by Norma Gail
“Kieran—” She was twisting her hair again, and he reached for her hand.
“I’m sorry I was angry about Adam. No matter what you said, I was afraid the ring might tempt you to return to your first love.”
“But why? I told you I wanted nothing to do with him. You know what he did …”
“Because a man wanted to put a ring on your finger, and it wasn’t me. I was jealous. But I was wrong to be angry for something you can’t control.”
“I have tried to end it. But Kieran, I don’t love him. I love you.”
“I know that. There’s one more thing. Faith in God is important to you. I will keep coming to church with you, and I will talk with Graeme. I don’t want any of these things to stand between us. I love you, Bonny, without any qualifications.”
Her hand was still in his, and she placed the other on his cheek. “I’m so happy you came back. I should have told you sooner. I was wrong too. But Kieran, you have to trust me where Adam is concerned. It’s possible I might see him when I go for Kari and Dan’s wedding, not because I want to, but because it’s out of my control.”
He swallowed hard. He didn’t want another man to think he had a right to her love, but she was right. “I trust you.”
“Thank you. I don’t love him. You taught me about true love, and you’re the only man I love.”
“I have dreamed of holding you, your scent, your lips …” He felt her trembling as she looked into his eyes. Letting go of her hands, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her against his heart. Her lips tasted sweet as she responded to his kiss. Her love was all he needed. When he pulled back, she smiled, and it felt as if fireworks were exploding in his head. “Will you come to Beauly for Christmas?”
Light sparked in her eyes, and a smile spread across her lips. “Yes, if you still want me, I’d love to.”
He kissed her again, and a tingling streamed through him. Life without her bright presence to chase away the dark was no longer imaginable. He drove to his aunt’s at midnight, his lips still tasting of her kiss. I never dreamed of loving this way again. If you’re real, God, please don’t make me live without her.
Chapter Twenty: Preparations and Dilemmas
“Wait until Dr. Cameron hears his American professor is prejudiced against Scots.” Deirdre leaned across Bonny’s desk, her peculiar amber eyes reminding Bonny of a predatory cat. “I won’t fail a class because you’re unwilling to allow for beliefs different from your own.”
Bonny’s heart rate increased, her breath coming short and fast. She mustn’t allow her fear to show. Kieran had warned her about being alone with Deirdre Adair, but the imposing woman had entered her office when the majority of faculty had left for the day. She must have hidden inside before the outside doors were locked. “I prefer to discuss this during normal office hours. Students aren’t allowed here this time of day.”
Thankful for the desk between them, Bonny slid the cell phone out of her pocket with as much stealth as possible and touched Kieran’s name on the screen. If he answered, he might recognize something was wrong. He was in his office at the opposite end of the hall.
“I waited to catch you alone.” The eyes narrowed, sending a chill through Bonny. She felt the presence of evil whenever Deirdre was around—didn’t trust her. With the door closed, it was impossible to see if anyone passed by who could help.
“In the future, make an appointment during regular office hours. This time is for faculty to work undisturbed.” Bonny’s heart pounded, and her hands shook, but she heard Kieran’s voice, a mere whisper with the volume turned down. She felt calmer knowing he was on his way.
“Deirdre,” she spoke louder than necessary to ensure he heard. “You’ve refused time and time again to complete the work as it’s assigned. This was to be a paper on the Christian faith of a Founding Father of the United States, not a diatribe against Christianity. I’ll allow you one opportunity to complete this paper in acceptable form before Friday. Grades must be in by Monday.”
Deirdre put her hands on the desk, her long nails adding to the cat-like image.
“If you fail me, I’ll speak with the Heidy.” In her anger, she slipped into the Scots dialect, more common in the South.
Kieran opened the door without knocking. Her phone trick had worked. Deirdre’s eyes grew wide in surprise as his booming voice and imposing presence filled the small office. His eyes fastened on Deirdre, though he spoke to Bonny. “Dr. Bryant, I recognized your car in the car park and didn’t think you should walk out alone in the dark.”
