The Highlander's Bride(89)
Cullen wasn’t surprised by the man’s actions. McHern admired his daughter more than he let anyone know. He knew how difficult it was for her, since she was so much like him—only she was a woman. And that made things more difficult, since women didn’t have the same rights as men.
McHern had purposely made it known in front of the clan that his daughter and her husband where to remain and face their fate at Balford’s hands to keep the clan from danger, thus protecting his clan from the truth—that he expected Sara and Cullen to escape.
Cullen was pleased that he’d be able to tell Sara how much her father truly loved her and in the end protected her even at the risk of having her think otherwise.
While Cullen looked a burdened man, his footfalls heavy, his shoulders slumped, his head down as he returned to the keep, he actually felt relieved. Though he would take precautions when he and Sara took their leave tonight, he knew no extra guards would be posted or extra measures taken to prevent their escape.
And once on the road, he would have only the soldiers to contend with, since McHern would send no warriors in search of them.
Cullen entered the bedchamber to find Sara sitting in a chair by the hearth, staring at the fire. He went to her, kneeling and placing a hand on her knee as he knelt before her.
“Are you all right?”
She nodded. “I’m ready.” She placed her hand over his. “Father sent word that he preferred we didn’t join him for supper this evening. He must truly hate me.”
“That’s not so,” Cullen said, and proceeded to tell her of his encounter with her father in the stable.
Tears glistened in Sara’s eyes. “He said I was like him?”
“Proud of it too.”
She hugged her husband. “You don’t know how wonderful that is to hear. I always thought I disappointed him.”
“No, if anything, I believe your father wished he could have done more for you, though he was limited because you were a daughter, not a son.”
“I always believed he wished I was born male.”
“Only because he could have provided more easily what you needed,” Cullen confirmed.
“I’m happy I can leave with good memories of him and knowing he loved me.” She sighed. “There’s only one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“What are we to do until we leave late tonight?”
“We’ll rest,” he said.
“But I’m not tired.”
Cullen laughed and scooped her up into his arms. “I promise you will be.”
They stole quietly out of the keep hours after everyone retired. Not a soul stirred or a sound was heard. They walked the horses into the woods before mounting and riding off, Cullen halting beside his wife as she gave one last glance back at her home.
“I’ll never see it again, will I?” she asked sadly.
“I’m afraid not. You’ll have a new home now with Alexander and me.”
“Because it’s necessary,” she confirmed.
Cullen nodded, relieved it was necessary. He hadn’t wanted to leave her behind, hadn’t wanted to bid her good-bye, never to see her again. He had feelings for her, confused as they were, or perhaps clear as they were and he just refused to acknowledge them. Whatever the reason, he was glad she had been forced to join him.
They woke Teresa and Shamus and explained that it was time to take Alexander and that for their own safety it was best they didn’t ask any questions.
Teresa quickly got Alexander’s things together and advised Sara of his care, though Sara had become familiar with it, having spent much time with her sister since her arrival.
It was a heart-wrenching good-bye for all, Teresa hugging a sleeping Alexander tightly before Shamus took him, did the same, and then handed him to Cullen, who was already mounted on his horse.
“No sense in warning you to keep him safe, I know you will,” Shamus said, and the two men shook hands.
Sara and Teresa hugged tight.
“I am glad you go with them,” Teresa said, wiping a tear off her cheek. “Cullen will keep you from harm.”
“I will miss you so much,” Sara said, her own tears too difficult to hide.
The sisters hugged tight again, and Teresa shoved her away. “Go, it’s time.”
Shamus helped Sara to mount.
Cullen looked at the couple who had cared so lovingly for his son. “Words can’t express my gratitude for what you’ve done for Alexander,” he told them. “I will be forever grateful. If you ever wish to visit or leave Scotland for America, go to St. Andrew Harbor and inquire about a Longton ship. You will be provided with free passage and brought to our home in the Dakota Territory.”