Chapter 4 #2
Sara was feeling a little tongue tied as she glanced from Ashley to Jenna, both of whom were very obviously pregnant. Jenna carried a small dog in her arms and Sara reached out to let it sniff her hand before petting it.
“Shall we sit,” Ashley suggested.
The three women sat by the fire and all Sara could think to say was, “Wow! This is so surreal.” Sara glanced around at the great hall.
“We’ve been here a while, so it’s not surreal to us anymore, but it was when we first arrived. It takes some getting used to, but before long you’ll feel quite at home. That is, if you’re planning on staying.”
“I hadn’t given it much thought.” Sara looked around and wondered if she could call this grand place home. “I’m here to see my friend Helene. I guess she doesn’t live here at the castle anymore.”
“No. When she married Dougall, they moved into their own house. It’s not too far from here. We’ll walk over there with you if you like.” Ashley looked to Jenna, who nodded her agreement.
“That would be amazing,” Sara replied. “Do you know Logan McPhail?”
The ladies exchanged glances before Ashley answered. “Yes. He’s one of Dougall’s men. They just left on patrol. They’ll be gone a few days. Did you meet them when they were in San Francisco?”
Sara nodded.
“Speaking of San Francisco,” Jenna began, “how’s everything at the house? I understand your brother lives there now.”
“He does. He’s taking really good care of it, so you don’t have to worry.”
“I wasn’t worried. I know it’s in good hands. I’m wondering why he didn’t come with you. I can’t imagine he’d want you to come here all by yourself.” Jenna tipped her head as she gazed at Sara, a look of concern on her face.
“He doesn’t know I’m here. I told him I was taking a month-long cruise. If I stay longer, then I’ve asked Edna to contact him and let him know where I am.”
Ashley’s raised brow and Jenna’s frown told Sara they didn’t approve.
“It’s okay. Really. He’d just worry needlessly and I don’t want him to do that. He’s got enough on his plate without worrying about me.”
“But do you really think … ” Ashley began to speak, but was interrupted.
“Jenna!” A male voice called from outside.
“I’m here, Cormac!” Jenna answered.
A very handsome Highlander accompanied by a large Rottweiler dog came through the door wearing a huge grin.
He was quite tall, with long black hair and the most beautiful sapphire blue eyes Sara had ever seen, which she noticed were solely focused on Jenna.
“There ye be, love. What are ye doing? I’ve something to show ye. ”
Jenna returned his gaze, never taking her eyes from him as he strode across the room to help her up from the chair.
“I’ve made something fer ye, wee one,” he spoke to Jenna’s belly.
His hands rested there reverently as he leaned down to kiss Jenna’s lips.
She took a moment to obviously enjoy her husband before introducing him to Sara.
“We were just getting acquainted with the newest arrival from San Francisco 2017. This is Sara. Sara, this is my husband Cormac.”
“Welcome to Breaghacraig.” Cormac brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.
Jenna and Ashley giggled and Sara assumed it was because she’d just turned hot pink.
“You’ll have to get used to that,” Ashley said. “It happens all the time around here.”
Cormac released her hand and turned back to Jenna. “Can ye join me or is there something else ye need be doing?”
Jenna glanced at Ashley. “Don’t worry, I’ll walk her over to Helene’s. You go see what Cormac’s up to.”
“I’m nae up to anything, Ashley,” Cormac said, winking at her. “I’ve made our wee bairn a cradle, love.”
“Oh, Cormac, you’re so sweet. I’m sure I’m going to love it.” Cormac put an arm around Jenna, pulling her close as they walked away.
“I’ll catch up with you later.” Jenna called back over her shoulder.
“Shall we?” Ashley asked.
Sara stood and watched Ashley wiggle her way out of the chair. “How far along are you?”
“Seven months. I don’t remember being this big with my daughter, maybe I’m having a mini Highlander.” She chuckled at her own joke.