Bonny’s heart slowed. “Thank you, Dr. MacDonell. I was discussing a paper with Deirdre, but we’re finished. I appreciate you thinking of me.” She stood, breathing deep, and forcing her voice to a commanding tone. “Deirdre, the office wing is off limits to students except during office hours. If you’re here again outside those hours, I’ll have to report it to administration.”
The large woman stood only a few inches shorter than Kieran’s six foot four and weighed close to the same. His eyes sparked blue fire as he seized her by the arm. “I heard you in the hallway. I’ll not tolerate you threatening Dr. Bryant. You’ll follow rules or suffer the consequences. Talk to Dr. Cameron if you will. You won’t fool him.”
The narrowing eyes and down-turned mouth indicated her annoyance at the interruption. She eyed Bonny with undisguised disgust, but her expression when she turned to Kieran was like an all-together different person. “Why Dr. MacDonell, I was just leaving. It’s so kind of you to think of a woman walking alone in the dark. You never know what might happen these days.”
“The only woman I’m concerned about is Dr. Bryant. Get on out of here before I escort you out, and don’t let me see you near her again.”
Deirdre continued in the syrupy sweet voice she only used when talking to Kieran. “I’m sorry I lost my temper, Dr. Bryant. I’ve been under some strain lately.”
Forcing her into the hall, he shut the door on her heels and held his arms out. Bonny couldn’t get out from behind the desk fast enough. She rushed to him, laying her head on his chest. “Thank you. She’s a terrible woman. I won’t coddle her. I’ll fail her if she doesn’t do as she’s told.”
“Aye, but keep your office door locked and be careful. She’ll not forget this.” He turned her face up to his, kissing her hard, then held her away, searching her face. “Are you all right, hen? Using your phone was brilliant.”
She buried her face in his chest again. “I was frightened for a minute, but I feel safe now.”
He swallowed hard, shutting his eyes. “So you are, mo annsachd.” He buried his face in her hair. “I’ll keep you safe, my precious Bonny.”
The note in Kieran’s box in the college office was addressed to “Dr. MacDonell” in bold letters, written in pencil. He ripped it open to find a page of math problems in his own writing. Unfolding the sheet of paper, he recognized the handwriting at once. It was Deirdre’s.
My Dearest Kieran. Well, he thought. That was a stretch.
The letter continued:
I can’t continue at FWCC and face seeing you with her all the time. We could have had something special, but you have been blinded by the American. You belong to Scotland. Our nation needs men and women of Scottish blood to build our nation. When you realize you are making a mistake, I will be here. For now, I am going away, but I’ll know when you’re ready. Remember me, Deirdre
This hardly qualifies as a secret. Bonny knows I don’t care for Deirdre at all. No need to make waves. I’ll get rid of it and be glad she won’t be around making us uncomfortable anymore.
He tore it in shreds and threw it away.
More than turmoil at school or rehearsals for the musical, the trip to meet Kieran’s parents made Bonny nervous. Janet, resigned to the decision, reassured her. “Maggie and Hamish are special people. She’s protective of her son, but once she recognizes your heart for the Lord and your sweet spirit, you’ll do fine.”
“Kieran warned me she’s not p
leased I’m from America.”
Janet patted her shoulder. “Turn it into something positive, Bonny. Gifts from New Mexico could help them get to know you. Learn the Gaelic and let them know you love it here, too. Hamish enjoys gourmet cooking.”
“What about a gift basket of New Mexican food?”
Janet nodded. “Perfect. Men love food. He’s as gentle and kind as Kieran. He’ll love you. Maggie’s taste isn’t much different from your own. Choose a gift typical to New Mexico that you would like.”
Bonny touched the cross at her neck. “People say how pretty my turquoise is whenever I wear it. I saw a turquoise cross on the Internet the other day—simple and lovely.”
