A lump in Callum’s throat made it difficult to swallow. First, because her need for his approval nearly brought him to his knees. Elizabeth deserved to be lifted high above mere men, and instead, life had beaten her down low.

Second, because she stepped in front of him wearing an everyday dress that should have looked mundane, but instead she appeared angelic. He couldn’t wait to wrap her in the finest silks and softest wools. He’d have his tartan made into a wrap and cover her in nothing else as he slowly made love—

“Doesn’t she look exquisite?” the dressmaker gushed, clearly deciding to participate whole-heartedly in the sale. She likely thought he might buy more dresses or she was attempting to make up for her earlier behavior.

“Aye,” he returned barely taking his eyes off Elizabeth. “We’ll take another and be out of yer way.” He had every intention of buying her many dresses, but not from this woman.

They left the shop with Elizabeth wearing one of the gowns they had purchased. A dark blue habit of sturdy material, perfect for traveling. As she tucked her now-gloved hand into the crook of his arm, she beamed up at him. “You didn’t have to purchase anything for me, but it is lovely to be in a real dress again.”

He stopped, passing their parcels to the driver and then handing her into the carriage. As the door snapped shut, he pulled her into his lap, his arms wrapping around her. “I plan to purchase ye a great deal more.” He found her lips as she settled between his thighs. The carriage began rumbling down the street but they hardly noticed.

Finally, she broke away from his kiss. “Much as I appreciate that, I couldn’t possibly accept. I’ll have to find a way to purchase appropriate clothing for myself—”

His mouth hung open as he looked at her then. “As yer husband, I’ll take care of any needs that ye have.”

“Like my father?” she bit out, leaning away from him then.

“I already told ye, lass, I’ll make sure ye’ve got yer own money that will keep ye from ever doin’ laundry agin.”

She huffed a breath. “I thought you understood. I know I don’t have much. I wasn’t doing a wonderful job of it, but I was taking care of myself. And while I will be your wife, I still want some measure of independence. I never want to be taken unawares like that again.”

He stared at her, trying to understand what the bloody hell she was talking about. He would always provide for her. He would never leave her in the lurch as her father had done. “I’m not going have you taken in laundry while yer my countess.”

She wrenched off his lap then and sat across from him, crossing her arms. “After the war, were you the same man?”

“Gads, no.” He scratched his head mystified why she wouldn’t want a proper wardrobe.

“Well, I’m not the same woman either. And I can’t just spend your money and dress myself up in shiny jewels and pretend that women aren’t suffering because they put their fate in a man’s hands. I won’t be a pretty little fool again.” Her hands were clenched into fists. “You told me earlier you were proud of me. Will that last when all I do is shop? What about after my looks fade?”

He swallowed, beginning to understand. He hadn’t wanted a wife content to smile and be pretty. He’d wanted a woman who understood the darker parts of life. But because of that, she couldn’t just play the part of countess as so many women would happily did. The question that remained, was how would she be his countess and a laundress? “I’m no shining beacon of happiness. And I didn’t want a wife who couldn’t weather the dark times, when they come. But I also want some measure of a normal life or I wouldnae be marryin’.”

Her face fell, crumbling in pain and it made his heart ache. “Do you wish to call off our engagement?”

The answer was clear to him though the why of it was less so. “Nae, lass. But we’ll have to work to find a solution that suits us both. Though I don’t ken what it is.”

She gave him a cursory smile, but there was a sadness that hadn’t been there before and as they sat across from one another, he wasn’t sure how to bring them back together. Or if he should. He wanted her to be his wife, but it would be better if they maintained more of a distance. He didn’t need his heart—what little of it remained—entangled in this; he wished to keep it intact.

Clearing his throat, he tried to change the subject. “I’ll start on the roof as soon as we return. I can finish it once we’re back from Gretna Green.”

She jerked her chin down to show she understood but maintained her silence. He wanted to pull her back into his lap but he refrained.

* * *

Elizabeth longed to kiss him, or box his ear, or both. She didn’t rightly know.

