Chapter Twenty-three The next evening while sitting at the kitchen table sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee, she thought about her father's journal. Her train of thought was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a car door slamming shut. Curious, she set her cup down and walked over to the front door. Outside, Tanya started barking on the landing above the stairway, while looking down at someone. Intrigued by her agitated behavior, Caitlin continued to watch, as a familiar dark haired man appeared at the top of the steps and greeted the anxious dog. Stunned, Caitlin could barely breath as she watched Duncan expertly quiet the excited Husky. Bending down on one knee, he stroked her head and spoke quietly until she was completely calm. After several minutes, he gave the adoring dog a quick hug and rose to his feet and walked towards the cabin. Panicking, Caitlin stepped back before he could see her and walked to the kitchen counter and turned away. As she heard him approaching, she tensed, gripping the edge of the counter so tightly her knuckles turned white. Reaching the porch, Duncan raised his hand to knock, when he saw Caitlin standing inside with her back turned. Calling her name softly instead, he waited for her to turn around. When she didn't, he tried again. "Caitlin-" "You came back!" She ground out hoarsely, her voice sounding lower because of the deep seated guilt she felt. "Why?" He knew when he decided to come back she might not have changed her mind, but he was still hurt and disappointed by her reaction. "Why did I bother to come back when it's obvious nothing changed?" He questioned, solemnly. "Nooo!" She said, throwing her head back, gasping for breath, as her whole body stiffened and her throat closed as she fought to hold back the tears. "No, that's not what I meant!" She managed, before gasping for another breath. "Why would you want to come back after the way I treated you, and the ugly, cruel things I said." Duncan stepped inside and walked over to stand behind her. Placing his hands on the points of her shoulders, he slowly turned her around. Unable to face him, Caitlin continued to avoid his eyes, as she struggled to keep herself under control. Taking her face gently between his hands, he tilted her head back and said simply. "Because I love you." Daring to meet his gaze with her own, Caitlin saw herself reflected in the depths of his dark brown eyes and knew he was telling the truth. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she relaxed and rested her cheek against his chest and listened to the soothing beat of his heart. "Oh, Duncan, I read my father's journal. I know now why you had to do the things you did." She murmured, as she held herself tightly against him, seeking his comfort and understanding. Holding her closer in the circle of his arms, Duncan brushed the top of her head with his lips and said softly. "I'm sorry for the way you found out about me Caitlin. I know how it must have frightened you and that's why you reacted and said the things you did. I understand, believe me I do." Raising her head, Caitlin reached up her hand and gently caressed his face. Covering her hand with his own, he kissed the palm of her hand and pulled her close. Resting his chin against her temple. "Caitlin, Caitlin, don't you know that's why I stayed. I hoped that by taking care of you and giving you time, you'd see how much I loved you, and you'd eventually give me a chance to explain. When you still refused to listen. I had to get away for a while, to sort out my own feelings. I thought maybe it was for the best. But, I couldn't stay away, I had to come back Caitlin, and see if there was still a chance for us." "I'm sorry, I was so stubborn and wouldn't listen. I thought if you left, I wouldn't care. I thought it was what I wanted. But, when I realized you were really gone, instead of feeling relieved, I felt completely empty. Taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger he lifted her head up and gazed into her questioning green eyes. "So, where do we go from here Caitlin. Tell me what you want." "For the moment, I just want to be where I am. Just hold me and kiss me, Duncan." Duncan smiled down at her, and gave her a little squeeze. "Oh, I think I can manage that, since it's all I've wanted to do from the moment I saw you again." Bending his head, he kissed her forehead tenderly, then proceeded to the tip of her nose and finally captured her lips in a deep, searching kiss that had them both moaning with desire. Pressing herself tighter against him, Caitlin broke free from his passionate kiss momentarily and said breathlessly, "I love you Duncan MacLeod, and I've missed you so much." Tweaking her nose, Duncan clasped his hands behind her waist and slowly swayed them both back and forth as he said. "Oh, really?" "Yes, really!" Caitlin said, and tweaked in nose in return. "Don't you believe me?" "Weel noo, ye ken me fine lass, we Scots are no' only known fur bein' frugal. But, fur bein' hardheeded as weel. Jist whit dae ye propose tae dae tae show me how much ye missed me?" Laughing at his sudden brogue, Caitlin grabbed one of his hands from behind her back and proceeded to lead him towards the bedroom, with a wink and sly smile. "Come with me, me lad, I think I can come up with somethin' to your likin'."