one of hers while stroking his brow with the other. “Queen Pea...”
She inhaled lightly. “You’re awake. Thank goodness.”
“What time is it?” He wanted to know how long he’d been asleep. Or had he been unconscious? Probably just asleep. Dahlia did not appear too alarmed.
“It’s midnight. Finn and Belle took Miranda back home. Tynan and Abby also left. They’ll all return tomorrow. I wrote a note to Uncle John asking for permission to marry you. Uncle George is going to deliver it and speak to him about it as well.”
Ronan nodded, however, he was not pleased about this. “It is something I should have done. Out of respect for you.”
“I know you respect me. He’ll understand the circumstances. Robbie is here. He’s going to sleep in the guest bedchamber where Heather was sleeping. This way, he can be nearby if he and Joshua need to lift you again. Heather will sleep on the sofa in Joshua’s library.”
“And you?”
“I’m not leaving your side. I know it is improper, but I am beyond caring what anyone thinks. My sisters will never tell. I doubt Robbie or Joshua will either.” She ran her fingers lightly through his hair. It had dried hours ago. But at least it was clean. “You smell like a cinnamon bun. Your hair does, anyway. I love the scent.”
“I know. It was your soap. This is your fragrance.”
She inhaled his scent again. “Uncle George put that unguent on your chest. That part of you smells like moldy cheese. But he says you only need to apply it for the next few days.”
He frowned when she resumed her seat in the chair beside his bed. “You’ll topple if you think to sit there all night. Stretch out beside me, Queen Pea. I promise not to have my wicked way with you. Not that I can do anything. Every bone in my body aches. My chest is still on fire.”
He was surprised when she made no protest. She removed her shoes and set the chair aside, then climbed onto the bed. She settled beside him atop the covers and rested one hand lightly on his shoulder. “I think this officially classifies me as a wanton and a ruined lady.”
“I’m marrying you tomorrow, so I wouldn’t fret too much about it. You’ll be respectable by tomorrow evening.”
“Are you serious? Do you still mean to go through with a wedding ceremony?”
He nodded. “More than ever. I need to give you the protection of my name. Whatever I possess will be yours. My family doesn’t need my wealth. I want you to have it. I want my brothers to take care of you. You’ll be a Brayden, and we always look after our own.”
“Ronan, you are being ridiculous.”
Since her hand was still resting on his shoulder, he covered it with his own. “It’s important to me. Don’t fight me on this, Queen Pea. I will not go to my grave abandoning you.”
“You will not go to your grave at all. I’ll never forgive you if you do. Don’t speak of such things. You’re a big ox. You are invincible. We are meant to be together. The Book of Love wouldn’t part us like this.”
“It’s just a book.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s magical. Don’t say it isn’t. How else would I have found you? It’s magical, and it will work miracles. It will make you better, and we’ll live happily ever after into our dotage.”
He took her small, soft hand and put it to his lips, irritated with himself for upsetting her. He was in pain, but so was she. Having to watch helplessly while a loved one suffered was almost worse than being the one injured.
She had to be taut as a bowstring and ready to break at the slightest provocation. “You’re right, sweetheart. Close your eyes and get some rest. One of us ought to look decent for our wedding ceremony. Since I’m going to look like fungus and smell like rotted cheese, I think the least you can do is look spectacular.”
She laughed at his remark, her voice gentle and melodic.
However, she was also exhausted, physically drained after this harrowing day. He hadn’t been an easy patient. She skittered closer to his body, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “I love you so much, Ronan.”
“I love you, too, Queen Pea.”
He fell asleep, holding her hand.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ronan awoke the next morning feeling much better. His fever had subsided considerably, but he was still in no shape to get out of bed. Of course,