by Jennae Vale
***
A drop of water landed in Cailin’s ear, waking him from what had been a very peaceful sleep. Jenna’s eyes remained closed and he hoped he could get up and start the fire again to warm her before they left for Breaghacraig. He gently slipped his arm out from under her head. She didn’t wake and he was relieved. He wrapped the plaid tightly around her and made his way out into the open. Taking a quick look at the fire, he realized it would be impossible to get it going again. Everything was pretty well drenched. There was a small amount of food left from the night before and it would have to do until they reached his home.
“Cormac,” Jenna called from inside their shelter.
“Aye. Jenna, I’m here.” He peeked inside and was rewarded with a smile.
“I was afraid you’d left me.”
“I would never leave you, Jenna. You have nothing to fear.”
“Are the wolves gone?” she asked.
“Aye. They no doubt sought shelter from the storm. We should go as soon as possible though.”
“How long will it take to get to your home?”
“A wee bit longer. We should arrive there this afternoon.”
“Okay.” Jenna unwrapped herself from the plaid and emerged in to the early morning light. It looked like rain was still a possibility. She hoped not, it would make the rest of their journey miserable. “I have to pee. Is there somewhere safe to do that?”
Cormac choked back a laugh. Jenna was not the least bit shy in her speech. “Of course, come with me.” He led her to a stand of nearby trees. “How does this look?”
“Fine. You’re not going to stand there, are you?”
“Nae. I’ll give ye yer privacy, lass. I’m just over here if ye need me.” He walked away and left her.
Cormac was verra happy to be back in his own time. He knew exactly how Jenna felt. This was neither her time nor place. The only difference between them was that he had willingly gone to San Francisco. He had gone to find her. When he went to the Marina Green with her yesterday morning, Cormac was certain he’d never see her again. Had Edna orchestrated this whole thing? He had tried to contact her since his return, but she was not responding. If Jenna didnae want to stay, then he was honor-bound to see that she returned safely to her own time. How he would do that was another question, all together.
“Okay. I’m ready to go.” Jenna was back and looking better than she had yesterday. She seemed to have accepted her current situation and Cormac was happy she would not be harping on him all day - or at least, he hoped that would be the case.
“Here. There’s some food left from last night. Eat. You will need your strength.”
“What about you, you need it more than I do,” Jenna protested.
“We’ll share,” Cormac said. “You first.”
Jenna took a bite out of the leftover rabbit and ate one of the bannocks. “That should be enough for me. Your turn.”
“Take another bite of the rabbit, Jenna.” Cormac told her with his eyes that he would not take no for an answer. She did as he requested and handed him the rest. He ate as he gathered their things, few though they were, together. He saddled Saidear and repacked the saddlebag. He had completely forgotten that he had a whole bag of candy draped across his body. Reaching in, he picked out a piece for Jenna and one for himself. “Here.” He offered Jenna a piece of chocolate.
“Oh… thanks. I forgot all about the candy we bought. I don’t usually eat candy for breakfast, but in this case, I’ll make an exception.”
Cormac hoisted Jenna up onto his horse and mounted behind her. They set off at a trot, which must have been a bit jarring for Jenna because she spoke after a few minutes. “Could we go faster, please? It’s not quite as bouncy.”
“As you wish, m’lady.” Cormac offered her a mock bow and urged Saidear forward into a canter.
“That’s better,” she smiled.
They followed the path that would lead them to Breaghacraig without incident. Cormac could tell that Jenna was relaxing as she allowed herself to sink back into his chest and the closeness of his body.
“Jenna, something strange has happened.” Cormac wasn’t sure how to bring this subject up, but it was time she knew what he’d discovered yesterday. “When I left you to check on the voices I heard, I came upon Jonathan and the waitress, Sophia.”
Jenna twisted in the saddle to look at him in disbelief. “You’re kidding right?”
“Nae. I’m afraid not. I heard them talking to Sir Richard. They had been following us back in San Francisco and somehow got pulled into the fog and transported here.”
“But why didn’t we see them then?”
