When she lifted her arms, he could see the tattoo ran down her entire left side.
“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” He read aloud. “It’s beautiful. What does it mean?”
She leaned against the concrete edge of the pool, enjoying the warmth.
“It’s by Mary Oliver, a poet. It’s a reminder to make the most of the life we’re given.”
He looked like a Greek god come to life with the water running down his tanned chest.
“Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo? Maybe something to remember your brother? You know, just in case you can’t go back.”
“Perhaps,” he mused. “Something to honor him, aye. It would be a fitting tribute.”
CHAPTER 20
What should have been an hour drive took almost twice as long because of all the traffic. Whilst Callan had come to appreciate modern conveniences, he despised traffic.
They paid for parking, something that annoyed him as well, and then clipped a leash on Frankie as they walked the cobblestone streets, looking at the buildings.
They wandered through Williamsburg, watching the craftsmen at work and the costumed laborers who brought history to life. The familiar clang of a hammer on metal had him turning down a street to see the blacksmith’s forge.
“Interested in trying your hand?” the blacksmith asked, noticing his interest.
When he was fifteen he had saved a man from bandits and in return, the blacksmith gave him a place to sleep, food, and Callan labored beside him, learning a trade until the man was killed and Callan barely escaped with his life.
The blacksmith handed him a hammer and showed him how to make a nail. ’Twas satisfying to make something, to see a thing finished. His muscles flexed as he struck the red-hot iron.
“You’re a natural.” Daisy watched him work, her hair piled up on her head as it was hot today.
He took a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow and patted his stomach.
“I should labor all day so I do not run to fat, eating all the road trip snacks.”
After the blacksmith, they visited various shops and exhibits. The scent of roasted meats and spices drew them to a tavern where they enjoyed their midday meal. The interior was dimly lit, with wooden beams overhead and a roaring fire in the hearth even though ’twas warm outside.
“I’ve never had shepherd’s pie,” Daisy said as the server took their order.
He asked for the same and when the server returned, they dug in, enjoying the pie, cornbread, cider, and ale.
As Callan watched Daisy, her laughter filling the room, warmth spread through his chest.
The lass talked with her hands, her many rings sparkling in the light, her bracelets jingling as she gestured.
When had he fallen in love with her? He thought it was when she hit him in the head with the green disc or perchance when she offered him a place to stay. She was kind and good and always saw the best in people.
From what she told him of her parents, he knew she was worried about the ones she cared for leaving her. It was why he had not wooed her more, for if he returned to his own time, he did not want her to be sad.
After spending so much time together, the thought of not being able to go home didn’t seem so daunting anymore. He truly had only just met his half-brother, William. They had not spent much time together, and while the connection was important, it wasn’t as strong as the bond he had formed with her.
Family was the only thing in life he had ever wanted. But mayhap family was what he made it to be. William had Lucy and their children. He did not need Callan. Whilst Daisy did need him, and it felt good to be needed.
“Callan?” She stood, hands on her hips. “Are you ready to go?”
When he nodded, still lost in thought, she rolled her eyes. “I swear you’re a million miles away today. What’s on your mind?”
He smiled, taking her hand. “Just thinking how lucky I am to have met ye. You have made this journey worthwhile.”
That made her eyes sparkle as she hugged him. The feel of her made him want to stop time, to keep her in his life. His brother would have approved of Callan finding someone he cared for.
