Highland Thunder (Isle of Mull Series) by Lily Baldwin

Rona. Is your family well?”
    “Indeed they are and good morrow to you, Duncan.”
    “’Tis glad I am to hear, but I’m afraid it has not been such a good morning here.” Rona’s eyes widened in concern as she hurried to move past him, but he gently grabbed her arm. “Nay, lass. They are in no danger. Nellore took with a fever last night and is on the mend, but with all the wee ones in your home, I think it best if you stayed away,” he said.
    “But how will she nurse Nellore alone and see to the chores?” Rona asked.
    “Do not fret. I shall see to their needs but come back on the morrow. I’m sure Nellore will be better by then,” he said.
    “If you are certain, Duncan. Please do not hesitate to fetch me should the need arise.”
    “My thanks, Rona, and I thank you for all you’ve done over these last few days,” he smiled. Rona blushed from his praise. Then she hurried back up the hill.
    Brenna threw open the door and raced outside. “Where is she going? What did you say to her?” She gave him an accusing stare. “I suppose you were just being your naturally rude self.”
    “On the contrary, I praised her efforts but told her she was not needed today. I thought you might enjoy a day’s reprieve from her chatter, but alas, she will return on the morrow.”
    “But I’ve washing to do; we are fresh out of bannock, and Nellore’s tunic needs mending. Despite how tedious her company may be, I need her help. Go after her, Duncan,” she said.
    “Nay, lass. I shall help you today.”
    “You?” she said. “Perhaps I did not speak plainly enough just now. Permit me to try again. I do not care for your company,” she said but continued in a softer voice. “You make me feel… less certain about myself.”
    The vulnerable honesty of her words struck his heart like a pounding fist. He took a deep breath.
    “Forgive me, Brenna. I know I’ve not been the friend you deserve.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration as he searched for the words to right the wrongs of the past. Then he took hold of her hand and smiled. “Let us start over again, Brenna.”
    She pulled her hand from his grasp. “I am not a young maid easily swayed by a smile and a tender touch. I do not ken why you seek this change. For years, your behavior toward me has been less than gracious without justification. Can you refute this?”
    “Nay, I cannot.”
    “And what’s worse, you’ve shown me little mercy over recent months: a time when most have shown me sympathy. In the least, you should have stayed your tongue out of pity alone, but instead you’ve been your cruelest.”
    “Aye, Brenna, I’ve much to atone for.” He let his hands rest at his sides. He stood tall and looked her straight in the eye. “I am not asking for your trust, only the opportunity to earn it.”
    She stared at him for some moments. Then she turned back toward her hut. As she retreated, cold dread stiffened his limbs as he again searched for the right words to sway her mind. He considered telling her the truth—she was the breath that fed his body. She existed so that the world held something worthy enough for the sun to shine upon.
    He took a deep breath ready to bare his soul, but then she stopped and looked back at him. “Are you coming?” she said.
    His heart lay on his tongue. Words he swallowed time and again ached for release. But he looked into her eyes and silenced his heart. Her gaze held suspicion, agonizing vulnerability and something that cut him deeper than her disdain ever could—hope.
    For the first time, he saw beyond her courage and her indomitable strength. He saw her fear and loneliness.
    He smiled to show his gratitude for the invitation. Then he followed her inside.
    “So you plan to do my washing?” she said.
    “Aye,” he laughed. “I am your servant, lass.”
    “Can you sew well enough to mend Nellore’s tunic? I do not want her wearing a mess.”
    Duncan’s hand flew to his heart, and he cringed as though