I returned his smile before looking nervously back at ClanFintan.

When he began speaking, his voice was contemplative but still emotionless.

“I knew you were different. Your manner of speech was odd, but at first I told myself that I had never really known you, and perhaps you were simply unique because you were Epona’s Chosen.” He looked at Carolan. “But you are right. I realized she lacked Rhiannon’s malicious nature some time ago.”

Carolan nodded in agreement. ClanFintan’s gaze captured mine once more.

“I said nothing because I hoped that you would trust me enough to confide in me.” His voice had finally regained its emotion, and I was upset to hear the sadness that filled his words.

“I do trust you! It’s just that there didn’t seem to be a right time. And then, well, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to chance losing your love.” My voice had become a whisper.

Yes, damnit. I loved him. It was all so romantic I wanted to puke.

But, spend a night with a shape-shifter who is, well, hung like a horse, and see what happens to you.

Besides all that—he’s one of the good guys, like John Wayne and James Bond. And I’ve always been a sucker for the good guys.

So, I stood there trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes. ClanFintan sighed heavily and closed the space between us before I could start bawling. He touched my face and cupped my chin in the warmth of his hand.

“My love is something you will never lose.” He bent and kissed me softly, then smiled at my undoubtedly goofy expression. “My patience, perhaps, but never my love.”

I wanted to throw my arms around him and bury my face in his heat, but I could feel Alanna’s and Carolan’s eyes boring joyfully into our romantic interlude.

So I tugged him down to me and reciprocated with a quick kiss and a whispered “I adore you” against his mouth.

About that time my stomach growled loud enough for the whole friggin world to hear, which caused ClanFintan to laugh as he propelled me back to the table. First he reclined, and then he pulled me down so that I could perch in front of him on the side closest to the food. It’s a good thing the chaises were obviously made for at least two (I didn’t want to spend much time contemplating the uses Rhiannon had probably found for them). ClanFintan wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me snugly back against him.

“Have a seat, guys,” I said contentedly.

This time Carolan didn’t hesitate. Instead, he guided Alanna to the chaise and sat next to her. I noticed that he kept one hand always touching her, as if he was afraid she would disappear.

“I’ll bet you really haven’t eaten, have you?” I asked Carolan through a bite of some kind of yummy sweet roll.

He grimaced. “Actually, I missed the blessing this morning because I was helping to birth twins into the world. You are correct—I have not broken my fast.”

“Eat! There’s always plenty.” I glanced over my shoulder at ClanFintan and teased, “It’s like they make enough to feed a horse!”

Carolan almost choked on his porridge, and Alanna, who was, by now, more used to my humor, had to pound him heartily on the back.

ClanFintan didn’t say anything, but while our guests were busy he bit me on the shoulder.

“Yikes!” I gave a little scream. But when the two of them looked questioningly at me, ClanFintan had his deadpan face on again.