“I gave my word,” Crispen said stubbornly.“You said a McCabe never breaks his word.”Ewan shook his head wearily. “I’m beginningto regret telling you of things a McCabedoesn’t do. Come, let’s sit in the hall so youcan tell me of these adventures of yours.”

“Alaric grunted. “Someone should tell herthat. I’m telling you, Ewan, she said nothing.She stared at me like I was some kind oftoad. Worse, she had Crispen acting like Iwas the enemy. The two whispered like104/756conspirators and glared at me when I daredintervene.”

“He shook his head in wonder. "You are magnificent.""I keep telling everyone that," she said with a nonchalant shrug, "But you seem to be the only one to believe me.”

“I shouldn’t ask you to,” he said, devotion in every word, “but I’m going to. Wait for me, Jess. I’ll come back to you.” Naked emotion turned the sea green into hidden emeralds. Pressing her fingers to his lips, she shook her head. “You never have to ask, Galen. Forever, that’s how long I’d wait for you.”

“I adored you. All my life, I adored you. I asked nothing of you. No promises, no courtship. I surrendered my virtue. I gave you my trust. And you left me with a note.”His mouth twisted in an expression of regret. He pushed a hand through his hair. “I’m so very—” “Twenty-six words!” she shot back, in the loudest whisper she could manage. “I gave you my virginity, and you left me twenty-six scribbled words.”

“I’m so…so sorry.”“You’re forgiven,” he said with a grin. “Don’t ever do it again.”“I won’t. I promise.”He flashed his dimple and shook his head. “I fucking love you.”