Wicked Laird (Brethren of Stone 2)

Chapter Nineteen

Elle had been in and out of sleep for the past few days. Thankfully, no fever had set in. Blair gave her a gentle shake to wake her. It was time for her to eat.

Much as sleep was important for her recovery, food was equally so and he wanted to give her some broth.

Will was overseeing the construction of the pier. Now that McKenzie was dead, the rush was off but Blair had made promises to the men about regular work and he’d keep them.

McKenzie’s land holdings were substantial, they bolstered what little local economy was left. If work didn’t keep happening, these people would flounder.

Elle’s eyes fluttered open. “Blair?”

“Yes, love?” He smoothed her hair and then helped her to sit up.

“Was I asleep for long?” She rubbed her eyes with her good hand.

“All afternoon,” he gave her a soft grin as he gently brought the hot broth to her lips.

She took a sip and then sighed. “You haven’t been here this whole time have you?”

“Of course I have,” he rumbled taking her hand. “Elle,” he swallowed, emotion clogging his throat. “Ye threw yerself in front of me when a bullet was coming my way.”

She gave a tiny laugh and then her features tightened as she gingerly rubbed her arm. “Who knew besides a wife you’d be getting a human shield?”

Blair sat back. “A shield? Ye’re a goddess. I could spend my entire life trying to be worthy of ye and never do enough to deserve a woman like ye.”

Tears welled in her eyes. A tear first slipped down her cheek, and he gently brushed it away. “It’s me who isn’t worthy of you. Look at what I brought to yer door. A man who tried to shoot you.”

“I’ve told ye a hundred times if I’ve told ye once, he was coming at me no matter what. Besides, he’s gone now.”

“Gone?” Using her good arm, she straightened. “As in dead?”

“Aye, though I didn’t mean to shoot him. I just returned fire without thought.”

“But constable McCleary, he’ll—”

“Also dead.” Blair grimaced. “One of the lieutenants shot him when he tried to shoot me.”

“So that’s it? We’re just free?” She blinked several times. “What of his lands? While he barely paid for labor, he did provide a good many people with jobs.”

“Interesting question.” Blair gave her a smile. She wouldn’t remember of course, but Will had also spent the past two evenings sitting by Elle’s bed and discussing the future. “His holdings will be sold off. Will is going to use his inheritance to buy them. He can grow the crops and what he needs to sell, I will ship.”

“Will’s moving to the Highlands with us?” She covered her mouth with her hand then slowly lowered it. “How wonderful.”

He chuckled. “I think so too, though I’d appreciate it if ye didn’t tell him that.”

She gave a tiny giggle and then winced as she clutched at her arm. “I’ve spent a great deal of our time together, recovering in bed.”

Will leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. “That’s true. I have to confess that I’ve rather enjoyed it. You being in my bed that is.”

“You are wicked.” She reached behind his head to thread her fingers into his hair and pulled his mouth down to hers again. “I like it.”

Epilogue

A crisp fall wind swept over the land but the sun shone brightly in the sky, illuminating all the fall foliage. Elle took a deep breath of air, basking in the invigorating crispness. Then she smoothed her skirts and began walking toward the beach.

Eliza fell in step next to her. “It’s the perfect day for a wedding.”

“So it is,” she answered as she locked hands with her sister-in-law.