A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (great novels TXT) 📕

Each man tried to figure out a way to keep the purchases on their laps. It was comical and Ewan was glad he’d only purchased for one woman.

“They are not costly,” one of the men replied. “They do so much with little recompense. To me, bringing home a gift for my wife after she’s been home alone with the bairns for months is very small compared to what I get in return.”

The words warmed Ewan’s heart. He’d never considered marriage, if he were to be honest with himself. Usually, the thought of settling with one woman made him shudder. Since meeting Catriona, he’d begun to feel differently.

Just holding the things that he knew would belong to her filled him with a sense of fulfillment that made little sense. The tavern owner’s wife brought their meals and, taking pity on the other men, placed a basket on the floor between them. “Ye can put the things in there before ye get everything dirty.”

The men thanked her and did as she told them to.

The meal was flavorful. It was nice to go away from the keep and spend time with other men who he’d worked with daily.

“How does yer side feel?” one of the men asked.

Ewan took inventory of his body and realized that although he was in pain, it wasn’t bad enough to put off departure. “No pain,” he lied. “We will depart as planned. Tis time.”

***

When Ewan walked through the great room to where Catriona’s bedchamber was, there were very few people milling about. Last meal had been eaten and the tables cleaned. A pair of lads swept up the room and two men he didn’t recognize sat at a table talking.

No one paid him any heed when he walked past.

Upon approaching the door, he felt silly holding the shawl and other gifts. What if she resented him doing it? He planned to frame it as a farewell gift. If she decided not to travel to Ross lands, they’d never see each other again. There was no reason for him to ever return to Fraser lands. He doubted she would gain the fortitude to travel to where he would be.

He knocked softly and held his breath, unsure whether or not Catriona would open the door.

Finally, the door opened and she peered up at him. She blinked at recognizing him and pulled him into the room, leaving the door ajar.

“Ye should not be here. Did anyone see ye come?” She leaned to the side and looked around him to the door. “People will talk.”

“Is there someone ye wish to hide me from?” he teased.

Catriona sniffed. “I do not wish for Lady Fraser to be cross with me for allowing ye such liberties.” She lifted an eyebrow. “This is not funny. Why are ye smiling?”

“Because I am glad to see ye.”

Her gaze moved to his hand. “Do ye need mending done before ye leave?”

The comment made it sound like she’d already decided not to go, and his heart sank. Ewan managed to keep a light expression. “No. I bought ye a little something from the village.”

“What?” Her eyes rounded. “Ye bought me a gift?”

“Four gifts actually,” Ewan said and quickly added. “Ye took care of me when I was injured. Ye ensured my tunics were mended and even made me additional ones. I owe ye a great deal.” He held out the items.

Catriona looked like she was about to cry. “I only did what was right.”

“No one else offered,” Ewan stated. “Here take them.”

She took the shawl first and held it up, her lips curving. “It’s beautiful.”

“I think the color will match yer eyes.”

Next, she admired the ribbons and comb. “Thank ye. Everything is lovely, but ye did not have to do it. I did for ye what I felt was right.” Her eyes lifted to his. They were shiny with unshed tears. “I wish I was stronger.”

Ewan moved closer. “What would ye do if ye were stronger?”

Her head fell. “I would go with ye. I would try to...” She stopped midsentence. “It matters not.”

“It does,” Ewan said, lifting her face to him. “Catriona, come with me. But if ye do not, I will be waiting for ye. Ye will be ready one day. And when that day comes, send word and I will come for ye.”

Her eyes rounded. “I could never ask that of ye. It may never come to be that things change.”

“Ye have changed so much since I have been here.”

It was true. When he’d arrived, she wouldn’t leave her bedchamber. No one, including Keithen, was allowed inside. The only people who saw Catriona for many months were Lady Fraser, Flora and Esme.

“Ye left yer room, ye go outside, and ye even went to the village.” Ewan smiled down at her. “And ye kissed me.”

A soft pink colored her cheeks and her lips twitched. “I did, didn’t I?”

He took a leap of faith and pulled the beautiful woman against his chest. At first, she stiffened. But then she gradually relaxed and let out a long breath.

When her arms circled his waist, Ewan eyes burned. It was something he’d wished for. “Yer hug is a wonderful gift.”

Catriona laid her head against his chest. “I wish I could give ye more.”

“Come with me. I promise to keep ye protected. I swear on my life.”

When she looked up at him, he smiled at her. Unable to keep from it, he lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was tentative at first, lips against lips, barely touching. But upon her response, he deepened the kiss and then gently trailed his tongue against her mouth.

Catriona moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, parting her lips to allow him access. For so long, he’d dreamed of having her