Page 28 of His Runaway Bride
"Because he was a bully and a bastard," Ewan replied."Connor and I, we did nae have a good upbringing.Our father was a volatile man.One moment he praised ye, then the next he'd try and beat ye to death.Anything could set him off, and ye just hoped like hell ye were not within arm's reach of his outbursts."
"What happened?"Lileas asked.
"He was training with the men and challenged Connor to a fight with a real sword.Not the training sticks one uses for young lads.Connor was only twelve and nowhere near ready to take on my da, who was a seasoned warrior."
Lileas could not speak for the anger rising in her chest.Instead she clutched his hand and held it against her breast.
Ewan continued, "Connor fought best he could by trying to tire my father out.He was quick on his feet and ran circles around him.That made my da angrier, and he began swinging his sword like a mad man.No one could stop him, he'd gone half beserker."
"Ye dinnae have to tell me," Lileas whispered.
"No, I need to talk about it..."he replied, then continued, "At one point Connor tripped and fell.I saw my da raising that sword high in the air to slice off his arm.So I ran at my da so hard and hit him in the side to knock him off his feet.He swung the blade around at me instead.I was too slow moving out of the way and it sliced down my side."
Lileas had tears in her eyes, crying in horror.
"Connor gained his feet so fast and managed to pull me off the field.It took five men to subdue my father and relieve him of his sword.Afterward he acted like nothing happened at all."
"Is that when Morna took care of ye?"
"Aye, Connor took me to Morna, and she saved my life that day.We began spending more time in her cottage than at the keep after that.She is more like a mother to us."
"She's remarkable," Lileas said softly."I can see why ye and Connor are so devoted to her."
"Aye.She kept us from becoming bitter, angry lads.Taught us that strength wasn't just about the sword, but about protecting those who couldn't protect themselves."
"You saved Connor's life as well that day," Lileas said.
"Aye, it's why we're very close.For all his bluster, ye'll never find anyone more loyal."
His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining."What about ye?What was yer childhood like?"
"Lonely, mostly," Lileas admitted."After my ma died, my father didn't quite ken what to do with a daughter who preferred reading to embroidery.He loves me, I ken that, but he’s never understood me."
"Is that why ye ran?"Ewan asked gently."Because ye thought I wouldn't understand either?"
Lileas felt heat rise in her cheeks, shame mixing with regret."I need to apologize to ye," she said quietly."For humiliating ye by running away.I never meant any slight to come from it, truly.I only thought of my freedom.I didn't consider what it would do to yer reputation, to yer clan."
Ewan was silent for a long moment, his thumb stroking over her knuckles.When he finally spoke, his voice was thoughtful rather than angry."It matters not.Ye did what ye thought was best, and I can imagine it cannot have been an easy decision.But I still dinnae regret dragging yer stubborn bahookie here, because it means I got to enjoy making love with my wife."
The teasing note in his voice made her look up, and she saw warmth in his eyes rather than recrimination."My stubborn bahookie?"she repeated, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter.
"Aye, the stubbornest bahookie in all of Scotland," he confirmed solemnly."But it's a very bonnie bahookie, so I suppose I can forgive its stubbornness."
Lileas burst into laughter, the sound bright and free in the morning air."Ye're wicked," she said, swatting playfully at his chest.
"Wicked but yers," he replied, catching her hand and bringing it to his lips."Just as ye're mine, stubborn and all."
The playful moment settled into something deeper, more serious.Lileas took a breath, gathering her courage for what she needed to say next.
"I'm ready," she said quietly."To be a proper wife to ye and mistress of this clan.I'm happy to do whatever ye need me to do, to help in any way I can.I ken I have much to learn, but I'm willing to try."
The resignation in her voice, the way she seemed to be steeling herself for sacrifice, made Ewan frown.He could see her preparing to set aside her passions for duty.
"Come," he said suddenly, sitting up and reaching for his clothes."I have something to show ye.Now that ye are mistress here, 'tis best ye get used to the chores my lady wife must take over."
Lileas nodded and sighed.The sound tugged at Ewan's heart.
They bathed and dressed in companionable silence, though Ewan found himself stealing kisses at every opportunity.He couldn't seem to help himself; the knowledge that she was truly his now made it impossible to keep his hands to himself.
