by B. J. Scott
Beatha smiled. “You already have. But as the new and rightful head of Clan MacQuin, you’d best give orders to your men.”
“But—” Gwen started, then stopped when Beatha disappeared.
One of the warriors stepped forward and bowed. “I’m na sure who you and Lord Damen were talking to just now, Lady Gweneth, but he is gone and as rightful heir to your father’s title, what would you like us to do?”
“You saw her, didn’t you,” she whispered to Kyle. When he nodded, she faced the warriors.
“It matters not. Assemble the men and prepare to return to MacQuin Castle. I must get Lady Lilith out of prison.”
“Aye, Lady Gweneth.” The warrior bowed and raced off to do her bidding.
Gwen scratched her head. “I can’t believe they didn’t see or hear Beatha.”
He playfully kissed the tip of her nose. “You were right when you said it didn’t matter. Damen is gone and you, m’lady, have a clan to run. Well at least until we can get Beatha to send us home.”
“Yes, home,” she mumbled on a breathy sigh. There was so much to think about, Gwen found it hard to take it all in. She was the leader of a medieval Scottish clan, and with that came great responsibility. Who would take over when she went home to her own century was of primary concern. But right now, returning to the castle and getting Lilith out of that horrible dungeon had to take priority.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Gwen stood in the great hall of MacQuin Castle, still finding it hard to believe she was in medieval Scotland and the head of a Highland Clan. The funny thing was it felt like home and where she belonged. However, she knew Kyle wanted to go back to the twenty-first century and she had to admit, she’d missed her mom and dad. Her grandmother had played such a huge roll in her life growing up and the idea of never seeing any of them again broke her heart. On the other hand, she was born in this century—which was likely why she’d always felt displaced—and had just met her birthmother, of whom she was very fond.
“There is much to consider,” Beatha said.
Gwen spun around. “You’re here.”
Beatha folded her hands in front of her and smiled. “Where else would I be?”
She is still speaking in riddles, Gwen thought as she studied the old woman. “I was afraid I’d seen the last of you when I banished Damen, but there are still things I need to know. Kyle wants to go back to our century and I have no idea if or how that is possible.”
Beatha tapped her furrowed brow. “I thought mayhap you would choose to stay.”
“We have a life in the twenty-first century. Kyle is a successful doctor in a pediatric clinic run by his grandfather, and his patients love and depend on him. Not to mention his family and friends would miss him,” Gwen explained. “I have parents and a grandmother who love me, and a job that is set to begin when I return from my trip.” The idea of leaving all these things behind was good reason to return.
“Aye, but are there not sick and poor here in need of the same sort of care?” Beatha asked. “Will na the fact that you are an educated woman who knows about justice and the law make you a better leader of the clan? Are there na people here who will miss you?”
From the moment Gwen arrived in the fourteenth century, all she’d wanted was to find a way home. Now, she was torn. While she couldn’t disagree with Beatha, there really was a lot to consider before making a decision. As for Kyle, she didn’t want to live without him, of that she was certain, so what he wanted was pivotal in her choice to leave or stay.
“My parents must be beside themselves with worry, and my best friend Beth must think she’s going crazy. First I disappeared and then Kyle. Poor thing doesn’t handle the unexpected well.”
“If it helps, your parents have always known from whence you came. They wanted a child so badly and were willing to accept that you could go back to your own time period someday.”
She stared at Beatha in disbelief. “My Parents knew about this?” She gave her head a shake. “Being adopted is one thing, but learning they knew I was from another time and place boggles my mind. I am very close to my mother and am shocked she never saw fit to let me in on the secret.”
“Dinna be harsh on your parents. As part of your placement agreement, they promised never to speak of your true past to anyone, not even you. It was your birthmother and those who placed you out of danger, who decided it was best for you never to know the truth.”
“Is the reason you are telling me this now, because you are trying to convince me to stay?” She had to know.
“Nay. I tell you now so if you decide to stay, you know that while they love you very much and would miss you, your parents will understand if you dinna come back. You also have a mother here, who deserves the right to know her daughter.”
As if on cue, the doors to the great hall swung open and Lilith entered, followed by Kyle. She hurried to where Gwen stood and threw her arms around her. “Och, my sweet lass, it does my heart good to see you well. I was so worried about you.”
Gwen returned Lilith’s embrace. “I was worried about you too. Damen was a horrible man and when I learned you’d been accused of murder and thrown in the dungeon, all I wanted to do was get back to you and see you freed.”
Lilith hung her head and twisted her hands. “Aye, Damen was evil, and if na for me, he would na have had the power he acquired. He hurt a great many people because of my selfishness.”
It broke Gwen’s heart to see Lilith so upset. She’d done what she had to save her daughter, and was willing to risk all to see her safe. In Gwen’s mind that was far from selfish. She liked to think if faced with a similar dilemma, she would do the same thing on behalf of her child. A love that deep could never be condemned, and not only did she like Lilith, she respected her courage.
“You can’t blame yourself, Lilith. Circumstances sometimes make deciding between right and wrong difficult. You made the choice you did out of love, and for that I am grateful.” Gwen kissed her cheek.
Kyle moved to Gwen’s side and wrapped his arm round her shoulder. “Gwen is right. Had you not swapped her for Damen, who knows what might have happened to her, and I would never have had the joy of meeting her.”
“Have you decided what you plan to do?” Lilith asked. “Will you stay or go back.”
After glancing at Kyle and Beatha, Gwen smiled at Lilith. “There is a lot to consider. We are still deciding.”
Kyle frowned, then leaned in and whispered in Gwen’s ear. “What decision is she talking about? We are going home as soon as Beatha tells us how, are we not?”
