“Tell them I’m so very grateful to both of them.”
“I shall, me dear. Now hurry.”
Helene went to her room and put on the dress she’d been wearing the day she arrived. She’d cleaned and repaired it. It looked like new. She was so excited she almost forgot her shoes, but remembered them as she got to the door. Putting them on her feet, she was suddenly frightened. What if there was no one there to help her find her way back to Breaghacraig. She’d surely get lost again.
“Nae, Helene. Edna will help ye,” she said to herself.
Closing the door behind her, Helene ran down the stairs and then down the street towards the Marina. She didn’t care if she looked the fool, she wanted to go home and the faster the better. Rounding the corner, she stood impatiently waiting at the crosswalk. When the light changed, she again ran as fast as she could. She got to the spot, just as the fog was whirling and her heart sank. She’d missed it. She was just about to turn around and head back when the fog cleared. She could hardly believe her eyes. Dougall was standing there waiting for her.
“Dougall,” she cried, running into his arms.
“Helene.” He buried his head in her hair and the warmth of his breath on her neck was the best thing she had ever felt.
“I can’t believe yer here,” she said as she pulled away to gaze into the eyes she thought she’d never see again.
“I came fer ye, Helene. I love ye and I cannae live another moment without ye.”
“I love ye, Dougall.”
He lowered his head and kissed her. His lips softly exploring hers. Oh, how she’d dreamed of those lips. The intensity of his gaze as he pulled away from her was so powerful she was happy he was still holding her, because her knees buckled and she would’ve fallen otherwise.
“Come, Helene, let’s go home.” He gathered her close and held tightly as the fog engulfed them once again. This time they were together and Helene could not wait to go home.
Gealach and Dougall’shorse were still grazing when the fog cleared and they found themselves on the bridge.
“Thank ye, Edna.” Dougall said, hoping she could hear him.
“I brought yer horse, but I dinnae wish to have ye so far from me. Would ye mind riding with me, Helene?”
Helene appeared pleased he’d asked instead of telling her she would ride with him. “I can see a change in ye, Dougall. I hope ye’ll see me as yer partner now. I’m a woman who has opinions and ideas of me own, like Ashley and Jenna.” She smiled and he could see she was feeling pleased with herself. Rather than feeling threatened by this new Helene, he found her even more attractive. Perhaps going to the future had been a learning experience for both of them.
“Well then, m’lady, ye havenae answered me question. Would ye do me the honor of riding with me?”
Helene courtseyed and giggled. “Totes!”
Dougall tipped his head, scrunching his brow. Helene obviously could tell he didn’t understand what she was saying.
“I think I would like that verra much.”
Apparently, that was what ‘totes’ meant. Dougall laughed a real laugh, for the first time in ages.
“Are we going to Castle Treun?” Helene asked, sounding a bit apprehensive.
“Nae. Breaghacraig.” Dougal could feel her relaxing in his arms. The poor lass was frightened. “There’s much to tell ye, Helene and we’ve a long ride ahead of us.”
He got Helene settled on the horse, handing her the reins to Gealach, which he took once he’d vaulted up behind her. She snuggled back against him, causing familiar sensations to spread throughout his body. He felt whole again, realizing that without Helene he was only half the man he wished to be. Now that she’d returned with him, he knew he would treasure every moment, good and bad that they would share together for the rest of their lives.
They rode in silence for quite some time, simply enjoying being together again. Dougall couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her neck or put his nose in her hair, smelling the familiar scent he’d missed.
“Helene, I’ve something to tell ye,” Dougall said.
“What is it?” Helene sounded apprehensive.
“’Tis good news. Dinnae fear. I’ve decided that I nae longer wish to be Laird MacRae.”
Helene turned her head to look back at him. “Why? I hope ye didnae do it fer me.”
“I’ve thought much on it and realized what is important to me and what is nae important. I went back to see me Da and he had changed. So much so that I wondered if he were the same man. He’d married Greer.”
