Page 85 of Her Wicked Highwayman
When he woke next, candlelight illuminated the room. Ashton sat in a chair close by, his fingers steepled as he watched Rafe. His blond hair was a little tousled, as though he’d tugged too hard at the strands. He seemed to be contemplating something.
“That’s not a look I like,” Rafe muttered. “I always get lectured when you have that look.”
Ashton’s lips twitched. “On the contrary, it’s not a lecturing look, it’s a look of...” Ashton paused and said slowly, “Deep clarity.”
“Deep clarity?”
“Yes. I was thinking about how things would’ve been different if you hadn’t been a part of my life. Part of this family. We wouldn’tbea family.”
Rafe moved to look more clearly at Ashton’s face. “I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
Ashton lowered his hands. “You see, if you hadn’t robbed Rosalind’s coach, she never would’ve walked to this house in the storm and never would have fallen ill.”
“Are you saying that I almost killed your wife?” Rafe chuckled, but it hurt like the devil. “Because if memory serves, she almost killedmewhen she bloody shot me in the shoulder.”
“What I am trying to say is that when Rosalind fell ill, I fell in love with her. But even then, I wouldn’t have married her... not until you tricked her into that chess match against me and I won her hand in marriage.” Ashton let out a slow breath. “I wouldn’t have my wife—or my son, for that matter—without you.”
A lump formed in Rafe’s throat. He’d never thought of it that way. His eyes burned and even the tip of his nose tingled.Damnation.If his brother made him cry, it was going to hurt like hell.
“Joanna and Brock would never have made it to Gretna Green without your help, because you concealed their trail from me and my friends when we chased them. And let’s not forget that time when Joanna saved Brock’s life becauseyoutaught her how to fight.”
At this, Rafe grinned. “She was an excellent pupil. Knocked the wind out of me more than once.”
“Then there’s Isla. She never would’ve found her home and her life without you.” His lips curved in a fuller smile. “She would never have come home where she belongs.” There was something about the way Ashton saidhomethis time that puzzled Rafe. The word seemed layered with more meaning, but Rafe was too tired to consider what.
Ashton leaned closer. “What I am saying, little brother, is that you are theheartof this family.” He placed a hand over Rafe’s and squeezed it gently. “And it is my turn to care for you the way you’ve always done for us. I will see that Foxglove has a full staff, and all repairs shall be done at once. You will have an annual income befitting your role in this family. Any dividends you earn upon your investments will be yours to do with as you wish.”
Rafe was stunned for a moment but soon recovered. “You know that money I gave you to invest was stolen, don’t you?” He didn’t want Ashton to rethink this later on. It was better to have the truth out now.
Ashton chuckled. “Yes, I am aware. But as I understand it, you never stole from those who couldn’t afford it, and a good portion seems to have belonged to the man I consider most responsible for our father’s death.”
Rafe’s smile died. “Caddington is truly dead?” He had only hazy memories, hearing Caddington’s voice as they tried to flee and Ashton firing a shot.
“Yes, thankfully,” Ashton replied. “I made sure of it.”
“I didn’t want you to carry the darkness of his death. I should have?—”
Ashton silenced him with a shush, as though Rafe were a child. Lord, he’d been treated more like a child today than he ever had in his life. He wasn’t quite sure he liked all the cooing and fussing.
“You carried your darkness long enough. It’s time I take the burden for a while. It is what brothers do.” Ashton’s words brought back memories of the pair of them when they’d been young, before their father died. He’d followed Ashton everywhere like a young pup, tail wagging, waiting for any sign of affection, and Ashton had given it to him freely. He’d ruffle Rafe’s hair and let him in on whatever adventure Ashton was involved in, and he’d always say,“Come along, Rafe, I’ll watch out for you. It’s what brothers do...”
This golden memory was buried so deep that Rafe had almost forgotten they’d once been so close. Could they be again? He dearly hoped so.
Rafe searched Ashton’s face.
“You let me grow into my strength, Rafe. You suffered while I became the man I am. It’s time I put that strength to use now.”He cleared his throat. “I know you are still feeling wretched, but there are two ladies who are quite desperate to see you. Are you willing to have visitors?”
“You had better mean Diana and Isla, although I admit I’m terrified they shall weep at the sight of me.”
“I think you’re well worth the tears, little brother.” Ashton walked over to the bedchamber door and opened it.
“He’s ready to see you, but no climbing on him, sweetling. He’s still hurt,” Ashton counseled as Isla came into view where Rafe lay on the bed. Her face was shining with fresh tears, which broke his heart. He never wanted to make his child cry.
“Kitten, I’m all right.” He held out a hand and she clutched it, holding on to him as though he were the only thing that mattered. And if that didn’t make his own eyes fill with tears...
Diana now entered the room. “Rafe,” she whispered, and he lifted his gaze to hers.
“I love the way you say my name—like a prayer.”
