Summoned in Time: A magical, ghostly, time travel romance... (The MacCarthy Sisters Book 3)

by Barbara Longley

  The truth punched him in the gut, and his heart stuttered. She’d intended to return to the future all along … without him. “She doesn’t love me,” he said to the wind as his throat and chest tightened around that painful realization.

  “Nay, that’s not what this is about. Don’t think like that, boyo. She does love you.” He knew she did. She’d admitted as much. Think, man. How could he turn things around? Did she not know he’d do everything in his power to see that she was happy?

  “She’s upset right now, and who wouldn’t be?” Once she calmed down, she’d realize they would be deliriously happy together. He continued to pace and carry on his one-sided conversation. She’d said the only option to her in his time was to be a homemaker. He’d grown up believing that path to be the greatest wish and the ultimate goal of every young woman.

  “Fool,” he bit out at his own ignorant assumptions. He’d neglected to take into account the century in which she’d been born, her education, and her aspirations.

  He and Charles owned a business. By gad, if Meredith wanted a career, he’d provide her with one. She could work for Hannigan & Cavanaugh doing whatever she felt suited her, and if she chose to work elsewhere, he’d support her in any way he could so she’d flourish on her own terms.

  His spirits brightened just as the first fat drops of rain began to fall. Lightning arced through a distant thunderhead, and several seconds later, thunder rumbled through the mountains.

  He set out for the cabin as more ideas came to him, ways to overcome this most recent setback. Meredith had knowledge of the future. How could he and Charles not appreciate her input as she steered them in directions that would be profitable? Hell, they should offer her a full partnership.

  First, he needed to apologize. He’d made assumptions and been less than forthcoming in his intentions. Without regard for her wishes, he’d mounted a campaign to win her over to his way of thinking when it came to when and where they should live. His father had advised him that, when it came to love and marriage, prideful stubbornness had no place in a happy home. When you erred, you must apologize.

  He entered the cabin to find Meredith helping Charles shuffle to the kitchen table. The scent of coffee brewing filled the interior, and his stomach rumbled. “Good morning, Charles. How are you feeling?”

  “Sore, but hungry.” He grimaced as he lowered himself onto a chair. “Meredith says a good appetite is a sign I’m healing, so I’ll not complain.”

  “Did she tell you about—”

  “Aye, she told me. It’s sorry I am that the lad acted as he did, but I cannot say I’m sorry to have you stay.” Charles glanced at Meredith. “You are a treasure, lass, and I’m a wee bit jealous Danny found you first.”

  “Kind of you to say so,” she said, her tone dull.

  She still hadn’t looked at him either. Daniel took note of the puffiness around her eyes. “Meredith, I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” she asked as she reached for the basket of eggs beneath the counter. “Did you suggest stealing the diamond to Oliver?”

  “Are you implying I did this to keep you here? Heat rose up his neck at the insult. “I had nothing to do with his theft. How could you even think such a thing?”

  “I don’t.” She bit her lip and her eyes filled. “Daniel, I’m sorry too. None of this is your fault, and I shouldn’t dump all over you because I’m upset. I need time to deal with what has happened. I need to be alone so I can think things through.” Finally she met his gaze. “Will you give me that?”

  “Of course. Whatever you need, you shall have.” He swallowed the lump that had risen to his throat. “How would you like to achieve the privacy you seek, seeing we all live under the same roof?”

  “After breakfast, I’d like to go upstairs where I plan to spend the day indulging in a little self-pity and anger. After that passes, I’ll do my best to come to terms with the situation.”

  “Charles and I will stay out of your way.” Even though his heart ached, he admired how Meredith met adversity head on, even going so far as to plan how she’d deal with her upset. He only hoped when she came through on the other end, she found a way to trust in him. More important, he hoped she’d be able to trust in the love they shared.

  He squared his shoulders. “Meredith, my apology is for having the mentality of a nineteenth-century man who happens to be head-over-heels in love with a twenty-first century woman. Everything you said is true. My plan was to entice you into staying here with me. I believed all it would take was the promise of a comfortable life managing our home and being a mother to our children. I know now you need and deserve more than domesticity to feel fulfilled.”

  Her eyes widened. He took that as a good sign. “You have every right to pursue a career and to earn your own wages. I have a few ideas to run by you once you’re feeling more receptive. I also have a few thoughts on how we might avoid the doubts and resentments Oliver’s actions have placed between us.”

  He joined her at the counter and took the basket of eggs she still held in her hands. “If you wouldn’t mind fixing us all a cup of coffee, I’ll see to breakfast.”

  She nodded, and he could practically see her mind working through what he’d said. He took that as a good sign as well. She pulled down mugs and the sugar bowl, and fixed them each a cup of much needed coffee.

  After they’d finished breakfast, Daniel encouraged Meredith to go upstairs, promising to give her all the space she needed for as long as wanted. Once he heard the door to their bedroom click shut, he refilled his and Charles’s mugs.

  “It’s pouring out,” Charles remarked.

  Daniel once again took his seat at the table. “I can see that.”

  “Are we about to have a serious talk, Danny?”

