Chapter 15 #2
“I’d be happy to patrol yer property fer ye,” Hamish said.
“Patrol?”
“’Tis what I do for the MacKenzies.”
“Oh, so you’re a security guard,” JJ said.
Hamish looked to Elle, who subtly nodded her head.
“Aye. I be a security guard.”
“He works at a castle,” Elle said.
“A real castle?”
“Yes. It’s beautiful,” she answered.
“Dinner!” Bobby called from the kitchen.
“Right this way, Hamish.” Joe led the way to the dining room.
“You can sit here,” Elle said pointing to the chair next to hers.
Tina and Bobby brought in dishes of food that all looked unfamiliar to him, but that smelled so good his mouth was watering.
“You’ll like it,” Elle said, whispering in his ear.
“Hey, no secrets at the table,” her brother said.
“Hamish has never had this kind of food before.”
“Bobby’s a great cook,” Joe assured him.
“It smells verra delicious.”
“I imagine you don’t have food like this in Scotland. What is it you eat there? Haggis?”
“Dad!”
As they passed the food around the table, Elle explained what everything was. Hamish followed her lead, filling his plate with meat, vegetables and tortillas.
“Where’s Kate?” Elle asked.
“She should be here any minute,” JJ said. “I think I hear them now.”
“Grandma! Grandma!” Little feet were running their way.
“Olivia! Noah! Slow down.”
“They’re here,” JJ laughed.
A small boy and even smaller girl ran into the dining room, followed by their mother.
“Look who’s here!” Kate shouted, running around the table to hug Elle.
“Auntie Elle!” two little voices cried.
“Hey, you two. Hugs.”
They squeezed in between Hamish and Elle for a hug.
Noah turned to see Hamish. “Who’s this big guy?” he asked.
“It’s your aunt’s boyfriend.”
“Are you going to be our uncle?” Olivia asked.
“Olivia! We don’t ask questions like that. Go wash your hands. You too, Noah. Then come back and eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” Olivia said.
“Wash your hands and come right back,” Kate ordered.
They ran off down the hall, leaving the room a little less exciting with their absence.
“Aren’t they adorable?” Elle asked Hamish.
“Verra.”
Kate sat next to JJ and made up two plates for the children and then one for herself.
“It’s good to have you back,” Kate said.
“It’s good to be back,” Elle answered.
Hamish could hear in her voice that she meant what she was saying. This would be a good place to live, but he wanted to be of help. He would find a way to help tomorrow.
“When will Aylwen be coming?” he asked Elle.
“Aylwen? Who’s that?” Noah asked, taking his seat.
“Aylwen is his horse,” Elle said. “I have someone trailering him in tomorrow. I hope that’s okay. I would have called to ask, but I wanted to surprise everyone.”
“We’ve got plenty of room in the barn. We’ll take good care of him.”
“Elle will have to show you around tomorrow.”
“Yes. Consider this your home, Hamish. You’re family as far as we’re concerned, so make yourself at home.”
“Thank ye.” He silently vowed he would repay their kindness.
***
He slept fitfully that night. He wanted Elle beside him, but respected her mother and father too much to go against their wishes.
The sounds of San Francisco, which had assailed his ears the previous night, were gone.
Replaced by the quiet he was used to. He would miss his friends and the MacKenzies, but he felt at peace here in this place.
He opened his eyes to see that dawn was breaking.
Shafts of light poked through the window coverings and, for Hamish, it was time to rise.
Elle had shown him how to use the shower when they were in San Francisco and he was pleased that he had his very own shower attached to his room. He made use of it before getting dressed and heading towards the kitchen to see if anyone else was up.
“Good morning, Hamish,” Bobby was up, drinking coffee and looking at something Elle told him was a computer.
“Good morn.”
“You’re up early.”
“As are ye.”
“I like to get up before everyone else so I have some time to myself before I have to cook breakfast.”
“I’m sorry. I didnae mean to disturb ye.”
“You’re not disturbing me at all. Come, sit with me. Would you like some coffee?”