“You’ll meet my wee bairn and my husband, Cailin later.” Ashley retrieved her cloak and led the way out into the courtyard. “So, were you blown away when you got here. This castle is pretty incredible. The first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was sure it was a hallucination.”
“I’m sure my mouth hanging open was a dead giveaway.”
“Just a tiny bit,” Ashley giggled.
“You seem very happy here,” Sara observed.
“I am. I love my husband and the MacKenzies so much, I couldn’t imagine my life without them in it. Of course, the side benefit of that is I have a beautiful daughter. Her name’s Emma. And I’ve got this one on the way.” She pointed to her protruding belly and laughed.
“Does Jenna have other kids?”
“No, this is her first. She was so worried that it would never happen and then we went back to visit Edna for Christmas and it was like a Christmas miracle. It wasn’t until we made it back here that she realized she was pregnant and then she waited to tell everyone because she wanted to be sure there were no problems.” Ashley was talking a mile a minute.
Sara hardly had time to squeeze in a question, as they headed out of the keep and onto the path to Helene’s home.
A gentle breeze wafted across the green fields dotted with purple heather on either side of the path.
They came to a fork in the road and went to the left, away from the village.
The smell of salt water, the sound of waves crashing in the distance and the sight of gulls overhead left no doubt that Breaghacraig was situated right by the water.
“So what’s it like giving birth here? No hospitals, no maternity wards.”
“I won’t lie. It was a little scary. Things can go wrong here that are difficult to take care of. I don’t like to think about that too much. I’ve learned to focus on happy thoughts and outcomes. Besides, we have a great midwife here and she made it so much easier than I thought it would be.”
Happy thoughts and outcomes. Sara could relate to that.
They were approaching a quaint little manor house not too far from the castle.
A two-story stone building with shuttered windows that had been opened to let in the warmth of the day, it was surrounded by lovely plants and flowers, with a well off to one side.
It was a beautiful place and Sara was overcome with joy for Helene and Dougall.
“I’m so happy things worked out for Helene and Dougall. I wasn’t so sure they would, but my brother really helped to encourage her to come back here. He knows how much she loves Dougall.”
“Your brother must have been heartbroken to lose her. Helene confided in me when she returned. He holds a special place in her heart, as do you,” Ashley said.
Sara smiled at her new friend, even though her heart ached for her brother.
They approached the door and Ashley knocked. “Coming!” Sara smiled broadly at the sound of Helene’s voice.
The door opened and Helene screamed before grabbing Sara and crushing her in a hug and not letting go.
“Sara! Is it really you?” she squealed. Sara could barely breathe, let alone speak.
“Helene, I think you might need to let go of her so she can answer you,” Ashley giggled.
Tears welled up in Helene’s eyes and in Sara’s. “Helene, I’ve missed you so much.”
“And I’ve missed ye. Why have ye come? I’m happy yer here no matter the reason, but I didnae expect I’d ever see ye again.”
“I had to see Logan. I felt like we left things unfinished between us.”
“Oh, so that’s why you asked about Logan,” Ashley said.
“I’m sorry, I would have told you more, but I wasn’t sure how much I should say.”
“Well, he’s gone off with Dougall for a few days,” Helene said with a wave of her hand. “Where are me manners? We’ve been standing out here far too long. Come in. Come in.”
“Helene your home is beautiful. You must be so happy here.” Entering the house, Sara found herself gaping at everything she saw.
“More so than I can say. I hope ye’ll be staying here with me.” Helene gazed expectantly at Sara.
“I’d love to. Do you think Dougall will mind?”
“He’ll be happy to see ye. He’s quite fond of ye.” Helene assured her.
“I like him too,” Sara said.
“Sit down. I’ll get us some tea.” Helene turned to leave the room.
“Let’s all get it,” Ashley suggested.
Helene smiled and led the way to the kitchen, where she placed a pot of water over the fire. She set out a mug for each of them and then retrieved a jar which Sara noted contained many fragrant herbs.
“This is my first American friend,” Helene said as she placed an arm around Ashley’s shoulders, giving her a little squeeze. “I love her as if she were my verra own sister. I feel much the same way about ye, Sara.”
