“I know, but really, it’s just a time to gather with loved ones, share a bountiful meal, and express gratitude for all the blessings we have.” She made that Scottish sound in the back of her throat. It had taken her a year of practice to get it right, much to William’s amusement.
Her husband let one shoulder drop. “Sounds like every meal.” Then he grinned at her. “As you wish. Might there be a new dessert?”
It was her turn to shrug. “We will see.”
Through William and the merchants Lucy met over the years, she’d put out a request for coffee, tea, and citrus, along with squash and tomatoes, figuring they could build a greenhouse and then she could make pizza and other dishes she loved, like pumpkin pie.
As she held Robert in her arms, his tiny fingers wrapped around her own, a deep sense of contentment washed over her.
Lucy couldn’t help but wonder. “What do you think happened to Callan? Do you think he found happiness wherever he landed in time?”
William gazed out at the sea, his expression thoughtful. “I’d like to think he did. Wherever he is, I hope he’s found a life filled with family and peace.”
Lucy nodded, her heart heavy with a mixture of longing and hope. “Yes, I hope so too.”
Later that day, William found her in the garden.
“More green things?”
“You’ll like this salad. I’m putting meat on top with a creamy pepper dressing. I thought you were taking the boys fishing?”
William drew her into his arms.
“We caught four fish. The boys are helping Cook prepare them for supper tonight.”
He pulled her down onto his lap as they sat on a bench set into the garden wall.
“I confess, I merely wanted a moment alone with my lady.”
He pulled her close and brought his lips to hers. Lucy sank into the kiss, the rest of the world fading away.
William lifted her up, the basket of greens forgotten as he carried her out of the gardens, across the courtyard, through the great hall, and up the stairs to their chamber, where he kicked the door closed behind them, and tossed her on the bed, looking down at her with such love and longing it made her heart constrict.
“I thought I’d lost you the night Callan vanished,” he rasped.
Lucy pulled him down next to her, curling into him, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart. “Never.”
With a smile, she kissed her husband, letting him know without words how much she loved him.
And somewhere, beyond her sight, Lucy hoped Callan had also found a place to call home, and a good woman to love.
For sometimes you had to travel vast distances and fight with everything you had to find your own happily ever after.
EPILOGUE
Present Day—Boston
Callan Graham woketo a pounding in his head and a foul stench assaulting his senses. He blinked several times, clearing his blurry eyesight as he pushed himself to sit up, confused by his surroundings.
“Where the bloody hell am I?” He reached for the St. Christopher medal, only to find it gone. Had someone robbed him?
The last thing he remembered was standing on the battlements with Lucy and William in the midst of a terrible storm after the lass had stabbed Agnes and pushed her over the parapet to her death.
Never get between a mother and child.
He touched his arm but there was no pain, and when he looked at the wound, much to his amazement, he found it healed. Nothing but a faded white line remained.
When lightning hit so close Callan could taste it, he saw William and Lucy turn to each other, panic and fear in their eyes.
