Chapter 6 #3
“Does she do this every day?” Tina asked.
“Almost,” Sara answered.
They spent the next hour or so listening to Ashley as she worked with the children and then finished up with a story. The children all hugged her before dashing outside to the courtyard.
“You were so good with them,” Tina said.
“I used to do some teaching in my other life. I’ve always loved working with children.”
“It’s nice to have a purpose in life, isn’t it,” Tina said.
“It is. I’d go nuts if all I had to do was sit around doing needlework. Don’t get me wrong. I like doing that kind of thing, but I love seeing the delight in the children’s eyes when something finally clicks for them.”
“I’m still amazed that a girl from San Francisco has managed to fit in so well in this time and place.”
“Don’t forget me,” Sara said.
“You, too. And Jenna and Sophia, was it?” Tina tipped her head in question.
“Yes. Sophia, too,” Sara answered.
“The things we do for love,” Ashley said.
“Crazy, isn’t it?” Sara said.
Tina silently agreed. After all, she was here in sixteenth-century Scotland looking for it.
And by anyone’s standards that was totally crazy.
Elena had fallen asleep in her arms. She looked like a little angel as she lay there so peaceful and content, having no idea at all that life had dealt her a less than ideal hand.
Tina could only hope that Donal would give her a good life.
***
Once done for the day, Donal went in search of Tina, knowing that Elena was safely in her care.
He hadn’t done much to impress Tina with his fatherly skills, but that was because he had none.
He’d never been a da before, so it wasn’t likely he’d be good at it.
He chuckled to himself thinking about Tina.
She’d thought he was going to kiss her out on the practice field.
She’d closed her eyes in preparation and was surprised when it was Elena he’d kissed.
She’d had that look in her eyes. The one that said she wanted him and that was a beginning.
He headed towards the great hall, assuming she’d be there and he was right.
“There ye are,” Donal said, as he burst into the room.
“Shhh …” Tina put a finger to her lips. “She’s sleeping.”
“I was thinking it might be time to feed her,” he whispered.
“It probably is, but let’s wait until she wakes up.”
“As ye wish,” he said. “Mary will have something prepared for her when she’s ready.”
“Speaking of which,” Ashley said, “I think I’ll go check on my little ones. Helene has been watching them for me. Do you want to come, Sara?”
Sara wriggled herself to the edge of the chair and Donal hurried to her side to help her up.
“Thank you, Donal. Who says you’re not a gentleman?” she teased.
Donal was embarrassed by this. It hurt to know that although her tone was light, even Sara thought he was no good.
“She’s only teasing you,” Tina said as they both watched the ladies’ departure. Was that sympathy or pity he saw in her eyes? He hoped it was neither.
“I’m nae so sure.”
“I am.” He rewarded Tina with a relieved smile. “Tell me more about your wife, Sionaid,” she encouraged.
His smile faded. “There’s nae much to tell,” he said. Apparently none of the ladies told her he wasn’t married. He was at odds with himself. Should he say something?
“How long were you married?” she asked.
He nervously glanced around the room as he tried not to look at Tina. Could he continue on with this ruse? This was all making him very nervous. He didn’t like lying to her, but since no one had told her the truth he thought it best to stick with it. “Perhaps about two years.”
“Perhaps? Don’t you know for sure. When’s your anniversary?” She asked, seeming surprised.
“Anniversary?” He was confused by this.
“Don’t you remember the day you were married?” Her furrowed brow and wrinkled nose told him he’d better figure this out and fast.
“I do,” he said. “I just don’t know the exact day.”
“Everyone where I come from even remembers their first date. You know, the exact time and place and they celebrate it, so remembering your wedding date is a big deal.”
He was definitely in over his head in this conversation. Not knowing what to do or how to change the subject he gazed down at his feet, hoping he didn’t look as guilty as he felt.
“You must have loved her very much,” she said.
“Aye.” She thought him sad and that would work in his favor. “We hadn’t known each other long,” he added. “She wished to go home and live with her parents. I stayed here. I didnae even ken she was with child. No one told me.”
“That’s so strange,” she said and was about to continue when Elena stirred in her arms and opened her bright blue eyes. “Look who’s awake.” Tina glanced up at him. “She has your eyes.”
“Does she?” he said, relieved that the conversation may be heading in a different direction.
“She sure does.”
“I’ll take her,” Donal said, scooping her up into his arms. “Are ye hungry?” he asked. “Ye must be, because I am.” He started towards the entry. “Are ye coming?”
“Yes,” Tina said, hurrying to catch up to him.