A Thistle & Hive Christmas: Book 4.5 of The Thistle & Hive Series Read online

  “’Tis hot chocolate. I ken ye’ve never had it, but isnae it delicious?”

  “Mmmm…” was the response. Fiona gazed up at Maggie and all the other children giggled at the dollop of whipped cream that had somehow made its way onto the tip of Fiona’s nose. Maggie gently wiped it away with a napkin and Fiona smiled brightly at her, before taking another cookie. “Everything is so pretty,” Fiona said as she looked around the room.

  Edna and Maggie had decorated it with the children in mind. The tree was enormous, practically touching the ceiling and it was covered with many colorful ornaments and sparkling lights. A giant star adorned the very top. The windows and doors were framed by garland and more lights, and a candle sat on each sill.

  It wasn’t long before Ranald and Rowan began racing around the room and peeking their heads into every doorway.

  “Ranald! Rowan! Settle down. Yer Grannie doesnae wish ye to tear apart her home in the first few moments yer here.” Lena broke away from the adults and brought the two young lads back to their seats. “Ye must behave yerselves. Ye can play once we’ve all gotten settled. Do ye ken my meaning?”

  “Aye.” Rowan smiled sweetly at his mother.

  “Ranald?” Lena asked.

  “Aye.” He seemed somewhat reluctant to concede, but when Lena leaned down and kissed his cheek, he said, “I’ll be good, Ma.”

  Maggie exchanged a knowing glance with Lena. “I’ve got it from here.”

  “Ashley, Jenna, ye and yer husbands and baby Emma will stay in the cottage behind the inn. There is plenty of room for all of ye and ye’ll have some privacy. I’ll show ye the way once the men are back from the stables.”

  “Thank you, Edna. It sounds wonderful.” Jenna said.

  “Lena, ye and Ewan will have yer old bedroom and the little ones will all be sharing a room. Irene, Angelina and Catherine, ye’ll all have rooms upstairs, but first help yerselves to the scones and a nice warm drink, please.”

  “I can hardly wait.” Ashley broke away from the group and headed straight to the refreshments and the hot chocolate. “Mmmm…” She took a sip of the chocolate. “I love chocolate so much. How I’ve missed you.” She spoke directly to the cup and the others all chuckled as they tried the scones, which much to Edna’s delight seemed to be a huge success. Everyone took a seat at the table next to the children. The cozy warmth of the inn was something that Edna prided herself on and she was happy to see how at home her guests felt since their arrival.

  The doors to the inn opened and the men along with wee Robert entered and joined their wives in the dining room, taking seats at another nearby table. Cormac was greeted by a bounding Chester, who practically leaped into his arms.

  “I see ye’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed ye.” Cormac hugged an obviously ecstatic Chester, who rolled over for a belly scratch.

  Edna brought the baked goods to the men, along with mugs. “I’ve coffee if ye’d rather that.” Edna said.

  “Aye. I’d like that,” Cailin said with a gleam in his eye.

  “Cormac?”

  “Aye,” he replied.

  “I’ll have some as well,” Richard said.

  “Robert, I ken that neither of these drinks is familiar to ye, but what would ye care to try?”

  He glanced at the other men and decided, “Coffee.”

  “Alright then, coffee all around.”

  “I’ll help ye, me love,” Angus offered, following her into the kitchen.

  She peeked back over her shoulder to make sure everyone was happy and seeing that they were, closed the door behind her. “Angus, this is going to be a verra happy time for all, dinnae ye think so?”

  “Aye. So far all is well. No one seems too shocked to be here,” he chuckled.

  “I can hardly believe they’re all here. I’ve been looking forward to this for months with all the planning and preparation.”

  “I’m just happy they accepted the invitation.” Angus winked at Edna.

  “Oh, come here ye silly man.”

  Angus obliged his wife and she rewarded him with a kiss which, she noted, he took full advantage of.

  Chapter 3

  Ashley, Cailin, Jenna & Cormac

  The lovely little cottage behind the inn was exactly what Ashley had expected. As they walked through the arched wooden doorway, they entered a sitting room with a comfy sofa and loveseat, all set around the hearth of an old stone fireplace. A small kitchen off to the right would be perfect for their needs, with a small stove and refrigerator.