He didn’t like coffee. He’d had it at dinner the other night and wished he hadn’t. “No, thank ye.”
“Tea?”
“Aye. I prefer tea.”
Bobby rose and moved around the kitchen filling an unusual kettle with water and setting it to boil. She retrieved a mug and then sat down again while she waited for the water to boil. She examined him. It was apparent to Hamish that she had something to say, but wasn’t sure she should.
“Ye can ask me whatever it is yer thinking of,” Hamish assured her.
She laughed. “You’re very perceptive. How long have you known Elle?”
“Not long. Only a few weeks.”
“You’ve become very close.” There was no question here, only a statement of fact.
“We have.” He wasn’t sure how much he should say. Should he tell her he wished to marry Elle, but Elle thought it too soon?
“Do you love her?”
She got right to the heart of the matter. “I believe I do. I ken we’ve nae known each other long enough, but I’ve never met anyone like her. She is …” He couldn’t find the words.
“Special,” Bobby said for him.
“Aye. She is.”
“Hamish, I’m sure you know she’s very focused on her career. She wants it more than anything.”
“Or anyone,” he said, acknowledging for the first time that Elle might not want him the same way he wanted her.
“I’ve never tried to discourage her. I’ve given her my complete support, always telling her she could do whatever she wanted. She’s very talented, but I’m not sure this career is right for her.”
Was she trying to warn him away from Elle? “I’m nae sure why yer telling me this?”
“She needs someone like you. Be patient with her. I know she’s been going through something lately. I’m not sure what, but I suspect it has something to do with her music. I hope she opens up to us while she’s home.”
“While she’s home? Do ye nae believe she’ll stay?”
“Of course not … I’d be more surprised, and worried, if she did.” Bobby shook her head at the very idea.
A sleepy Elle stumbled into the kitchen. “Oh, there you are,” she said to Hamish. She walked over and kissed him on the lips. Good morning, Mom. Happy Birthday.” She then kissed and hugged her mother.
“The water’s boiling. I’ll get your tea.” Bobby got up and Elle sat down. “Do you want coffee?”
“Yes, please.” She eyed Hamish. “Why are you up so early?”
“I’m always up this early. ’Tis best to start the day when the sun rises.”
“Hmmm …”
“We dinnae have the luxury of lights that work day or night.”
“You have no electricity where you’re from?” Bobby sounded shocked.
“No, Mom. They’re off the grid.”
He tipped his head and shot Elle a confused look.
“Oh, I see,” Bobby said. “I can’t imagine not having electricity.”
“He’s used to it,” Elle answered for him.
Bobby placed his tea on the table in front of him. “Cream and sugar?”
“Nae. Thank ye.”
Slowly the rest of the family emerged from their night of sleep. There were two more brothers to meet.
“This is Luis and Matt,” Elle said.
“Nice to meet you. Thanks for putting up with our sister,” Matt said.
“Matty!” Elle cried.
“I’m only joking.” He pulled his sister in for a bone crushing hug. “I’m happy you’re home.”
“Me, too,” Luis joined their hug.
“Hey, my band’s playing in town tonight. Why don’t the two of you come out and lend us some support.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Elle said.
“Mom, we’re going to go feed the cows and then we’re meeting the band for breakfast. We’ll be out all day.”
“Good to know,” Bobby said. “Any room at the bar tonight for your father and I?”
“Of course. We can celebrate your birthday while we’re at it. See you then.” He rushed out the door with Luis following closely behind.
Hamish wasn’t sure what was going on, but Elle would explain everything once they were alone.
Kate and JJ arrived, followed by Olivia and Noah. “The kids don’t have school today. Would you mind keeping an eye on them, Bobby?”
“I have errands to run today. Maybe Elle and Hamish can keep an eye on them.”
“We’d love to,” Elle replied.
“Thank you,” Kate poured herself some coffee and went back down the hall.
“We’ll take Hamish for a walk around the property after breakfast,” Elle said to the children.
“Yay!” They seemed quite excited about it.
“I can hardly wait,” Hamish said.