“That thing I did to you last night wasn’t supposed to be the last thing I did.”
“You can have my Christmas pudding. Every Christmas.”
He could have said more, but his head hurt and his heart ached. He pressed his forehead to hers and whispered, “I love you, Sofie. You’re mine, forever.”
He held her for a few moments and felt her soft ragged breath on his cheek.
Then he pulled away and sat up to look at her. His hands had patted her everywhere, and his body had pressed into hers. When he looked down at his lap, he saw his hands. Why had they not been faster? Why had he not been stronger?
And then he saw…No blood. No blood? No blood! She couldn’t possibly have been shot.
Chapter 10
SOFIEKNEWSHEHADswooned. It had happened a couple of times before in her life, but none too memorable. A particularly hot evening in a tight dress with an upbeat jig or two. It had all felt the same. She felt her body weakening, her vision going black, all sounds were muted, and then she was down. After only a brief moment, she would get up and be back to normal. This time was different. It all happened in under a second, and she didn’t remember any of the telltale warning signs from her body. Presently, as she was coming to, it was much slower than any previous experience.
She could hear Egan’s voice now. Something about lectures in Orkney? That sounded interesting. What would they possibly be teaching about in Orkney? Fishing? Inventions with water transportation? Her mind was clouded and couldn’t think beyond that, save asking, why would they have a convention that was so inaccessible? Those were all moot points.
Because really, it was the last words that had caught her attention the most. He loved her?
How could he possibly know that? They had known each other for about a day. What could possibly happen in twenty four hours that could change a person’s life enough to know one was in love? Besides being shot. And all the other things they had done. Perhaps he knew firsthand that life was short, so one had better act fast and take chances when they were presented.
Was he the type to fall so hard and so fast? He didn’t seem so. He really didn’t seem so…He seemed much more intentional than impulsive. But there was a difference between impulsive and decisive. Perhaps, he just knew.
Like she knew she was drawn to him. She had known from the moment she first laid eyes on him. But he had been so gruff, it was hard to give reason for her desire to be near him.
And then he had been so kind, in his own peculiarly humble, not wanting any sort of payment way. He had been so protective, in a heart stopping, ache between the legs kind of way. She definitely desired him. And then he had been so loyal and considerate. In a now-I-need-to-know-everything-about-you kind of way.
It was a large amount of information to process. Especially lying down.
Sofie’s body didn’t feel ready to move, but her fingers were twitching. She remembered the gunshot. It had been so loud that it shocked her mind into silence and her body into listlessness.
Her fingers rubbed her book. And then she felt the small pocket knife she had stuck in the back fold to keep safe. There was a large dent on it. It must have somehow deflected the small bullet, evidently saving her life. It was nothing short of a miracle.
And then she remembered Egan had been reaching for her, throwing his body in front of her. He had been determined to sacrifice himself for her. That was a miracle in and of itself. A duke willing to risk his life for a barmaid.
What else could she ask for in a husband?
The question and its implied answer startled her.
Certainly she could trust a man willing to give up his life for her. That was her basic criteria. Trust.
As Sofie continued to lie there, her body grew more and more restless. She had to sit up. She knew it was time, yet she wrestled with the idea of just lying for a bit longer. Maybe he would say something else. But really, what more did she need to hear?
Slowly she began wriggling about.
Before her eyes fluttered open, she heard Egan’s voice again, “I love you, Sofie.”
With her free hand, she reached for Egan, and gradually began to sit up. She wanted to tell him about the overwhelming emotions flooding her heart, but he beat her to it.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t save you. I…I wasn’t strong enough for you. I don’t know how that bullet missed you, but it wasn’t me.”
“Egan,” she put her hand on his cheek as he helped her up. “I don’t love you because you’re strong. Strength isn’t perfect. It isn’t about getting it right every time. It’s about trying. It’s about putting yourself out there and sharing this.” She pulled her hand down and rested it on his heart. “You are much stronger than you know. It’s not your size that people notice, it’s your presence. Your goodness.”
She heard his sigh of acceptance in reply. “I want to be strong for you. For us. I have to say it again, I love you.”
“I believe you,” she whispered. “And,” she looked up and saw the concern marked on his face. “I trust you.”
Egan wrapped his arms around her.
