Two hours later, they had returned home, tucked safely in their room. Tomorrow, work would begin on a new home for the Drury family. Tonight, they had unfinished business to attend to.

Elizabeth lay tucked under the covers as she watched Callum ready himself. He stripped off his clothing, washing himself down after the fire. “Do you need help?” she called softly from the bed.

“No, lass. I’ll be done in no time. Ye warm the bed fer me.”

She nodded, enjoying the view of his muscles as he worked the water over his skin, stripping off his clothing. Heating the bed wouldn’t be a problem as she watched him move.

Drying off, he caught sight of her looking at him. He winked at her then as a blush rose in her cheeks.

“Feeling better?” She scooted over to make room for him.

“I am.” He moved slowly toward the bed, his eyes intent upon her. She drank in the view of her husband. She’d never grow tired of the strength his muscular body exuded or the softness with which he wielded it. “The smoke makes ye feel grimy.”

She grimaced, he own desire momentarily forgotten. “The poor Drury family.”

Callum slipped into bed next her, his arms wrapping around her body. She wore a nightshift, but the fabric did little to separate them. “We’ll help them rebuild.”

She nodded. “And what of Carolyn and her baby? Did she lose her husband?”

“Aye,” Callum nodded as he spoke. “A year ago. Her parents are helping best they can, but they’ve got their hands full with their children and now with the fire….”

He didn’t finish, he didn’t have to.

“I should introduce her to the blacksmith. They might be able to help one another.”

Callum blinked. “Like git married and help raise each other’s children?”

“Well, I hadn’t thought about it like that, but at the very least, they could share their grief. Perhaps she could cook for his children and he could pay her. Maybe mend the children’s clothes and…” she trailed off because that was indeed beginning to sound like marriage.

“Are ye anglin’ to become Ewan? Make a match for people in need just like us?”

That was a marvelous idea. She sat up, her mind turning over the possibility. Help couples find one another. Help women who had been pushed out by society. It was a marvelous idea. “Oh Callum,” she breathed. “It would be so wonderful to help those who need it.”

“I agree,” he grinned. “Let’s start with Carolyn and Damon.”

“We could throw a party for the village so that they might meet.” Excitement rippling through her and she clapped a little at the idea.

“Michaelmas Day is next week, we could hold a festival.” Callum’s hand stroked her back.

“It’s perfect,” she breathed, laying back down next to him as she pressed her body to his. “You’re perfect.” Her lips found his.

“Lass, ye’ve made my life complete in ways I never even dreamed. Don’t ye be tellin’ me that I’m so wonderful. If one of us should be thankful, it’s me.”

She sat up again, only to send her nightrail sailing over her head. “Are you sure I shouldn’t be thankful? I believe I’ve thought of the best way to thank you.” And then she pressed her skin to his.

His hands wrapped around her waist and then fanned across her back. “Well, if ye’re dead set on thankin’ me lass, I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”

She giggled as their lips met ready to lose herself in his embrace. She started with surprise when he pulled away.

“I’ve somethin’ tae tell ye.” He looked into her eyes.

She reminded herself to breathe as she wondered what he might say. Fear made her heart thump in her chest. “Yes?”

“When ye told me that ye loved me,” he paused then. “I’m not proud, but I wanted to tell ye that I loved ye too. I just couldn’t say the words. I’ve been afraid my heart was too broken after the war to give ye real emotion.”

Elizabeth breathed a sigh as she pressed against him. “Don’t be silly. Of course you’re not too broken to love. And I love you too.” She leaned down to kiss him again and this time, they said no more as they moved together. She’d meant every word. Her life was perfect.

A week later, Elizabeth stood and clapped as the villagers gathered about the common. After having passed bread and then eaten their fill, everyone had begun dancing as the bagpipes played a merry tune. She’d intentionally sat Damon and Carolyn at their table, next to one another, and she was pleased to see that not only did they get on quite well but Damon had asked for a dance.

“Callum,” she tugged on his arm. “Look, they are dancing!”

“I see them, love.”

He caressed her waist, stroking the luxurious fabric of her new gown. He’d insisted buying it for her for the festival and had purchased several more. She was trying to get used to it. “But everyone else is looking at you. Let’s show them how it’s done.”

Aunt Mary scooted up next to her, giving her arm a little pinch. “Go on then.” She smiled. “I’m getting older just waiting to watch the two of you dance.”

“See?” Callum laughed. “Everyone wants to see us out there.”

She allowed Callum to sweep her into the throng of dancers. His steps were quick and light and she found herself breathless as he held her. “You’re marvelous.” It amazed her how agile he was for such a large man.

He pulled her a little closer, his gaze soft as he spun her around. “I am the luckiest man I ken,” he whispered. “How soon until we can leave?”

She giggled. “Don’t be silly,” she said, but her pulse quickened. “We have to dance at least one more dance—"

But she stopped speaking as she watched Damon and Carolyn slip from the crowd, their hands locked together.

She gave Callum’s arm a squeeze. She’d done that. She’d helped a woman in need.

“What are ye thinkin’, lass?” His voice was soft and low, as he leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear.

“Just that I liked helping them. That I want to aid others. Men who’ve returned from war. Women who’ve lost their husbands.”

He brushed his lips to the sensitive part of her neck. “That is a grand idea. We’ll do it together, if ye let me. We’ll find ways to help those who cannot help themselves.”

“Together,” she said, feeling complete for the first in so long. She had purpose, real accomplishments and above all, she had love.