So instead she ignored him as she looked out the window.

He was right of course. That was the maddening part about it. She couldn’t take in laundry as a countess. And she’d have to dress the part. She didn’t know a single woman who would feel squeamish about her husband, father, or brother clothing or feeding her. It was simply the way it was done.

But Elizabeth remembered the first months after her father died. The hunger and the fear. But more than that, she realized her own self-worth in hard work. The thought of giving that up, well it hurt.

But a tiny voice cried out that Aunt Mary deserved the life Callum would provide, the comforts that came with it, and she’d be a fool to deny that. Or that she wanted the comforts he’d provide too and she didn’t mean the clothing or the home.

Her body yearned for the feel of him, the strength he exuded when she lay against his chest, and the safety he provided.

“If you’ll be working late, I’ll start a stew,” she spoke softly, not looking at him. She’d end up tossing herself across the carriage and into his arms if she did.

“That sounds nice, lass. Thank ye.”

His voice rumbled over her, making her body ache for him. But she couldn’t let her body rule her mind. “You’re welcome,” she replied automatically.

“Look at me, lass,” he commanded from across the carriage. She blinked several times but found herself doing as he bid. A woman could get lost in the depth of those dark eyes.

“What is it?” she asked, her hands balling into fists into her skirts. She’d been right. Looking at him made her want to touch him.

“Don’t be upset with me for wantin’ to ease yer burdens.” His voice was soft in the intimacy of the carriage. “I can’t help that even after a day, I don’t like to see ye suffer.”

She did exactly as she feared and promptly crossed the carriage, his strong arms pulling her back into his waiting warmth. “I don’t. I mean, you’re right.” She knew for her sake, and Aunt Mary’s that they’d marry. Later, she would find a way to make her life as meaningful as it had been these past two years.

His lips found hers then and they clung together. Elizabeth had the nagging suspicion that Callum was just as afraid of losing himself as she was of being lost to marriage.

The next day dawned bright and early and Callum arrived at first light with a hired hack. Ewan had been able to book passage and had been eager to return to Scotland and his family. Mrs. Baker had come to stay with her aunt for the next three days, thanks to Callum. He’d given her a nice sum for her efforts. Elizabeth found herself, once again, sitting across from her darkly handsome earl.

She’d packed a basket of food so they needn’t stop. At least that was what she told herself, and it had seemed sound. But now the basket was clutched in her lap, a physical barrier between them.

When he’d left the prior evening, they’d been in good spirits but as she lay in bed the events of yesterday had played over and over in her mind. The touching, her own misgivings, and the misunderstandings.

They said little as they made their way to Gretna Green and by mid afternoon they’d arrived. Callum sought out a blacksmith who agreed to perform the ceremony that evening.

“I’d forgotten how much more relaxed Scotland is,” she murmured taking a deep breath of air.

He gave an easy grin, his shoulders relaxing too. “Why’d ye leave?”

“My father was English. The cottage was the only asset left not taken by his debtors. Frankly, we were lucky to have it.” A frown creased her brow. Her grandfather had been lord of the land. Just like herself, it had done little to protect her or her aunt. Though she supposed a small cottage was better than nothing at all.

“I see,” he replied a gentle hand at her back as they entered an inn to procure a room for the night. This would be her wedding night. Butterflies danced in her stomach anew, her past pushed aside for thoughts of her future.

Callum ordered water brought to the room for bathing. Clearing his throat as the buckets arrived, he stepped toward the door. “I’ll leave ye to it.” Then he was gone.

Elizabeth blinked at the door as it closed, and began undressing herself. A bath would feel delicious after hours in the carriage. She had to admit, she missed Callum’s presence in the room. Stepping into the water, she thought about the parts of marriage she eagerly awaited. One of them was being held in Callum’s strong arms.

As she scrubbed herself, she thought about the feel of his strong arms. What would it be like if he were scrubbing her? The thought made her tingle all over as she climbed out of the water.

Just as she replaced her own clothing, the door opened again and Callum strode in. He filled the room, his large frame, rousing excitement and desire within her.

