The Highlander's Forbidden Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

glared at Carissa kicking at a puppy that playfully nipped at the hem of her skirt. She was a mean woman, even to animals.
    “You do know that it will be difficult to restrainmother from coming here,” Cavan said. “Only the weather will be able to deter her, and even then I don’t believe it will stop her.”
    While Ronan addressed his brother, he kept sight of Carissa from the corner of his eye as she pulled her hood up over her head, the sharp wind having grown colder. “I have missed her. Tell her to stay put, I will be home soon.”
    “She never doubted you would return home.”
    “She always had more confidence in me than I did,” Ronan said. “How has she fared since Father…” He couldn’t say aloud that his father was dead. It sounded much too final, and the pain of his loss continued to be a heavy burden.
    “It’s been a struggle for her,” Cavan said, “though lately she’s been much better. I suppose having three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren has helped.”
    Ronan could only nod, for he still couldn’t believe how much his family had changed and gained since his absence, whereas while he might have changed, he had lost far more than he had gained.
    “I still feel our departure places a sole burden on you that should be shared by us all,” Cavan said. “You have suffered enough and have been away from home far too long. You should be returning home with us.”
    “I’m not ready to come home yet, and you of all people should understand why.”
    “I do understand.” Cavan nodded. “My wife Honora would as well, for she was the one whohad to deal with me when I returned home, though truth be told, she was the one who helped me heal.”
    “I honestly don’t know…” Ronan paused and turned to look at Carissa still fighting off the puppy. “I don’t know if I can ever heal.”
    Cavan rested a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Time is the only potion that will heal your wounds.”
    Ronan wanted to believe that, but it was difficult. His pain and hatred were too great right now to think he would ever heal, feel whole again, let alone love again.
    “I will see you soon,” Cavan said confidently.
    Ronan hoped that would be so and was soon receiving hugs from his brothers that brought back happier memories, and well-wishes from his sisters-in-law.
    “When the worst of winter passes, we will return for you and Carissa,” Cavan said after mounting his horse. “I am anxious for you to meet my twin sons. One is named for you.”
    Ronan was struck speechless and could do nothing but stare after his family as they rode slowly away. He could not believe the honor his brother had bestowed on him, and it struck him like a fist to his gut just how much Cavan and he had been through.
    The reminder had him spinning around, for he had foolishly taken his eye off Carissa and he worried…
    While she ignored the puppy, he delightfullypranced around her as she made her way to her cottage. The pup didn’t even seem perturbed when she shut the door in his face. He simply plopped down by the door as if he intended to wait for her, but a young lass came along and scooped him up, and he went without protest.
    Ronan turned to see his family gone out of sight, and in a way he felt relieved. He didn’t need the distraction of their presence. He needed to focus all his attention on Carissa. He was certain she would attempt an escape, and once she stepped away from the sanctuary of the village, he intended to capture her and return her home. Where he would, only too gladly, see that she paid for her crimes. A light snow began to fall, and he decided to make Carissa aware that he was now her shadow.
    He walked over to her cottage, tapped on the door, though he didn’t expect her to open it and said, “Make no mistake. Where you go, I go.” He sat on the narrow bench beneath the window, the shutters tightly closed and waited.
     
    Ronan winced as he stretched awake, his neck a bit painful from