Page 76 of A Fearless Rebel

The laird then looked to Broden. “How is yer guardsman?”

“He will recover,” Broden informed them. “Now, Ewan and I must meet with the guard and ensure they are aware that they must stay away from the border lands. Also, I will send men out to inform the villagers and farmers who live near there.”

Broden and Ewan had to help Keithen out to where the healer and Ava waited. He was half-carried to a small chamber where they examined his leg.

“It was not rebroken, but it is very bruised,” the healer informed him. “Ye should not have gone. Tis too soon.”

His leg was washed, wrapped and a new splint applied. He couldn’t help groaning with each painful movement. It was almost a relief to take the tonic handed to him by Ava.

“Bring someone to help ye carry him upstairs,” Ava said to a guard who stood at the door. “Hurry.”

Once he was settled in bed, most of the pain was ebbing. “I do not require to lay down.” Keithen said, sliding up to sit.

“What happened?” Ava asked lowering to a chair she’d dragged closer to the bed. “Did Atholl agree to keep peace?”

“For now. It will be revisited after winter.” Keithen took her head. “I am proud of how well ye are handling the household.”

Ava shrugged. “It is a daily struggle, actually. But I expected it.”

“I can talk to the servants,” Keithen replied.

“I would prefer ye did not.”

He knew the news he was about to give her was not something she’d like to hear. But in a way, he hoped it would mean, in the end, things would turn out well.

“Prior to Mother’s return, Esme and her husband will return. They plan to remain here for the winter.”

It was clear by her expression that Ava fought not to show how upsetting the news was. “I was not aware.”

“Hopefully, this will give ye and Esme an opportunity to come to some sort of a…” He wasn’t sure what word to use.

“It is she who does not care for me. I have no ill will toward yer sister. Although, I agree that it is my fault for having caused what happened.”

Keithen lifted her hand to his lips. “If I had not killed those guards, the Mackenzies would not have taken me and, well, the rest would have been avoided.”

“I suppose we all have our share of blame. But it does no good. I will attempt to construct a cordial relationship with Esme.”

Despite his wishing to remain awake, the tonic began to take effect.

When Keithen woke, it was dark out and Ava was snuggled against him. Her soft breaths fanned warm air onto his shoulder, and he pressed a kiss to her temple.

It was hard to imagine life without her, which surprised him. He’d never thought to be the kind of man who would coddle his wife. But now, more than anything, he wanted to protect her. He desired to give Ava everything she desired. However, his wife proved to be self-sufficient and quite adept at doing things alone. She’d had plenty of practice not depending on anyone. The more he learned about the lack of caring by her family, the more he wanted to provide it for her.

He was grateful that his mother and Catriona had befriended Ava. If not for them, she would have no one to speak to and feel at ease with. Both his mother and Catriona felt they owed their lives to Ava and, because of it, they liked her.

The staff and his sister would be hurdles Ava had to traverse alone. He’d tried speaking to Esme, but his sister was headstrong. The servants could be dealt with. He’d ensure his mother punished those who’d been disrespectful to Ava.

For his part, he would care for his wife and ensure that she was aware he’d always be there for her.

A realization that he loved the woman with all his heart made him take a deep breath. He was in love with his wife.

By the time the sun rose, Keithen was already awake and dressed. He’d managed to slip from the bed without waking Ava. Now, he waited for her to wake so he could inform her of his feelings.

He’d never asked, but surely men informed women when their feelings changed.

“Why are ye staring at me like that?” Ava asked groggily. “Ye look angry.”

Keithen attempted at a smile but failed when his stomach tightened. “Nay. I am not angry.”