by Jennae Vale
Their lips met again and they shared sweet, passionate kisses. They’d truly made their pledge to each other. Unlike at their handfasting, now it meant something to them both.
“I’m so excited. Can we tell everyone?” she asked.
“We should probably wait until the morning,” he laughed.
“Aye. I can hardly wait. I wish to throw back the shutters and shout it to the world.”
“I think I can occupy your mind until then,” Zeke teased as he climbed atop her, laying kisses in the crook of her neck and causing her to wriggle beneath him. This was exactly the response he wanted. Brenna was an eager partner and for a young woman who’d never been with a man, she was a quick study. She already knew the things that drove him mad with wanting her and she used them liberally, but this time when they made love, it was all about being intimate and sharing the knowledge that they cherished each other. It was a slow, sensual dance that brought them both joy and pleasure. Each touch of his hand was met with silky, satiny skin. Each touch of her lips sent shivers of delight through his body. When he finally entered her, it was with the knowledge that they belonged to each other. Slowly he let their passion build, easing himself in and out as she matched his moves, stroke for stroke, until they skyrocketed breathlessly into the heavens together.
“I love you, Brenna,” Zeke said.
“I love you, Zeke,” came Brenna’s answer.
Nothing in this world would hold them back. They’d made their vows to one another and sealed them with their love. They would be together as husband and wife from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first.
As Brenna lay awake in Zeke’s arms, his slow steady breathing was calming to her. She felt safe with him. She knew he’d love her and take care of her just as she would him. More than that, she knew that she had entered into a partnership with this man. One where she would be heard and not ignored. She would be respected and not taken advantage of. Most importantly she would be loved and not replaced.
“Zeke, tell me of San Francisco. Do ye live in a castle?”
“No. I’m not that important.”
“Aye ye are. Yer important to me.”
Zeke kissed the top of her head. “Thank you. I live in the home Jenna used to live in. It’s very different from what you’re used to, but I know you’ll love it. And if you don’t, we’ll find a place you do love.”
“I’m sure I’ll want to stay there. Helene lived there. Did she like it?”
“She did,” Zeke responded. “Do you like cats?”
“Aye. There are always cats around the castle.”
“Milly… that’s my cat’s name, is an indoor cat.”
“Indoor cat,” she repeated.
“That means she never goes outside. She’s very sweet. I know you’ll get along great.”
“I can hardly wait to see yrr home. What will I do there?”
“You’ll live with me.”
“Aye. I ken it.”
“Once you feel comfortable, you can come to work with me. Sara used to help me with office work. Maybe you can do that.”
“I can try. I took care of me Da’s ledgers for many years.”
“Perfect. And I’ll teach you how to fight and you can teach the children who come to the studio.”
“I’d like that.”
“We’re going to have a wonderful life together, Brenna, but if you’re ever unhappy there, no matter how much it would break my heart, I’d send you back.”
“That willnae happen. As long as I can be with ye, I’ll be happy.” Brenna never wanted to go back to the kind of life she’d lived to this point. Even the time before Greer and Gillian hadn’t been as fulfilling as she would have liked. She would cherish the life she’d be living. Every day would be a new adventure and she was eager for it to start.
“When will we go?”
“That’s the big question. I haven’t heard from Edna yet. She’s in charge of our travel.”
“Ashley has the glass ball. She can talk to Edna.”
“What?”
“I saw her.”
“You saw who?”
“Edna.”
“When was that?”
“I was in Ashley’s room, sitting on the bed with the bairns. Emma wished to play with a glass orb that also sat on the bed. It was too heavy for her, so I picked it up and when I did, it appeared there was a snowstorm inside and then I saw a woman looking out at me. Ashley said it was Edna.”
“What happened? Did she speak to you?”
“Nae. I looked away for a moment and when I looked back she was gone.”
“We’ll need to go see Ashley tomorrow morning then, or is that too soon for you?”
“I wish to go home with ye as soon as possible.”