“How was yer bath?” His deep voice rumbled through her.

“It felt lovely,” she said feeling her cheeks heat. Talking with him after the deliciously debaucherous thoughts she’d had made her slightly embarrassed.

“I’d like to bathe as well before our nuptials. I won’t send ye to the common room by yerself so ye’ll have to turn around if ye don’t want tae see me.” He gave her a wicked grin as he started stripping off his shirt.

Part of her wanted to stay exactly as she was. Her curiosity desperate to be fulfilled. But he’d given her privacy and she’d do the same. Despite her curiosity, she’d learn all about him soon enough. With a small smile, Elizabeth turned around. Moments later, she heard the water slosh in the tub. “Is it cold?”

“It’s fine, lass,” he replied. She could hear him scrubbing. “Feels good after today.”

She smoothed the folds of her new dress, looking out the window into an alley below. “Tell me about your home.”

“Our home,” he returned. “I live on the sea in East Kilbride. We mine salt and small amounts of coal. It’s profitable for myself and the people I care for.”

“You’ve a gentleness that I’m sure makes you an excellent land owner.” She continued to look out the window as she spoke.

“It will be your job as well to help me care for those people.” He got out of the tub and she could hear him dressing. “I don’t know if it’s what ye had in mind but those people need someone to tend to them.”

She nodded. It would be enough. It had to be.

An hour later, they made their way back to the smithy who was to perform their ceremony. His wife and brother were with him to stand as witnesses.

He tied a ribbon around their hands joining them together. The contact made Elizabeth breathless as she looked up into Callum’s eyes. Joined like this, an emotion was spreading through her that was difficult to identify. As though she’d do anything for Callum. The man who had swept into her life and helped her save her aunt. The man who made her wanton with desire. Dear lord, did she love him?

“Callum Tate,” the blacksmith’s voice snapped her from her thoughts. “Will ye take this woman to be yer lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

Callum’s brogue washed over her, spreading warmth through her body. She did love him.

“And do ye take this man to be yer lawfully wedded husband?” The smithy looked to her.

It wasn’t that she didn’t still have doubts. She did. But she knew she had to try and work past them. A man such as this would never enter her life again. “I do,” she answered.

Their hands entwined, she tried to tell him with her eyes that she would love him, try to be content with the role of wife. It was her duty.

He spoke to her with his eyes too. Their depths so inviting. The edges soft with an emotion she only hoped was similar to her own.

“You may kiss yer bride.” The smithy smiled at them.

Callum didn’t hesitate, he swooped down, capturing her lips with his own. It was a claiming and as her free hand came up to touch his cheek, she pressed closer. Tonight she wanted to be his in every way.

After all the documents had been signed, they returned to the inn. Elizabeth could hardly believe her eyes when she walked through the door. The table was laden with more food then she’d seen in quite some time. “What is all this?”

“Our wedding buffet.” He smiled down at her. “I wish yer aunt could be here but it’ll have tae do.”

She walked over to the table, picked up a fig and popped it into her mouth. It melted on her tongue just the way she’d remembered. Sighing, she went to turn back to him but he’d silently crossed the room and stood in front of her now. “You shouldn’t have,” she chastised gently. “But I must confess that these are delicious.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist then and pulled her close. “I’m glad ye like it.”

“After being a soldier, does it feel wrong to indulge?” she asked, her arms circling his neck.

He took a breath. “I suppose it did. Does it feel wrong to you?”

“I know others suffer. I’m no longer blind to it.”

He brushed a piece of her hair back. “I understand. It’s why I married ye.”

Then his lips descended upon hers and she forgot everything else. He slanted her mouth open as his tongue tangled with hers. She could feel her body heating. “Callum,” she managed to pant between kisses.

His hands were on the buttons along the front of her gown, swiftly opening the dress until it hung off her shoulders. Pushing her arms out of the sleeves, the fabric pooled at her feet. He shrugged his own jacket and shirt off and stood before her in just his kilt and boots.

