“Aye. It wasn’t because you didn’t matter that I blocked you all out for a time.” He touched her hair. “It was because you did.”

“I know that, Liam.” She brushed her fingers over his cheek, felt his conflict in her own heart. “Your mind’s so troubled.” Her quiet gray eyes looked into his and her lips curved gently. “Must you always think so hard?”

“It’s the only way I know.” Still, he felt the strain ease as he sat with her, sliding away knot by knot. That was Ana’s gift. “You’ve a lovely family, Ana, and have made a lovely home here. Your mate is your match. Your children your joy. I can see how happy you are.”

“Just as I can see how unhappy you are. Isn’t a family and a home what you want, Liam? What would make you happy?”

He studied their linked fingers, knowing he could and would say things to her he wouldn’t to another. “I might not be good at it.”

Ah, she realized, of course. Liam’s standards for himself were always higher than anyone else’s could be. “What makes you think that?”

“I’m used to thinking for and of myself. Used to doing as I please. And I like it.” He lifted his gaze to hers, smiled. “I’m a selfish man, and fate’s asking me to take the responsibility my father’s borne so well, to take a woman who’ll understand only pieces of what that means.”

“You’re not giving either of you credit for who you are.” There was impatience in her voice now, all the more effective as it was so rare. “You’ve been stubborn, and you’ve been proud, but you’ve never been selfish, Liam. What you are is too bloody serious about too many things. And so you too often miss the joy of them.” She sighed, shook her head. “And Rowan can and will understand a great deal more than you seem to think.”

“I like going my own way.”

“And your own way led you straight to her, didn’t it?” This time Ana laughed. He looked so irritated that logic had turned back and nipped him. “Do you know one of the things I’ve always admired most about you? Your instinct to question and pick apart everything. It’s a fascinating and annoying trait. And you do it because you care so much. You’d rather not, but you care.”

“What would you do, Ana, if you were standing where I am?”

“Oh, that’s easy for me.” Her smoky eyes were soft, her smile gentle. “I’d listen to my heart. I always do. You’ll do the same when you’re ready.”