  Jenna and Cormac were exploring the two bedrooms. “This one must be for you two. There’s a cradle in there for Emma,” Jenna noted.

  “Perfect,” Ashley remarked. She handed Emma to Cailin and headed for the bedroom. “This is so pretty. What do you think, Cailin?”

  “I think ’tis a lovely place to spend time with ye and our wee lass.” Cailin placed a sleeping Emma into the cradle and returned to Ashley’s side where they both admired their beautiful daughter. “I can hardly believe we’re back here in Glendaloch, married and with a wee bairn of our own.”

  “All thanks to Edna.” Ashley wrapped her arms around Cailin’s waist and he pulled her close. Resting her head on his chest, she could hear the familiar sound of his heart beating a calm tattoo, and in the warmth of his embrace she relaxed as she always did. He was her rock. The man she loved more than she could ever express. She hoped he knew just how important he was to her. She simply couldn’t imagine a life without him in it.

  “What are ye thinking, lass?” Cailin asked.

  Ashley tipped her head back, looked up into his soft grey eyes and smiled. “Nothing. Just enjoying my hug.”

  “Yer hugging me so tight, I’m afraid ye may break me,” he teased.

  “I don’t think I could do that even if I tried,” she giggled. “Let’s go enjoy that comfy sofa and the fireplace. We’ll let Emma sleep for a while.”

  They both took another look at a sleeping Emma before retreating from the room to find that Cormac and Jenna had closeted themselves in their bedroom. Cailin glanced from the closed door to Ashley and winked. “Shall we?” he pointed to the sofa.

  He sprawled across the sofa and Ashley joined him, snuggling into his arms. Her life really had turned out to be happier than she’d ever thought it could be back in San Francisco. The only thing she worried about was Emma.

  “Cailin, while we’re here, I’d like Emma to see Dr. Ferguson. You know, to make sure she’s okay and we have nothing to worry about.”

  “Whatever ye like, love. I dinnae believe he’ll find any problems.”

  “I know. It’s just that she’s so precious, I don’t want anything to happen to her.” This was a conversation she’d had with him many times. She worried about Emma getting sick and not having access to modern medicine. Many children didn’t make it to adulthood in the sixteenth century and she wanted to be sure that Emma wasn’t going to be one of them.

  “Ashley, if it makes ye feel better ye should do it. I have nae objections.”

  Ever since Emma’s birth, Cailin had noticed a change in Ashley. She worried constantly about Emma being ill. So far they hadn’t experienced anything more than a slight cold. As a matter of fact, Cailin had marveled at just how healthy his little daughter was. Ashley had panicked at the onset of the cold and would listen to no one, not even Irene who was raising four children of her own. During the brief course of the illness, Ashley had been inconsolable, hovering over Emma constantly, to the point where she hardly ate or slept for fear that something would happen if she took a few moments away from the baby to care for herself. He would definitely have to speak with Edna to see what they could do to put Ashley’s fears to rest. Seeing Dr. Ferguson would help in the short term, but he wanted to have a plan in place if need be.

  “I love you, Cailin,” Ashley gazed up at him, trust in her amber eyes. “So, so much.”

  “And I love ye. While we’re here ye’ve nothing to fear, so I want ye to enjoy yerself. Dinnae
think about the things that worry ye.”

  “I’ll try,” she said. “I’m tired. I think I’ll take a little nap.” Ashley made herself comfortable in his arms and closed her eyes.

  Looking down at Ashley’s sleeping face, Cailin couldn’t help but remember their first meeting, when he had unknowingly crossed the bridge through time to rescue Ashley from poor Teddy. When he’d thrown Teddy over the bridge and into the water, Cailin had no idea that Teddy was inadvertently part of Edna’s plan to get the two of them together. Teddy had forgiven him though and he’d ended up the luckiest of men to have found Ashley and made her his. He’d do anything for her. He only wanted her to be happy and to feel safe and secure.

