Page 73 of The Rogue’s Redemption

Reid nodded, hating the formalities but knowing they were necessary. Whatever her reason for being here, he’d like nothing more than to scoop Allie up into his arms, carry her from the hall, and—

“Please, come sit,” Juliette said.

Allie did so with the grace of a woman who had been raised a noblewoman. But he would always see her as the spirited vixen who’d pointed a sword at his head.

Realizing everyone was staring at him, Reid walked around the table to take his seat between Juliette and Allie. Reid usually sat on the other side of Toren. Whether tonight’s seating was intentional or not—he suspected not—he was glad for it.

“I do apologize for our late, unannounced arrival,” Allie began.

“There is nothing for you to apologize for,” Reid said. “You are always welcome here.”

The smile she gave him was that of a woman who’d been reunited with the man she loved, one who loved her in return. Reid’s heart skipped a beat. He could not wait to get Allie alone.

When he looked to Juliette to support his words of welcome, his sister-in-law stared at him with wide eyes.

“So tell me what brings you to Brockburg?” Juliette asked, turning her attention to their guest.

“Aidan brings a message.” She left the rest unsaid.

“And we are glad you’ve accompanied him,” Juliette said.

The impromptu meal arrived, and as Allie ate, Reid sat back in his chair and listened as she and Juliette spoke of her journey and of England. He was not surprised the women spoke so easily to one another. They had much in common, including an overbearing father and a sheltered upbringing that had not seemed to diminish their love of life and the people around them. In fact, the two of them had already discovered some of those similarities, leaving him very much on the outside of the conversation.

It was only when Allie had finished eating that she finally addressed him.

“You are remarkably quiet.”

“That is the least remarkable attribute of his this eve,” Juliette mumbled.

“Is that so?” He should not encourage his sister-in-law.

Juliette smiled at him, and Reid knew he was not going to like what she had to say.

“You see,” she said to Allie. “This is not a Reid I know well.” Reid picked up the mug of ale in front of him, assuming he would need it. Unfortunately, Toren and Aidan’s conversation had ended at that exact moment, and both of them gave Juliette their attention as well.

“Is it not?” Allie asked innocently.

“Nay, not at all.” Juliette winked at him, and Reid knew he was in trouble. “This is a version of my dear brother-in-law that I have long suspected was there, but only the love of a good woman could bring it to the surface.” She looked at Allie then. “By some miracle, God has seen to it that you’ve entered Reid’s life, and I will do everything possible to ensure you stay there.”

The import of her words hit everyone at once. She knew what she had said and was not prepared to take it back. In fact, she could not have declared her support for the match more publicly had she shouted the words for all to hear.

Most importantly, Allie did not appear offended. In fact, she seemed to be waiting for his reaction. If she wished for a declaration, he was ready to give one to her.

He raised his mug.

“To my savior,” he said, not taking his eyes off Allie, “and the woman I intend to marry.”

Allie led the others in a toast, raising her own goblet. They drank, and Juliette leaned over him to speak to his future wife.

“Welcome to the family.”

24

She knew he would come to her.

When the door opened to her bedchamber, Allie was sitting next to the fire, waiting.

After the meal, Juliette had pulled her away from the others and brought her here. She’d ensured she was comfortable, then the two had talked for a while.