The abject relief in her sobs rent another tear in Will's heart. He curled his hand around hers with painstaking gentleness, his thumb tracing slow circles in the hollow of her palm. "Ella's safe," he said. "She's with Jacob. Bravest little lass there ever was." His throat caught, and it was at that moment he realised his cheeks were streaming with tears. He hadn't even realised he was crying. His voice was hoarse when he whispered, "I love you too."