Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
A s the days turned into weeks, Annabelle and Jamie's connection deepened. They had taken to spending more and more time together whenever he was available. They were often seen eating meals together, walking in the courtyard, or out riding. Jamie taught her how to shoot a bow and arrow, teasing her that she was getting so good that Cam might have to put her on the wall to help protect them.
“I don’t think Cam is going to want me up here shooting arrows at anyone,” Annabelle laughed.
“Donnae doubt yourself, lass, you can do anythin’ you set your mind to.” He grinned and tapped her nose.
Annabelle rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have work to do?” she asked with a grin.
Jamie looked up at the sun and then back to her. “Aye, that I do. What say you to riding later?” he asked.
“I’d love that.” She nodded as she replaced the bow and quiver in the guard station. “After your shift?”
“Aye, mid-afternoon.” He cupped her cheek and gazed into her eyes for a moment.
Annabelle held her breath, hoping he’d kiss her, but he didn’t. She licked her lips and noticed his eyes on her mouth.
Still he didn’t. Instead, he dropped his hand and smiled. “See you in a while,” he murmured before sauntering off.
There was something to be said for courting in this day and age versus the quick to jump into bed nature of what she’d left behind. Every touch, every glance between them was building up the anticipation for what she knew would happen between them. It had to happen. She’d make it happen if he didn’t take that step soon. The thought of seducing Jamie made her lips twitch. She paused that thought though. She wasn’t sure what the consequences of doing something like that here in this time period might be. She probably needed a conversation with the other women to find out. With that in mind, she set off to look for Mae.
Annabelle's heart soared as she and Jamie raced their horses over the moors. She glanced at him riding next to her, slightly ahead, laughing like a maniac. She couldn’t contain her own joy at the feeling of the almost flying. The untamed beauty of Islay matched the untamed feeling of her heart. She felt free and full of joy in a way she’d never felt before. Jamie brought this out in her. He was so full of life that she couldn’t help but want to enjoy every second of it with him.
Leaning forward, Annabelle urged her horse to go faster. They were headed for a bank of trees. The first one to reach them was the winner. She pulled ahead of Jamie about a ten yards from the trees and as she reached them and reined in the horse, she called, “I win!” with a laugh. “That you do, lass,” Jamie said, riding up to her, a brilliant smile on his lips. “Let’s give the horses a chance to cool down at the stream.” He turned his horse toward the small flow of nearby water.
Amidst the untamed beauty of the landscape, Annabelle felt the connection between them deepen. As they strolled along the stream, they shared secrets and dreams with each other. Annabelle learned of Jamie's dreams to be an asset to the clan, to marry and have a family, and spend his life making them proud to be a Donald. The entire time, his gaze was on her, full of hope and admiration. She wondered if he was telling her that, so she’d know what he wanted out of their relationship or if she was just putting her own feelings into what he was saying. She hoped it was the former, not the latter.
“What about you lass? Do you miss being in your San Francisco? Do you miss being a detective?” he asked. “It was probably more exciting than living here where we have nothing familiar to you.” He sighed.
Annabelle reached for his hand. “San Francisco feels so distant. An entirely different world. I miss some things from being there, but Jamie, this place isn’t boring. It’s beautiful and magical. I love it here. I do miss solving cases, but I am not bored here by any means.” She smiled.
“I’m glad of that, lass. Tell me some more about San Francisco. What things do you miss?”
Annabelle thought about it and then told him of the sunsets over the Golden Gate Bridge, the hikes she used to take in Yosemite Park, the various cuisines that were available to her being in the city. She missed baseball games, and loud music, and TV. But then went on to tell him that none of that was important enough to make her want to go back to it.
What she didn’t say was that he was becoming much more important to her happiness than any of those things possibly could be to her. She could live without all of that, as long as she had Jamie in her life. He was like the sunshine, and as necessary as breathing. Even if they never took this relationship deeper, she didn’t want there to ever be a time when she couldn’t be with him, even if it was only as a friend. Jamie brought a joy to her life that she’d never felt before and didn’t want to ever be without him.
* * *
Three days later, the courtyard was bathed in the soft hues of twilight as Annabelle stood, her gaze fixed upon the imposing walls of the fort. Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted Jamie, walking with an air of authority along the walls. His silhouette against the fading light, managing the guards, and issuing orders, made her admire him even more.
She liked to watch him working and generally tried to find a spot nearby to observe him while she read one of the books Catherine had lent her. Jamie had caught her watching him several times, but he always smiled and waved to her when he noticed. She was glad he didn’t think she was stalking him and instead found it cute. He had said he enjoyed knowing she was there, waiting for him to get off duty to join her for meals or for a walk or ride. She was thankful that he saw it that way.
As she stood there, enjoying being his presence, she realized that the fortress seemed different when Jamie wasn’t around, like a song missing its melody. Those days it was all Annabelle could do to distract herself from worrying about him while he was gone. She knew Malcolm was out there, causing havoc to the people who trusted the Donald Clan to take care of them. So every time Jamie went out with a group of guards, she would spend the entire time he was gone praying for his safety and a quick return.
Today, her steps echoed through the corridors as she made her way to his usual post, her heart pounding in anticipation. She knew Jamie was on duty this morning, so she assumed he’d be on the wall somewhere. When she found him, she approached the wall with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting her affection as she carried a tray of food.
"Good morning, Jamie," she greeted him, her voice soft and melodic as she called up to him.
