Page 15 of Hearts Bound By Time

“Ye were my first love, Lena and as such, I’ve never forgotten ye.”

Lena didn’t know what to say. She’d already apologized, but somehow that simply wasn’t enough.

“I waited and waited for ye to return, Lena and when ye didnae I got on with my life.” He took her hand. “Yer even more beautiful, if that’s possible.”

Lena snatched her hand back. “Michael. I dinnae ken what it is ye wish to come from this meeting, but I’m a most happily married woman. What we had was a childhood romance.”

“I apologize. I’m not doing a very good job of expressing myself. I wanted ye to know that I’m alright. I’ve married and I have a little girl. We recently moved back here to Glendaloch. Ye see, when ye left I was devastated, but if ye hadnae left I would never have found the courage to leave Glendaloch. I went off to school. I got my degree and I met my wife. While ye were my first love, she is my forever love. Much as I’m sure Ewan is yers.”

Lena didn’t know what to say. She had assumed his intentions were to win her back and she’d gotten it all terribly wrong.

“When I took yer hand, I was taking the hand of the girl I knew growing up. When I told ye were beautiful, I meant it. Ye are a beauty. But me heart is no longer yers. I wished to meet ye as a friend, Lena. Nothing more.”

Lena breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m sure I must seem quite the idjit.”

“Not at all. I’ve never been verra good at expressing my thoughts in a way that makes sense. I thought I’d perhaps improved over the years, but I can see that I havenae.”

“We’ll leave it at that then. I’m starving. Can we order some breakfast please?”

“That’s why we’re here after all.”

***

Lena rushed back to the inn. She had a wonderful breakfast with Michael and after their initial awkwardness it had gone very smoothly. They’d spent the majority of their time talking about their children and spouses. As it turned out, it had been very good to see him and she would count him a lifelong friend. They’d already decided that the next time she was back in town their families would get together for a visit.

Much to Lena’s surprise, Ewan was waiting for her. He stood leaning against the front wall of the inn, looking as handsome as he always did. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him and she ran straight into his arms.

“Lena, are ye back so soon?” he asked.

“Ye can see that I am. Yes. I had a lovely breakfast with my good friend Michael, but I’m happy to be back here to spend the rest of my day and life with ye.”

Ewan smiled that slow, sexy smile she loved, tipping her chin up with his finger to cover her lips with his in a long, slow kiss.

“You two love to kiss out in public, don’t you,” Dylan said as he opened the door. “Seriously, everyone in Glendaloch is going to have something to say about this.”

Ewan didn’t let go of Lena, chuckling softly in response to Dylan. “Come my love, if ye plan to spend the rest of yer life with me, we’d best begin.”

Chapter 7

Angelina & Richard

“Good morning, my love.” Richard planted a loving kiss on Angelina’s cheek.

She stretched and yawned, turning away. “Can I sleep a little longer, please.”

Richard knew her well. She always attempted to squeeze a few more minutes of sleep in before rising. He chuckled softly. “Do you really wish to waste time sleeping when we could be out and about enjoying our visit to Glendaloch.”

“You’re really excited to be here, aren’t you?”

“I am. I did spend some time here before I met you my love and I’d like to share it with you. I’d also like to take young Henry to see Dr. Ferguson while we’re here.”

“Oh, good idea. We should have him take a look at all of us.”

“We can do that if you like, but you need to get up first.”

“Alright, alright. I’m getting up. Henry’s still sleeping. Such a good baby. He only woke up once last night.”

“We are blessed.” Richard cradled Angelina’s face in his hands and took in her beauty. “I’ll see to Henry. You take your time rising and then we’ll go downstairs for something to eat.”