After riding only a short distance the lull of the horse’s steady gait felt much like the rhythm of a cradle and Cree’s warmth was like being wrapped in a soft wool blanket. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t keep her eyes open. But then she hadn’t gotten much sleep and before she realized it sleep claimed her.
Cree felt the moment Dawn dozed off, her body going limp against his. He was glad she slept. He had worried upon seeing her, thinking she looked tired and pale. He wanted to get her home, tuck her in bed and circle the cottage with guards, so that no one could get near her ever again.
He was still trying to contain his rage upon hearing that Kirk intended to arrange a marriage for her. He had felt like lunging off his horse at the man and strangling the life from him. It took all his willpower to remain in control and not succumb to the overwhelming desire to hurt the man who had caused him such anguish.
But Kirk had answers and he was grateful that Dawn had made him aware of that. He wanted to know everything, for somewhere in it all he intended to find a way to make Dawn his wife.
Chapter Twenty
“Lucerne isn’t Gerwan’s daughter?” Cree asked wanting to make certain he had heard Kirk correctly, for it could be the very thing he needed to negate the marriage agreement.
They no soon as entered the cottage when Kirk began to explain everything. Cree had listened intently as the tale unfolded and with it the knowledge that there might be way out of this dilemma. He had kept a firm arm around Dawn the whole time tucking her close against his side. And the more he had listened the more he had liked what he heard.
“That’s correct. Gerwan has no heirs,” Kirk confirmed.
“Whose daughter is Lucerne?”
Kirk shrugged. “I wouldn’t know.”
“Ann Gerwan would.”
Kirk glared at Cree. “I’ll not have Ann placed in harm’s way.”
“That is why you don’t want to return to the keep. You don’t want to be there when Gerwan arrives.”
Kirk nodded. “It could be a problem not only for Ann, seeing me after all these years, but also seeing the daughter she had given away. I’m assuming that she doesn’t know that Dawn is here.”
“Regardless, she is the one person who could shed the most light on the situation.”
“And in the process condemn herself,” Kirk said shaking his head. “There is no telling what that bastard of a husband would do to her if he found out that he has no legitimate heirs and that he could very well be stripped of his title and lands.”
“I’m not a fool, Kirk, this all can be handled quietly until we know exactly what we’re dealing with. Ann Gerwan may be more prone to confiding in you, if you approach her confidentially and ask for the truth. And don’t tell me that you don’t want to see her again. It’s obvious that you still love her.”
“He has a point, Da,” Torr said. “It might be wise to do as he suggests.”
“But don’t the villagers think I abducted her?” Kirk asked. “How do we explain that?”
“That’s easily explained,” Cree said. “You were worried for Dawn’s safety and decided to take her away from the village until my return. I met your courier on route to find Dawn and I was appreciative of you protecting her and we returned to the village together.”
“What of everyone in the village knowing that I claimed that Dawn is my daughter?”
“Long lost daughter,” Cree corrected, “which could work well for us. With so much attention called to her it just might be more difficult for those who wish her harm to get near her.”
“There is another problem that must be addressed,” Kirk said seriously. “As Dawn’s father I could not allow your liaison with her to blatantly continue.”
Dawn pressed closer to Cree and his arm tightened around her. She had listened to the exchange with interest, but once again she felt left out of it, as if these men alone would determine her fate. The thought did not sit well with her, nor did the thought that Cree and she would be kept apart.
“That’s not your choice,” Cree said.
“Yes it is my choice and you are fully aware of it,” Kirk said calmly. “What type of father would I be if I stood by and did nothing? You, yourself, would have no respect for me.”
“Dawn and I will not be parted,” Cree said vehemently.
Dawn had listened to enough. They discussed her fate right in front of her and yet never bothered to ask what she wanted. Colum had forced her on Cree to begin with and now the man claiming to be her father insisted on taking her away from Cree. But no one ever gave her thought.