by Jennae Vale
“Something’s not right here,” he said. “They were with Sir Richard and they were speaking about getting Jenna back to San Francisco. I’m afraid Jonathan means to harm her.”
“We cannae allow that, Cormac,” Cailin stated firmly.
“Nae. We willnae. When we get back to Breaghacraig, I’ll question them about Sir Richard. I’m certain he’s involved in this.”
They continued to follow Jonathan and Sophia and when they arrived at the gate, they called out to the guards to let them know there was nothing to be concerned about. They passed through and Cailin and Cormac dismounted, handing their horses off to the stable boys.
“Let’s go inside,” Cormac extended his hand in the direction of the door.
“I appreciate the help, man. I know we didn’t get off on the right foot, but you know Jenna was my wife. I guess I was just a bit jealous seeing you with her,” Jonathan explained smoothly.
Cormac didn’t respond. Sophia sidled up next to him and clung to his arm as they entered the great hall.
“Who is this ye’ve got with ye?” Irene asked, eyeing Sophia suspiciously.
“This is Jenna’s former husband, Jonathan and a friend of his, Sophia. They somehow find themselves in need of our help,” Cormac explained.
Irene set about making them feel comfortable in the Great Hall. “I be Lady Irene, me husband Sir Robert is Laird of Breaghacraig. Ye must be verra tired after yer journey. Did ye walk all the way here?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Sophia said. “My feet are killing me.”
“I imagine they may well be. ‘Tis quite a long walk all the way from the bridge. But how is it that ye find yerselves here?” Irene wanted to know.
“We were out walking on the Marina Green the other morning. Sophia and I had an early morning breakfast date,” Jonathan smiled slyly and looked to Sophia for confirmation. “We saw Jenna and Cormac in this swirling mass of fog. We lost sight of them and were worried, so we walked into the fog to see where they’d gone and the next thing we knew, we arrived here.”
“I see. Cormac, do ye think Edna knows about this?” Irene questioned.
“I dinnae think so, but I havenae heard from her since we’ve been back,” Cormac stated coldly.
“I’ll get our guests some food and find a place for them to rest. Ye can speak with Robert about what’s to be done with them,” Irene said, taking charge as she usually did. “Please have a seat by the fire to warm yerselves.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Sophia said politely as Irene left the room.
“Jonathan, I believe ye may have met Sir Richard out in the woods near the bridge,” Cormac said.
“Sir Richard,” Jonathan hesitated and then screwed up his forehead, as though he were trying to remember something. “Oh, Sir Richard… yeah, we did. He’s an odd guy, isn’t he? He was asking us to join him, or something. I don’t know what he wanted from us, but Sophia and I got a bad vibe and decided we’d be better off on our own.”
“I see. So yer not working with him in any way?” Cailin asked.
“No!” Jonathan almost shouted his denial. “Absolutely not. He seemed like he had it in for you all, didn’t he, Sophia?”
“Oh, yeah… he did,” Sophia hesitated for just a moment before answering.
“How did ye manage to find Breaghacraig then?” Cormac wondered.
“Sir Richard pointed us in this direction, before he left to go back home. Where did he say he was from babe?”
Jonathan was obviously up to something, Cormac could tell from his demeanor. He had only had a few interactions with him, but he was behaving very oddly.
“I think he said he was going home to England?” Sophia seemed unsure.
“Cailin, I need to speak with ye for a moment. Please excuse us.” Cormac led Cailin far enough away so they would not be overheard. “I must warn Jenna that they are here. Will ye stay with them until I return? Jonathan isnae to be trusted. I don’t believe Sophia is one to be concerned over, but don’t let them out of yer sight.”
“Aye. I willnae. Go see to Jenna then.” Cailin walked back over to their guests and Cormac headed upstairs, hoping to find Jenna in her room.
TWENTY-FIVE
Sleep had not come easily to Jenna. She was physically and emotionally exhausted, but somehow, no matter how hard she tried to nap, she couldn’t seem to shut her mind off. Thoughts of a life without Cormac and without Ashley were leaving her with numerous questions. Could she stay here? Would she want to? What if Ashley needed her during her pregnancy? The questions kept coming and she didn’t seem to have any answers.
