Ross Read online

  “That was lovely,” Soni said. “If ye’d let me finish what I was saying, ye would have heard me tell ye that I’ll be leaving ye here, Ross.”

  He looked at Cassie and then at Soni.

  She smiled warmly at him, “I’ll be returning alone.”

  Cassie found her voice first, “Did you just say he could stay? And none of us need to go with you?”

  “That’s exactly what I said, now I must be on my way. I’ll say my goodbyes now, Ross.”

  Ross carefully took Soncerae in his arms, hugging her as tightly as he could without breaking the wee witch. “Thank ye, Soni. Ye’ve made me the happiest of men.”

  “Yer life is yer own once again. I have a feeling ye’ll make verra good use of it.”

  “Thank you so much,” Cassie said as she too, hugged Soni. “I’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

  “I ken ye will. As for ye, Sammy, ye’ll take good care of them both, aye?”

  Sammy barked his agreement and before they knew what was happening, Soni was gone, leaving Ronan behind as she went.

  They stood in stunned silence for a moment and then Cassie began hopping up and down, pumping her fist in the air, with Sammy barking and chasing her. “Woot, woot!”

  Ross laughed as he watched her. “What is ‘woot, woot’?”

  “Ah, Mr. Seton. I’m going to enjoy teaching you a thing or two,” she smiled.

  He caught her in his arms as she made another pass around him jumping for joy. He kissed her once, then twice and then a third time before escorting her inside and out of the cold.

  Six months later

  “Put the sofa over there.” Cassie pointed to an empty spot facing the fireplace. The delivery men followed her direction and put the last piece of furniture in place.

  “Are ye happy, Mrs. Seton?” Ross asked as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

  “Very. It took a while, but the entire house is furnished now. Do you like it?” she asked.

  “Aye. Mrs. Winters called. The writers’ group has arrived at the inn. She wants to bring them by the bookstore.”

  “We should get going then. You’re looking all handsome, hunky Scottish highlander. They’ll be pleased,” she teased.

  Ross had gotten used to being the face of Delight and he rather enjoyed it. Since the weather had warmed he spent as much time walking around greeting visitors as he did in the bookstore. The increase in the number of tourists making their way to Delight was exactly what was needed to keep the lights on in the sleepy little village. Book sales were up, the inn was always full, and events had been planned for every weekend throughout the summer months, ending with a large Scottish festival in September.

  They got into Cassie’s old truck. Since Walt had been working on it, she hadn’t had a speck of trouble with it. “The contractors will get started on the barn next week,” Cassie said as she pulled out of the driveway, and onto the main road into town. Ross stuck his head out the window and whistled to Ronan who lifted his head from grazing in his own private pasture as they passed. “It should be finished by the end of the summer I’m thinking a harvest festival would be great for October and then something for Christmas, of course.”

  Ross listened to his wife as she rattled off all her plans for the coming year, a satisfied smile lighting his face. He had to be the luckiest of men. He’d been given a second chance at life and a beautiful wife as well. He silently thanked Soni, wherever she may be.

  “I’m thinking we could put some of those tiny homes on the property, maybe next year. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re a wonder.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  “It’s all your fault, you know.”

  “I can’t take the credit for all that you’ve done. As I’ve told ye, I believe ye would have found a way to accomplish this without me.”

  “So you think,” she smiled.

  “Now tell me of these tiny houses,” he said, encouraging her to continue.

  “I thought we could rent them out to writers, or really anyone, who needs to get away for more than just a weekend. Maybe someone who wants to spend a month finishing up their novel.” Cassie pulled into a spot in front of the bookstore just as Mrs. Winters was escorting her writers across the street. They spied Ross getting out of the truck. Cassie giggled as she watched the women gawking at him and whispering to each other as they made their way into the store.

  “Good morning, Cassie. Ross,” Mrs. Winters said. “We’ve got a lively bunch today.”

  “I wore my best kilt for the occasion,” Ross teased.

  “They’re all your best kilts,” she laughed. “Cassie my inn is booked up for months in advance. Delight has suddenly reappeared on the map.”

  Mrs. Santos emerged from the bakery carrying goodies for the group in the store.

  “Rose, those look amazing!” Mrs. Winters said.

  “Take one,” Rose held out the tray and they helped themselves.

  “I’ll be needing some things for the inn. Once I get everyone settled inside with Cassie, I’ll stop buy to place my order.”

  “Perfect,” Rose answered. “Ross would you mind getting the coffee urn and bringing it over. Have you got enough cups, Cassie?”

  “I do.” Cassie replied.

  Ross disappeared inside the bakery to get the coffee. Rose and Mrs. Winters headed into the bookstore and Cassie stood on the sidewalk outside of her shop glancing up and down the once deserted street, now filled with happy tourists. Her heart was overflowing. Last year at this time she’d been a miserable excuse for a human being. She was thankful every day that on the second worst day of her life she was rescued, in more ways than one, by a handsome Scottish hero.

  When he reappeared, the sight of Ross made her heart skip a beat. Carrying the urn of coffee, he still managed to plant a kiss on her lips before heading into the store.

  “I love you, sweetie,” Cassie said.

  “I love ye, mo chroi,” Ross answered.

  “Shall we?” She opened the door to their shop and to their new life together.

  A Note From Jennae

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for reading Ross. If you enjoyed the book and have a minute to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the page or site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a huge difference in helping new readers find stories similar to Ross.

  If you’d like to know when my next book is coming out and want to receive occasional updates from me, then you can sign up for my newsletter here http://www.jennaevaleauthor.com/news-and-events

  Jennae

  Acknowledgments

  A great big thank you to L.L. Muir for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful series. Thank you, as always, to my editor, Jen Greybeal for putting the polish on my story. Last, but not least, thank you dear readers for taking the time to read Ross and Cassie’s story.

  About the Author

  Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class - wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.

  Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside. When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

  Also by Jennae Vale

  The Thistle & Hive Series

  A Bridge Through Time

  A Thistle Beyond Time

  Separated By Time

  A Matter of Time

  A Thistle & Hive Christmas

  A Turn In Time

  All In Good Time

  A Long Forgotten Time

  Awakened By
Time

  The Mackalls of Dunnet Head

  Her Trusted Highlander

  Her Noble Highlander

  Other Books By Jennae

  A Highlander In Vegas