“Ah, good, good. What brings you here?”
“I wanted to see all of you.” Bree tipped her head back, her green eyes rolling to the side to indicate the car parked in the drive. “And I’d love a strong coffee. I’m beat.”
Abby frowned. Why would Bree turn up at that moment?
Garrett grunted and, nudging Abby out of the way, pulled the door back. “It’s good to see you, Bree.”
Bree gave Garrett a hug. “And you, little cousin.”
Garrett, never one for physical shows of affection, pushed her away from him.
Abby was still organizing her thoughts. Brianna had spent a lot of time with them during their childhood. Her own parents died when she was a teenager, and she lived with her paternal grandmother. Her mother was Abby’s mother’s twin sister, Patricia. Abby rubbed her forehead. Of course, Mom would never keep secrets from her twin. But did they let Bree in on the secret? She eyed Brianna who was giggling at Garrett.
“I was worried about you all.” Her flaming-red hair bounced as she bobbed in a knowing way. “And when Carter told me you were all back together here, I just had to come.” She gave them both a wry grimace. “I guess it’s all too much to take in a short time.”
“Huh?” Abby said, feeling stupid the moment the gruntleft her mouth. Bree did know, and now she was laughing at them.
“What do you mean by that?” Garrett said.
“Are we going to stand out here all day, or are you going to invite me in?”
Shaking her head, Abby stepped back and sent a move-out-of-the-way look to Garrett. “Come in.”
Max and Izzy jumped up as the trio walked back into the dining room.
“Bree!” Izzy rushed to her and gave her a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming!”
Max said, “I didn’t either.”
Bree grinned at Max and gave her a quick hug. “I’ve missed you guys.”
“So, what are you doing here?” Max asked.
Bree flicked her red locks over her shoulder and let out a loud sigh. “I might as well just come out and tell you. Carter told me your parents wanted me to be here, and yes, I know all about their time traveling.” She grinned. “Apparently, I’m supposed to make sure you all believe it.”
“Why would our parents tell you and not us?” Abby asked.
“They didn’t. Mom told me a long time ago. She also told me she made Aunt Di promise to take me back in time with them.” Her eyes teared up. “They were supposed to take me this year.”
“What a load of rubbish,” Garrett said, plonking down in his chair.
Bree swiped her eyes with the side of her hands. “You don’t have to believe me, I’m just telling you what I was told.” She pointed to the tray of food. “So, is there any coffee left?”
“Of course,” Abby said, and poured her a mug of espresso. She wasn’t sure she believed everything Bree had said either but decided they could talk about it more later. “Have you read their journals?”
“I haven’t, but I’d love to.” Bree sipped her coffee and picked up the black cloak. “This is neat. It looks like it’d fit you, Abby. Why don’t you try it on?”
Abby put on the cloak. It was too warm for inside the house, but it was soft and snuggly.
Bree held out the orb and handed it to Abby. “Do you think this is the time device?”
Abby’s hands shook with excitement as she took the orb. “I have no idea.” She tipped her head to the side. The top was out of alignment with the bottom. She twisted it so the gold leaf design matched up perfectly.What if it was—
She never finished the thought before her fingers tingled and a jolt of electricity rushed up her arms. A sudden rushing in her ears drowned out the sound of her siblings’ chatter. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to take note of the sensations. The feeling of falling was strangely exhilaratinguntil she realized that the landing might hurt. Before she could worry much about it, there was a slowing sensation. She felt more like she was floating gently downward. Her feet touched solid ground, and she opened her eyes.
Chapter 3
Iain MacLaren threw down his musket and roared like a lion. Prince Charles, the king Charles Edward Stuart, the rightful king of England and Scotland, the man Iain wanted to fight for, the man he was willing to die for, had forsaken the Jacobites.
