Page 7 of Hearts Bound By Time

“If ye can get away, maybe we can get together and reminisce about old times.”

“I’d like that very much.” Lena’s face brightened and Ewan’s heart sank.

“I’ll be in touch then.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek, lingering just a bit longer than necessary, Ewan controlled the urge to come between them as Michael took a moment to inhale Lena’s scent.

“It was a pleasure meeting ye, Ewan.” Michael waved as he turned and walked away.

Ewan snarled a response and Lena watched Michael as he slowly receded from view.

Silence descended on the pair and lingered before Ewan finally spoke, doing his best to control his anger and jealousy. He softened his voice. “If I’m nae mistaken, that man was more than an old friend to ye. Do ye care to tell me who he really is?”

Lena’s sad smile spoke volumes, but she said, “Just someone I knew a long time ago.” Taking Ewan’s hand, she led him away down the street.

***

Chances of running into people from her past were pretty much one hundred percent here in Glendaloch. The entire village new exactly who she was and while they were all curious about where she’d spent the last several years of her life, they’d all behaved as if she’d only been off on a long vacation. The one person she’d both wanted to see and hoped not to see was Michael Allaway. At one point, in her teenage years, she thought they’d marry and raise a family here in Glendaloch, but then her curiosity got the better of her and she’d crossed the bridge, met Ewan and never looked back. She knew she should tell Ewan, but she didn’t wish to upset him. Lena snuggled up close and felt him relax. It was best to leave the past in the past.

Ewan was staring at her as they walked. “Are ye well, Lena?”

“Aye. ’Tis strange being back here after so many years.” She glanced down the street and shook her head. “’Tis still the same. It looks the same as it did the day I left.”

“Are ye sorry ye left?” Ewan appeared apprehensive of what she might say.

“Of course not. If I hadn’t left, I would never have met ye and I wouldn’t have our two little red-headed imps. I love our home. I’m happy to be here and to see Ma and Da, but I’ll be just as happy to leave with ye and the boys.”

“Are ye sure?” He obviously needed reassurance, which was a most unusual thing for Ewan.

“Verra sure.” Lena turned to face him, stroking his face and noting how very handsome he was. She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips, eliciting a soft growl from him as his arms tightened around her waist and he prolonged the kiss.

It was odd to see Ewan in this light. Ever since the day she’d met him, he’d been so very sure of himself when it came to her. He had a strong, commanding presence, which was tempered with a softness reserved only for her and the boys. She didn’t want him to doubt her love for him for even a moment. Perhaps coming back to Glendaloch had been a terrible mistake, but they were here now and she’d have to make the best of a very odd situation. She did want to see Michael. She had to explain to him what had happened, even if he didn’t understand it. On the other hand, she knew Ewan wouldn’t be happy about that, but she had to have some closure with Michael, if not for herself, then for him.

“You two should get a room,” Dylan’s voice laughingly called from across the street. He waved at them and then took Maggie by the hand and crossed the street.

“Hi,” Maggie said. “Are ye having fun exploring?”

“Aye. We are,” Ewan stated. “Lena has been showing me all the places she has told me about. She has painted the perfect picture. If I were to come upon it on my own, I’d know it was Glendaloch.”

“Well, I’m happy yer enjoying it. Dylan and I were just going to stop into the pub for some lunch, would ye like to join us?”

“Are ye nae cooking lunch at the inn?” Lena asked Dylan.

“Not today. You, Ewan, Irene and Robert are out exploring and the others are all in their rooms resting from the trip here. I know everyone enjoyed the snacks when they arrived, so I left some sandwiches and fruit for them if they’re hungry when they come out of their rooms. I wanted to take my lady out and we’d love it if you’d join us. It’d give us some time to get better acquainted.”

“Please join us,” Maggie added.

“What would ye like to do, Lena?” Ewan asked.

“I’d like to have lunch with my cousin and her man,” Lena answered.

Ewan nodded his agreement.

“Shall we then?” Dylan led the way with Maggie by his side.

They entered Calhoun’s Pub and took a seat in the first booth they came to.

“Four pints please, Daniel, and four orders of fish and chips.”

“As ye wish, Dylan.” Daniel Calhoun, the proprietor’s son was behind the bar. He called the order to his father in the back. “Da, four fish and chips.”