Page 86 of The Lord who Seduced Me
Aidan chuckled, “Just fine imp. I saw you sitting outside and thought to join you.”
Rose looked at him in surprise, “Truly?”
He nodded and then looped her arm through his.
She giggled, as she was still in her nightclothes and a cloak and he was only in breeches and boots with a light fawn shirt.
He walked back outside with her and they walked in silence until he said, “Is there anything you need to tell anyone Rose? I know the last few months without Cabe have been hard on you. Even though you have tried to be strong.”
Rose sighed, “It has been hard. I struggle the most with the unknown. I do not like that I do not know if he is alive. Or if he died in the battle. If he was hurt at all, or if he is coming back to me. He is the only man to make me wish for a future and for so long he pushed me away. I know he had his reasons and I finally know it was not really his choice to do so, but it was still rather difficult. When I finally got him, he had to leave. And I don’t know if he will come back.”
She had to keep the sob in her throat and bit her lip to keep it that way. Aidan led her to the bench she had left moments earlier and sat down on it with her.
“I know Cabe. You have seen him when he sails. He turns into another man. One completely at ease with the water and with his ship. He is more than capable as a Captain. I know he will come back for you because he too finally found the person he has been searching for. Don’t lose faith or hope.”
Rose put her head on Aidan’s shoulder. “I am so worried about him. It is hard not to lose faith. Not with knowing what he was doing. Where he was headed and who he was up against. I cannot stand it. He is missing everything Aidan.”
She sucked in a breath when Aidan went still. He quirked his eyebrow, “And what does that mean Rose?”
Rose shook her head, “Nothing Aidan.”
Aidan shook his head, “I don’t think so. You meant something; I know it. You have been keeping secrets from me, from mother. Please tell me. If you wish for me not to tell mother, I will not. But tell me Rose.”
Rose looked down at her hands. “I don’t want anyone to think less of me.”
Aidan’s eyebrows drew down in confusion. “What does that mean?”
Rose looked up at him, “Please don’t tell mother. I promise I will tell her when I am ready.”
Aidan nodded, “May I tell Rhia? I have no wish to keep secrets from her.”
Rose sighed, “Yes, you can tell her.”
Aidan gave her a small smile, and she went on, “I am with child. I found out after he had been gone for a few weeks.”
Aidan looked at her in shock. Then down at her stomach. She cupped the small bump there and Aidan looked even more shocked.
“Are you upset with me?” She asked and he shook his head and pulled her into a hug.
“Of course, not Rose. You are my sister and I love you. I just was not expecting that. Are you doing all right with that knowledge? Of becoming a mother?”
Rose bit her lip. “Each day gets easier. But I am scared. I just hope Cabe lives to see his child.”
Aidan hugged her close. “I hope so too. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask me. Please. Do not shut us out Rose. I know you have been struggling, but we are your family and we love you. All right?”
Rose nodded and they sat in silence. “I am happy for you Rose. You will be a wonderful mother. I just know it.”
Rose bit her lip again to keep from crying. She loved her dear brother so much.
“Thank you, Aidan. You and Rhia will be fabulous parents as well. I know it.”
Aidan kissed her forehead, “Thank you Rose. That means a lot to me.”
Rose hugged him tightly again, and they sat in silence for a few more moments until Aidan pulled her from the bench, “Come, let us have breakfast and start our day. Shall we?”
Rose nodded and Aidan led the way back into the house. Rose felt lighter after speaking with him and telling him her secret.
He was always a great listener and he never judged anyone for the issues they had.
Rose loved him for that. He kissed her forehead and left her to dress telling her he was going to wake Rhia and be down shortly.
Rose smiled and after shutting the door, once again thanked her stars for having a brother like him.
