“I am always serious,” he replied.
That, at least, was true.
She studied him carefully. No embarrassment touched his face. No uncertainty. It was not a plea born from heat or impulse. It sounded like a decision he had already made.
“I didnae…” She struggled for words. “Why?”
“For stability,” he said. “For the child. For the clan. And because it is the right course.”
Duty.
The word hung unspoken but clear.
She felt a twisting inside of her.
“And for me?” she asked quietly.
His gaze held hers, unreadable. “Ye would be protected.”
That was not an answer.
Or perhaps it was too honest of one.
She wanted to trust him. She truly did. The man who had fought like a storm to keep them alive. The man who had listened when she demanded Erin come with them. The man who had just kissed her like she was remembered.
But trust was not a feeling she could summon on command.
Too many years had taught her that promises were fragile things.
Her thoughts raced ahead, darker than she wanted.
If she said no, would he grow cold? Would he remind her that this was his castle, his land? Would he insist for the sake of appearances? Would he claim Jamie outright and leave her with nothing but regret?
Her pulse hammered.
This was the moment to know the truth of him.
She drew in a slow breath.
“Nay,” she said.
The word left her lips steady, though everything inside her braced for impact.
“I willnae marry ye,” she added.
Silence followed.
She watched him closely, waiting for the tightening jaw, the flash of anger, the shift from man to laird.
He did not move.
He simply nodded once.
As if she had declined an invitation to dine rather than refused a marriage that would reshape both their lives.
“All right,” he said.
The simplicity of it stunned her more than any argument would have.