The Healer
Page 25
‘I’d do anything to keep you here with me.’
Tears welled, and seeped from her eyes.
‘What is it, Lynelle?’
She swallowed, relishing his touch as he wiped the moisture from her cheeks. ‘I have been cursed all my life, yet you risk your life to care for me.’
‘I don’t believe in curses, lass.’ His hand cupped her face and he looked into her eyes. ‘But I believe in you.’
Lynelle’s breath caught. ‘But...my father?’
‘Doesn’t deserve a daughter such as you.’
A wisp of pity for her father rose inside her. ‘My father still grieves. He lost his wife the day I was born, and his son.’ William frowned. ‘I am a twin,’ she said softly.
‘Ah.’ His brows lifted. ‘You truly are special,’ he said, stroking her hair. ‘Blessed with strength and courage, even then. More reason your father should have cherished you.’
She searched his handsome face, struggling to believe she lay in his arms. Dark circles smudged the skin beneath his eyes.
‘How long...?’
‘How long have the villagers despaired of hearing you would live?’ His fingers skimmed her cheek. ‘Three days.’
Three days?
His eyes locked with hers. ‘But it seems I have waited forever to say, I love you, Lynelle.’
Her heart soared, and a fresh bout of tears blurred her vision. She blinked them away.
‘I love you, William,’ she whispered.
A slow smile tilted the corners of his mouth as he gazed down at her. ‘One more thing, my precious little fool.’
The endearment washed over her, warming her soul.
‘Will you marry me, Lynelle?’
She stared into sparkling-grey eyes, finally discovering the place where she belonged.
‘Aye, William,’ she said softly, as her heart overflowed with joy.
‘But first, I have a request, my handsome, brooding laird.’
‘What is your wish?’ William asked as his thumb traced her mouth.
‘A kiss.’
William’s eyes darkened and a grin stole over his face. ‘I must warn you, Lynelle. Once we are wed, I won’t stop at a single kiss.’
Reaching up, she curled her fingers about his nape. ‘Praise Saint Jude,’ she said with a smile, and pulled his mouth down to hers.
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ISBN: 9780857991911
Title: The Healer
Copyright © 2014 by Allison Butler
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