“Alright. We’ll try to contact Edna tomorrow then.”
Brenna nestled herself into his side, placing her head on his chest and her hand on his belly. This is what heaven must feel like, she thought before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
They were up bright and early the next morning, eager to visit with Ashley. Dougall and Helene followed them out the door and down the path to Breaghacraig. Dougall held Helene’s hand the whole way there and Brenna did the same with Zeke, resting her head on his arm as they walked. The sun had barely risen in the sky. Even the birds were just waking. Their happy songs greeted the new day from almost every tree they passed.
“I hope they’re awake,” Brenna said.
“Cailin will be waiting for me, we’re to do a short patrol of the land. I’ll be concentrating me efforts on any areas I think Munro might use if he were to come back.”
“Ashley will need me help getting ready. You should take Zeke to the kitchen and have bread and tea with Mary and Sophia. I’ll send for ye when she’s ready for visitors.”
“’Tis delicious, Zeke. Ye’ll love it.” Brenna said, her voice bright and lively for such an early hour.
“Sounds like it’s exactly what we need,” he replied.
They left Dougall and Helene at the entrance to the kitchen.
“Yer back,” Mary called to Brenna as they came through the door. “And I see ye’ve brought yer man with ye.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Mary. I’m Zeke.”
“I’ve heard all about ye, Laird San Francisco,” she chuckled.
“Despite what you may have heard, I’m not the Laird of San Francisco, merely a citizen.”
“Me, too,” Sophia said from across the room.
“Are ye joining us for bread and tea?” Mary asked.
“Aye,” Brenna responded.
“Come sit then. Sophia get the tea. I’ll get the bread,” she said as she went to the bread oven located within the fireplace. She took the wooden paddle and removed several loaves, one of which she placed on the table in front of them. She retrieved a crock of honey and brought that along with some fresh butter to the table.
“So, you’re from San Francisco, too,” Zeke said to Sophia as she placed mugs of steaming tea in front of them.
“I am,” Sophia replied, sitting across from them.
“What brought you here?” Zeke asked.
“Someone I’d rather not think about,” she replied.
“Edna?”
“No. I wasn’t supposed to be here, but I was pulled through by the fog. We followed Cormac and Jenna.”
“So it’s possible to get caught up in the fog even if you’re not supposed to be a traveler. Interesting,” Zeke said.
Mary placed a thick slice of bread on the table in front of each of them. Everyone helped themselves to the butter and honey.
“I think this might be the best breakfast I’ve ever had,” Zeke said. “I mean it.”
Mary beamed with pride. “Thank ye, sir.”
“What’s your secret?”
“No secret. Just three simple ingredients. Flour water and salt.”
“No yeast?”
“We let the dough sit out on the table and after a while i
t rises on its own,” Sophia explained. “I’m no scientist, but I believe it gets the yeast it needs from the air around it.”
Zeke popped the last little bit of his bread into his mouth and had barely finished chewing when Mary placed another slice in front of him.
“You’re going to spoil me, Mary,” he teased.
“With great pleasure,” she replied.
A young lad entered the room and sat down at the table across from them. “Helene says yer to go up now,” he said. He looked to Mary, who indulged him with a slice of the fresh bread.
“Thanks for breakfast, Mary,” Zeke said.
“Aye. Thank ye,” Brenna added.
“I hear you want to contact Edna,” Ashley said.
“Aye,” Brenna said, barely able to conceal her excitement.
“Alright. Helene, hand me the snowglobe, please.”
Helene retrieved the globe from the mantel above the fireplace. “Here ye are,” she said.
They all gathered around behind Ashley, staring at the globe.
“Edna, we need you,” Ashley said. “She needs some time to respond.”
Before too long, the snow in the globe began to swirl and Edna’s face appeared. “Good morning, Ashley!” Edna said. “What can I do for ye?”
“I have two people here who want to go to San Francisco and since you’re the only one who can send them, we’re contacting you.”
