Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤47. I Love You

As Stephen's ship pulled into the bustling port after a few weeks, his eyes scanned the shore, searching for a familiar face. His heart hammered when he spotted Maria, standing with hands clasped tightly in front of her, her gaze fixed on the ship, anticipation and trepidation evident in her posture. He could see that she looked thinner, more delicate than he remembered, and something was missing that made his breath hitch-the soft curve of her belly. The joy in his heart twisted, giving way to a gut-wrenching ache.

When he finally reached her, his hand trembled as he cupped her cheek, his thumb gently tracing her cheekbone. Her face softened with relief at the feel of him, but he could see her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. He opened his mouth to speak, but words failed him. Maria reached out, her fingers clutching the lapel of his coat, as though grounding herself in his presence. He barely whispered, "Let's get you aboard," before guiding her gently up the gangplank, his arm steadying her.

Once they were in the privacy of his cabin, she turned to face him, and with a barely controlled gasp, fell into his arms. Her fingers fisted in the fabric of his shirt as she buried her face against his chest, her entire body shaking with the emotions she had kept locked away. "Oh, Stephen... you came back to me," she choked out, her voice thick with gratitude and sorrow. She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, and the depth of her anguish was palpable.

"I tried to keep calm, Stephen, I tried for the baby," she said, her voice trembling. "But the Duke... he came, tearing everything apart. I couldn't stop him, couldn't do anything. And after... after he left, I lost the baby." Her voice broke, and the words hung in the air, a painful reminder of all she had endured alone.

Stephen's grip tightened on her, his jaw set, but his eyes softened with a profound sadness that he couldn't hide. A wave of helplessness washed over him, quickly replaced by a burning anger at the Duke. His mind flashed to everything she must have suffered, and his heart twisted with self-reproach. I should have been here. I failed her. The thought lashed at him, and he felt fury and grief rise in equal measure.

His lips parted, but his voice came out hoarse and strained. "I should have been here..." His gaze dropped, fists clenching at his sides. If I'd been here, none of this would've happened. I could have protected her. But he knew words would do little to soothe her now. His anger simmered, and though he tried to keep it contained, he finally couldn't hold back. With a harsh growl, he turned and seized his desk, tipping it over in one swift motion, scattering papers and ink across the floor.

The release did little to ease his anguish, and he stood there, chest heaving as he tried to collect himself. The silence that followed was thick, broken only by the sound of Maria's soft gasp. She moved toward him hesitantly, her hand reaching for him, eyes wide with concern. His anger melted as he looked at her, replaced by a desperate tenderness. He took her in his arms once again, murmuring, "Forgive me... I should've been here to protect you and our child."

He kissed her hair, his lips lingering there before moving to her tear-streaked cheeks. She felt his sorrow, his own tears almost breaking through, though he held them back. Her trembling hand rose to touch his face, fingers brushing lightly along his jawline. "I'm just so relieved you're here now," she whispered, her voice catching as she closed her eyes, leaning into his warmth.

Stephen rested his forehead against hers, breathing in her presence, grounding himself. "Let me stay here with you tonight," he said softly, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "Just us, in our cabin. Away from everything else, and everyone." Her lips parted in a soft exhale, and she nodded, letting out a small, tearful smile as she said, "Yes, please."

✺

Meanwhile, Declan walked through the quiet streets, his gaze moving from the bustling docks to the narrow alleyways, searching for Julie's small apartment. His heart quickened with a mixture of nerves and anticipation, a strange feeling that had built up after weeks of missing her. He reached into his coat pocket, fingers brushing over the pendant he had saved-a simple, beautiful piece of silver and garnet, delicate yet strong, like her.