Do ye want me? he whispered. Sassenach, will ye take me--and risk the man that I am, for the sake of the man ye knew? I felt a great wave of relief, mingled with fear. It ran from his hand on my shoulder to the tips of my toes, weakening my joints. It's a lot too late to ask that, I said.... Because I already risked everything I had. But whoever you are now Jamie Fraser--yes. Yes, I do want you.
In this poignant moment from "Voyager" by Diana Gabaldon, Jamie Fraser lays bare his vulnerability, asking whether Claire will accept him despite the changes he's undergone. His whispered question reveals both a deep yearning for connection and a fear of rejection, as he invites her to weigh his current self against the man she once loved. Claire, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, feels relief intertwined with apprehension as she grapples with her feelings for him.
Despite acknowledging the risks and the uncertainties, Claire ultimately affirms her desire for Jamie, declaring that she wants him regardless of who he has become. Her response signifies a willingness to embrace the complexities of love and the courage to rekindle their bond, even in the face of the unknown. This exchange encapsulates the themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of their connection amidst change.