“I’m not sure. I imagine they didn’t arrive at the same time we did, but shortly after. That would also explain how Sir Richard managed to get across the bridge and back to this time. They must have arrived at exactly the same moment. Richard most likely rode right past without seeing them.”
“Then how is it that you saw him talking to them?”
“He surely doubled back for some reason, mayhap to follow us, and came across them in the clearing. Jenna, Richard asked Jonathan to work with him. Jonathan wants you to return to San Francisco - he said something about money and Richard would be more than happy to have help destroying the MacKenzie’s.”
“But I have a restraining order against Jonathan.”
“Your restraining order is of no use here,” Cormac explained grimly. “We must get back to Breaghacraig. Ye will be safe there.”
TWENTY-ONE
Jenna pondered what Cormac had just told her. What was Jonathan up to? He knew he was not supposed to go anywhere near her, or contact her in any way. She had a momentary thought that perhaps he might intend to hurt her. His relentless efforts to get more money out of her or the family were wearing. He should know by now that he wasn’t going to get any more. It was bad enough she had to worry about him in San Francisco, but now, here in sixteenth century Scotland he had apparently found two allies to help him. But help him to do what? That was the question. An involuntary shudder ran through her limbs.
“Jenna, are ye warm enough?” Cormac asked, concern written all over his handsome face.
“Yes. I’m fine, Cormac,” she lied. “I was just wondering why Jonathan thinks he can get more money out of me. The annulment was final and we’re not married anymore. I don’t owe him a thing.”
“I dinna ken what his plans are, but I fear he may wish you harm.”
Jenna didn’t respond. Cormac had just voiced her own deepest fear. She had never said a word to anyone, not even Dylan, but she was secretly worried that Jonathan’s motives could only be dangerous for her. She needed to get back to San Francisco and hire someone to keep an eye on him. She mentally shook her head. What was she thinking? If she went back home and Jonathan was stuck here, she might not need to deal with him again. She did feel badly for the waitress. Surely, Sophia could have no idea what she had gotten herself into. Jonathan was very convincing and had probably charmed her into helping him by lying.
“Cormac, do you think we should try to help Sophia?” Jenna asked.
“I was wondering the same thing,” Cormac said. “She doesnae seem to be the kind of woman who would willingly do Jonathan’s bidding.”
“I’m sure he lied to her, or she wouldn’t have gone along with him,” Jenna said.
“Dinnae fash, lass. When we get to my home, I’ll speak with Robert and Cailin. We’ll find a way to help her.”
Jenna didn’t really like the idea of Cormac being anywhere near Sophia. She knew the waitress had wanted him and the thought made Jenna jealous. Although why she was jealous was beyond her - she’d made up her mind she wasn’t interested in staying here in this god-forsaken place. She needed to go home and Cormac needed to stay here. She really shouldn’t concern herself with jealousy. It would do nothing to help her return home. If Sophia wanted to stay here, she had every right to go after Cormac, if she wanted. Jenna’s back stiffened and anger rose in her ch
est again. “How much longer is this going to take?” she asked testily.
“We’re almost there, lass. Relax. All is well.” Cormac sounded maddeningly calm.
“What does ‘almost there’ mean in sixteenth century time? An hour? Two?” Jenna much preferred being able to put things in perspective and thought for some reason that being angry at Cormac right now would assist in that regard.
“Jenna, are ye angry with me, lass?” Cormac sounded puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor.
“What do you think? I’m on a horse, which I told you I didn’t want to do. I’m in the sixteenth century, which I also told you I didn’t want to do - and now, I find out that your little friend, Sophia, is in league with my ex and some crazy English guy and they have it in for me. Yeah. I’m pissed.”
“Jenna, I really dinnae believe that Sophia had any idea what Jonathan was really up to. She seemed surprised by what he was saying to Richard.”
“Fine. Whatever. I can’t wait to get off this horse and find out when I can go home.”
“Soon enough, Jenna. Soon enough.” Cormac didn’t seem bothered by her behavior and she irrationally worried that he wanted to be rid of her, as much as she wanted to leave.
