All In Good Time: Book Six of The Thistle & Hive Series Read online

  “More so than I can say. I hope ye’ll be staying here with me.” Helene gazed expectantly at Sara.

  “I’d love to. Do you think Dougall will mind?”

  “He’ll be happy to see ye. He’s quite fond of ye.” Helene assured her.

  “I like him too,” Sara said.

  “Sit down. I’ll get us some tea.” Helene turned to leave the room.

  “Let’s all get it,” Ashley suggested.

  Helene smiled and led the way to the kitchen, where she placed a pot of water over the fire. She set out a mug for each of them and then retrieved a jar which Sara noted contained many fragrant herbs.

  “This is my first American friend,” Helene said as she placed an arm around Ashley’s shoulders, giving her a little squeeze. “I love her as if she were my verra own sister. I feel much the same way about ye, Sara.”

  “You’ll find you have four sisters here, Sara. Me, Jenna, Helene and Irene. We’re a pretty tight knit group of women and we’ll happily make room for you.”

  “I’d like that,” Sara answered. She had been at Breaghacraig for just a couple of hours and already she had an instant family surrounding her. This had to be a sign that everything was going to work out exactly as she hoped.

  “Now, let’s talk about Logan,” Ashley said. “He doesn’t know you’re here. He’ll be happy to see you, of course. Don’t you think, Helene?”

  “Aye. He has been moonin’ over ye since he’s been back. He’s speaks of ye often, but of late I feel he’s been doing his best to forget. He thought there was nae hope of ever seeing ye again.”

  “He hasn’t found someone else, has he?” Sara was panicked at the thought. It hadn’t even entered her mind, but of course he would think there was no point in waiting for her.

  “Not that I ken. Even if he had, she wouldnae stand a chance where yer concerned,” Helene assured her and then she must have realized Sara would dwell on that thought, so she changed the subject. “’Tis a verra beautiful dress and cape yer wearing.”

  “Oh, this? I just picked it up at the annual Ren Faire. Edna gave me the cape. Do you really like it?” Sara stood and twirled around so Helene could get a good look.

  “’Tis beautiful, like the lass wearing it,” Helene assured her.

  “Thanks. It’s all I’ve got though.”

  “I seem to remember a certain lass letting me borrow some of her clothes and I’ll happily return the favor.”

  “I brought some jewelry that I thought I could barter with to maybe buy some things.”

  “We could help you with that,” Ashley said. “You probably don’t want to bring your jewelry to the vendors on market day yourself. They’d be suspicious of it. The MacKenzies can probably trade it for some coin or we’ll have it melted down.”

  “When is market day?”

  “Next week. It’s held once a month in the village,” Helene said.

  “Sounds like fun. I can’t wait.”

  “It’s a little bit like a Ren Faire,” Ashley said. Helene grabbed a ladle and headed to the pot of boiling water, which she used to make the tea. She uncovered a basket of sweet rolls and set them on the table in front of Sara.

  “Mmmm… Those look delicious. Did you make them, Helene?” Sara helped herself to a roll and took a big bite.

  “Do ye like it? I used Mary’s recipe.” Helene turned to Sara and added, “She’s the cook at Breaghacraig.”

  “I don’t imagine you need to make as many as Mary,” Ashley said.

  “Heavens no. I’m only cooking for two.”

  A knock at the door sent Helene to see who it was. “Cailin! Come in! I see ye’ve brought wee Emma with ye. Would ye be looking for Ashley?”

  “Aye. We would. Jenna told me she was here visiting with ye and a lass who’s come from the future.”

  Cailin followed Helene into the kitchen and Sara did a little double take. Cailin looked so much like his brother that for a second she thought it was Cormac.

  Emma clung to her father’s neck and hid her face in his shirt.

  “Dinnae be shy, my love,” he said gently. “We’ve come to visit Helene and her new friend.” He lifted Emma’s chin with a gentle finger.

  “Hello,” Sara said to both Cailin and Emma. “I’m Sara.”

  “I’m pleased to meet ye,” Cailin replied.

