They both breathed a wee bit heavier by the time they reached the top. No’ like he’d done as a lad when ’twas but an easy sprint. Mayhap his new lungs needed a bit more breakin’ in.
Reginald’s gaze went immediately to the ancient stones and markers, searching for any additions since he’d last been here. There were far more than he’d expected. Another reminder that the centuries hadnae stood still for anyone—save The 79.
“Oh! It’s stunning!” Lauren declared.
He glanced up to see her attention on the water plummeting over the rocky edge to the narrow gorge, far below. He nodded and turned his attention back to the gravesites. He’d waited two hundred and seventy years to find out about his parents. A subtle quiver began in his chest and extended outward as he began weaving through the stones, looking for his mither.
“Come and see this, Reggie!” Lauren had turned to look up the valley, past the trails, ponds and pastures, toward Phoebe’s house. “It’s truly breathtaking. I see why Uncle Crayton and Aunt Phoebe loved it so. How could anyone part with this if they didn’t absolutely have to?”
When he glanced up, she’d turned to him with an expectant look on her face.
Though he kenned the view by heart, the old one at least, and wished only to discover if his parents had stayed in the glen, he couldnae bring himself to ignore her. She’d be gone soon, and he’d regret the lost opportunity to share this wi’ her.
When he joined her, Lauren surprised him by taking his arm and leaning into him. “It’s the most spectacular place I’ve ever seen. How lucky your ancestors were, to live here.”
“Aye. ’Tis truly a magical place.”
“Oh, look!” She pointed into the distance where three horses and riders were just coming off the lower edge of a hill, into the meadow. “I hope they had fun.”
She turned then, to face him. “But there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here. With you.”
He feared reading too much into her words. He’d longed to ken her feelings toward him, but never dared hope his own might be returned. Though…mayhap she only meant to express her joy over spending the afternoon in the glen. Mayhap he looked for—hoped for—too much.
But when she looked up at him like this; her eyes soft and her perfect mouth slightly parted, he wanted to believe ’twas more than just a walk in the sunshine.
“Are all Scotsmen alike?” she asked, a teasing look on her face as she moved closer.
“I dinnae ken.”
“You and Drew.” She laughed. “What does a brazen American girl have to do, to get a kiss from a handsome highlander?”
“Ask?” He grinned, gathering her close. “I cannae speak for Drew, o’course, but ’tis all this eager highlander requires.”
He leaned down, halfway to his prize when she whispered. “Reginald McColl, may I please have the pleasure of a kiss?”
“Ah, lass, the pleasure is all mine,” he whispered back, just before capturing her mouth.
Unleashed, he gathered her in his arms and poured all his frustration and despair over the prospect of losing her into his kiss, trying to say all the things he couldnae find words for.
Just as before, Lauren matched his intensity with her own. Taking, giving, sharing. When they finally parted, both breathless, she laid her cheek on his chest and slid her arms around his waist. Her grip felt almost desperate as she hugged him.
He caressed her back, then paused, confused. “Ye’re trembling. What is it, lass?”
She answered with a shake of her head against his chest, but said nothing.
His hands went to her shoulders to push her back so he could see her face, but her grip only tightened.
“I’m afraid, Reggie,” she finally whispered.
“O’ me?” He asked, incredulous.
“Of course not.” Her grip loosened, slightly.
He tried to laugh but it came out thick and awkward. “I dinnae ken anything frightened ye.”
“Then you’d be wrong.”
He caressed her back. “Mayhap, ye could tell me what’s upset ye so?” Grasping her shoulders again, he gently urged her to let go. “Look at me, lass. I’ll no’ let anything, or anyone harm ye. But ’twould help mightily if I kenned what, exactly, I’m tae protect ye from.”