  “How amazing is this?” Jenna twirled around the room enjoying the comfy warmth of the bedroom she’d share with her handsome husband.

  “Are ye happy to be back in yer own time, Jenna?” Cormac seemed worried.

  “Of course I’m happy, but don’t worry I’m going home with you when our visit is over.” She stopped in front of Cormac and poked him in the ribs. “What about you? Are you happy to be here?”

  “Aye. ’Tis good to be away from the castle for a while. I’m grateful to Edna for inviting us.”

  “It’s just what we needed… a nice little vacation.” Jenna had been stressed out about the fact that she couldn’t get pregnant, no matter how much they tried. Everywhere she looked she saw pregnant women. She couldn’t seem to get away from them. Her dear friend Ashley had just confided to her that she thought she might be pregnant again and while Jenna was happy for her, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed at her own predicament. Even Aunt Angelina had a baby. Jenna was shocked and though she hated to admit it, a bit jealous too. She had almost lost it back at the bridge. The urge to cry over her inability to conceive was so strong that she couldn’t even look at Ashley and Angelina. The number of women she knew who had and were having babies was growing along with her fear that she would never have the pleasure of holding her own child.

  Cormac seemed to be reading her mind as he stood with his head cocked to the side, and a knowing look on his face. “Jenna, dinnae fear. We have all the time in the world to have a babe.”

  “But what if we don’t?” Jenna’s eyes began to tear up. She knew how much Cormac wanted a child of his own. He loved baby Emma and his other nieces and nephews, but he’d told her more than once how happy he’d be when it was his turn to be a father.

  Cormac pulled her in for a hug. Kissing the top of her head. “If we don’t, I’ll still love ye just as much as I do now,” he reassured her. “Though we’ll surely keep trying, as I enjoy that part verra, verra much.”

  Jenna couldn’t help but laugh. Cormac was the most relaxed, fun man she’d ever known. Nothing seemed to bother him and while she’d been a bit of a bitch when they’d first met, as well as her own worst enemy, he’d been the bright light at the end of the tunnel that had grown brighter every day she’d known him. She wanted to be a mother, but more than anything she wanted him to have his wish to be a father.

  “Are ye happy to see yer cousin Dylan?” It was obvious Cormac wanted to change the topic.

  “Yes. I’ve really missed him. And I’ve missed Chester, too.”

  “Chester was me best companion when he lived at Breaghacraig.” Cormac’s face broke into a grin and Jenna’s did as well.

  “Dylan always said that dog loved you more than him,” she pointed out.

  “I dinnae believe that. He was happy to leave with Dylan.” Cormac sat on the edge of the bed with a thoughtful expression on his face. “But then again, no one asked him if he’d rather stay with me.” He lay back on the pillows with his arms behind his head and chuckled.

  Jenna sat on the bed next to him and had to laugh. No matter what her mood, Cormac could always bring a smile to her lips and make her laugh. She really did love that about him.

  “Now. I’m feeling the need to try to make a baby again. Are ye with me?” Cormac pulled Jenna down next to him.

  Jenna gazed lovingly into his eyes. “Yes. Let’s do it.” She leaned over him and kissed him, showing him all the love she felt in her heart, determined today would be the day both of their dreams would come true.

  Chapter 4

  Lena & Ewan

  “Lena Campbell? Is it really ye?” A tall thin man dressed in the strange manner of these future people, stopped them as they were about to pass.

  Ewan placed a protective arm around his wife and glowered at the man standing in front of them. Lena, for her part, seemed at a loss for words. Ewan knew the people of Glendaloch hadn’t seen her for years and her mysterious disappearance and reappearance had tongues wagging all over the sleepy little village. It was especially difficult for his wife to explain what had happened and it seemed this was one of those moments.

  “It’s me, Michael.” He paused, waiting for an answer. “Ye don’t remember me, do ye?”

  “Michael.” Lena whispered his name.

  “Yes. It’s me! I heard ye were back. How’ve ye been?”

  Ewan spoke up. “What is it ye want with me wife?” He rose to his full height and made himself as menacing as possible.

  The man didn’t seem to notice, standing there smiling like a giddy fool and gawking at Lena as if he’d never seen a woman before.