  Emma stuck a tiny finger in her mouth and turned away, but curiosity must have finally gotten the best of her as she turned and examined Sara.

  “Hi, little sweetie,” Sara said reaching out a hand to stroke her back. “She’s beautiful. A nice mix of her Mom and Dad.”

  “I’ll take her, Cailin,” Ashley said.

  “Nae. She’s fine with me. We’ve come to walk ye back home. ’Twill be getting dark soon.”

  “It was nice meeting you Sara. I hope we’ll be seeing a lot of you while you’re here.”

  “I’m sure you will. Thanks for the help.”

  “See you tomorrow, Helene. Good night.”

  Cailin put an arm around his wife and pulling her close leaned down to kiss the top of her head, melting Sara’s heart in the process. That’s what she wanted.

  Exactly that.

  Chapter 5

  A soft mist floated over the grassy field as Logan and Dougall led the men back home. Their patrol had been fairly uneventful, with the exception of some feuding neighbors who needed help sorting out their differences. Logan was proud of the fact that Dougall always allowed him to handle these situations. He seemed to have a gift for calming frayed nerves and finding solutions to problems. By the time he was done the neighbors shook hands and sat down to a meal together. Their argument had been one that to most people wouldn’t have mattered at all, but to them it was monumental. Logan was quick to point out that both of them had valid points to be made and that if they would only listen to each other they may come to a compromise that would lead to an agreement and a rekindling of their friendship. He was right of course and was thanked profusely as they rode away.

  “Logan, ye never cease to amaze me,” Dougall observed. He was looking at Logan with the most curious smile.

  “And why is that?” Logan asked.

  “Ye have such a way with people.”

  Logan shrugged. Uncomfortable with the praise. “I listen to them.”

  “Yes. That’s part of it, but I think ye also feel what they’re feeling. Ye’ve a kind heart.” Dougall stretched up tall in his saddle.

  Logan barked out a laugh, “Dinnae say that too loudly. The men will nae let me live it down. I prefer them to believe me to be a hard-hearted bastard.”

  “I’m sorry to tell ye, but they already know ye arenae. It hasnae lessened their respect fer ye. In fact, it has done the opposite. There isnae a man here who wouldnae put his life on the line for ye.”

  “I’d do the same for any of them.” It was true. They were like brothers. They teased each other, argued with each other and on occasion they even came to blows, but if any one of them ever needed help, the others in the group would be there in an instant no matter the reason.

  “Yer a good man, Logan. Dinnae fight it.” Dougall clapped his old friend on the back before continuing. “I’ll be happy to be back home to me own bed and the warmth of me wife. Not much further to go now.”

  “Nae need to saunter along at a walk then.” Logan kicked his horse into a canter and the others followed along. “I’ll race ye to the top of the hill.” Without waiting for a reply, Logan sent his horse into a full gallop.

  “Always thinking, arenae ye,” Dougall shouted as he caught up with Logan.

  “Aye.” They’d reached the top of the hill. “I won,” Logan called out as Dougall reached his side.

  “And why are ye in such a hurry, might I ask.” Dougall brought his horse to a stop next to Logan while they waited for the others to catch up.

  “Nae reason. I thought ye wished to be home with yer wife.”

  “I do, but where do ye wish to be? I sense ye’ve been keeping som
ething from me and I havenae heard ye mention Sara this whole time. Have ye finally met someone to take yer mind off the lass.”

  Logan thought about how much to tell Dougall. Should he tell him the whole story, or leave it to a simple tale? He was the only one Logan had to share things with and his head and heart were aching with the weight of what he was about to do.

  “I dinnae ken where to begin. I’ve nae met someone, as ye say, and I havenae stopped thinking about Sara, but she is somewhere far, far away and I cannae have her.” It pained him to say it. He could still picture her in his mind. He could clearly hear her voice, but how long would it be before he couldn’t remember what she looked like? He took in a deep breath. “Ye ken, Aisla, aye?”

  Dougall nodded. “Of course, I do. We all came to Breaghacraig at the same time. Ye were coming from her home the other day when I met ye.”

  “She has found herself…” Logan couldn’t quite put it into words.

