I held onto him tightly. I did not want to separate from him. His heart thudded against me and he held himself on his elbows, looking into my face, kissing me, smoothing back my hair. His eyes filled with tears.
"Jessie, my own lass," he said. "My bairn."
"Yes, Robbie; I am your own," I said, my own tears springing forth.
"And I-I am your own, too," he said, and I smiled, knowing that he spoke truly.
I pulled his head down to rest upon my shoulder. His body relaxed; his weight was too much for me but I could not let him go. I moved slightly to allow myself room to breathe, and stroked his hair, his shoulder, his back. His skin was damp with sweat. I felt the wetness of his passion and mine melding together in me, and a shiver ran over my skin.
I felt him smile against my cheek, and he kissed my ear. I clutched him more tightly to me.
When I woke the room was bright with sunlight. I felt wildly happy and for a moment forgot why; then I felt Robbie next to me and I was swept with awe and thankfulness. I turned my head to look at him, and my heart swelled with thrilling excitement and joy; I smothered the cry which rose in me with my hand lest I should wake him.
I had at last obtained my heart's true desire. All had at last come aright. I was sure now that Robbie loved me, and that he was truly mine. I knew also that I would go with him anywhere, do anything for him; I knew that my love had grown from the selfish possessiveness of a girl into the unconditional love of a true wife.
Robbie opened his eyes. "Mrs. Stewart," he said, and smiled; and then he reached for me.