  “I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself. I’m Michael Allaway, Lena’s…” He stopped short of finishing his sentence and glanced Lena’s way, his brow furrowed in obvious concern.

  “It’s alright, Ewan. Ye can relax. Michael is an old friend.” Much to Ewan’s surprise, she shrugged out of his embrace and hugged this old friend, even kissing his cheek.

  Ewan harrumphed, letting his displeasure show. He didn’t believe he could possibly scowl or stare daggers at the man any more than he already had. His wife was gazing at the fool with warmth in her eyes and, were those unshed tears he saw about to spill from those emerald green pools. The “old” friend as Lena had identified him was now holding her hands.

  “I thought I’d never see ye again,” he said, “and yet here ye stand.”

  If this besotted idjit didn’t stop staring at and touching his wife, Ewan was afraid he may have to resort to violence. Lena was his woman, his wife. How dare this man flirt with her before his very eyes.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten everyone.” Lena smiled sweetly and Ewan narrowed his eyes, prepared to do battle if necessary.

  He’d seen her smile at many, after all it was her nature to be kind and caring, but this unsettled him. Something about their behavior told him there was much more here than met the eye.

  “How long are ye here for?” Michael asked.

  “We leave the day after Christmas.”

  “If ye can get away, maybe we can get together and reminisce about old times.”

  “I’d like that very much.” Lena’s face brightened and Ewan’s heart sank.

  “I’ll be in touch then.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek, lingering just a bit longer than necessary, Ewan controlled the urge to come between them as Michael took a moment to inhale Lena’s scent.

  “It was a pleasure meeting ye, Ewan.” Michael waved as he turned and walked away.

  Ewan snarled a response and Lena watched Michael as he slowly receded from view.

  Silence descended on the pair and lingered before Ewan finally spoke, doing his best to control his anger and jealousy. He softened his voice. “If I’m nae mistaken, that man was more than an old friend to ye. Do ye care to tell me who he really is?”

  Lena’s sad smile spoke volumes, but she said, “Just someone I knew a long time ago.” Taking Ewan’s hand, she led him away down the street.

  Chances of running into people from her past were pretty much one hundred percent here in Glendaloch. The entire village new exactly who she was and while they were all curious about where she’d spent the last several years of her life, they’d all behaved as if she’d only been off on a long vacation. The one person
she’d both wanted to see and hoped not to see was Michael Allaway. At one point, in her teenage years, she thought they’d marry and raise a family here in Glendaloch, but then her curiosity got the better of her and she’d crossed the bridge, met Ewan and never looked back. She knew she should tell Ewan, but she didn’t wish to upset him. Lena snuggled up close and felt him relax. It was best to leave the past in the past.

  Ewan was staring at her as they walked. “Are ye well, Lena?”

  “Aye. ’Tis strange being back here after so many years.” She glanced down the street and shook her head. “’Tis still the same. It looks the same as it did the day I left.”

  “Are ye sorry ye left?” Ewan appeared apprehensive of what she might say.

  “Of course not. If I hadn’t left, I would never have met ye and I wouldn’t have our two little red-headed imps. I love our home. I’m happy to be here and to see Ma and Da, but I’ll be just as happy to leave with ye and the boys.”

  “Are ye sure?” He obviously needed reassurance, which was a most unusual thing for Ewan.

  “Verra sure.” Lena turned to face him, stroking his face and noting how very handsome he was. She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips, eliciting a soft growl from him as his arms tightened around her waist and he prolonged the kiss.

  It was odd to see Ewan in this light. Ever since the day she’d met him, he’d been so very sure of himself when it came to her. He had a strong, commanding presence, which was tempered with a softness reserved only for her and the boys. She didn’t want him to doubt her love for him for even a moment. Perhaps coming back to Glendaloch had been a terrible mistake, but they were here now and she’d have to make the best of a very odd situation. She did want to see Michael. She had to explain to him what had happened, even if he didn’t understand it. On the other hand, she knew Ewan wouldn’t be happy about that, but she had to have some closure with Michael, if not for herself, then for him.