“Edna, it’s me, Zeke. I’d like to go back home and I’d like to take Brenna with me.”
“Brenna, are ye sure ye’d like to go with him?” Edna asked.
“Aye. More than anything,” Brenna replied, a brilliant smile on her lips.
“Alright, then. I’d be happy to send you both back. Ye’ll need to go to the bridge. Leave tomorrow and when ye arrive there, call to me. I’ll be listening for ye.”
“Then what will happen?” Brenna asked.
“Not to worry dear, Zeke has done this before. Ye only need wait for the fog to take ye home to San Francisco.”
“Edna, thank you for knowing what I needed even before I did,” Zeke said.
“You’re welcome, me dears. I’m happy to be of service. Now, what of yer sister, Sara. Did ye convince her to go home as well?”
“No. She’s happy here with Logan. I was wondering though. Do you think it would be possible for us to visit with each other once or twice a year.”
“I think we can manage that. Mayhap at Christmas and then mid-year. What do you think?”
“That sounds great.”
“We’ll work out the details later. Ye ken ye can always call to me if ye need me.”
“Can I call you at the inn?” he asked.
“That would be fine, but yer fireplace works just as well. Granted ye need to give me time to get to mine. Dinnae be impatient,” she chuckled.
“Thank you, Edna.”
“I must go now. I’ll speak with ye again when yer at the bridge.”
The snow swirled and Edna’s face disappeared.
“Isn’t this the most amazing thing? Edna gave it to me when we visited with her last Christmas. She invited all of the MacKenzies to the inn. It was wonderful. Maybe next year we can convince her to let us go to San Francisco,” Ashley said.
“Only if Dougall and I can come with ye this time,” Helene said.
“I’m sure Edna wouldn’t have any objections to that. I’m just not sure she can send a huge group of people directly to San Francisco, but we’ll see.”
“Ashley, it has been a pleasure getting to ken ye and yer bairns. Thank ye fer yer help while I’ve been here,” Brenna said. Ashley stood and hugged Brenna.
“What about you, Zeke? Can I get a hug?” Ashley asked, arms out and facing him.
“Of course,” Zeke obliged.
“Good luck to you both,” she said.
“Thank you. We’ve got many goodbyes to say if we’re to leave tomorrow, so we should go do that.” Zeke looked to Brenna who was beaming with joy. She latched onto his arm. “We’ll see you later, Helene.”
“Oh, no! You’re leaving so soon,” Sara pouted.
“Brenna wants to come with me and I think it’s best if we get out of here before Munro decides to return,” Zeke explained.
“Yes. Of course. Silly me, I didn’t even think about that. I guess I was being selfish wanting to keep my big brother here with me for as long as possible.”
“I talked to Edna about the twice a year thing and she agreed. We thought maybe Christmas and mid-year would work well. Ashley told us everyone went to the inn last year for Christmas, so it seems like we’ve got a plan for seeing each other.”
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Sara said, hugging Zeke tightly around the waist. “You really are the best brother ever, you know that, right?”
“According to you,” he teased.
She tipped her head and gazed up at him and he touched her nose with the tip of his finger, much the same way he’d done many times before.
“I love you, sis,” Zeke said, unshed tears in his eyes.
“I love you, too,” Sara said, not bothering to hide her tears.
Zeke glanced at Brenna and saw that she too was crying. He pulled her in to include her in their hug, as all three attempted to get themselves under control.
“Welcome to the family, Brenna,” Sara said. “We’re all connected now. You, me, Zeke, Logan, Helene and Dougall. We’re family. We may not have the luxury of seeing each other more than twice a year, but we’ve got a bond now that can’t be broken.
“We’ll be back to see my nephew when he’s born,” Zeke said, releasing Sara and Brenna.
Sara wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “It’s going to be your niece, big brother. So, you can come back to see her when she’s born.” In typical Sara fashion, she poked him in the belly.