They continued their ride through the Scottish countryside. Jenna had to admit it was beautiful. Mist hung low to the ground and moss grew everywhere, making everything around them the most beautiful shade of green. Raindrops started pattering on them and Jenna was just about to complain again, when they came to a slight rise and before them, a beautiful castle appeared.
“That is Breaghacraig, Jenna.” Cormac pointed unnecessarily towards the castle, which appeared to be the only thing for miles around along with a few small cottages.
Jenna was scrunching herself into as small a target as possible, to avoid the pelting raindrops. Cormac reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a plaid, which he expertly wrapped around her, to shield Jenna from the weather.
“Thank you,” she muttered through the layers of fabric. She almost laughed when she imagined that Cormac had purposely covered her mouth, so he didn’t have to listen to her complain any longer.
“Yer most welcome, lass. Now, let’s get to Breaghacraig before ye catch yer death.” He urged Saidear forward into a ground-eating canter and before she knew it, they were at the gates of the castle, which opened wide to allow them entrance. As they passed through, she was amazed to see many people scurrying about. The rain was not deterring them from attending to their tasks. Two boys ran to them when they finally came to a stop and took Saidear’s reins from Cormac, who had hopped down and was reaching up for Jenna. She was wrapped up so tightly that she had no choice but to allow Cormac to lift her from the horse. As she stood by his side, he gave direction to the boys on Saidear’s care. He wrapped a protective arm around Jenna’s shoulders and guided her towards the massive doors of the castle. They were still quite a distance away when the doors opened and a petite woman with dark auburn hair and a tall dark-haired man came through and the woman stopped dead in her tracks.
The man said something to her, but she continued to stare at Jenna, who watched as the woman called her name and began running towards her. For a split second, Jenna wasn’t sure, but then she recognized her best friend, Ashley. The man grabbed Ashley’s arm to stop her and gave her a stern talking to. “Oh, my God, that’s Ashley!” she said to Cormac. “Who’s that crazy fool who’s holding her by the arm?”
“That daft idjit is me brother, Cailin. Ashley is his wife.”
***
Cormac caught Jenna as her legs went out from underneath her. “Damn this stupid blanket!” she cursed, trying unsuccessfully to disentangle herself. She’d almost fallen flat on her face in her rush to reach Ashley.
“Jenna, let me help ye,” Cormac said calmly, as he unwrapped her from the plaid. He had no sooner removed it than she bolted towards Ashley.
“Leave her alone!” Jenna shrieked at Cailin.
Cormac couldn’t help but laugh. The expression on his brother’s face was priceless. He obviously had no idea who this woman was, or why she might be telling him to leave his own wife alone.
Cailin glanced at Ashley and then returned his gaze to Cormac, who had just arrived at Jenna’s side. “Brother, who is this wee spitfire ye have with ye?”
“She is Ashley’s good friend, Jenna.” He watched as his brother took in the scene in front of him. Jenna and Ashley were hugging fiercely, laughing, and crying. It almost brought a tear to Cormac’s own eyes to see how happy they both were to be reunited. “We should get them inside out of the rain and I’ll tell ye the whole story.”
Cormac’s sister Irene was standing in the doorway with her husband Robert. They both appeared puzzled, but remained silent. Cormac and Cailin pried the girls apart and led them inside, past those who had gathered to discover what was happening. Once inside, the great hall was warm and inviting. A huge blaze burned brightly in the fireplace and torches had been lit throughout, to make up for the dark and dreary day outside. Cormac was relieved to have finally returned home. He prepared himself to tell those gathered where he had been over the past several days, but before he could speak, Irene had a question. “Who is this lass ye’ve brought home with ye, Cormac? She seems to know our Ashley.”
“Aye. She does, Irene. ‘Tis Ashley’s friend, Jenna, from San Francisco,” Cormac explained.
“What is she doing here? Where did ye find her?” Irene asked.