  “We are.” He rubbed his chin and considered how best to go on. “Meredith’s choices have been taken from her,” he said, and then he recounted the conversation he’d had with her while in the shed. “I want to replace some of what she’s lost. She needs to have a career and money of her own.”

  “Hmm. Am I correct in assuming that career will involve Hannigan & Cavanaugh?”

  “Is that a problem?” Daniel fixed his friend with a pointed look.

  “Of course not.” He grunted. “Just think of it, Danny. With her knowledge of the future, she’ll know exactly what we should import and export when those items are needed most. She’ll know what industries in which to invest. Perhaps we should consider branching into manufacturing.”

  “She will be a great help, but that isn’t at the heart of why she’ll have a role to play in our endeavors. What is most important to me is that she knows with certainty she has a place of importance, and that we value her input. She’s a well-educated, intelligent woman, and her happiness is my priority.”

  “I understand, and I’ll do all I can to help.”

  “Good. Will you agree to making Meredith a full partner?”

  “I will, for I’ve no doubt she’ll earn her place many times over.”

  “You have my gratitude, Charles.”

  Now, all he had to do is find a way to allay her fears for their future happiness. He’d take on the role of her champion. Even if it took a lifetime, he’d slay the dragons of doubt Meredith believed would erode the love between them.

  Daniel did his best to keep busy while waiting for Meredith to emerge from their room. He’d gone over the ledger books, did an inventory of their supplies, cleaned and organized the kitchen shelves, and helped Charles on his multiple walks. And all the while he fretted about where her thoughts might lead her.

  He’d just begun cutting an onion for their evening stew when he heard the door upstairs open. His heart pounded hard enough that his ears rang. His future happiness rested upon his ability to convince Meredith the two of them could forge a lasting happily-ever-after despite Oliver’s theft. He needed to present his plan in the same manner he would with any partnership agreement.

  Scraping the onions from the cutting board
into the pot, he did his best to calm himself. Should he say something, or should he wait for Meredith to start the conversation?

  “Need any help?” she asked, coming to stand beside him.

  “Nay. It’s done. I’ll just add a few pieces of wood to bring this to a boil, and then it needs to simmer for a few hours.” It broke his heart to see her so disconsolate. “I made tea. Would you like a cup?”

  “I would.” She lifted down two mugs and then rummaged through the shelves for honey. “It’s stopped raining. Will you join me on the porch?” She added honey to each of the mugs.

  “I will.” He added wood to the stove, and placed the soup on the back hob.

  Meredith poured their tea and stirred, and he studied her as surreptitiously as possible, trying to get a handle on what she might be feeling or thinking. They were both behaving stiffly—polite and distant. He swallowed against the tightness burgeoning in his throat and mentally raged at the selfish boyo who had placed yet another obstacle between himself and the woman he loved. Steaming mug in hand, he followed her outside.

  Meredith took her usual seat and drew in a long breath. “It always smells so wonderful after it rains, like sage, pine and cedar.” She took a sip of her tea and leaned back in the chair.

  The clouds were breaking. Intermittent rays of light reflected off water droplets clinging to leaves and blades of grass. They sparkled like gems for an instant, but then a cloud passed overhead, blocking the sun again. He too drew in a long breath, seeking courage rather than the familiar smells of their surroundings.

  “Would you like to hear my plan, love?”

  “You’ve formed a plan?” She cast him a look, her eyes wide.

  “I have.” He cleared his throat. “You must realize I cannot help thinking like a man of this century. I was born and raised in this era. Still, I promise to take heed when you remind me it is folly to do so with a woman born of your time.”

  She graced him with a smile. “Should we be writing this down?”

  “If you feel it’s necessary, then we will.” He gripped his tea mug. “Meredith, Charles and I would like to offer you a full partnership in Hannigan & Cavanaugh, and that will involve a written contract signed by all. You would control one third of the profits to manage however you see fit, and—”

  “What would I do?” Her brow creased. “What role do you see me filling in the company?”

  “We both view you as a valuable asset due to your knowledge of history, which is now knowledge of our future.”

  A spark of something—excitement? Interest?—lit her features. “So, I’d be a consultant?”

  “We’ll always consult with you in every matter.” He set aside his tea and reached for her hand. When she twined her fingers with his, his hopes soared. “Once you’ve spent some time seeing how things work, Charles and I have no doubt you’ll be able to find your footing in whatever capacity suits you. We both know you’ll become indispensable.” He squeezed her hand.

  “You and I will be the ones to begin the second phase of our business. We’ll have to hire staff and set up an office in Dublin. I would appreciate your help in managing all of that.”

  “I would love being a part of our growing business,” she said, her voice tremulous.

  “That’s grand, love. Daniel’s fears eased at her use of the word our when referring to Hannigan & Cavanaugh. “I swear never to doubt or carry resentments no matter whatever disagreements we might have. It is my greatest wish that you can find it in your heart to do the same. Don’t you see, Meredith? You were always my choice, now, in the future, in the past … no matter where or when. You own my heart.”

  “I know that now, Daniel. What Oliver did upset me, and I just needed time to think things through. Knowing Oliver, I imagine he believed he was doing us a favor.” She gazed at him, her expression determined.