“Perfect. As for Kieran, dinnae fash yoursel’. Men appreciate a picture of the woman they love. Remember the one I took of you in the heather near Ben Nevis last fall? Your eyes look so lovely with your green sweater. Have it enlarged and framed.”
Bonny agreed, adding a book on American History and another on New Mexico, with the potential to provide them with hours of conversation. She suspected Kieran planned a proposal, but she still wasn’t certain how to respond. He was everything she had ever dreamed of, except for one thing. It was hard to believe only one problem created a major threat to their otherwise strong relationship.
“Mmm,” Kieran licked the chili off his finger. “You should cook a New Mexican dinner for my parents.”
“If your mother approves.” She swatted the back of his hand as he prepared to stick his finger in the pot again.
He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck as she turned back to the stove. “Stop worrying. You’ll love each other once you get acquainted.”
“I’m not worrying, but a woman’s kitchen is her domain, and I shouldn’t presume.”
It was useless to argue when she used that firm tone of voice and set her jaw. “I’ll call them after dinner.”
Hamish greeted the idea with enthusiasm, and Kieran hung up with a smile. “You’re on, Dr. Bryant. My da thinks it’s a super idea.”
“I said to ask your mother.” She set the tea tray on the table and sat down next to him.
“Da can convince her of anything. You worry too much.”
“I’m not worrying.”
He put his finger under her chin, turning her face. “I see those wrinkles in your forehead. Relax. This Christmas will be lovely, I promise.”
“I don’t believe this is Kieran’s idea. It’s hers.”
Hamish sat next to his wife and reached into the box of Christmas decorations. “Maggie, he’s found someone to love after two years of misery. We prayed for his life to change, and it has. Stop complaining.”
“Ouch.” She put her finger through a glass ornament. “Now see what I’ve done. I agreed to help with his plans for a romantic proposal because I had no choice. Agreeing to her cooking us a New Mexican meal, whatever that is, is simply a ploy to move Kieran one step closer to America.”
“He’s not moving to America. Don’t judge her before you know her.”
The phone ringing at five in the morning startled Bonny awake. “Rise and shine, Carrot-Top.”
“Dan, oh Dan, it’s so good to hear your voice.” She turned on the lamp and sat up in bed.
“Being home again is the best feeling ever. At times I thought I wouldn’t make it. A quiet family Christmas sounds perfect, but one important member of our family is missing this year.”
“Oh, I wish I was there to welcome you home.” The distance felt like a tangible thing.
“It doesn’t seem right with you gone. Do you have plans for Christmas?”
“Actually, I had two invitations, but I decided to spend Christmas with Kieran’s family, so I can meet his parents.” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
“That’s a big step, Bon. Kari has kept me filled in on things. Remember what Drew taught us in the college group at church about dating relationships?”
It didn’t take him long to get to that.
“Like-mindedness in spiritual matters. He warned us not to date someone we wouldn’t consider marrying.” She didn’t attempt to hide her irritation. “Kieran isn’t a non-believer, Dan. He’s caught in the same struggle I went through.”
His voice remained calm. “You’re pinning a lot on what you think and not what he does.”
“You’re a dear friend, Danny Boy, but I know his heart. I can’t imagine refusing if he proposes.”
She knew the sound when he clicked his tongue in exasperation. “I can’t say anything to change your mind, but I’d feel better if I met him.”
Once he admitted defeat, she changed subjects. “You would like him, I promise. How are you doing? I worry about you.”
“I’m down to one crutch already. I plan to go hiking next summer. Consider what I said, please?”
She did as she promised while she packed for the trip to Beauly. As much as she hated it, Dan was right.
Chapter Twenty-one: Beauly
Thick fog and blowing snow caused Kieran to concentrate on the road as they traveled north to Beauly three days before Christmas. Surrounded by the snowy silence, neither spoke for miles. When he managed to think about anything other than the road, he envisioned his grandmother’s oval ruby ring encircled by diamonds sparkling on Bonny’s finger.
