Page 35 of Hearts Bound By Time

“Well, if I had to guess, I’d say ye were probably going through a bout of postpartum anxiety. Dr. Ferguson agrees with me.”

“What can I do about it? I’m so exhausted from worrying all the time.”

“I ken ye are. Do ye remember before ye met Cailin? Do ye remember that ye suffered from anxiety and had for years?”

“When I met Cailin that all went away.”

“It did, but having a baby that ye love so much, has caused it to rear its ugly head once again. The thing that ye’ve forgotten is that yer husband is there to help ye. He’d slay any monster for ye if he could and he’d lay down his life for yer bairns. The anxiety monster is a bit more difficult. Cailin can’t see it to fight it.” Edna checked Ashley to see if she understood. “Ye see, Ashley, no matter where ye live, whether ’tis here, Breaghacraig or San Francisco, yer going to have these difficulties. The difference is that at Breaghacraig, ye have an army of people who love ye. They want to help ye.”

“I know they do.”

“Then let them. Let Irene have Emma for a few hours or Jenna perhaps. Take some time for yerself. Get outside of yer head and enjoy the little things in life. Ye’ve a fine braw husband. Enjoy him.”

“So you think I should go back.”

“’Tis not up to me, dear. Ye’ve got to make that decision.”

“But what if Emma gets sick? What will I do?” Ashley started to get choked up again.

“Well, that hasnae happened yet. Why worry about it before ye have to? Besides, I’ve had a talk with Dr. Ferguson and he’s agreed to be available for ye whenever ye need him.”

“He’d do that?”

“Why yes, he would. He would like to see Lady Catherine again and in order to do that, he’ll need to travel back in time. He may even stay, ye never know.”

“But you do.” Ashley said, brushing the tears from her eyes and grabbing a tissue for her nose.

Edna laughed. She did know, but things would unfold in their own time, with only the slightest prodding from her. “Ye ken, ye still have yer magick backpack.”

“I do.”

“Well, I’m going to give ye one more item to add to it.” Edna reached into her jacket pocket, pulling out a snow globe and handing it to Ashley.

“Is that The Thistle & Hive inside?”

“It is. Clever wouldnae ye say?” Edna chuckled. “If ye ever need to get in touch with me, or if ye need Dr. Ferguson, all ye need do is call to me while yer holding this. Go ahead, try it and see.”

“But you’re right here.”

“I ken that, but I want ye to see how it works.”

Ashley lifted the snow globe and looked into it. “Edna, are ye there?” Much to Ashley’s surprise, Edna’s face appeared in the globe. She looked up and Edna smiled warmly at her.

“Ye see, there I am.”

“Amazing!”

“Now, ye will have to share it with the others, so be sure to let them know how it works and keep it somewhere they can get to it if need be.”

“It sounds like you think I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Have ye?”

“Yes. I’m going back.”

“I’ll leave ye to tell yer husband. Then get yer things together and come over to the inn for some breakfast.”

“Thank you, Edna. You’re truly my faerie godmother.”