Chapter 18
Dunaill Castle was busy the next morning.
Castle workers scurried about tending to their regular duties and preparing for the wedding that was to take place as soon as Aisla’s Da arrived.
Edna and Sara strolled around the courtyard.
In the light of day, her fears and worries seemed to dissipate a bit.
Life was certainly different than in San Francisco, but she had to admit she felt a certain peace when surrounded by so much beauty.
It was a joy to be outside in the sunshine, feeling hopeful for the future.
They passed the stables where horses were being groomed and the blacksmith where they were to be shod.
Several buildings lined the inside walls of the bailey, each with a specific purpose.
The smell of freshly baking bread wafted their way as they passed the kitchen.
Their noses led them inside where they complimented the baker on the wonderful aroma that had drawn them in.
She was so pleased by their compliment that she rewarded them with two warm rolls to take along on their walk.
“Mmmm … this is delicious,” Sara said, breaking off a piece and placing it in her mouth.
“Very,” Edna agreed. “I’m happy to see that Rory is well on his way to a full recovery.
The good doctor has been keeping a close watch on him and we’re both pleased with his progress.
I can hardly believe how quickly he’s gotten up on his feet.
He has a good appetite and is getting stronger by the minute.
Thank goodness ye mentioned oleander, Sara,” Edna said to her as they continued on their way. “It saved his life.”
“Really? I thought you did,” Sara teased.
“It was a group effort, but seriously I may never have thought of it and the good doctor may not have put two and two together and asked to see Fenella.”
“Well, I’m happy to have been of service,” Sara said. “I had good reason to want Rory well again.”
“Yes, you did, but you’re a kindhearted lass and more than anything I think ye wanted yer friend Aisla to have the love she was meant to be with. The fact that it benefited ye was a bonus.”
“You’re right. I would have headed back home, broken hearted and alone so that Logan could marry her if things had turned out differently.”
“How are things with ye and Logan?” Edna tipped her head and raised an eyebrow in Sara’s direction.
“Where do I begin? He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever known. He’s kind, generous, honorable and loyal.” She got an impish look in her eye. “And he’s a pretty good kisser, too.”
Edna laughed heartily. “Sara, I’m so glad ye convinced me to let ye travel back in time. It just goes to show that I’m nae always right.”
“I’m kind of relentless when I want something. There was no way I would have let you say no.”
“I understand that now. So, are ye staying here in this time, or are ye going back to your own?”
Sara wasn’t sure what to say. Her worries from the night before started swirling again.
“I know, it sounds crazy, but I was pretty preoccupied with other things, as you well know.” Sara latched arms with Edna.
“I guess I’m going to have to decide.” She felt a special bond with Edna.
There was something very maternal about her and Sara welcomed it with open arms. She needed a mother and she’d be happy to have Edna fill that role.
“Ye can return when I do, if ye like. Give it some thought. Living here, as ye’ve seen, isnae like yer life in San Francisco.”
“I know. I like it here. I don’t know if Logan would go back with me, or if I even want to go back.” Just saying the words made her realize that if Logan didn’t want to go back, there was no way she would leave him behind. But that would mean …
“What about Zeke?” Edna asked.
Sara’s heart ached for her brother. “I’d miss him terribly.
” He was her only family and she couldn’t imagine him not being in her life ever again.
“He needs to find someone to love. Helene broke his heart and he hasn’t been the same since.
If I thought he’d find someone and be happy, then it would make my decision so much easier.
I love my brother so much. For a long time, it has been just the two of us. All we had was each other.”
“I can tell ye that I’m quite sure he’ll find love soon, but I cannae tell ye anything else about it.”
“Because you don’t want to?” she teased.
“Nae. Not at all. I dinnae ken how it will work out yet.” Sara felt the tightness around her heart loosen a bit.
If Edna said that Zeke would find love, she was certain it would come true.
It must be so fun to picture two people together and figure out they will fall in love.
Sara decided to try a bit of matchmaking herself.
“You know who else needs love?”
“I’m sure ye’ll tell me,” Edna chuckled.
“Hamish. He’s so sweet and nice. He needs some love in his life.” Sara was really turning on the sales pitch. Hamish had been so kind to her, she just wanted to see him happy.
