a path she wanted to go down. She’d bide her time and wait for Gwen’s daughter to send her home. She’d be older when she went back to her time, but that’s what happened when mistakes were made.
Foolish, foolish mistakes that resembled a living nightmare.
Aedan stood on the opposite side of the tapestry and listened to the sobs that wracked Abigail’s body. He cursed himself to Hades for wanting to go to her. Wrap her in his arms and comfort her. To kiss the sweet lips that had haunted his mind for the past twelve months.
She hiccupped and he swore. To be the cause of her pain wasn’t something he’d ever thought to be. He loved her. Loved her so much that the severing pain was likely to rip him in two.
He couldn’t listen to her crying so he strode out of his room, heading toward his sister’s quarters. He knocked loud on their door, pushing past Braxton when he finally opened it.
“Do ye have any idea what you’ve done, lass? Abigail is now, right at this moment, sobbing, and there’s nothing I can do to help her. Why would ye bring her back to see what I’ve done?”
“Because what you’ve done is a mistake.” Gwen swung out of bed and pulled a shawl about her shoulders. “Aline is poison for ye soul, while Abigail is the antidote. Do not marry, her, Aedan. You’ll regret it.”
“If ye planned on bringing Abigail back why didn’t ye tell me? I would’ve waited for her. You knew how much I loved the lass.”
“Loved? Does that mean you no longer do?” Gwen crossed her arms, one eyebrow raised.
“I love her still and I canna have her. How do ye think that makes me feel? Makes us feel?”
Gwen sighed. “When the announcement was made my decision was also. I swore on my daughter that should she have the gift, I’d pass down the story required for Abigail to return. I suppose by swearing that oath, I’ve also found out Mairi is gifted like her mama, for Abigail appeared like a ghost not long after.”
Braxton went over and stood next to his wife, placing a comforting arm about her shoulders. “Are ye sure, Gwen?”
“Aye, I’m sure,” Gwen said, kissing Braxton quickly before looking back at Aedan.
“Well, I’m very happy for ye both, but it doesn’t change the mess you’ve made.”
“I’ve never liked Aline and she knows this. She’s aware that I’d do anything to keep ye from making such a huge mistake. As for the rest of your future, it’s up to you, brother. Who will you choose?”
“Choose? I’ve already chosen. I can’t go back on my word. The Grants are not a clan that we need to be at war with.” No matter how much he wanted to say the hell with everything required of him. To hell with everyone who expected him to do the right thing all the time.
“Well, I suggest ye find another way, before it’s too late.”
Aedan rubbed his neck, a headache thumping behind his brow. “Abigail will return to your estate with ye. I can’t have her here with me. It’s not safe.”
Gwen raised her brow, grinning. “And why’s that? Don’t ye think you’d be able to keep ye hands off the lass?”
He gritted his teeth. The urge to strangle his sister pulled at his soul. “I dinna wish to hurt Abigail any more than I already have.” The memory of her tears, of her sobbing, tortured him. She’d only have to look at him, nod for him to follow her, and he’d go. He’d do anything to be with her again. To taste her, smell her, touch her one more time. He ran a hand through his hair and swore. “She leaves with you.”
“I’m so glad ye came to see us, brother, as we’ve more news for you. We’ve decided to stay for a few months after your wedding. I hope you don’t mind. Of course, anyone who’s my guest is welcome to stay here for that length of time, as well.”
“Dinna do this, Gwendolyn, or I’ll be forced to remove ye both physically from Druiminn.”
She laughed, the damn vexing woman. “Don’t be foolish. You wouldn’t dare throw me out. This is the home of my birth, and for as long as I wish, I can stay. ’Tis not my problem you’ll have to tread carefully around your prickly fiancée and the woman you love more than life itself.”
“We’ll discuss this more in the morn.” Aedan stormed from the