A quiet tap at the door let her know she had a visitor. “Come in,” she said.
The door opened and Cormac came in, closing the door behind him. Jenna’s heart began to race and her breathing became shallow at the sight of him. She hid her trembling hands beneath the furs.
“Jenna, I have news,” Cormac started.
“Oh, I know. Ashley already told me.”
“Ashley. How could she know?” he asked.
Jenna gave him a ‘have-you-lost-your-mind’ look. “She’s the one who’s pregnant. Of course she knows.”
Cormac looked confused, but continued. “I know Ashley’s with child, but that’s not what I’m speaking of.”
“Oh, well, what are you speaking of?” Jenna teased.
“Jonathan and Sophia are here at Breaghacraig. Cailin and I found them walking towards the castle while we were out riding.”
“What?” Jenna’s face paled. “How did they get here? Why?” She had a million questions floating through her head. It seems all that was in her brain - were questions, but no answers.
“I hope to find out the answers soon. I didnae want ye to come downstairs and stumble upon them.”
“Cormac, I’m getting a bad feeling about all of this,” Jenna said worriedly.
He came to her side, settling on the edge of the bed. “Dinnae fash, love. They are only two and we have many to protect ye.” Cormac stroked her cheek and did his best to calm her. “They are staying here as our guests at the moment, but we willnae leave them alone at any time. Do ye wish to come downstairs and see for yerself?”
Jenna wasted no time in getting to her feet. She slipped on the soft shoes Irene had given her and straightened her dress. The time to face her fears was now and she could ask for no better guardian than Cormac. She held her hand out to him and he stood, taking it and walking her to the door. “Are ye ready for this?” he asked softly.
“Let’s go. There’s no time like the present, right?” She smiled up at him and seeing the strength and determination in his beautiful eyes, all her fears vanished. They made their way downstairs and into the Great Hall.
“Jenna, I’m so happy to see you. I was worried about you,” Jonathan simpered, and it was obvious to Jenna he was lying.
“I’ll bet you were,” Jenna replied sarcastically.
“I was, babe. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.” From the expression on Jonathan’s face, there was no doubt that he wished for the exact opposite. “Look at you, already fitting in. Great dress.”
Jenna ignored him and turned to the young waitress. “Sophia, how did you get mixed up with him?”
“We met at the diner and he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk with him. I didn’t know it would involve time travelling.” She was speaking to Jenna, but staring at Cormac. Jenna thought Sophia would start drooling at any moment and the jealousy she had suffered at the diner came crashing back into her.
“I’ll bet you didn’t. Who would? You and Jonathan do make a cute couple,” Jenna said sarcastically. “I’m glad you found someone, Jonathan.” Jenna kept a close eye on both of them, to see if they would slip up.
“You know me, I don’t like to be alone for long,” Jonathan responded drily.
“I know. Sometimes you actually double up, so there’s not a minute in the day when you’re alone.” Jenna was referring to the woman Jonathan had been seeing,
both before and during their marriage. She had no idea if the woman was still in the picture, but she knew Sophia was easy prey for a man like Jonathan.
“If you’re talking about Liz, she’s long gone. After you left me penniless, she couldn’t find a single reason to stick around. But that’s old news; you aren’t thinking of staying here, are you?” Jonathan asked.
“No. I’m planning to return to San Francisco soon,” Jenna was uncomfortable stating her intentions in front of Cormac. She knew he would be upset by it. She gave him a quick glance and sure enough, his eyes were focused straight at her and Jenna couldn’t help but see the pain there.
“Okay. Good. So you know how to get out of here then. Sophia and I were worried we’d be stuck here forever.” Jonathan glanced to Sophia for back up and didn’t get any support. Sophia was obviously smitten by every man she saw. She hadn’t been able take her eyes off Cormac and then Cailin and now Robert, who had entered the room.
“What have we here?” Robert asked. “I hear ye’ve come from the future. Is that true?”