She laid her hand on his shoulder, interrupting his concentration. “I appreciate you bringing the Bible out after dinner and suggesting we pray together the past few weeks.”
His lips curved up with pleasure at her praise, but his eyes stayed on the road. “I need to put my past behind and move forward. Talking to Graeme and singing in the choir convinced me to examine my attitude.”
She squeezed his shoulder. “I know you’re trying.”
He wanted to please her, but more than anything, he desired to make her his wife. The loneliness was too much to bear any longer.
Bonny’s mind strayed to a subject she preferred to avoid—the Christmas card. It arrived the day before in an envelope with the return address of an old college friend. She tore into it, eager to catch up on the news. Instead she discovered a letter from Adam. Once again, he had used an envelope with the address label of a mutual friend as the return, and used an address label for her address, rather than handwriting it. He must be stealing address labels from people. That’s pretty low. Once again, the letter was typed.
“Dear Bonny,” it read, “I find it difficult to face Christmas without you. I can’t accept that you love someone else. Please give us another chance. The love I have for you will not die. I will always be faithful if you return to me. Love forever, Adam.”
She glanced over at Kieran, questioning whether her love limited her visibility toward the man beside her as much as the fog limited his visibility of the road. He had watched her throw the card and letter in the fireplace, and thanked her for telling him. The adventure of being loved by him was priceless. If only …
Kieran’s eyes strayed to Bonny, asleep in the seat beside him. His throat tightened at the sight of her face, relaxed in sleep, with her long auburn lashes shadowing her cheeks. How he wanted her to be his first sight in the morning. He put Christmas music in the CD player and stroked her cheek as they drew near Beauly. Before falling asleep, she had reminded him to awaken her before they reached the Inn.
She stretched, yawned, and brought out her lipstick.
“My parents will love you whether or not you have perfect lipstick.”
As she put it away and fluffed her hair with her fingers, he made a sharp left and stopped in front of an ancient and charming stone house, its steep gabled roof with chimneys, or lums, rising above each room.
“The Heather Hill Inn, my second home.”
She gasped. “What a beautiful house. It looks as if it came straight out of a Dickens novel.”
Pleased with her reaction, Kieran sounded the horn and his mother hurried out, his father following close behind. Maggie hugged Kieran, then turned her attention to Bonny. “Welcome. Come
out of the cold and let the men bring in the luggage. I have a real old-fashioned tea ready.” She whisked Bonny away following the briefest introductions.
His father embraced him in a firm hug. “You’ve found another jewel from the glimpse I got. Can I gie ye a haund?” He began to lift the luggage out of the back of the Land Rover.
Kieran grunted as he reached for Bonny’s suitcase, weighing twice as much as his own. “Aye, that she is, Da. I inherited my excellent taste from you. Mother’s still a beauty at sixty-five.”
Hamish shook his head. “Your mother is a rare blessing, it’s certain. Ach, I’m still amazed she chose a sheep farmer. She’s pleased you’re attending church and singing in the choir. Be prepared, she’s not comfortable with you falling in love with an American yet.” He held open the door. “Come ben the hoose, son.”
Kieran squeezed past his father into the large entry hall. “Bonny will win Mother over. Wait ‘til you get to know her.”
He followed close behind his mother and Bonny as they went up the stairs, awaiting her reaction. The exquisite, antique, four-poster bed with its rose velvet bed curtains and sumptuous down comforter in a brilliant floral design had the old-fashioned elegance she loved. A round-mirrored dressing table with lace doilies, a delicate writing desk, and a giant mahogany wardrobe completed the effect.
“Take time to freshen up. Tea in twenty minutes.” Maggie took off down the stairs.
Kieran stood behind Bonny, so close he felt her warmth. As she stepped into the room, her eyes rested on a bouquet of red roses on the nightstand. When she turned to thank him, he caught her in his arms, laying his forehead against hers. “At last I have you in my parents’ home. I haven’t looked forward to Christmas in two years.”
