Highland Hearts. Eva Hamilton Maria

the flames. “Nessia was in complete shock when I first told her of your plans, but after I explained everything you’d said, she agreed. She sees the advantage. It’s an opportunity for a better life. Did you talk to Cait about it? Is she coming? Because we can’t leave her behind.”

      Despite himself, Logan’s lips twitched slightly upward at the pair of opposites they made: Angus, with his hope for the future and Logan with his belief in a future devoid of anything worthwhile.

      Resting his face on his weathered hands, because he couldn’t summon the energy to lift his head, he answered, “I spoke with Cait and she will be onboard.”

      Angus just about jumped off his stool. And that made Logan look up. “Angus, you must contain yourself.” Irritation tinged Logan’s voice, even though he would never begrudge his brother his happiness.

      Hopelessness wrapped itself around Logan’s heart, leaving him more fatigued than any day of hard physical labor had ever left him.

      “Aye. Did Cait make it home all right?” Angus’s solemnity touched Logan. He didn’t want his brother to set his own happiness aside for him. And he surely did not want anyone to pity him.

      “Aye, no harm came to her. I wish I could say the same for Sheena, though.” Logan shook his head as if he could somehow shake away what happened.

      “Sheena?” Angus looked at Logan without understanding. “What did she have to do with Cait tonight?”

      “Sheena was looking out for her and got herself into trouble.” Logan stared off at the dark sod wall. “Actually, I got Sheena into the whole mess.” How could he forgive himself for being the cause of Sheena receiving such torment?

      “You?”

      “Aye. It’s a long story. One I don’t want to relive.” Logan stretched out his legs and then his arms. “Angus, why didn’t you tell me Sheena’s father and brother had died?”