“Yes, sir,” Jonathan answered, showing uncharacteristic respect for someone other than himself.
“I be Robert MacKenzie, the laird of the MacKenzie Clan. Yer welcome in our home. Irene wishes ye to join her in the kitchen where she has some food for ye and then she will lead ye to yer sleeping chambers.”
“Thank you, sir,” Jonathan replied.
“Cailin, would ye show them to the kitchen, please?” Robert asked.
Cailin led them out of the room and Robert waited until they were gone before explaining to Cormac and Jenna that Jonathan and Sophia would be under constant surveillance. “We have arranged beds for them in the barracks and the woman’s solar. There will be someone keeping an eye on them at all times.” He looked to Jenna. “Ye needn’t fash, lass. We will see to it that ye are well protected.”
“Thank you, Robert, I appreciate your help.” And she really did.
“Now, if you’ll both excuse me. I have duties to attend to.” With that, Robert left them alone.
Jenna turned to Cormac, anguish apparent in her eyes. “What am I going to do, Cormac? When I leave, do I have to take them with me?”
“I dinnae ken if Edna knows of this. Mayhap she will have an answer for ye. At any rate, I dinnae like the idea of Jonathan being in the same century with ye, whether it be here or back in yer own time.”
“Me either. I really think he’s up to something. I don’t know what it is, but it can’t be anything good. Did you see the way he tried to pretend that he was worried about me? And Sophia, what’s her deal? I can’t believe she has any idea what kind of guy he is.”
“I dinnae believe Sophia is aware of his plan. Not completely. Mayhap she believes he is interested in her.”
“I suppose that’s possible, but I don’t get it. Her eyes are about to pop out of her head every time she sees you, your brother, or Robert.” She’s obviously not that interested in him. I’d love to know what he told her, to get her to leave the diner with him. Maybe I can speak with her alone and find out.”
“Be careful around either of them, Jenna,” Cormac warned.
“Don’t worry, I don’t have any intention of letting Jonathan get the better of me… again,” Jenna assured him.
***
The evening meal brought everyone together once again. Jenna sat next to Cormac, who was attentive, as always. Ashley and Cailin were deep in conversation and Jenna thought Ashley was more beautiful than ever with her pregnancy glow. Robert and Irene were speaking with some of their guests as they made their way to the table. All seemed normal, at least until Jonathan and Sophia entered the room. The room lapsed into silence as all eyes turned their way. Someone had gotten them appropriate clothing and as was normally the case for Sophia, she looked like she just might pop out of her gown, as her breasts were practically overflowing the bodice. Jonathan caught sight of Ashley and practically ran across to greet her, as if she was a long-lost friend. For her part, Ashley gave Jonathan an ‘I-can’t-imagine-you-think-I-believe-this’ look, before turning to Cailin and completely ignoring Jonathan’s attempts at friendliness. Sophia’s expression was of someone who was lost, confused and definitely out of their element. One of the nearby men came to her rescue, offering for her to come and sit with him for the meal. He offered her his arm and Sophia looked relieved as she accepted it. Sophia glanced Jonathan’s way and then shrugged her shoulders dismissively, sitting down at a table with a group of highlanders who all seemed very pleased to meet her.
“Who’s that,” Jenna asked Cormac of the young man who had taken Sophia’s arm.
“‘Tis Latharn. He’s one of Cailin’s men,” Cormac responded. “Dinnae fash, love, he’s a good man.”
“Good. I guess we’ll just have to hope Sophia won’t lead him astray,” Jenna responded, and she knew she sounded a bit more snarky than she had intended. Cormac tipped his head and gave her a quizzical look, before Jenna shook her head and laughed. Cormac joined her and before they knew it, everyone at the table was looking at them with a question in their eyes.
“‘Tis nothing,” Cormac reassured those turned their way.
Jenna watched Jonathan’s reaction when he found that Sophia was already seated at a full table and he was now without a dining partner. No one seemed in any hurry to help him out, but he eventually found a spot at a nearby table filled with couples. Jenna watched as he turned on the charm and made himself at home while the food was served.