  “I promise not to carry doubts or resentments either. All I ask is that you see us as equal partners. Not only in business, but also in our marriage, and in raising our children. Can you agree to my terms?”

  “I swear I can, and I count on you to help me keep that promise. I know we will be happy together, Meredith. I feel it to the marrow of my bones.” His relief was so great that it threatened to spill out of his eyes. Daniel went down on one knee before her. “Are we in agreement then? Will you marry me, Meredith MacCarthy? Will you become my equal partner through life?” He nearly tipped over as his love threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.

  “I will,” she said. “I love you so much, Daniel, and you are my choice, and you always will be. Never doubt that.”

  Daniel rose from the floor of the porch, bringing Meredith up with him. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close, peppering her face with kisses. He exalted in the feel of her curves pressed against him, and her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. He kissed her, and the heat and softness of her lips against his stole his breath.

  “Soon, aye?” he said between kisses. “Let’s get married as quickly as possible.” He drew back and peered into her lovely gray eyes. “What do you think?”

  “I agree,” she said, smiling through her tears. “Shall we tell Charles our news?”

  “Aye.” He cradled her face in his hands and wiped away the tears from her cheeks. “When I was a ghost, I used to imagine how your skin might feel,” he rasped, tucking an errant strand of her silky hair behind her ear. “Because of you, I’m alive. Because of you, every sunrise and sunset are cause for celebration. With you beside me, my heart and my life are full.”

  “My poet.” Meredith kissed his cheek.

  Perhaps he did have the soul of a poet, but it had taken Meredith to inspire the love that brought forth the sentimental words. Smiling so wide his cheeks ached, he followed Meredith into the cabin. “Good news, Charles,” he called as he knocked on the bedroom door. “Meredith and I are—”

  “Engaged to be married.” Charles quipped as he opened his door and slowly made his way to the table. “If you’d wanted privacy, Danny, you should’ve taken a walk. I heard every word through my window.” He flashed them a sheepish look. “I apologize for not alerting you to that fact. Meredith, I consider Daniel my brother, so that means you’re to be my sister-in-law, and I couldn’t be more pleased. Welcome to the family, lass.”

  “Thank you, Charles. I’m proud to call you kin.”

  Daniel stirred the fire embers in the cook stove and added wood. Just as Charles lowered himself onto a chair, he heard the sound of a rider out front, followed by stomping feet on the porch and a knock on the door.

  “What now?” Daniel said as he crossed the room and opened the door. “Bill, come in. What brings you out our way?” He stepped back to give the sheriff room to enter.

  “I have news, and I thought I’d look in on Charles.” He stepped inside. “It’s good to see you up and about, Charles.”

  “I’m healing well thanks to Meredith and Dan’s ministrations.”

  “Good to hear. Smells good in here. I hope I’m not interrupting your supper.”

  “Not at all.” Daniel gestured to the table. “Join us for tea?”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t stay.” Bill surveyed the room. “Where’s Oliver?”

  “He’s on his way home,” Meredith said.

  “Without you?” Bill’s brow rose a fraction.

  “Meredith and I are to be married in a few weeks, and Oliver had obligations back home,” Daniel said, unable to keep the wide grin from his face. “He couldn’t stay.”

  “I can’t say I’m surprised you two are getting hitched,” Bill said, taking a seat. “I’m happy for you both.”

  “Thank you.” Daniel leaned against the kitchen counter. “So what’s the news?”

  “Turns out there are bounties on all three of our outlaws. I had the barber take a picture of their corpses before burial, and I’m applying for the rewards. I’ve already talked to the rest of the men, and we’ve agreed to split the money equally am
ong us. It’ll likely take months before we receive the funds though.”

  “Meredith and I will likely be in Ireland by the time the money arrives. Charles, will you divide my share among the widows in town? I know for a fact Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Sanderson would love to return to their kin in the East if they had the means.”

  “Aye, Danny, and I’ll add my share to the pot as well.”

  “That’s generous of you,” the sheriff said. “I’ll see that the ladies have an escort to Hellgate. There they can catch a coach heading East.”

  “Thank you for everything, Bill,” Meredith said. “I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I am that the threat is behind us.”

  “About as relieved as I am I’d imagine. I’m beholden to you and your brother.”

  “What about Joe Biggs? What will happen to him?”

  “We questioned him. He swears he had nothing to do with the robberies. Without evidence or witnesses, we don’t have a case against him. We had to let him go.” He shook his head. “He disappeared in the dark of night, probably with a fortune that didn’t belong to him. The mayor sent word to the company that placed Biggs here, alerting them we need a new assayer.”

  The sheriff rose from his chair, looking from him to Meredith. “The wife and I will be looking for an invitation to your upcoming nuptials. A wedding is just what we need in Garretsville after all the drama.”

  “You’ll have it,” Daniel said as he walked Bill to the door.

  After the sheriff left, Daniel turned to her. “I realize now I should’ve consulted you first before giving away our share of the reward. After all, you’re more entitled to the money than I am.”

  “As your equal partner, I agree,” she said, walking toward him. She put her arms around his neck and went up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “However, I approve wholeheartedly with your decision, so I’ll forgive you.”