he did n't like it-in fact , he hated it , and she did n't blame him-but he would n't try to stop her , either . `` it 's as well that ye still can , lad , '' he said . he asked again , giving me a sharp smack on the back . cassie tossed aside the stake she 'd been holding and stormed over to the bench . `` i am sick unto death of talk . i 'm going to be your brother-in-law . '' i did n't want him pressed up against me . 