Page 44 of The Guardian

Chapter Sixteen

The gray light of dawn spilled gently through the cottage window, softly illuminating paths across the room, bringing with it a new day.

Ailith lay still, afraid to move, afraid that any shift might wake her and reveal it had all been a dream.

But it wasn’t.

His arm was draped protectively around her waist, the warmth of his skin against her back. His chest moving in and out with the steady rhythmic sounds of his breathing.

Hendry asleep with her. It was real.

She blinked, eyes burning as the weight of everything they’d said and what they hadn’t, settled over her like another layer of blankets. Her heart ached with it, not from pain, but from the tenderness of a love she had buried long ago, only to find it still alive and stronger than ever.

He stirred behind her, a soft grunt as he came to wakefulness.

“Ye’re awake,” she whispered, not turning.

“Aye,” came his reply, voice gravely with sleep. “I woke earlier but remained still. I didnae wish to disturb ye.”

“Ye wouldn’t have.” She swallowed thickly and rolled onto her back, eyes meeting his. “I’ve hardly slept. I was afraid if I closed my eyes too long, ye would be gone when I opened them.”

His brow furrowed, and he leaned on his elbow to look down at her. “I am nae gone. And I will nae be going far from ye.”

Still, her voice trembled. “Ye must go soon from the bed.”

He hesitated, then gave a slow nod. “I must. There’s still much to do. My men await. I must see about the wounded.”

Her chest tightened, and for a moment she hated reality for intruding, for demanding him so soon. But she nodded. “I will help where I can.”

Hendry reached out and caught her hand in his, rough fingers cradling hers like they were something precious. “But I swear Ailith, I will return to ye. I wish for a life with ye, not just a moment.”

Her throat caught. “And I want one with ye. But… I am uncertain about how we begin again.”

He gave her a small, aching smile. “One day at a time. We will take our time, mend what was torn. And if ye will have me, I shall spend every day making ye believe in us again.”

Ailith sat up slowly, the blanket falling around her waist. She leaned over and kissed him softly, no passion, just a quiet promise.

“I already do.”

Hendry pressed a kiss to her lips and rose from the bed. He added kindling to the fading fire in the hearth, then went about washing up. Obviously, the squire had come inside while they’d slept.

Her cheeks burned at the realization, but she didn’t dare take her gaze from him. She enjoyed admiring the nakedness of his body too much.

While he pulled on his breeches, stockings, tunic, and boots, he informed her about his plans for the day. “I will break my fast, then meet with the other leaders and the laird. Then I gather my men and…” His voice broke. “Assign duties to those who remain.”

Ailith slid from the bed with the blanket wrapped around her and let Teller, who scratched at the door, out. “How many men did ye lose?”

He let out a long sigh. “Five.” Turning away, he walked to get his leather belt from a hook by the hearth and wrapped it around his waist. “I best go.”

Moving across the cool floorboards, Ailith went to him and lifted her face to accept a kiss. “I must fetch my donkey and wagon from the stables, then I must go to my cottage. I require clothing; my current set is in a horrible state.”

Before she could say more, he took her arm and pulled her against himself. “Someone will have to go with ye. There could still be MacLeods about. Those who could nae escape by sea, and they will be desperate.”

“I dinnae wish to take someone away from their duties,” Ailith protested. “I will ask the women, I am sure someone can spare clothing.”

It was gratifying when he let out a relieved breath. “Once all is settled, I will go with ye. I ken ye will wish to see all is well at yer home.”

Ailith wanted to ask more questions, but they’d have time to talk. For now, she would remain in there, spending her days at the keep and nights with Hendry.