“People like variety,” Daisy explained, grabbing a loaf of white sandwich bread. “It’s all about preference.”
Hrumph. He did not know why so many choices were necessary, but he checked off the bread as they moved to the next section, the dairy aisle.
“Why does the milk come in different colors?” He rubbed a hand over the stubble on his chin, glad they had purchased razors. And not pink ones. These had a manly black handle.
“Some people like chocolate or strawberry. The labels are different colors, so you know what percentage of fat is in the milk. Personally, I like whole milk.”
Who knew milk wasn’t simple milk? They continued through the store, picking up fruits, vegetables, food for the dog, and an array of the road trip snacks they both liked. With everything checked off the list, they got in line.
“Ready to check out?” Daisy asked.
“Aye,” Callan replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I think we’ve got enough to last us a sennight.”
Daisy laughed. “I’m not sure. I know how hungry you get.”
They packed the groceries away and set off once more, the city gradually giving way to open highways and rolling fields as they took the back roads. He preferred the back roads, even though it took longer to get where they were going.
As they drove, Daisy glanced over at him. “Tell me everything you’ve tried so far to go back to your own time.”
Callan sighed, putting on his blinker to turn.
“I’ve sought out those who claimed to be witches, but none could aid me, and some of them laughed at me.”
He thought for a moment.
“I went outside and stood in a storm, and under a full moon beseeching the fates to send me home, but either they weren’t listening or they dinna care.”
Daisy frowned thoughtfully. “We’ll have to do some research and come up with other ideas. There has to be something you haven’t tried yet.”
“The witch at the Faire said I came through on Samhain, which is a feast day, though when I arrived in this time ’twas May. She said I should try again on Lughnasadh, the next Celtic holiday, otherwise she said I must wait until Samhain.”
He looked over at her, but Daisy swore he didn’t look quite as sad this time.
“There must be a way. I canna believe I am meant to stay here forever.”
Ouch. That hurt. But she nodded, keeping her face calm. From now on, if a guy didn’t want to be with her, then she didn’t want him around. So if Callan wanted to go back to his own time, no matter how much she liked him, she wouldn’t stand in the way.
“We’ll figure it out together. The laundry is piling up, so let’s do laundry today, and then we’ll see what else we can find out online.”
He smiled just as the sun came out. “I’d be grateful for your aid.”
She reached over and squeezed his hand. “I know what it’s like to want a family. But just so you know, I kind of like having you around.”
“And I’m glad to be here with you, lass.” He glanced up at the sky, rubbing his shoulder. “It willna last, though. ’Tis going to rain.”
He hadn’t gotten used to the navigation on the phone yet, and was still startled when the voice spoke to him, making her laugh.
“Not far now.”
What had people done before smartphones? Sure, they could use paper maps or ask for directions, but finding campgrounds? There must have been lists that people could somehow access. Grateful for a camping app that listed amenities, reviews, and showed pictures of the campsites, Daisy booked a place in Gettysburg that had showers, laundry facilities, a pool, and even a small convenience store and cafe that served a big breakfast every morning. It was clean and there were mostly families in big RVs when they pulled in.
Tomorrow they’d explore before going on to Richmond and Washington, DC. Then they’d get to North Carolina and the end if their road trip.
What would happen then? Would he stay there while she went back to Boston? Or worse, would he actually go back to his own time? Unwilling to think about it, Daisy directed him to the spot she’d reserved, then helped him gather up the laundry. She’d been trying to keep it in the hamper, but most times she forgot.
Callan leaned against the washer,watching the clothes spin round and round until he abruptly sat down, making her giggle.
“Did you make yourself dizzy?”
