A Thistle Beyond Time: Book 2 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  “Yes. So I’ve been told.”

  “And I know ye have another request as well. Ye’d like your cousin and his dog to return with ye.”

  Jenna lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Yes. How did you know that?”

  “I met him downstairs, he was having breakfast with Maggie and he explained it all to me.”

  “Is that possible?”

  “Aye. I believe so.”

  “So what do I do? How do we make this happen?”

  “Patience, my dear. I’ve only just arrived back. Let me have a few moments to gather my thoughts. I must try to reach Lena, which may take some time. She hasnae been practicing her abilities as I’ve asked her to, and it may be that the only way I can reach her is when she’s asleep.”

  “You mean through her dreams? But I thought you said you knew she was trying to contact you?”

  “Aye. Exactly, but communicating back and forth has been a challenge for her.”

  “You were able to contact Cormac before though, weren’t you?”

  Edna nodded and let out an exasperated sigh. “Aye, but magick is a tricky thing and my darling daugher hasnae always been open enough to communicate.”

  “I tried to contact you, from San Francisco, but you didn’t hear me.”

  “I heard ye, Jenna, but I wanted ye to realize that this is nae a game I’m playing. I truly know that ye and Cormac are meant for each other and I wanted ye to know it as well. So, ye had to work hard to find me, but it will be worth it in the end, if everything works out. I’ll leave ye now. Why don’t ye get dressed and head downstairs for a bite to eat? Ye can explore Glendaloch while I see what I can do about contacting either Lena or Cormac.”

  ***

  Cormac was seated in the Great Hall when Lena appeared. “I’ve been trying and trying to reach her, Cormac, but she doesnae seem to hear me. It’s been days now.”

  “Maybe she hears ye, but doesnae wish to speak with ye,” Cormac suggested, immediately regretting his words. “I’m sorry, Lena. It’s just that I’m worried I’ll never see my Jenna again. I’m sure yer mother wishes to speak with ye, but perhaps something is preventing it.”

  “That something could be me. I’ve not done as she asked. If I had, this would all be easier,” Lena lamented.

  “Dinnae fash. If ye dinnae mind having us here, Cailin and I will stay a while longer. At least until ye tell us there’s no hope left.”

  “Alright, then. I feel as if I’m on the brink and then the feeling leaves me. Mayhap when I sleep tonight, she’ll call to me.”

  Cormac graced her with an encouraging smile, but he didn’t feel it in his heart. What could he possibly do? Cailin and Ewan had gone off again, leaving him alone to sip his whiskey by the fire. It was a verra quiet night. In his mind, he could hear the sound of Jenna’s voice speaking softly to him. “I’ll see you soon,” she said.

  Jenna… Jenna… He reached out to her from within his mind. She was somewhere nearby, he could feel it. He stood up and began pacing back and forth. Mayhap he just wanted her so badly, he was starting to imagine things. That must be it. He sat down again and this time he heard Edna’s voice. Not distantly, as Jenna’s had been, but as if she were in the same room with him. He relaxed his breathing and closed his eyes, mentally welcoming Edna to speak to him.

  “Cormac? Can ye hear me lad?” Edna said.

  “Edna? Is it really ye?” Cormac was astounded, he’d gotten so close to giving up hope and yet, here was Edna speaking to him again.

  “Aye. Of course ‘tis me. As I’ve told ye before, who else do ye know, who can speak to ye in yer head?”

  “Edna, I’m so happy to hear yer voice. I must speak with ye.”

  “I ken ye must. That is why I’m here.”

  “Edna, ye must help me find Jenna. She left without saying goodbye. I just want to see her one more time. I ken she doesnae want to stay here, but I must tell her some things.”

  “And ye shall. Meet me at the bridge as soon as ye can. Do not cross it. Stay on yer side, do ye understand?”

  “Aye. Aye, I do, Edna. Thank ye, thank ye so much!” Cormac could hardly contain himself. He was going to see Jenna again. His heart hadn’t felt this light for days.

  “Until then…” Edna’s voice faded away, leaving Cormac in silence once again.

