Page 39 of A Fearless Rebel

“He was a good man, a good fighter. But yer clan sent so many warriors that it was impossible for our men to defend themselves.”

At seeing the sadness in Flora’s gaze, her own chest constricted. What would it feel like if Keithen was killed in battle? What if her brother attacked and, as a result, she, too, lost her husband?

“I cannot imagine.”

“There is naught to be done about it,” Flora said matter-of-factly. “However, I must tell ye that I do not blame ye and, despite everything, I find that I like ye.”

It was hard to swallow past the lump that formed. “Thank ye for telling me this.” Ava looked to Flora. “I hope we can become friends.”

“We will,” the woman replied. “What do ye plan to put in this garden?”

At the change of subject, Ava began to tell Flora of her plans for a healing garden.

*

“I must speak to ye,” Keithen said.

Ava stood and wiped dirt from the front of her skirt.

Flora excused herself and hurried indoors.

After a night’s rest, he looked much better. If not for his arm in a sling, she would not know he’d been in battle. “Is something wrong?”

He nodded. “Yesterday, Ewan and I were attacked on Mackenzie lands. We’d ridden to see what was happening after seeing smoke. Yer family home was under siege.”

“What did ye see? Who attacked?”

“The MacDonnell. From what we saw, the battle was hard, but neither side seemed to gain control over the other.”

Her mind raced in different directions. “Can a messenger be sent to find out if my brother and mother were harmed?”

“No. Not right now. Things are too volatile. When we were caught on the lands, they accused us of being behind the attack. So now we have to wait and see what yer brother does.”

“I do not know how to feel right now.” Ava hung her head, overcome with the constant onslaught of bad news. It was becoming too much to bear.

Her husband’s arm came around her and pulled Ava against the firmness of his chest. She wrapped her arms about his waist, not wishing to ever let go. For the first time in her life, she felt comfort and security.

The rise and fall of Keithen’s breathing were like a balm to her soul, flowing and filling every part of her brokenness. The warmth of his breath on her temple soothed the fears that just moments earlier threatened to destroy her.

“Ye are not alone, Ava,” Keithen said. “I will always be here for ye. Remember it. Why is yer wrist bruised?”

She leaned against his chest, embarrassed at the tears flowing freely now. It was the most perfect moment, and she wished for time to stand still so that the warmth of his embrace would never end.

“Do ye care for me?” Ava asked, needing to know.

He nodded. “Of course, I do. Ye’re my wife.” There was conviction in his statement, leaving no room for doubt or question. Ava’s shoulders fell and lightness filled her.

“Thank ye” She looked up at him.

“No need to thank me.” The corners of his lips shifted up just a bit. “Tis natural that I admit how I feel.”

He looked at her again. “The bruise?”

She looked to the ground in thought. “From here, gardening, my hand slipped.”

Holding her tighter, he kissed her temple. “Be with care.”

It would take a long time for her to understand having a kind husband. Keithen was vastly different than any man she’d come across.