Brenna giggled as she watched brother and sister interact. She wished she and Dougall had more time together growing up. She was certain they’d have been equally as close. Still, she’d miss Dougall and Helene and was happy to know she’d be able to see them again.
Logan returned home as they were saying their goodbyes. He hugged Brenna. “Ye ken ye were always like me little sister,” he said.
“Aye. Ye were me friend as well,” Brenna said.
“And I always will be.” He kissed her cheek and then clasped arms with Zeke. “Take care of her,” he said.
“And you take care of my sister,” Zeke replied. Logan nodded in agreement. “Alright, we should go then. Are you ready, Brenna?”
“Aye. Good bye for now,” she said, opening the door.
“Oh, wait! One more thing,” Sara said. “Brenna, have Zeke take you to my apartment. You can help yourself to my clothes. I won’t be needing them anymore.”
“What about your landlord?” Zeke asked. “Should I tell him to rent the apartment?”
“No. I’ve paid the rent for six months. Let’s just hold on to it for now.”
“Alright then. I love you, sis.” Zeke waved goodbye, afraid he’d break down if he said another word. He walked away with Brenna by his side, and didn’t look back.
Chapter 22
Their last goodbyes were said the following morning as Dougall and Helene stood in the doorway of their home and Zeke and Brenna prepared to leave.
“Brenna, take care of yerself. I hope to see ye again soon,” Helene said.
Brenna’s eyes filled with tears once again. She was sad to be leaving her brother and Helene, but happy to be going on this grand adventure with Zeke. “I’ll miss ye both so much.”
“And we’ll miss ye,” Dougall said, taking Brenna’s hands in his. “Take good care of yerself. I know we’ll see each other again.” He turned to Zeke. “I ken ye’ll take good care of me sister.”
“I will. You have my word.” Zeke said. He put out his hand to shake, but Dougall pulled him into a bear hug, slapping him on the back and then quickly letting him go. He gave Brenna a much gentler hug and held her close much lon
ger.
“I love ye, brother,” Brenna said. “I know I’ll see ye again.”
They waved as they walked down the path to their horses. Dougall and Helene stood and watched them as they rode off to the castle, where they were met by a large crowd of MacKenzies and MacBaynes, both adults and children, who were there to give them a proper send off on their journey. Zeke was quite surprised to see them all. It touched his heart that these people who he’d only known for such a short time, had all come out to say their goodbyes.
Mary made her way through the crowd to their horses, where she handed them a basket of food for their journey. The aroma of freshly baked bread reached Zeke’s nose. He peeked under the cloth covering the food and took a deep breath of the delicious scent. “Thank you, Mary. It smells delicious.”
“’Tis me pleasure, laddie. I wish ye both much happiness in yer new life together.”
“As do we all,” Robert MacKenzie said.
“Thank you all for your kindess,” Brenna said. “We’ll always remember ye.”
“Nae doubt ye’ll see us all again. Edna will make sure of it,” Cailin said and the others all agreed.
“Then as we say in San Francisco… later,” Zeke chuckled. Both he and Brenna waved as they set off for the bridge to the cheers of the MacKenzie clan assembled in the courtyard.
Robert MacKenzie sent four of his finest men, led by Hamish MacBeown, to escort Brenna and Zeke to the bridge. It was a relatively short trip in comparison to the one Zeke had taken to Castle Treun on his arrival. He soaked in all of it. Every tree, rock and stream they crossed would be burned into his memory forever. He’d been on an adventure that very few people would ever experience in their lifetime. Why Edna had chosen him for Brenna was not something he thought he’d ever be able to fathom, but one thing was for sure, he was eternally grateful for her interference in his life. He didn’t think it would ever be possible to thank her enough for the wonderful gift she’d given him.
Brenna rode along beside him, wearing her excitement like the finest cloak. They were going home. He couldn’t wait to share his life with her. He expected she’d fit into it perfectly, so any misgivings he’d had at the outset of their relationship were now gone, replaced by a sense of peace that this was exactly the way it should be.
