The Highlander's Bride(90)

“Thank you,” Shamus said, hugging his weeping wife.

Cullen led the way, knowing Sara would wave to her sister until they were out of sight. He hugged his sleeping son snuggled contently in the crook of his arm.

I have our son, Alaina, he’s safe and I will keep him that way. And forgive me, my dear Alaina, but I believe I have fallen in love. I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t looking for it and never expected it. But I cannot

fight it and I know Sara will make a good mother to Alexander.

Forgive me, and know that I will always love you.

All was good now. They would reach the ship and set sail for America, but first he had one last thing to see to. He would kill the Earl of Balford.





Chapter 32





Night was not made for travel, and if it wasn’t for the near full moon, Sara was certain they would not have gotten very far. Distance was necessary in their situation; however, so was sleep.

Sara was relieved when Cullen decided to settle down for a few hours sleep, especially with Alexander’s schedule of waking shortly after dawn. They couldn’t remain exhausted, continue to travel, and at the same time look after the lad.

Remarkably, or perhaps it was a babe’s lot to sleep soundly, Alexander hadn’t stirred and remained asleep when she and Cullen cuddled around him to keep him warm, since a campfire was prohibited in their situation.

Sara cherished the feel of her husband’s arm draped across her waist and Alexander nestled comfortably between them. She felt they were a family, even though she had been forced upon them. They belonged to her, and just as Cullen intended to keep his wife and son safe, she would do anything to keep her husband and son safe.

She expected sleep to claim her soon enough, and it did, but not for long. Anytime the lad stirred, she woke, which created a fitful slumber. But it wasn’t only the babe that disturbed her sleep. She also worried over the immediate future.

They had a rough road to travel, though the terrain didn’t bother her. It was the Earl of Balford’s compelling need to see this child dead, along with his father, that concerned her, and that powerful men usually got what they wanted. The soldiers’ orders were clear, and if not obeyed explicitly, they would face punishment, and so they would be determined to find father and son at all costs.

Sara didn’t believe the earl considered her important, and that could prove beneficial. But she also wouldn’t underestimate the earl. He was a sly one. She had seen that firsthand with what he had done to his daughter. The man was pure evil.

“You should sleep.”

Her husband’s whisper made her smile, and she looked over to see that he too lay awake. “I have.”

“But not enough.”

“It will do,” she murmured.

He reached out and stroked her cheek gently. “I would have missed you.”

Her voice failed her.

He grinned, tracing her lips slowly with his thumb. “A miracle, I silenced you.”

She nipped playfully at his finger. “You’re not that lucky.”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “Yes, I am that lucky.”

Sara felt her heart slam against her chest and thump wildly. Was he attempting in his own way to tell her that he cared for her, could even possibly love her? He had admitted he would have missed her, and what of him claiming he was lucky? What was he truly saying?

“I’m married to a good woman who will make a wonderful mother for my son.”

This time her heart dropped and her stomach tumbled. Her hope had been short-lived. To him, she simply was a good mother for his son, and she had no doubt she would be. She had fallen in love with Alexander as fast as with his father.

“Have no doubt about that,” she confirmed.

“I want so badly to kiss you right now.”

Her heart softened again and she silently admonished herself. This time wasn’t for wondering if Cullen would ever love her. This time was for making certain father and son were kept safe. Time enough later to work on love or to accept what she had—a good husband and a fine son.

“I could do with a kiss—and more,” she teased with a hushed whisper.

He squeezed her chin. “Be careful what you ask for.”

“I know exactly what I want from my husband.” She sighed gently. “Pleasure beyond reason.”

“You truly enjoy our lovemaking?”

“You need to ask?”

“I had assumed, though I’d prefer to hear it from you,” he murmured.

Sara obliged. “I love your gentle touch, your considerate actions, your eagerness to bring me to pleasure, and I love when you’re impatient and take me fast and furious and how we’re both drenched in sweat afterward. And…” She smiled wickedly. “I love the taste of you.”