Lauren’s delighted smile dinnae disappoint. “It’s a big place. I’m sure it will keep you busy for…a while?”
“A while, I ken.”
“I’m so glad.” She grinned. “That will give us more time togeth— For exploring,” she quickly finished.
“Aye. There’s still much tae explore.” He couldnae take his eyes off her bonny face and used the excuse of tucking a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, to touch her. “Ye’ll come wi’ me later, then? Tae the croft?”
“Of course. As soon as—”
Lauren’s attention was diverted by Deidre’s overt clattering of the dishes as she helped clear the table.
“I swear I don’t know what’s bothering her,” Lauren muttered. “But something certainly is.”
“Dinnae fash. ’Tis likely just something between her and Phillip.”
“You’re probably right.” Lauren stood and gathered her dishes, but paused to give Reginald an expectant smile. “I’ll see you later, then? After I help Aunt Phoebe clean this up, we’ve got more packing to do. But you’ll find me when you’re ready to go?”
Reginald swallowed the last of his coffee and collected his own things. “Aye. Drew is coming sometime, tae help Phoebe get the horses ready tae send off. He was going tae talk with his da about some of the Jacobite history, so I hope he’ll have some information for me. After that, I’ll search ye out.” He stared into the green depths of her eyes, no’ botherin’ to hide his feelings. “Dinnae change yer mind, aye?”
“Of course not.” She scraped her bottom lip between her teeth. “Maybe I’ll pack a picnic and we can have a late lunch, when we get there.”
“Aye.” He stared at her lip, grateful his hands were full, to keep him from reaching for her and kissing any injury away. “ ’Tis a bonny idea.”
She grinned over her shoulder as she carried her dishes to the kitchen. “It’s a date, then.”
Reginald followed with his plate and cup and set them in the sink. When he glanced at Deidre on his way out, a chill skittered up his spine. Her cold stare suggested her trouble might no’ be with Phillip, after all.
Chapter Thirteen
Reginald swung the shed door back and forth several times. His satisfaction in eliminating the squeak, felt purely selfish. Now the likelihood of discovery during a midnight carving session, seemed far less likely. Although gaining Phoebe’s permission to be here, was the real prize. He dinnae like being secretive—unless ’twas for a verra good reason. Like making the butterfly box for Lauren. ’Twas no’ only to remember him by, but to signify how he saw her. Unique. Joyful. Alive with enthusiasm.
If only Soncerae could put a little magic in the box, that would bring Lauren back to him.
Accepting that their time together was limited, became more and more difficult every moment he was with her. There was so much more about her he ached to know. He wanted to unravel all her layers, follow her butterfly quick expressions, and learn all the secrets she kept locked inside.
For that, however, he’d likely need a lifetime. Unfortunately, he only hadthisone, left.
At least he washere, in the glen, with a legitimate reason to stay. He desperately needed to make every possible moment with Lauren count.
He glanced at the sun to estimate the hours until he’d escort the beautiful lass to their picnic. But, until then, he had a job to do, for Phoebe. He’d seen Drew drive up an hour ago to check over Phoebe’s horses and assist her with loading them into the transport trailers. And, he assumed, to help her through the emotional task of parting with them.
Drew had an insightful nature that Reginald admired. He’d enjoyed what time he’d spent in Drew’s company, and kenned they could become great friends. But fate had already assigned them separate directions. Drew would go back to New York, to appease his father, and Reginald…? Evenhecouldnae ken where destiny would take him.
Was that to be the way of all his relationships? Passing just close enough to someone to miss them when their journey took them in an opposite direction? ’Twas no’ what he imagined Soncerae had in mind for his second chance. ’Twas certainly no’ what he’d imagined for himself.
After an hour of walking around the buildings to take stock of needed repairs, Reginald decided to walk the fence lines. There were a couple of poles left, by the barn, but if there were other broken sections, he may need to add a few to the supply list he was building for Phoebe.
’Twas a long, but pleasurable walk. He examined Crayton’s sturdily built gates and pole fences, along with the ancient stone sections that took him back to a different time. It dinnae take much to imagine ewes grazing, lambs bleating, and his da sitting at the grinding wheel, sharpening a blade.
Blinking a few times, Reginald filled his lungs with the glen’s sweet, fresh air, and savored the sights and sounds oftoday.
Do the best ye can, today. Reginald remined himself. ’Tis the most and the least a man can do.
The exaggerated whine of an engine caught his attention and he looked up to see several trucks and trailers pull away. Phoebe and Drew stood in the lane, watching them go.
For Phoebe, a piece of her past was quickly disappearing, and she’d ne’er get it back. Reginald wished mightily, he could take the hurt for her.
Finally, Phoebe slid an arm through Drew’s, and they walked slowly back toward the house. Reginald dinnae need to hear Drew’s words, when Phoebe nodded and laid her head on his shoulder, to ken he spoke words of comfort.