“‘Tis a long story and one I’d be happy to share with ye, but we are both verra hungry and wet. Irene, do ye have something dry that Jenna could wear? She’s had a long journey and has a tendency to be prickly as a thistle when she is uncomfortable.” Cormac hoped Irene would take care of the food and clothing and be satisfied to wait a bit for his story.
“Aye. I’ll help the lass get dry and we’ll see to it that ye both are fed,” Irene said. “Go on then. Go get yourself changed and come right back. I’ll not want to wait long to hear yer story.” Irene swatted his backside to send him on his way.
“Jenna, go with me sister, Irene. She’ll see that ye get some dry clothes and I’ll meet ye back here for some food.”
Jenna glanced up from her conversation with Ashley and nodded. Ashley smiled a huge smile of thanks in his direction and blew him a kiss. He looked from his sweet sister-in-law to Jenna and Irene, who were sizing each other up. They were a lot alike and Cormac watched as Irene headed Jenna’s way, hoping that the two would get on well.
***
Jenna stood her ground, holding on to Ashley’s hands, as Irene approached. She was a black haired, blue-eyed beauty, who obviously was the one in charge here.
“Jenna, I’m pleased to meet ye,” Irene introduced herself. “Cormac is me brother and yer friend Ashley is as good a sister to me, as if she had been born into our family.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jenna said, extending her hand to Irene, who looked a bit confused by the gesture. “Oh, I’m sorry, I guess you don’t shake hands here.” Jenna pulled her hand back in embarrassment.
“Jenna, let’s go get you something dry to wear,” Ashley said. She had happy tears in her eyes as she took Jenna by the hand and they followed Irene up the stairs.
“We’ll give her yer old chamber, Ashley. Right this way, Jenna.” Irene directed them to a room on their right and said, “I’ll be right back with a dress for ye.”
Ashley opened the door to the room and ushered Jenna inside. “Jenna, I can’t believe you’re here. I’m so happy. I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.” Ashley was crying happy tears again and Jenna gave her another big hug.
“I know. When you called and said you were getting married, you omitted the part about time travel and my never seeing you again. You should have told me, Ashley.” Jenna pulled back and gazed earnestly into Ashley’s eyes.
“I should have, but I thought you wouldn’t believe me and the last thing I wanted was for you to come over here and try to find me.” Ashley couldn’
t take her eyes off her friend. “Jenna, tell me how Cormac found you. How did you get here?”
“It’s a long story, and I’m sure you won’t believe me,” Jenna hesitated for just a moment. “Cormac kidnapped me.” There, she’d said it. Ashley seemed shocked, but Jenna was just telling her the truth.
Ashley shook her head in denial. “What do you mean? Cormac would never do anything like that.”
“Well, he did. He showed up on the Marina Green and told me Edna sent him to get me. That I was supposed to be his wife. I thought he was crazy, but Dylan really liked him and insisted that we let him stay with us. Long story short, I guess he had to be back at the Marina exactly seven days after he arrived and poof, here I am.”
“So he forced you to go to the Marina with him?” Ashley asked.
“No, of course not. He tricked me. He stood there, looking all lost and upset, and I went to him, thinking he was losing it and that he wasn’t going anywhere. I no sooner put my hand on his arm than the fog came in and started swirling around us. He grabbed me and held on to me so I couldn’t get away - and next thing I knew I was here.”
“Jenna, I think Edna had a little something to do with that. I can’t imagine Cormac would want you to come with him against your will. He’s not like that.” Ashley defended her brother-in-law. “I am confused about one thing though. How are you supposed to marry Cormac? You’re already married to Jonathan.”
“A lot has happened since you’ve been gone, Ashley,” Jenna spat out bitterly. “You and everyone else were right about Jonathan. He was only interested in me for my money. I had the marriage annulled.”
Ashley gasped and took Jenna’s hand in her own. “I’m so sorry, Jenna. That’s not something I wanted to be proven right about. I know how much you loved him.”
“I thought I loved him, but when it came right down to it, I realized it had never been right between us, not from the very beginning. He swept me off my feet, but somewhere deep down inside I think I knew he was pulling the wool over my eyes and I’m angry with myself that I let it happen.”
