“Yes. It’s stunning. Who wouldn’t want to live here forever?”
Aye. Forever.
His mother’s words. She’d repeated the family lore to him so many times, it stuck in his head like a mantra.The McColls have always lived in the glen and would live here forever. Growing up, he’d thought it a promise. But like too many promises, ’twas far too easily broken.
Without warning, his throat tightened over the memory of her singing as she drew water from the stream. And ohhh, the heavenly scent of her bread, fresh and warm from the hearth. His recollection was so strong he could almost taste the crusty edge and the soft, tender center of a precious slice. He’d raced home from Laird’s Lair many times, hoping there’d be some waiting for him.
And his father, patiently teaching him carpentry skills in the dim light of the fire, once the day’s chores were finished. A hard taskmaster, his da, but always quick to give praise for a job well done.
So many long, lazy afternoons had been spent playing warrior at Laird’s Lair, or taking his lunch of bread and cheese, to Sleeping Giant.
He’d worked, played, learned, and grown up here, along with Scotland’s discontent with England’s rule. Then, with the Jacobite cause hot in his blood, he’d left this idyllic life behind with a promise to return.
But Culloden hadnae turned out quite the same as his pretend battles at Laird’s Lair. The warrior he’d become dinnae return to a loving family, a warm meal, or a future.
“What is it, Reggie?” Lauren stepped close and laid her palm on his chest. “You’re a million miles away. And you look so sad.”
Closing his fingers over hers, he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Further than that, I ken. But dinnae fash. I’ll nae linger, there. ’Tis the future I must look tae.”
Lauren’s brows dipped in confusion. “I don’t follow.”
“This place,” he scraped out on a whisper. “This glen…Thisis my home.”
Her nose scrunched prettily. “You mean, you’d like to live here?” She scoffed. “Like I said earlier…who wouldn’t?”
“Nae, lass. Thisismy home. The place I told ye I was journeying tae.”
“You mean the ancestor’s home, that you spoke of?”
“Oh. Aye,” he quickly corrected. “My ancestor’s home. ’Tis just that I grew up hearing the stories of this place for so long, I… I recognized it, as soon as I saw it. The landmarks, ye ken. Those hills surroundin’ the glen like a hug. And those two rocky outcroppings? They even have names,” he laughed. “And the two streams convergin’ intae one.” He turned, pointing east, toward the ancient row of trees. “Over there, I ken we might find a few foundation stones left from the old croft, if time hasnae destroyed them.”
Lauren’s smile lit up her face. “You’re serious? I can’t believe it. That’s wonderful, Reggie. Wait until Aunt Phoebe hears. She’ll be astounded.” She laid her other palm on his chest, as well, and leaned in with the look of a pleased conspirator. “Fate. That’s all I can say.” She raised an eyebrow. “Do you believe in fate, Reginald McColl?”
Her teasing smile was so contagious he couldnae help matching it. “Enough that I dinnae wish tae test it. I’ve had quite enough of a shock today.”
“A pleasant one, I hope.”
“Aye. Most pleasant.” Her eyes were vibrant, sparking with excitement. He wished to touch her face. Trace her jaw with his thumb and kiss the wee dimple in her cheek that deepened enchantingly, when she smiled.
For a start.
Lauren leaned ever so slightly, toward him. Or, had he imagined it? Several seconds crawled by before she broke the spell by giving him a most audacious wink. “Let’s go see what other surprises there are.” Grabbing his hand, she tugged him toward the house.
Reginald allowed her to lead him across the broad porch, through double doors made almost wholly of glass, while bracing himself to feel that overwhelming need to escape he’d had in the vehicle. He’d managed fine in the big barn Wickham had converted for the lads, but, though this house appeared large, he still felt a strong tug of apprehension.
But when they stepped into a kitchen large enough to accommodate a good number of the lads, he released the breath he’d held. As tall as he was, the ceiling still had several feet to spare. Huge windows lining the walls flooded the room with light and almost made him feel he was outdoors.
Phoebe and Julia looked up from the food they were preparing at a broad, shiny work-counter, while Deidre and their two gentlemen friends lounged in oversized chairs in a big room, visible through a wide, open arch.
“We’re fixing the two of you a quick bite to take the edge off,” Phoebe said. “Then, we’ll all sit down to a nice lunch after you’ve had a chance to bathe and rest a bit. I’m sure you’re both anxious to freshen up, after your difficulty.”
“Drew was kind enough to collect your luggage, Lauren, before the tow-truck driver took your car,” Julia commented, giving her gentleman friend a shy glance. “It’s in your room. After your snack, I’ll show you the way.”
“How thoughtful. Thank you, Drew,” Lauren acknowledged.
“Pleased to help.” Drew dipped his head and smiled. Far too charmingly, for Reginald’s comfort.
When he didnae take hispleasedgaze off Lauren, Reginald began to wonder if the man was interested in more than just helping with her luggage. He’d assumed Drew was Julia’s friend, since Phillip and Deidre had a clear connection. Especially since ’twas clear Lauren hadnae met either of the men before this morning.
