She laid her hand on his chest. “What are ye thinking tae do?”
Covering her hand with his, he squeezed gently, hoping to reassure her. “I ken I’m actin’ daft, but I’ve a hunch I’d like tae test. Will ye come wi’ me?”
“Always.” She slipped her hand free and pushed the covers aside. “But why are we going in the dark? Surely Owen cannae take us at this hour.”
“No’ Owen. Someone else.” Taking Kenna’s arm, Sean helped her up. “Ye said ’twas night when ye came through the gate, wi’ a bright moon above. Aye?”
“Aye.” Kenna searched his face, her eyes widening with understanding. “Ye think that’s what’s kept me from going home all this time? I needed moonlight?” She pressed her hands to her mouth. “Do ye ken that could be the key?”
“No’ entirely. But mayhap ’tis part of it. I’ve devised an…experiment, of sorts. Do ye trust me?”
Her lips pursed, prettily. “Ye know I do.”
Sean gave her a quick kiss and turned her toward the bathroom. “Get dressed and I’ll explain the rest.”
He paced. What if the night, the moon, the gate—dinnae work? ’Twas all he could think of to help her. He’d poured everything he could think of into this one chance.
“I’m ready,” Kenna said, coming from the bedroom.
“Good.” He tried to smile, but couldnae manage it. Instead, he gathered her close, laid his cheek atop her head and tried to memorize the scent and texture of her hair, the way her body fit perfectly inside his arms.
He held her for all the nights to come that he’d spend alone, remembering.
The sound of an engine invaded the quiet room. “We must go.” He released her. “ ’Tis cold out. Have ye a coat?”
“You said ye’d explain—”
“I will. I promise.” He helped her slip on her coat and steered her toward the door, wondering how he’d face these empty rooms if his plan worked.
“Who is that?” Kenna indicated the idling lorry, as they started down the stairs.
“Our ride. I’ll explain everything once we get tae the kirk.”
Sean opened the passenger door. “Kenna, this is Alban. He’s been kind enough tae offer his services.”
Alban glanced at Kenna, then her clothes, but dinnae say anything. Finally, he dipped his head in acknowledgement.
“He’s shy,” Sean noted sardonically, helping Kenna inside. Once she scooted over to make room, he joined her.
“Go,” he said to Alban as he reached for Kenna’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. Though he’d noticed earlier that she’d removed her bandages, he hadnae said anything. “Better?”
“Enough,” she nodded.
“Almost back tae normal then.” He tried to smile, knowing nothing would ever be normal again.
They were all silent as Alban drove to the kirk. Sean could tell Kenna was bursting with questions but wise enough no’ to voice them in front of the stranger.
“Can ye get yer lorry around the back of the outer wall, to that old opening?” Sean asked Alban as they approached the kirk. “ ’Twill save us having tae carry this thing past the cemetery and down the slope, ourselves.”
“What thing?” Kenna whispered. “What is—”
“Ye’ll see. ’Tis sort of a surprise. Wait just a wee bit longer.” Sean worried what her reaction might be. Should he have told her? She’d gotten her hopes up so many times in the past, he prayed this wouldnae be just one more failure.
“If it means no’ having tae lug that thing any farther than necessary, ’tis worth a try,” Alban grumbled, shifting into a lower gear.
Slowly, they lumbered alongside the wall, swinging wide just past the corner where several stones were scattered wider than elsewhere.
“Just ahead.” Sean pointed to the opening. “Can ye back up tae it?”