  “Lena!” Cormac called out. “I’ve spoken with Edna!” He was up from the chair and about to leave the Great Hall when Lena entered, accompanied by Ewan and Cailin.

  “Did ye say ye’ve spoken with my mother?” Lena was incredulous. “Why can ye speak with her and I cannae?”

  “I dinnae ken the workings of it, Lena. But she was here.” He pointed to his head, laughing with happiness.

  “What did she say?” Cailin demanded.

  “She said I’m to meet her at the bridge, as soon as I can get there. She said nae to cross, but to stay on this side.”

  “When do ye plan to leave?” Ewan asked. He had his arm draped across Lena’s shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. Cormac could see Ewan was trying to make Lena feel better about her inability to communicate with her mother.

  “Right away,” Cormac replied. “Cailin, ye can stay here if ye like. I’ll be fine on me own.”

  “Nae. I wouldnae miss this for the world, brother. I’m coming with ye,” Cailin stated firmly.

  “Alright then, we’ll be on our way.” Cormac kissed Lena on the cheek. “Thank ye for trying, Lena. And thank ye Ewan, for your gracious hospitality.”

  “Yer family, both of ye. Yer welcome here at any time,” Ewan said. “I’ll have the boys get yer horses ready and Lena will get some food prepared for yer trip.”

  “Ewan, they may need another horse. Could ye see to it,” Lena said, a twinkle in her eye. “My mother says ye should bring one.” She beamed at them.

  Cormac was happy for Lena, glad that she had been able to receive a message from Edna. But he was happier for himself that she wanted him to bring another horse. That could only mean one thing. Jenna. “Can ye make it a quiet one, Ewan?”

  Ewan grinned. “Of course, a quiet one ‘twill be then.”

  The following morning as they approached the bridge, Cormac felt as light as a feather. The weight of the past few days had been lifted from his shoulders and he knew in his heart that he would see Jenna again.

  “We wait here,” Cormac announced to Cailin. They both sat and silently waited for something to happen. It was a quiet morning, but they could still here the birds chirping happily in the trees and the sound of the stream rushing over rocks as it passed underneath the bridge.

  Dismounting, Cormac motioned for Cailin to do the same. “I think we should make ourselves comfortable. We dinnae ken how long this will take.” They let the horses graze and sat under the shade of a nearby tree. Leaning their backs against its sturdy trunk, they waited.

  ***

  “Are ye ready, lass?” Edna asked Jenna. “Silly question, I know. Ye’ve been ready since before ye left San Francisco.” Edna chuckled at that one.

  Jenna grabbed her leather tote and headed for the door of the inn. On her way out, she hugged Angus, who she’d found to be a very sweet man. He obviously had a soft spot in his heart for Ashley. He handed Jenna a wrapped gift and asked if she would be sure to give it to Ashley when she returned to Breaghacraig.

  “‘Tis something for the wee bairn,” Angus explained.

  Jenna also said goodbye to Maggie. Not that she’d seen all that much of her, not since their dinner the other night. Maggie seemed to be spending all of her time with Dylan, who was leaving with Jenna.

  “It’s been so nice getting to know you,” Jenna said to Maggie.

  “And ye,” Maggie replied, leaning in to kiss Jenna’s cheek and give her a brief hug. “With any luck at all, my Auntie will let me come visit ye.” She glanced at Edna, who rolled her eyes. “And ye, ye handsome man,” Maggie said to Dylan. “I’ll see ye soon, I hope.”

  “I hope so, too,” Dylan said. Jenna occupied E
dna and Angus, so Dylan could sneak in a goodbye kiss without an audience.

  “How far is it to this bridge, Edna?” Jenna asked.

  “Not far. It’s a lovely walk and ye’ll have company, so the time will pass quickly.”

  Chester sat patiently by Jenna’s side, waiting for Dylan and Maggie to finish their farewells. Angus cleared his throat as a signal that everyone was waiting on the young couple.

  “Okay. Let’s go,” Dylan said, obvious excitement in his voice.

