'How could I go home without you? I've searched my entire life for you. I could never leave you. Home is wherever you are.' His hand shook as he gently caressed the side of her face. 'Don't you understand? I love you, and I want to wake up with you beside me every morning for the rest of my life. If that means I have to live in England to be with you, then that's what I'll do.'
Tears of joy brimmed in her eyes. She was overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings for her and the tender, romantic way he'd told her how he felt.
She knew it was difficult for him. He hid his feelings behind his gruff exterior. She realized then she knew him better than he knew himself. It didn't matter that he'd broken out in a cold sweat or that he looked quite ill now; he'd given her what she needed. Aye, he'd said the words, and he couldn't take them back.
'Say it again,' she whispered.
Gritting his teeth, he did as she asked. 'I'll live in England.'
She blinked. 'What?'
'Ah, love, don't make me say it again. If it makes you happy, we'll live here.'
She knew he meant it and was staggered by the sacrifice this dear, gentle man was willing to make for her. Lord, she needed to kiss him, but she decided to put him out of his misery first.
'Will it make you happy to live in England?'
Her poor, distraught husband was rapidly turning gray. 'If I'm with you, I'll be happy.'
She began to laugh. 'Then I'm about to make you delirious. I don't want to live in England. I want to live with the Buchanans. Take me home.'
