Chapter 17
Spent from their lovemaking, Elle fell asleep in Hamish’s arms. Her dreams were filled with him and it wasn’t until she opened her eyes at first light that she realized she wanted this every night.
She kissed him awake and he responded as if he’d never been asleep.
He rolled atop her with the obvious intent of burying himself deep inside her, when they both heard noises in the hallway.
Elle put her finger to her lips. She waited until the footsteps passed by the door and hoped she’d remembered to close her own last night before she made this short journey to Hamish.
He rolled off of her and stood, searching the floor for his clothes.
The hallway was quiet again. Elle threw her robe on and went to the door, which she opened a crack.
She didn’t see anyone and was just about to open it further when Hamish spun her around, pushing her back against the door, closing it.
She placed her hands in his hair, as he dipped his head to kiss her.
Her legs buckled beneath her, but Hamish lifted her.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, his hands and lips were everywhere and Elle’s breathing became more and more erratic.
And then, just as suddenly as he’d started, he stopped.
She was left panting and wanting more, but it was clear he wasn’t going to give it to her.
“Tonight,” he said, walking into the bathroom.
Elle couldn’t move. She had to catch her breath and wanted to be sure her legs were working once again.
She took a moment, resting against the door, listening to the shower, before once again opening the door.
Her attempt to get back to her room unnoticed was foiled when she ran into her sister-in-law.
Kate’s knowing smile was just what Elle didn’t need. “Where are you coming from?”
“You know where I’m coming from,” Elle said a little testily, reaching her room.
“JJ and I used to do the same thing, so your secret’s safe with me.” She brushed past Elle, heading for the kitchen.
Why does everyone in this family have to be up at the crack of dawn? she thought. She had to get her head screwed on straight before she presented herself in the kitchen. She headed straight for the shower with thoughts of Hamish running through her brain.
***
She couldn’t stop looking at him. It must be painfully obvious to everyone, she was falling in love.
They ate their breakfast and then, as promised, Hamish went off with her father to help him with his morning chores.
He fit right in here with her family. If her career was dead, so be it.
She could see herself spending her life here with Hamish and her family.
The piece of land next door was for sale.
She decided to contact the real estate agent about buying it.
They could live here until they could build their own place.
She’d be close enough to see her family as often as she wanted and far enough away to avoid them when she wished.
“Mom, what would you think about me buying the property next door?” she asked.
Her mother almost dropped her cup of coffee. “Are you serious?”
“Uh-huh. I think it would be the perfect place for Hamish and I to build a house.”
“Did he ask you to marry him?”
“He did, but I told him I wasn’t ready to get married.”
“The way you two look at each other, I’d say you are.”
“Mom, don’t push it. If he asks me again, I’ll probably say yes.”
“If! He’d better and you’d better.”
“You like him!”
“We all do. There’s something special about him. He’s a throwback to a different time.”
“More than you know. I’ve learned to love that about him. I didn’t think I’d ever be interested in someone like him, but I’ve been proven wrong.”
“I’m happy for you, honey. He’s going to be a great addition to the family.”
“I think so, too.”
***
A horse trailer pulled into the ranch at the same time that Hamish and Joe were going out to take care of some downed fencing.
“’Tis Aylwen,” Hamish announced.
“Your horse. I thought he was supposed to be here yesterday,” Joe said.
“As did I. Elle said they called to tell her they would be a day late.”
“Let’s help unload him,” Joe said. “I’m curious to see this horse of yours.”
“And I’m excited to see him as well. We’ve never been separated for this long.”
“It’s like the love of a good woman. You sometimes take it for granted on a daily basis, but let her be out of sight for a day or two and you are sure to remember all the reasons you love her.”
Hamish walked up beside the cab of the truck where he was greeted by the driver.
“We finally made it. Sorry about that. The truck broke down yesterday, but luckily we got her fixed right away.” He stepped out of the truck and walked around to the back where he proceeded to unlatch the doors. “He’s all yours,” the man said.
Hopping into the trailer, Hamish walked up to Aylwen and ruffled his mane. The horse nickered and then whinnied.
“I think he’s telling you to get him out of there,” Joe said.
The driver handed Hamish a lead rope, which he fastened to Aylwen’s halter then led him out. Aylwen’s ears were perked up straight and tall as he examined his surroundings. “I’ve missed ye,” Hamish said. “What are these?” he asked, looking down at the strange purple boots his horse wore.