  Edna gave them instructions on where the path to the bridge was located and Dylan assured her that they wouldn’t get lost. They set off down the road, looking back to wave a final goodbye to the Campbells.

  ***

  “Cailin,” Cormac admonished. “Ye’ll eat everything Lena gave us and then we’ll have nothing for the return trip to Breaghacraig!”

  “I’ll not eat it all,” Cailin said, rummaging through the saddlebags. “Lena gave us enough food to feed ten people. I imagine Edna told her we’d be needing extra.”

  “Aye. Yer probably right, but just in case, mayhap ye should stop.”

  The two were busy arguing about the food and didn’t notice a change in the atmosphere surrounding them. The wind had picked up and the fog was swirling nearby. Cormac stopped and listened. He could hear the popping sound and saw the colored lights appearing. “It’s here,” he shouted to Cailin, over the sounds of the whirlwind spinning in front of them. The horses stopped what they were doing and pricked their ears towards the fog and Cormac and Cailin stood perfectly still, waiting breathlessly.

  ***

  Jenna, Dylan, and Chester arrived at the bridge just in time to see a whirlwind of fog spinning on the other side. “That’s for us,” Jenna said.

  “Are you sure?” Dylan asked, concern in his voice.

  “Yeah. The same thing that took me from San Francisco. Come on. Hold on to my hand and to Chester,” Jenna instructed.

  Dylan did as he was told, but not wanting to take any chances, he lifted Chester into his arms, and Jenna looped her own arm through his. They walked forward cautiously. Chester was focused on the fog and started to wriggle in Dylan’s arms. “He sees something we don’t,” Dylan said. They walked into the fog and stood immobile, as it swirled around them.

  ***

  Cormac couldnae believe his eyes as a very excited Chester came bounding towards him. Cailin took a defensive stance, but Cormac put a hand on his shoulder in warning.

  “Chester,” Cormac exclaimed as the dog leaped into his arms and licked his face. “I wasn’t expecting to see you, my friend.” He put the dog down and Chester immediately went to Cailin, who had apparently never seen a dog quite as ferocious-looking as this one. The dog wagged his stubby little tail and Cailin visibly relaxed. A moment later, Jenna came out of the fog, looking even more beautiful than Cormac remembered her and by her side was, Dylan, whose face lit up when he saw Cormac.

  “We did it! We’re here. We travelled through time, didn’t we?” Dylan asked excitedly.

  Jenna was in Cormac’s arms in the blink of an eye. “Cormac, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you. I realized as the fog was taking me that I was making the worst mistake of my entire life. It took me a while to find Edna, but Dylan, Chester and I flew to Scotland to get her to help me.”

  Dylan hugged them both together. “I’m so happy to see you, Cormac. I hope you don’t mind that I tagged along.”

  Cormac was so happy he couldn’t speak. Instead, he hugged the two of them even more tightly. The sound of Cailin clearing his throat got their attention. Cormac stepped back and grinned. “I’m sorry, brother. Let me introduce ye to Jenna’s cousin Dylan and I believe ye’ve met Chester.”

  “Aye. This is an amazing creature. I’ve never seen a dog like this before and I’m pleased to meet ye, as well, Dylan.”

  “Same here, dude,” Dylan said, sizing up Cailin. “Strong family resemblance,” he observed.

  “Aye. We’ve been told we look enough alike to be twins,” Cailin agreed.

  Jenna and Cormac were so wrapped up in one another that they hardly noticed anything going on around them.

  “Cormac, we should get going,” Cailin said. We can make good progress if we leave now. We’ll make camp later,” he explained to Dylan, “but we’ve got plenty of food and we’ll make a fire to stay warm overnight.”

  “Sounds great,” Dylan replied enthusiastically.

  “Cormac, Dylan should ride the extra horse Ewan lent us and Jenna can ride with ye. Chester,” he said to the dog, “ye’ll have to walk, I’m sorry to say.”

  “He’ll be fine,” Dylan said. “He likes to go for long walks.”

  Cormac could see that his brother was forming a friendly bond with Dylan already. He was happy about that, because when he married Jenna, which he planned to do as soon as he possibly could, Dylan would be part of the family.