“You’ll find you have four sisters here, Sara. Me, Jenna, Helene and Irene. We’re a pretty tight knit group of women and we’ll happily make room for you.”
“I’d like that,” Sara answered. She had been at Breaghacraig for just a couple of hours and already she had an instant family surrounding her. This had to be a sign that everything was going to work out exactly as she hoped.
“Now, let’s talk about Logan,” Ashley said. “He doesn’t know you’re here. He’ll be happy to see you, of course. Don’t you think, Helene?”
“Aye. He has been moonin’ over ye since he’s been back. He’s speaks of ye often, but of late I feel he’s been doing his best to forget. He thought there was nae hope of ever seeing ye again.”
“He hasn’t found someone else, has he?” Sara was panicked at the thought. It hadn’t even entered her mind, but of course he would think there was no point in waiting for her.
“Not that I ken. Even if he had, she wouldnae stand a chance where yer concerned,” Helene assured her and then she must have realized Sara would dwell on that thought, so she changed the subject. “’Tis a verra beautiful dress and cape yer wearing.”
“Oh, this? I just picked it up at the annual Ren Faire. Edna gave me the cape. Do you really like it?” Sara stood and twirled around so Helene could get a good look.
“’Tis beautiful, like the lass wearing it,” Helene assured her.
“Thanks. It’s all I’ve got though.”
“I seem to remember a certain lass letting me borrow some of her clothes and I’ll happily return the favor.”
“I brought some jewelry that I thought I could barter with to maybe buy some things.”
“We could help you with that,” Ashley said. “You probably don’t want to bring your jewelry to the vendors on market day yourself. They’d be suspicious of it. The MacKenzies can probably trade it for some coin or we’ll have it melted down.”
“When is market day?”
“Next week. It’s held once a month in the village,” Helene said.
“Sounds like fun. I can’t wait.”
“It’s a little bit like a Ren Faire,” Ashley said. Helene grabbed a ladle and headed to the pot of boiling water, which she used to make the tea. She uncovered a basket of sweet rolls and set them on the table in front of Sara.
“Mmmm … Those look delicious. Did you make them, Helene?” Sara helped herself to a roll and took a big bite.
“Do ye like it? I used Mary’s recipe.” Helene turned to Sara and added, “She’s the cook at Breaghacraig.”
“I don’t imagine you need to make as many as Mary,” Ashley said.
“Heavens no. I’m only cooking for two.”
A knock at the door sent Helene to see who it was. “Cailin! Come in! I see ye’ve brought wee Emma with ye. Would ye be looking for Ashley?”
“Aye. We would. Jenna told me she was here visiting with ye and a lass who’s come from the future.”
Cailin followed Helene into the kitchen and Sara did a little double take. Cailin looked so much like his brother that for a second she thought it was Cormac.
Emma clung to her father’s neck and hid her face in his shirt.
“Dinnae be shy, my love,” he said gently. “We’ve come to visit Helene and her new friend.” He lifted Emma’s chin with a gentle finger.
“Hello,” Sara said to both Cailin and Emma. “I’m Sara.”
“I’m pleased to meet ye,” Cailin replied.
Emma stuck a tiny finger in her mouth and turned away, but curiosity must have finally gotten the best of her as she turned and examined Sara.
“Hi, little sweetie,” Sara said reaching out a hand to stroke her back. “She’s beautiful. A nice mix of her Mom and Dad.”
“I’ll take her, Cailin,” Ashley said.
“Nae. She’s fine with me. We’ve come to walk ye back home. ’Twill be getting dark soon.”
“It was nice meeting you Sara. I hope we’ll be seeing a lot of you while you’re here.”
“I’m sure you will. Thanks for the help.”
“See you tomorrow, Helene. Good night.”
Cailin put an arm around his wife and pulling her close leaned down to kiss the top of her head, melting Sara’s heart in the process. That’s what she wanted.
Exactly that.