  “Go on. She has found herself,” Dougall encouraged.

  “She’s with child.” Dougall was kind enough to remain silent and Logan appreciated it. He was having a hard time saying what he was about to say.

  “’Tis nae my child, ye ken. And before ye ask, I ken it to be true. I’ve nae had relations with her. She’s a good friend and I feel badly fer her and what she’ll have to go through without a husband.” He choked back the words that he was about to say. It wasnae what he wished, but he couldnae allow her to be humiliated by others in the clan. “I told her I’d marry her. Her father is quite angry with me as he believes I’ve sullied his daughter’s reputation. The marriage must take place quickly, ye ken?” Logan felt as if his heart had been ripped from his chest. Now that he’d said the words. Now that he’d told Dougall, he knew there was no going back. He couldn’t… no, he wouldn’t change his mind. He was doing the right thing. Sara was gone, as if she’d never existed. Aisla and her bairn would be his life now.

  Dougall turned his horse and approached Logan face-to-face. “Logan, are ye sure ye wish to devote yer life to a woman ye dinnae love?” Dougall seemed dumbfounded by Logan’s confession.

  “I love Aisla, as a friend at least. I’m hopeful that the feeling will grow over time and we’ll eventually come to love each other the same way that ye and Helene are in love.” He nudged his horse forward and Dougall turned and followed along beside him. The others had caught up with them and brought up the rear. “Ye’ll nae say a word to anyone. I dinnae wish to cause Aisla any harm.” She needed him and he wouldn’t let her down. Once they were married everything would be fine. It had to be.

  “I understand. My lips are sealed,” Dougall assured him.

  “Dinnae even speak with Helene about it.”

  “Logan, husbands and wives tell each other everything, or at least they should. Ye’ll ken that soon enough.”

  “The fewer who know of this, the better.”

  “She willnae say a word. I promise ye.”

  Breaghacraig was visible off in the distance. It had a dreamlike quality when being viewed through the mist, which had become thicker the closer they got to home.

  Logan knew what he was doing was the right thing, but he had always hoped that somehow, some way he’d see Sara again. He knew it was a fool’s dream, but he couldn’t help himself.

  “Dougall and Logan will be back today.” Helene happily kneaded the dough she’d let rise and then bake later in the day. “Ye must be excited to see Logan.”

  “My stomach is in knots. I hope he’ll be happy to see me.”

  “Of course, he will. I told ye, he speaks of ye often and fondly.”

  Sara smiled happily as she helped Helene. She was in charge of the sweet rolls, which Helene told her Logan loved. She was making them for him. Only a few more hours and her reason for traveling back in time would be standing right in front of her. If she wasn’t standing here in sixteenth century Scotland, she’d never believe it could be true. She’d come to accept that there were all kinds of magic in the world. Magic that couldn’t necessarily be seen by the eye and that most people ignored.

  A short while later Dougall walked through the door. His large frame filled the entryway and Helene was in his arms in an instant. The way they looked at each other was filled with love. Sara could feel it all the way across the room and felt like an intruder in this coming home ritual they shared. She watched silently as Dougall lifted Helene’s chin and held it in place while he gently kissed her and caressed her face.

  “Welcome home, love,” Helene said, her voice husky with longing.

  “Aye.” Dougall hadn’t stopped gazing into her eyes for even a moment.

  “Dougall, we’ve a surprise guest staying with us.”

  “I love surprises. Who is it?” For the first time, he looked up and away from Helene. His mouth dropped open and he quickly closed it as he spied Sara waving at him.

  “Hi Dougall! Surprise!”

  “Sara, what are ye doing here?”

  The scowl on his face wasn’t quite the reception she was hoping for, but she had caught him off guard. “I’m here to see Logan. Is he back?”

  Her eagerness to see him was apparent to both Dougall and Helene. “Aye. He is. He had some matters to attend to, so we willnae see him until later today.”

  “Oh, no. I’ve been waiting for days. Is there any way I could find him? I want to surprise him.”

  “He’ll nae doubt be surprised, lass.” Dougall’s face went through a number of expressions as he spoke with Sara.

