“How long have ye been back?” Cailin asked.
“A while now. I went back to Castle Treun to speak with me Da. I found when I got there that he’d married Greer himself.” He laughed at the absurdity of his situation. “He’s the happiest I believe I’ve ever seen him.”
“Truly?” Cailin seemed surprised, as well he should.
“I’ve told him I’m nae sure I wish to be laird after all.”
“But why?”
“’Tis nae what’s important to me. I dinnae wish to marry another highland lass who’s da is in search of an alliance.”
“Awww… Dougall. You’ve got to try to get Helene back. Don’t give up,” Jenna said.
“I’ve nae a thing to offer her now. I wanted her to be Lady MacRae.”
Ashley returned with the snow globe. “Call her, Dougall. You’re the one who needs her help.”
“What if she doesnae wish to help?”
“You won’t know if you don’t ask. Go on.”
Dougall cleared his throat and though he felt a fool doing so, he spoke to the small globe Ashley held in her hands. “Edna are ye there?”
They all stood staring intently and waiting.
“Try again,” Ashley suggested.
“Edna, I need ye.” Dougall thought this was a hopeless cause.
He was about to turn away when Ashley shouted, “Look!”
As he watched, the snow in the globe swirled and swirled, faster and faster and then there she was. Edna’s face was looking out at him.
“Dougall, I’ve been waiting fer ye,” she said.
“Edna, this may be a fruitless effort, but I miss Helene. I want her to come home.” Dougall had tried things his way and failed miserably. He was now ready and willing to do whatever it took to bring Helene back, he only hoped Edna would give him another chance.
“She wishes to come home as well.”
Dougall brightened for the first time since returning to his own time. He could hardly contain his excitement as a brilliant smile illuminated his serious warrior’s face. “Can you help her to come back?”
“I can, but I think it would be best if ye went to her and told her yerself that you want her to come home.”
Dougall’s heart sank. “That didnae work the last time. She didnae meet me, why would she come with me now?”
“Things have changed for ye both. There were lessons to learn before ye could be truly happy with each other. I believe ye’ve both come to realizations about yer love. Ye’ll never take each other for granted again.”
“Tell me what to do, Edna. How do I get her back?” He would walk through the fires of Hell if it meant he could have Helene by his side once again.
“Come to the bridge. Alone this time.”
“When?”
“As soon as ye can. Call to me when ye arrive and I’ll send ye to Helene.”
“Thank ye, Edna. I’m verra grateful.” More grateful than he could possibly express. He hoped she knew that.
“I ken ye are, Dougall. Don’t mess this up. ’Tis yer last chance, so do it right.”