  “Shall we then?” Cormac asked.

  “You ken, this reminds me of a similar ride I took back to Breaghacraig with Ashley,” Cailin smiled.

  “I’d love to hear that story,” Dylan said, mounting the spare horse.

  Cormac and Jenna made themselves comfortable on Saidear and were oblivious to anything but each other.

  Cailin rolled his eyes at them. “Well, I’d be happy to share it with ye, Dylan. It looks like ye and I will have much time to get acquainted.” With Chester trotting happily along beside them, the sound of Cailin’s voice rang through the woods as he told his tale.

  EPILOGUE

  Jenna was standing in the middle of her chambers, feeling like the luckiest woman on earth. She was surrounded by her best friend, Ashley, her sister-in-law to be, Irene, along with Lena and Helene. She felt a special bond with all of these women and looked forward to a lifetime of their friendship.

  “You look gorgeous,” Ashley observed. “Irene, you did an amazing job on this gown.”

  “Well, I didn’t mean to presume anything, but I knew ye’d be back to marry me brother and so I started work on it right away. Do ye like it, Jenna?”

  “Irene, it’s perfect. I’m in awe. To think you made this just for me and in just a few short weeks. It’s unbelievable,” Jenna gushed, running her hands over the beautiful golden gown.

  “‘Twas my pleasure. I know we didn’t start off on the best of terms, but I want ye to know that yer me sister now.”

  Jenna was touched by Irene’s admission. She reached out to grab Irene’s hand and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so very happy.” Tears threatened to spill and she got herself under control. She didn’t want Cormac to see her with red puffy eyes, even if they were the product of happy tears.

  “Are we all ready then?” Helene asked.

  Jenna nodded and Helene opened the door, leading the procession of women as they made their way down the stone steps and into the Great Hall, which was filled to the brim with the MacKenzie clan and their neighbors. Dylan and Chester were waiting nearby. Dylan gave her the thumbs up as she passed. In the midst of it all, stood a very handsome Cormac MacBayne. The sight of him took Jenna’s breath away, just as he always did. Jenna glided across the room and straight into his arms. The other women went to stand with their respective partners as Cormac led Jenna to stand in front of the priest, who had arrived especially for their ceremony. They stood hand in hand and listened intently as the priest spoke. They exchanged their vows and Cormac presented her with a beautiful amethyst ring. The band was adorned with silver thistle leaves and the stone itself was set to resemble a thistle flower. As he slipped it on her finger, he whispered in her ear, “‘Yer my beautiful thistle, Jenna. I’ll love ye forever and ever.”

  ABOUT JENNAE

  Jennae was born and raised a New England girl, just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, where her imagination was always bigger than she was. Her large, extended Irish and Italian families were a great source of support, inspiration and humor. Laughter, love and food were never hard to find in her home. Jennae grew up surrounded
by nostalgic, historical landmarks, which fed her love of history and creative writing.

  She has worn many hats over the years. From owning her own typing service and horse boarding facility, to operating an embroidery/t-shirt business, her entrepreneurial spirit was strong and thriving. Determined to do something she truly loved, her vivid imagination took over again and she decided to follow her literary dream of writing stories that tapped into her love of magical people and places.

  Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, where they’ve raised two beautiful and talented children. Along the way they’ve gathered a menagerie of pets, including dogs, cats, chickens and horses to make the family complete.

  You can contact Jennae at her website: www.jennaevaleauthor.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennaevaleauthor

  Twitter: @jealil

  jennaevaleauthor@gmail.com

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading Jenna and Cormac’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed it and you’d like to help other readers find my books, I’d be grateful if you’d leave a review on Goodreads or at the retailer where you purchased A Thistle Beyond Time. If you’d like more info on book releases, cover reveals, giveaways, etc., please sign up for my newsletter here

  Thank you again,

  Jennae Vale

  Books in The Thistle & Hive Series

  A Bridge Through Time (Book 1)

  A Thistle Beyond Time (Book 2)

  Separated By Time (Book 3) To be released in 2015