The Gift of Love (The Book of Love #8) - Meara Platt Page 0,78

in the hall. She said ye were much better this morning. Is this true?”

Ronan nodded. “Yes. By the way, I wanted to thank you for what you did for me yesterday.”

Robbie arched an eyebrow. “Ye’re welcome, although I dinna know what I did to earn yer gratitude. Dumping water over yer head was not much of a chore.”

“You looked out for me and proved yourself to be a true friend. I always thought you were, of course. But the truest friends are those who stick with you during hard times, as you did. Thank you.”

He nodded. “Ye gave us quite a scare.”

“I know. I’ll be on my best behavior from now on. I meant what I said about marrying Dahlia today. I may need help getting dressed for the occasion.”

Robbie laughed and shook his head. “Ye’re not putting on clothes today, laddie. Do ye have a robe? Perhaps Miranda will think to bring one over for ye. Or Josh may have something he can lend ye. Well, it will be a ceremony to remember. It’ll make a fine story to tell yer bairns. Yer da got married with his bare arse flapping in the icy wind.”

He groaned. “Ouch, stop jesting. It hurts when I laugh. Are those eggs and coffee I smell?”

“I’m surprised ye can smell anything over whatever it is Dr. Farthingale slathered on yer chest. Aye, they’re setting out breakfast on the buffet. Can ye have anything?”

“Dahlia’s bringing up something for me. Her uncle left a list of what I should eat. In truth, I’m ready to chew the furniture, I’m that famished.”

“That’s a good sign. Yer color looks good, too.” He sighed. “If ye’re comfortable, I’ll go downstairs to see Heather. I feel bad that I kicked her out of her own bedchamber. She gave it up for me last night, but all her things are still in there.”

“Dahlia never moved her clothes out of here, either. I suppose it doesn’t matter. She’ll be my wife in a matter of hours.”

“Assuming Finn gets ye the special license.” Robbie frowned. “Are ye sure about this? Not questioning yer wanting to marry the lass. Just the timing of it. All jesting aside, it won’t be much of a wedding for her.”

“I know. I felt as though I was at death’s door yesterday, and all the while, all I could think about was giving her the protection of my name. I know the Farthingales will always take care of her. It isn’t the same. And it isn’t merely a matter of protecting her. We belong together. She has my heart. I needed her to have all that goes with it.”

“It’s that damn book. I think I have to read it.” He shook his head as he walked out.

Within minutes, everyone began popping in to see how he was faring. Heather came first since Robbie must have awakened her and told her she could have her bedchamber back. “Robbie said you were doing well this morning.”

Ronan nodded. “I am. How did you sleep? Robbie still feels guilty about you giving up your bed for him. How was the sofa?”

“Very comfortable. I was fine. Robbie is too big to fit on it. His legs would have been dangling over the edge, and his shoulders are too broad for the seat. He would have rolled off at least a dozen times during the night.”

Then Joshua and Holly walked in, and they had the same conversation. “Yes, I’m much better this morning. Slept well. No fever to speak of.”

He felt as though he was the host standing in a veritable reception line, for the rest of the morning was taken up greeting family members who came by to ask after him. But he looked up eagerly when Finn strode in. “Did you get the license?”

Tynan and Joshua happened to be in the room with him at the time.

Finn shot him a look. “Of course, I did. Was there ever a doubt?”

“Were you able to find a minister willing to conduct the service?” Tynan asked.

Finn pursed his lips. “Working on it. Don’t you think we ought to hear from Dahlia’s uncle first?”

“I’m sure he’ll give his consent. Why wouldn’t he? Besides, you, Josh, and Romulus gave him enough practice negotiating betrothal contracts. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll sign whatever he hands me.”

“He and Rupert will be along later this morning,” Joshua said. “Let’s wait until then before you make your plans.”

Ronan was not going to allow his brothers to delay him. “I’m marrying her