell you that he approached my wife when she was alone and threatened her?”
McHern turned on the man with a scowl. “Is that true?”
Harken sputtered. “I—I—I heard—”
Cullen’s sharp laugh abruptly silenced him. “You heard nothing. Your tongue lies, and if I hear you speak another lie about my wife, I will cut it from your mouth.”
Harken’s actions condemned him. He clamped his mouth shut and took a step away from Cullen.
“Get out of my sight,” McHern shouted at him. “And don’t show yourself around here again or I will run you through with my sword for speaking false of my daughter.”
Sara smiled as she watched Harken mount his horse and flee in fright. That was one problem disposed of, and more easily than she had imagined, thanks to Cullen. She rested her head on his shoulder in appreciation and to whisper her gratitude.