“Jenna, are you okay?” Ashley asked quietly.
“Yeah, I’m fine, I just don’t trust him. You never know what he might be up to.”
“I’m amazed he’d actually think I believed his false show of friendship. He hated me in San Francisco, I’m not certain why he would think that would have changed,” Ashley quipped.
“How could anyone hate ye, my love,” Cailin asked. “He must be a fool.”
Jenna smiled at that. Cailin truly loved her friend and she was so happy for Ashley. Happy that she had found a man who could appreciate her for all of her wonderful qualities. Jenna turned her gaze to Cormac, who as always, only had eyes for her. His brilliant smile and smoldering blue eyes turned the heat way up. She could feel it, all the way from her head to her toes and every place in between. Jenna had to look away, so she could catch her breath. Maybe she could be as lucky as Ashley had been. Maybe she had found the perfect man for her. Maybe Cormac could love her, the way she had always dreamed of being loved. Or, maybe she was living in fantasyland. A sigh escaped her lips. It doesn’t really matter. I’m not staying here and he’s not going to come back with me. It’s all just a dream I’ll wake up from, before too long.
“Is something wrong, Jenna?” Cormac questioned.
“No. Everything’s fine, just fine,” Jenna lied.
“I dinnae believe ye,” Cormac smiled warmly, searching her eyes for the truth.
Jenna wondered if he was a mind reader. He always seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. “Suit yourself, then,” she answered, taking a bite of her dinner. Maybe if she kept her mouth full of food, she wouldn’t have to tell Cormac what she’d been thinking. For his part, Cormac kept an eye on her, but Jenna could tell he was content to let it slide for the time being. It was a good thing, too. She’d hate to admit to him what she’d been thinking.
***
Cormac knew Jenna was avoiding his question, but he’d get the truth out of her later. He was sure Jonathan and Sophia had upset her, but he wasn’t exactly certain why. Was it because she was wary of their plans, or was it because she might have to take them back to San Francisco when she went… if she went. Cormac still had time to convince her to stay, but then what would happen? Would Jonathan and Sophia be able to get back to San Francisco, or would they be cursed with Jonathan’s presence at Breaghacraig forever? He’d speak with Robert about it, later. There had to be a way to get him out of their lives and far enough away, so he couldn’t bother Jenna ever again. Cormac w
atched Jonathan as he ingratiated himself on his tablemates. They were all smiling and laughing at whatever story he was telling them. He could see how Jonathan had managed to fool Jenna into believing that he loved her. If he didn’t know him better, Cormac might even have believed Jonathan was a decent human being, but he had met the more sinister Jonathan in San Francisco and knew he would need to protect Jenna from him, at all costs. He didn’t like having him here, this near to Jenna, but it was better to keep him close. Cormac would just have to remain vigilant.
Everyone sat at the table for much longer than was usual for them. They had a lot to talk about and Robert was intent on toasting Cailin and Ashley’s good fortune. Cormac was happy for them. His brother had found the woman of his dreams and they were about to start their family together. He wished them all the best. He just wished he could be so lucky. He thought he was, but Jenna had other ideas. She was not an easy one to deal with. He would have to work hard to prove his love to her, but she was definitely worth it. He wanted her in his life, even though she could be as prickly as a thistle; he knew she was the one for him. And he knew if she left, he would spend his days lamenting the loss and regretting his inability to keep her here as his wife.
“Cormac, now I’m the one asking… is everything okay?” Jenna asked.
“Aye, love. I was just thinking,” Cormac responded. His eyes fell lovingly on her beautiful face. Her soulful brown eyes drew him into their depths and he wished he could linger there forever.
“About what?”
“About ye… about how beautiful ye are. About how happy I’d be if ye were to stay here with me.”
Jenna seemed saddened by his admission, but didn’t respond. Instead, she reached for his much larger hand and squeezed it with her own.
“I’d like to share something with ye, Jenna. Would ye come with me?” Cormac asked.
“Of course,” Jenna answered.
He stood and pulled Jenna’s chair out for her. “We’re going for a walk,” Cormac announced to the table.