“We put those on when we trailer them to protect their legs.”
Joe bent down and undid the velcro straps on each boot. He handed them to the driver, who opened a door on the side of the trailer. He deposited the boots and then removed Aylwen’s saddle and bridle. “Unusual, but very fine workmanship,” he said, handing them off to Hamish.
“Thank ye fer taking care of him. ’Tis much appreciated.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime you need a place for him, we’ve got room.”
He got back in the truck and waved to Joe and Hamish, then circled his truck around and headed off.
Hamish checked Aylwen from head to toe and was satisfied to see he was in good condition. “Would ye mind if I road him out to the fencing?”
“You do that and I’ll take the ATV. I’ll go get it.”
Hamish saddled Aylwen and mounted. It felt good.
He hadn’t gone a day without riding for as long as he could remember.
Joe rounded the corner on the ATV and set off towards the eastern end of their property.
Hamish urged Aylwen into a trot and they followed along behind, the horse’s long strides easily keeping up with Joe.
They worked side-by-side until it was time to eat and then they headed back to the house.
Before they went in, Joe showed Hamish to the barn where a stall had been readied for Aylwen. He was impressed with the high ceilings and large stalls filled with straw. A door led out to a paddock in the back. “Aylwen will be most happy here.”
“I didn’t want him to be alone, so I bought a sweet old mare to keep him company. I expect she’ll be here by the weekend.” Joe clapped Hamish on the shoulder.
“Elle can ride with me.”
“You’ll have to talk to her about that. She was never one of those girls who had to have a horse. Tina on the other hand drove us crazy until we got her a pony. You might have better luck with Noah or Olivia.”
“I shall make sure the mare is safe enough for them to ride.”
“I don’t doubt it. You seem to know your way around a ranch. Let’s get him settled in. I’m hungry. There’s a curry and brushes right there by the stall door.”
The two men worked side by side, making sure Aylwen had a good sized flake of alfalfa and plenty of water. The horse seemed content by the time they were through, hardly noticing when they left.
Entering the kitchen, they saw that Bobby had made them something to eat. Hamish wasn’t sure what it was, but he was hungry so he would eat it. It looked much like the turkey sandwiches Brenna made for them in San Francisco.
The men sat opposite each other. Joe picked up his food and began to eat. Hamish lifted the bread to see what was under it.
“I thought you might like sandwiches,” Bobby said, entering the kitchen. She pulled a bag from a cabinet and opened it. “Chips?” she asked.
“Yes,” Joe said. “Hamish?”
“Aye.” He took a handful from the bag as he’d seen Joe do and placed them on his plate.
The sandwich Bobby presented them with was delicious.
It wasn’t turkey, but he wasn’t about to ask what it was.
All he knew was, he liked it. He picked up a chip and crunched on it. A wide smile appeared on his face.
“No potato chips where you’re from?” Joe asked.
“Nae.”
Bobby brought them both glasses and poured a fizzy brown drink into them. Hamish picked his up and almost immediately put it down. The bubbles tickled his nose. He picked it up again, this time knowing what to expect and took a sip. The liquid was sweet and bubbly. He liked it. “’Tis good.”
“You don’t have that either? I thought they sold soda everywhere.”
“Nae. They dinnae.”
“Tell us about your home,” Bobby said, sitting down with the men.
“’Tis a beautiful castle. Breaghacraig. I work for the MacKenzies. I’m a captain,” he announced proudly.
“The captain of the security guards?” Joe asked.
“Aye.” He had to remember not to give them too much information.
“What about your mother and father?” Bobby wanted to know.
“They have both passed. I dinnae have any brothers or sisters, so I became a member of the MacKenzie clan. They are my family.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Bobby said.
“Where is Elle?” Hamish asked.
“She went out for a while. It’s a surprise,” Bobby said, glancing at her husband. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you more, but she’ll be home soon and she’ll tell you herself.”
Hamish wondered what it could be. She hadn’t said anything to him earlier. In his mind, surprises weren’t usually a good thing. He equated it with being ambushed. “’Tis a good surprise?”
“Yes. You’ll be very happy.”
His mind wandered in all directions. What could it be? He’d have to be patient and wait for her to return.
***