Page 48 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

Lach laughed at his displeasure.

“The least you can do is hurry along.” Cam sent Liam to inform Mari of the change in plans. He might have gone himself, but he didn’t know if he’d be able to leave her again if he saw her.

Lach was still snickering as they rode through the gates.

“I remember a time not so long ago when you and Kenna went to your chamber soon after the noon meal was served. I ken she’s too large to service ye at the moment, but I don’t have such problems.”

The other man laughed even louder. “You think we canna manage it in her condition?”

Cam’s brows creased in confusion. “Truly?”

“Aye. Some women have a mighty appetite when they’re increasing.” Lach winked at him. “Not just for food. You ken?”

With wide eyes, Cam stared at the man. “I don’t know how I’d survive a mightier appetite than Mari already has.”

“I’m sure you’ll try your best when the time comes. Make sure to eat when you have the chance. You must keep your strength up. Be ready for anything at any time.”

Cam shook his head. “It’s not something I plan to have to worry about.”

“Nay? You don’t want children?”

“How can you ask me such a question when you know I dinna even want a wife?”

“I thought things had changed.”

Things had changed. Cam cared for his wife and enjoyed her company in and out of bed, but his vow had not wavered. He would not fall in love, and he would not allow Mari to feel love for him.

“I like bairns well enough, but I don’t want any of my own. It would not be fair to Mari or the children.”

“You mean if you don’t come home to them, like your da?”

“Aye.”

“You’ll give up the gifts life has to offer on the off chance you could have it happen the same as before? It seems a lot to give up for something that may not happen.”

“Nay, it’s a lot of grief to give up. Bedding her is one thing; it’s pleasant and we have become friends. But I’ll not let us risk our hearts. Not when I could end up breaking hers.”

“I wish you could find happiness together.”

“Happiness is enough. Mari and I have that already. If ye mean love, I’d ask you not to curse us with such a wish.” Cam shook his head.

“I wouldn’t be able to live with Kenna and not love her. I didn’t have a choice. It just happened.”

“Love is not for everyone. Even if the laird wishes it so.”

Lach nodded and gave up, but Cam found himself thinking of Mari often during their ride. He wanted to brush it off as lust, but it wasn’t just her naked body that filled his thoughts.

He envisioned her smile and her laugh, and the honesty in her eyes when she leaned up to place a kiss on his chin. He would need to keep watch over himself, lest he became smitten with his new wife.

For both their sakes, he needed to avoid her.

And for the sake of the clan, he needed to eliminate any chance of losing the upcoming battle.

…

Mari became worried when Lachlan sat at the table for the evening meal, but Cameron hadn’t returned.

“Did my husband come back with you?” she asked after giving Lachlan and Kenna a moment to reunite properly. She looked away as he placed a kiss on Kenna’s cheek, but she didn’t miss seeing him press another kiss to his palm and place it tenderly on her round belly. It was an intimate moment between them she shouldn’t have seen. It made her feel things that weren’t to be.