Page 6 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

He reached for her, and she stepped back. He didn’t move to grab her, and after a few seconds she realized he intended to take her hand. Allowing it, she let him lead her toward the stables.

She turned to wave to the women as they went back inside. The dog followed Dorie into the dim stables. She loved the sweet smell of hay and the snuffling sounds the horses made.

“Do you ride?” he asked.

She shrugged. She’d ridden as a child, but she barely remembered that life.

He helped her onto his horse and slid up behind her, his body pressed against hers. They headed for the gate and the dog followed along. Occasionally she would twist back to check.

“He’ll not lose sight of you, lass,” Bryce assured. “He’s well smitten.”

He said nothing else as they traveled. She didn’t mind the silence. It gave her time to enjoy the beauty that was the MacKinlay lands. The leaves were still green, though she could smell a hint of autumn in the air.

She was certain the lands at Baehaven were just as lovely, but she’d rarely seen them. When they’d left to come to Dunardry for her wedding, it had been dark, so she hadn’t had the chance on her exit, either. It didn’t bother her much. Everything that had made it a home was long gone. As a child, she’d loved Baehaven Castle. But then her mother had been there to give it light and happiness. What little she’d seen of it since that time was dark and daunting.

Bryce stopped by a stream and dismounted before helping her down. The dog came over as soon as she was on her feet. Her still bare feet. Fortunately it was warm. As best she could tell, it was probably early September. Being barefoot in the cool grass by the stream was a lovely experience.

She smiled and spun in a circle while looking up at the trees above her. It felt wonderful to be free of her small, dark room. The warmth of the sunshine as they’d ridden had warmed her through.

Bryce set out a blanket and settled on the edge of it. She was quick to join him so he wouldn’t be frustrated by her delay.

“Under normal circumstances, we would get to know each other,” he said as he handed her a piece of bread and a hunk of cheese. “But I don’t see the point in it.”

She thought maybe he meant that it would be one-sided since she didn’t talk. She almost opened her mouth to ask him a question, to prompt the discussion he was so quick to brush away, but she remained silent. He seemed nice enough, but she wasn’t certain of him yet.

“The only thing ye really need to know is that I’ll not hurt you. I’ll give you a home and food. I’ll get you some bloody shoes. You’ll be provided for. As war chief, I earn decent pay. I have a cottage. It’s not overly fancy, but you’ll have what you need within reason. That’s what I can offer you.”

He opened his mouth as if to say something else but tossed in a bite of food instead.

“It’s a nice enough day,” he said, and she nodded.

“I’m not a man of many words. It’s odd having to carry on the conversation by myself. I’m happy to have others do the talking. You’re probably tired of hearing me rambling.”

She shook her head and reached out to touch him, so he’d know how much she enjoyed hearing his voice. He hissed in pain and drew his hand away. She looked down to see her teeth marks in his skin. Wincing, she tried to convey her regret and apology with her expression.

“Don’t worry, lass. I’m not angry at you for defending yourself. Only a person with no hope left allows themselves to be mistreated without fighting back.”

She was grateful he understood, but still wished she’d not lashed out and injured him. She knew him better now. Trusted him.

“Have you always been mute?”

She shook her head.

“I’ve heard of people losing their ability to speak after a tragic event. Is that what happened?”

She nodded slowly. Her words had gotten her mother killed. She’d vowed to herself never to be so reckless again. Staying silent ensured she wouldn’t say anything wrong. Not that many people had bothered to speak to her over the years…

Bryce looked out over the stream as the pup came up to be petted.

“Och. You need a bath, you wee beast.” He turned to her, still wincing. “Will ye help me clean him so he can come home with you?”

A smile pulled up on her lips. It felt strange, having not done it for so long. Maybe it would be the first of many to come.

Perhaps she could be happy here, with this man.

Chapter Three

When Bryce’s new wife smiled, she was beautiful. She was fairly pretty when not smiling, but he’d not noticed until the moment Dorie showed her pleasure at being able to keep her new four-legged friend.