Jamie turned and looked down at her, his eyes alight with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Annabelle," he said, his voice tinged with warmth. "What brings you out here so early this morn?"
“I wondered if you could join me for a quick breakfast before you got busy?” she said, shading her eyes as she looked up at him.
His grin widened. “I’d like that, lass. I’ll join you at the table by the guard station.” He began walking toward the stairs that would bring him down to the courtyard.
Annabelle moved to the table he’d indicated and started moving things off the tray to the tabletop and sat down. She looked up as he joined her and smiled. “You’re at it early today.”
Jamie sank down across from her and nodded. “Aye. I was giving instructions to my men. We’re the next to go out on patrol and they’ll need to brief those who take over the wall from them.”
“You’re going to searching for Malcolm?” Annabelle said, suddenly sad. She didn’t like when he was gone from the fort. She would worry the entire time he was gone.
“Afraid I must, lass.” He nodded and gripped her hand across the table.
Annabelle pushed herself up and leaned across the table, then pressed her lips to his, kissing him softly. "For luck," she whispered before sitting back down, her cheeks warm and flushed.
"Thank you, Annabelle," he replied softly, his voice filled with warmth as he squeezed her hand and gazed into her eyes.
They ate and then Jamie’s men began to gather near the stables and with a resigned sigh he stood, pulling her to her feet as well. He raised a hand to her cheek and cupped it as he gazed into her eyes.
“I’m going to miss you,” Annabelle murmured, pressing her cheek deeper into his palm.
He kissed her cheek next to the corner of her lips and replied, “I feel the same, lass.” He cleared his throat and stepped back.
With that parting gesture, Jamie joined his men, and they left the fort. Annabelle watched him go, her heart filled with worry and hope for a quick return.
* * *
Two days later Annabelle felt a sense of unease lingering in the air. Jamie hadn’t returned as expected, and a surprising void filled her heart. She was really worried about him. She worried that something had happened to him. That he and his men had found Malcolm, and he was laying injured somewhere in the Highland wilderness. Or worse.
Seeking solace and a confidante, Annabelle made her way to Jen's bedchamber. She knocked on the door and waited for Jen to answer. She knew she was in there because she hadn’t seen her down in the dining hall yet.
A moment later, Jen opened the door and smiled. “Hey Annabelle, what’s up?” she asked, welcoming her in.
“I’m worried about Jamie,” she blurted.
Jen grinned. “I thought that might be the way things were going. You two have been spending a lot of time together. I’ve barely seen you.”
“I know, I’m sorry, it’s just I really like him a lot and I’m worried. He’s not back yet.”
“Okay, so what are you worried about? You don’t think he’s cheating on you or anything, right? I mean, the men here, they don’t really do that sort of thing. If they’re courting you, which Jamie is doing with you, they don’t spend time with any other ladies.” Jen paused. “Okay, well the good men don’t, and Jamie is a good man, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
Funnily enough that hadn’t been where her head was, but it was still good to know, and it lightened her heart a bit knowing that about him. “Thanks. That wasn’t what has me concerned. I’m worried that something’s happened.”
Jen frowned. “When was he due back?” she questioned.
“Sometime last night. I expected to see him this morning, but when I went to look for him, Shaw said that they hadn’t returned.”
“Okay, well don’t get too worried yet. They might have had to go take care of something with one of the villages or towns. It happens and there’s no need to panic yet. If he’s not back by tomorrow morning, Cam will send someone out after them.”
She nodded. “Thanks, Jen. I just know from being a cop that things can go wrong when you’re out looking for those causing trouble, you know?”
“I get it, but this is typical here. Things tend to take a little longer than planned, especially when it involves travel. So don’t worry too much.” Jen gave her a commiserative smile. “If I find out anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.” Annabelle stood and walked with Jen to the door. “I’ll see you later then.”
After lunch, Annabelle was in her bedchamber, her thoughts consumed by Jamie, when a knock on her door stirred her from her reverie. She hurriedly smoothed down her dress and called out, "Come in."
"It’s me. I thought you might like to know that Jamie returned from patrol a few minutes ago." Jen grinned.
Annabelle's heart leapt at the news, and she couldn't contain her delight. Her steps were quick, and her heart raced as she left her chamber followed by Jen who was laughing at her exuberance . She grinned over her shoulder at Jen and called, “Thanks for telling me!” before practically running down the stone stairs.
It didn't take long for her to spot him, and without hesitation, she rushed into his arms. In that moment, the world around them disappeared, and it was just the two of them, locked in an embrace.
Jamie lifted her off her feet and twirled her around, their laughter filling the air. As he gently set her down, he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. The world outside the two of them faded and Annabelle felt her love for him blaze in her heart.
Breaking the kiss, Jamie held Annabelle close, as he whispered, "I've missed you more than words can express, Annabelle."
"I missed you too," she replied, her voice soft and filled with sincerity.
He cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes. “I care for you very much, lass,” he murmured, and she could see the depth of his feelings for her in his eyes.
Annabelle's heart swelled. “I care for you a great deal too, Jamie.”
“Jamie, lad, there you are,” Cam said, striding toward them. “I need you, Eamon and Shaw with me.”
“What has happened?” Jamie asked, suddenly concerned as he let Annabelle go and looked toward his brother.
“The Campbell envoy has nae arrived, and I fear something has happened that will reflect badly upon the Donald Clan. We need to speak and plan.”