The sight of his bare chest made her head spin. Broad and muscular, it was sprinkled with dark hair. Elizabeth couldn’t seem to help herself as she ran her hands up and down the muscles, feeling his coarse hair. “So strong,” she murmured as he pulled her back against him.

His lips took hers again, bringing her ever higher until she was barely aware of her clothes falling away. When she stood in nothing but her shift, he wrapped his arms around her and carried her easily to the bed.

“Yer the weight of a feather,” he grinned against her lips.

She giggled, wrapping her legs about him. “I doubt that.”

“Are ye nervous, lass?” He caressed her thighs, stroking up until he reached the apex of her thighs.

She shook her head. “I still have my doubts that it’s going to fit but I trust you not to hurt me.”

“It usually hurts the first time.” He pulled his head back, the lines of his face tight with worry.

Her heart swelled further. It was so hard for her to entrust her welfare to someone else but Callum made it easy. No man was more concerned with the task than Callum. “I know you’ll be as gentle as you can.”

He kissed her again, as he slowly lowered her to the bed. “We’ll go slow,” he murmured. “Careful.”

She nodded even as she watched him remove his boots and then his kilt. Transfixed, he was even larger than she had imagined. “I changed my mind. I don’t think this is going to work.”

He gave her a knowing grin and climbed back up the bed toward her. Pulling at the hem of her shift, he lifted it over her body. She resisted the urge to cover herself. “We don’t need to worry about that yet, lass. Just lay back and let me take care of ye.”

She did as he bid. She really did trust him, despite her trepidation. He nibbled at her neck, then slid down her collarbone, across her chest and sucked in one of her nipples. Crying out she arched toward him, her fingers curling into his hair. He did the same to the other then moved lower still. As he kissed down her belly, the ache between her legs grew tighter until she could barely stand another second. She spread her legs wider, opening in invitation. “Callum,” she gasped.

Instead of answering he brushed his lips against her folds and her body spasmed in response. Dear lord, he’d been right. This was better.

She hardly recognized the sounds that came from her own mouth as he continued to stroke her, building her higher until she could no longer tell where she ended and he began. Reaching down, she twined her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. Another cry fell from her lips as her insides twisted and ached in the most delicious way. Her toes curled with need as she pulled at his hair. Finally, she fell over the edge, shattering into a thousand brilliant pieces. Warmth spread through her as he skimmed back up the length of her body until his member pushed against her opening. She had forgotten to be nervous. He felt so good, his skin against hers, his weight a comfort she had never imagined.

He thrust into her and a pinch followed by an ache made her wince but his body atop hers made her feel safe and loved even with the pain.

“Ae ye all right, lass?” He pushed through gritted teeth.

She nodded. “I’m perfect.” She was, absolutely and completely perfect. Never had she felt more connected, more safe than she did in this moment.

His breath came out in a rush. “This won’t take long.” He stroked her hair even as he pressed his lips to hers over and over.

Slowly moving out of her, he pushed back in and groaned when he’d filled her again. As he moved in and out the pain subsided and she returned his kisses pulling him closer still. “I never imagined it would feel so…” she paused looking for the right word. “Binding.”

“Is that good or bad?” he asked, his breath coming in short gasps.

“Good,” she whispered close to his ear. She tightened her grip on him wanting to be closer still. “Tell me we’ll be able to hold each other like this every night.”

He cried out then, his body spasming, as he pushed into her one final time. “Always,” he replied as he kissed every inch of her face.

He rolled onto his side, taking her with him. Snuggling into the crook of his arm, Elizabeth thought she had never been more wrapped in comfort and security in her life. His strength, his affection, his tenderness near brought tears to her eyes. No wonder women sought the protection of a man. This was divine.

Splaying her hand over his heart, the steady thump made her eyes heavy as she snuggled closer still. She tried to remember the last time she’d been so safe emotionally and physically. Her mind searched for the word to describe it but she was too sluggish. “I never want to leave this bed,” she uttered before her eyes closed.