A knock sounded at the door. Jessie started.

He released her and stepped back. "Now, who could that be?" He strode to the door and opened it.

Sim waited outside. "Chief!"

"I'm glad you've returned." Torrin stepped into the corridor and pulled the door almost closed behind him. "Were you successful in your mission?" he whispered.

Sim grinned broadly. "Indeed, m'laird."

Torrin stuck his head back into the library and asked Jessie, "Could you wait here for a few minutes?"

She frowned a bit. "Why?"

He shrugged, not wanting to raise her suspicions any more than he had already. "I but want to talk to you more," he said, hoping she knew that by the word talk he actually meant kiss. He winked.

She blushed and clasped her hands together. "Very well. If you hurry." She gave an impish grin.

"I will indeed hurry."

Torrin disappeared out the door, closing it behind him. Jessie wondered how long he would make her wait. And what would they do or talk about once he returned? She did enjoy spending time alone with him, and of course his kisses.

Apparently, the men had returned from escorting the MacBains south. Maybe Torrin would come back and tell her news of whether MacBain had caused any trouble. For a certainty now, she could not go out and walk on the beach with so many outlaws on the loose. She turned, gazing out the window at Balnakeil Bay below. The sun had already sunk below the horizon but 'twas still light enough to see the beach and the cliffs in the distance.

She busied herself lighting the candelabra on the table. 'Twould be dark soon, and she wanted to see the varying expressions that crossed Torrin's face.

Moments later, the library door opened again and Torrin entered carrying a large wad of plaid in one arm. What on earth was that? When it wiggled, a shock went through her.

"What is that?" she asked.

A whine pierced the air.

"A surprise." He pulled back the plaid and a furry, dark gray head popped out.

'Twas the cutest puppy she'd ever seen. Her mouth dropped open. "I didn't know you had a dog."

"'Tis not mine."

"Whose is it?"

"Yours." Torrin grinned and set the long-legged pup on the floor. It ran to her, its tail wagging like mad. The wee Scottish deerhound was dark grey all over, except for white paws and a white star on his chest.

"I don't understand." Her heart melting, she knelt to pet the adorable and enthusiastic animal.

"'Tis my gift to you. I sent my men to get it in Scourie. I have a distant cousin there who breeds deerhounds. You're lucky; he only sells them to chiefs."

"Torrin." She shook her head, emotion tightening her throat. He was so sweet and generous, but she couldn't become attached to another dog. Losing Ossian had near killed her. Taking a deep breath, she forced the sadness away. "You shouldn't have. I wasn't planning to get another dog."

Torrin frowned. "Why not? You love them."

"Because… it hurts too much when you lose them."

He knelt opposite her and rubbed the puppy's belly while it squirmed on its back between them. "There's always the chance we'll lose people or animals we love, but we can't let that hold us back from loving them."

Tears burned her eyes. "I know, but I simply didn't wish to get attached to another dog."

"Just as you don't wish to get attached to another man?" Torrin lifted his brows, his perceptive gaze piercing into her.

Though she hated to admit it, she nodded. "I've been hurt enough."

He shook his head and drew his hand back from the pup. It leapt up and loped across the room.

"Jessie." He crawled closer to where she sat on the floor, her knees drawn up, and placed a finger underneath her chin to lift it.

Not wanting him to see her tears, she pressed her eyes closed.

"Look at me," he murmured.

She opened her eyes to find him studying her intently with a sincere gaze.

"I vow upon my life, I'm not going to hurt you. I would never abandon you or send you back to your family once I make a commitment to you."

"You could change your mind in a year or two. Who knows? People change. What they want changes."

His eyes narrowing, he drew in a deep breath and let it out slow. "What I want has not changed since I first saw you," he said in a firmer tone.

"That was only last winter."

"Aye. Seven months ago. If I were not certain, do you think I would be here now?"

"I know not. 'Tis only…" She cared too much for Torrin now. If she accepted his offer of marriage and he tired of her, she couldn't survive it. Tears flooded her eyes. She stood, turned her back to him and stared out the window, not wanting him to see her tears or her weakness.

"So," he said, getting to his feet. "You do not accept me or this wee laddie?" His tone was so disappointed she could hardly stand it.

She wanted to accept them both. She truly did.

"Very well," he said from across the room. The door clicked shut.

Chapter Eleven

Jessie turned and stared at the door Torrin had just closed behind him as he'd left. Of course, 'twas her fault he'd walked out, but at the same time, she realized this was what it would feel like if he abandoned her. She pressed her eyes closed tight, tears running down her cheeks. 'Twould rip her heart out.

But he hadn't abandoned her. He'd simply left the room because he believed she wouldn't accept him or his gift.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The words echoed in the quiet, empty room.

The leggy pup scuttled toward her and sniffed at her skirt-tail.

She lowered herself to the floor on shaky legs and the pup clambered onto her lap. "What is your name, wee furry beastie?" she asked, trying to keep him from washing her face with his pink tongue. "You are a handsome lad." Already the pup wriggled his way into her heart, just as Torrin had. She couldn't help but smile. Torrin was a sweetheart to give her such a thoughtful gift. She would have to thank him, for indeed she could not refuse the puppy.

"How about Greum?" she asked him. "Would you answer to that name?"

The pup put his white paws on her shoulder and licked her ear.

"Och, you are very forward just like Torrin." She rolled him onto his back and rubbed his belly. He squirmed and kicked, a happy grin on his face. Playing with him, she repeated the name a few times, hoping he'd come to recognize it quickly. "Are you hungry? I bet you are as hungry as a wild boar, are you not? Come, Greum, and I'll find you something to eat."

She rose and approached the door. Greum scampered at her heels as she left the library and crossed the great hall. Everyone was assembling for supper. She glanced around the room and her gaze landed on Torrin, standing by the fireplace with several of his men. She sent him a brief smile and continued on toward the kitchen, not waiting to see what his response would be. She was sure he thought her daft. And mayhap she was. But she could only do what she felt was right for her.

***

Torrin's attention was completely ensnared when Jessie strode across the great hall, the pup on her heels. She smiled at him, halting his breath, then disappeared down the stairs leading to the kitchen. Saints! What did that smile mean? He refused to chase after her and find out. Nay, she would have to come to him this time.