  “You don’t seem too happy to see me,” Sara noted.

  “Of course, I am. ’Tis just a shock to see ye here. Ye’ll have to tell me how it all came about.” He strode across the room and taking her hand brought it to his lips. “Excuse my rudeness, Sara. ’Tis verra good to see ye.”

  “Is everything well?” Helene asked. She appeared quite confused by Dougall’s behavior.

  “Aye. The MacKenzie lands are safe and secure.”

  “Good.” The three of them stood in awkward silence for a moment.

  “Sara, do ye mind if I speak with me wife alone for a moment. We’ll return shortly.” Dougall took the hand of a very confused looking Helene and practically dragged her from the room.

  What was going on? Sara and Dougall hadn’t started off on the right foot in San Francisco, but by the time he left she felt like they had become friends. Now, he seemed put off by her appearance. Perhaps it was just a shock, as he said, seeing her in a place where she shouldn’t ordinarily be. She hoped that was the case. She certainly didn’t want to be a bother to him and Helene.

  “Dougall, what’s wrong?” Helene could see that Dougall was most uncomfortable with Sara’s presence. “I thought ye’d be happy to see Sara.”

  “I am, Helene, but there’s a problem with Logan. A problem ye cannae share with Sara.”

  “Is he ill?” Helene couldn’t imagine what it could be that would have Dougall so out of sorts.

  “Nae. Nothing as simple as that.” He took a deep breath. “Helene, he told me something in confidence. He didnae wish me to share it with ye, but I assured him that ye would keep it to yerself and ye wouldnae say a word to anyone.”

  Helene was frightened. What could possibly be so wrong? “I promise.”

  “Not even to Sara. Do ye understand?”

  Helene was taken aback for a moment, but it was clear this was important to Dougall. “Aye. I’ll nae tell her.”

  “Logan is to be married,” Dougall blurted out, while Helene gasped. “Our friend Aisla is with child and he feels honor bound to do the right thing by her. They’ll be married soon and Sara being here is going to complicate matters greatly.”

  “I had no idea he was spending time with her,” Helene said, her mind reeling on hearing this news.

  “’Tis nae his child. Whoever the da is, he is nae longer here at Breaghacraig.”

  “Dougall, we must tell Sara.” Helene felt ill thinking of Sara’s reaction.

  “We cannae, I ga
ve him my word that I’d say nary a word to anyone. We must let Logan handle it the way he sees fit. This is his story to tell.”

  “I see yer point. I dinnae like keeping secrets from my friend, but I’ll remain silent for the time being.” She buried her face in her hands, getting herself under control before looking up at her husband. “Oh, Dougall, she’ll be so heartbroken when she finds out.”

  “She’ll know soon enough and she’ll need ye to help her through it. I’m sure she’ll wish to return home once she finds out.”

  Sara was seated in a chair by the window, hoping that by some chance Logan would come sauntering up the path. She wondered what on earth was wrong with Dougall, but assumed that whatever it was he had to speak with Helene about had nothing to do with her. Or at least she hoped it didn’t.

  “Sara, I’m so sorry we went off and left ye alone. I’m afraid I’ve nae been a verra good host to ye,” Dougall said.

  She turned to see both Dougall and Helene standing there staring at her. Helene was holding on to Dougall’s arm for dear life and now had the same odd expression on her face that Dougall wore.

  “Is something wrong? You two look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “We’ve nae ghosts in our home, Sara,” Dougall assured her.

  “That’s just a saying… from my time.” Sara had been feeling quite comfortable here to this point, but now she had a sneaking suspicion that something was up and they weren’t telling her about it. Was a war about to happen? Was this the time that the plague took place? She didn’t think so, but she couldn’t remember what she’d learned in history classes. She’d never been very good at remembering dates.

  “Oh, I see…”

  “Everything’s fine, Sara,” Helene said, not sounding at all like it was.

  “Well, I’m going to go get cleaned up, if ye ladies will excuse me.” Dougall nodded to Sara, kissed Helene on the cheek and left the room.

  “I’ll need to get the water fer him. I’ll be right back.”