“Does he now? Ye’ve been quite busy thinking about everyone else’s love but yer own.”
“Oh, no. I’ve done nothing but think about my own.” They completed their circuit around the courtyard and started another.
“Sara, I’m so happy ye came to The Thistle & Hive. I like ye. Ye remind me of me in certain ways.”
“And what might those be?”
“Yer stubborn, determined … ” Edna laughed at what she was about to say, “Smart, generous, wise … I don’t have a big head, really I don’t.”
Sara couldn’t help but join in her laughter. “Hey, no reason to be embarrassed by the truth.”
“There ye go. Another reason I like ye. Ye know who ye are and ye dinnae apologize fer it.” Her eyes sparkled with joy.
“I wish I had a mother like you, Edna.” Sara sighed. She thought of Aisla, and all that she had faced without a mother around to help her. Now she had Lettie and sisters, and even brothers around her as she started a new life here at Dunaill.
“’Tis verra sweet of ye, love. I’m sure yer own mother had some of these verra qualities we’re speaking of.”
“Not really. Maybe she did when she was growing up, but something happened to her. I think it was my father. They deserted me and Zeke. They left us with my grandfather, which was probably the best thing they’d ever done for us.
” That familiar ache she had every time she thought of her grandfather returned.
“Ye loved him.” It was a simple statement, but it hit home.
“Very much. I miss him so much.” Sara found herself getting teary eyed at the thought of him. “He meant the world to me.”
Edna pulled a hankie from her pocket, handing it to Sara. “He’s still with you, Sara. He always will be.”
“I like to think he is and that he hears me when I talk to him.” Sara was a bit embarrassed to tell anyone she spoke with her dead grandfather. “You don’t think that’s weird, do you?”
“Nae. I’m always speaking to me Ma and me Da. I dinnae think there’s anything wrong with it.” They walked a bit, each thinking of the people they missed, when Edna stopped and faced Sara. “Do ye ken who I’m missing?”
“Who?” Sara asked and then before Edna could answer she guessed, “Angus!”
“Right ye are, lassie. I miss me man terribly. I cannae wait to get back home to him. He wished to join me.”
“Why didn’t he?” Sara realized it was rather odd that Angus wasn’t here. Edna was a witch and all, it seemed like they would have the freedom to go anywhere together.
“I was afraid of losing him. The last time he was in this time he almost died. I wasnae willing to take that risk.”
“I would’ve done the same thing.”
***
Sara had a lot to think about. Edna reminded her that she had a decision to make about where she would live.
Staying here in this century was appealing to her, but she wasn’t sure how she’d feel after being here a lot longer.
Ashley and Jenna would be the best people for her to speak to about it.
They both had decided to stay and they seemed pretty happy.
And what about Logan? Would he even want to live in San Francisco? She couldn’t imagine it. He would truly be a fish out of water. The only people he’d know would be her and Zeke. It might be hard for him to adjust.
Edna went up to her room to rest and Sara went looking for Logan. She found him with Nick and Hamish. Before he had a chance to notice her watching, she took the opportunity to observe him. How lucky she was to have found him. He had so many admirable qualities.
She’d never met anyone quite as honorable as Logan.
The list of his attributes was endless and to top it all off he was so very handsome with his long dark curls and ebony eyes.
The men were practicing with their swords and the way his arms flexed and the muscles of his chest rippled as he lifted his sword took her breath away.
Those broad shoulders and strong arms were a warning to any who may choose to battle him, but to her they were safety and security.
When he wrapped himself around her, she knew everything would be alright.
She loved nestling her nose in that little spot at the base of his neck.
His scent was of pine and musk and smelled better than any cologne.
His husky voice in her ear could make her quiver in anticipation of things to come.
Just the thought of it was having a similar effect on her now.
She broke free from her daydreaming and walked closer, eyes focused on Logan.
He turned to see her and the heat in his gaze sent a rush of warmth through her body that settled in her core.
Logan sheathed his sword, said something to Nick and strode purposefully her way, never once taking his eyes from hers. Sara steadied her breathing and swiftly beating heart as he approached and took her in his arms
“Hey,” she said.
His lips met hers in a steamy kiss. Sara steadied herself by placing her hands on his bare chest.
“Were ye watching me, lass?” he asked with a knowing glint in his eyes.