“Give her a name. Talk to her. Soon you’ll remember to feed her like she’s part of the family.”
“Hmm, I don’t really have much family. I guess I’ll have to build one on my own.”
“You do, you know.” Shona stopped from where she was transferring the geranium into a small pot. “Here in Loren Brae. With us. It’ll take time. Feels a bit weird at first—particularly with the gnomes and the magick and the Kelpies and all that—but we’re here. We don’t turn our backs on one of ours.”
Unexpectedly, my eyes filled, and I blinked down at the now blurry table of plants.We don’t turn our backs on one of ours.I doubted that Shona appreciated how incredible those words sounded. I’d been on my own for years now, and therefore, hadn’t felt part of a family since Eriska passed.It had been such a solitary existence,and the more I got to realize that and see the stark difference in Loren Brae, the more I felt both overjoyed and filled with sorrow for the many years on my own.Hence the tears.
“Och, you poor wee thing. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I just wanted you to know that we’re here.” Shona’s arms came around me and I leaned into her hug, feeling the kindness radiating from her like a warm blanket. “Come on now. How about a wee cuppa tea or hell, it’stime for a glass of wine, no? Let’s pour a glass and have ourselves a chat. I want to know more about you.”
“And I you. Thanks, Shona.” I held up my plant. “And for this, she’s really lovely.”
“What’s her name?”
“Betty,” I said, automatically, and grinned when the plant seemed to perk up in my hands. Granted, that was likely just my imagination, but still, it was fun to think she responded to my naming her.
“That’s a grand name. Sure, and she’s going to love her new home with her new family.”
Cheered, I tucked her in the nook of my arm and went to have a glass of wine with my new friend.
A friend that I don’t have to hide anything from.It was a refreshing concept, and I realized now just how much my soul had been craving such a connection. I couldn’t believe how much time had passed before I realized I had to get home.Such was the easy company.
Every day, Loren Brae was helping me to grow roots.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Luch
“Got a hot date tonight, Dr. Carmichael?” Lynn stopped by my desk as I was finishing off charts. She asked me this question, or some iteration of it, at least once a month.
“Just with my wee pal, Oban,” I replied as I always did, focused on typing out the last few notes of the chart I was working on. When she lingered, waiting quietly by my side, I saved the file and shut down the computer, turning to look up at her. “What’s up?”
“Tough one today.”
“Aye.” I shrugged. That was the nature of working in emergency. There were days where I almost felt like a god, granting miracles to those desperately in need, and other days where I’d question my very existence and the choice of my profession. Today was the latter.
It had been a freak accident. A shed collapse, punctured lungs, and a rip of an artery. The man had been past help upon arrival, but still we’d followed protocol, hoping to change the inevitable. I’d thrown my walls up, pushing my emotions down the best that I could, when I’d spoken with the family.
And still.
It always lingered.
Their grief was mine, even though I wasn’t responsible for the accident. I still took a piece of everyone I’d lost on my table with me. I think most medical professionals did. None of us got into our job because wedidn’twant to help people, so when we lost someone, it was personal.
“I worry about you, you know.” Lynn fussed with a silk scarf she’d pulled out of her purse to wrap around her hair. “New to town. Going home alone every night. It must be lonely, and a man like you? Surely any girl would be lucky to have you.”
I gave Lynn a look, hoping she would let off, and she raised an eyebrow at me.
“Or have I misread the situation? Is it a man I should be looking for to date ye?”
At that, I smiled. Lynn was an eternal matchmaker, determined to find everyone happiness.
“Nae, hen. Your read is correct. I do prefer the ladies. However, I just don’t feel like dating right now.”
“Why’s that? Maybe we can get it sorted out.”
“What if I told you that people can be happy on their own? That not everyone needs a partner to be fulfilled in life?”
At that Lynn’s browfurrowed. I’d stumped her.