Gwen placed her hands on Kyle’s chest and looked him in the eyes. To be honest, she had never mentioned the idea of staying in 1305, so she didn’t blame him for being surprised. “Maybe we could talk in private. There are some things to talk about before we decide.”
He gaped at her in disbelief. “There is nothing to discuss. If you love me, you’ll agree to come home.”
Using their love as a means to get her to do his bidding did not sit well with Gwen. She loved him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, but she didn’t like the idea of being blackmailed. She looked to Lilith and Beatha. “Could Kyle and I have a chance to talk?”
“Of course, dear.” Lilith kissed Gwen’s cheek and cupped Beatha’s elbow. “Let’s give them some time. I know in my heart they will make the right choice.”
Suddenly feeling the need for fresh air, Gwen asked Kyle to join her outside. She wanted to check on the poor and the children before she left, and to take them supplies. If she did nothing more while in this time period, she’d do what she could to make life better for those in need, and to ease their suffering.
“You know I will never force you to do anything you don’t want to do,” Kyle said. “I just never considered staying here. I really need to go back and hoped you wanted to go home too.”
“Right now I am confused and need some air, let’s take a walk.” Gwen was pleased when Kyle agreed, and they headed toward
the bailey, but first, she insisted they stop by the kitchen, where she ordered supplies of food, blankets, and other personal items be put together under Mara’s supervision and delivered to the poor area of the village. Once that was accomplished, they left the keep.
They strolled the streets, greeted by the crofters, and soon found themselves in the poverty-stricken area of the village. She could tell by the expression on Kyle’s face that he was as shocked as she was to learn that some in the clan had so much, while many had so little.
One of the children she’d met on her first visit hobbled up to Gwen and threw her arms around her waist.
“Och, I am so happy to see you, m’lady. It’s me, Willow. Did you bring us anything?” The child quickly lowered her gaze and kicked at a rock. “Forgive me,” she muttered.
Gwen squatted and tucked two fingers under the girl’s chin to raise it. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Willow. And yes, I brought you this.” She reached into a pouch hanging at her side and pulled out an apple.
The child squealed with delight, again hugging Gwen around the waist. “Thank you. I will share this with my brothers and sisters,” she said.
“You don’t have to share, more is on the way, enough for everyone.” Gwen rose and wiped the tears from her cheeks as she watched the lass hobble away. “She is so sweet and there are so many in need.”
Kyle wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I noticed her limp, gaunt cheeks, and rotten teeth. I suspect Rickets and Scurvy, among other things.”
“Damen was a miserly ruler and many of these people are in the same shape as Willow. When Mara brought me here, I was shocked to see the number of sickly, malnourished children, and the elderly people begging for scraps of food. It broke my heart.”
Though she did not ask him to do so, Kyle started examining some of the other children who flocked to them upon learning Gwen had brought food with her. She watched in awe, amazed at his bedside manner and the easy rapport he had with the kids. He checked out each child individually, assessing their needs, be it nutritional supplementation or surgery for things like a cleft lip or tonsillitis.
After the last of the children scampered away with an apple in hand, Kyle turned to Gwen and released a heavy sigh. “You’re right, there is a lot of work to do here if we want to see these children healthy.”
Gwen nodded, but never commented. This was something Kyle needed to process on his own. “It’s getting late and Mara warned me not to stay in this area after dark. Sadly, there are thieves who rob the poor for even scraps food.”
They walked back to the keep in silence, but she could tell by his furrowed brow and somber expression, Kyle was brooding about the children he’d met.
When they arrived at the castle, Kyle slowed his pace. He took Gwen by the hand, then turned her to face him. “You know I love you, Gwen, and have asked you more than once to be my wife. I ask you again. Gwen Lindsay, will you marry me?”
She wasn’t expecting him to ask at that moment, but to her surprise, her heart leapt with joy and she found herself saying yes. “I love you too, Kyle, and never want to be separated from you again. You were right when you said we belonged together.”
A broad smile tugged at his lips. “I was hoping you would finally agree. You have made me the happiest man in the world.” He enveloped her in his arms and kissed her with unbridled passion, then raised his head. “The children of this village are in dire need of help. And you will be an amazing mistress of the castle.”
She peered up at him. “What are you saying?”
He dropped to one knee and took her hand. “Marry me, Gwen, and together we will work to fill this village with happy healthy people, both young and old.”
At first, Gwen wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “Did you say you were willing to stay here in the fourteenth century?”
“I did.” He kissed her again.
She loved kissing him, but there was a time to show affection and a time to talk, and this was the latter. “What about your work at the clinic? Your grandfather?”
“My life is where you are, and I would never be happy if I thought I’d asked you to give up something you really wanted,” Kyle said. “My Grandfather is about to retire soon and maybe he will finally ask his receptionist Louise to marry him. They have been dating for ten years, and I know he loves her. My cousin Andrew is the prime candidate to take over as clinic administrator when Gramps retires. There is crack team of doctors and nurses at the clinic, and while I would miss my patients, there are so many kids here that need me.”
Hearing Kyle say these things made Gwen’s decision to stay easier. She had become very fond of Lilith and Mara, and if Kyle was on board and ready to pitch in and help the children, she couldn’t think of a more perfect life. “If you’re sure, we’ll tell Lilith and Beatha.”
“I’m sure.” Before she could say anything else he lifted her in his arms, and carried her up the stairs to the keep, taking two steps at a time.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lilith fussed with the bodice of Gwen’s gown, then stood back. “You look lovely. Caol is a lucky man.” Her words were kind, but tears ran down her cheeks, and she brushed them away with the heel of her hand.
“What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy for me.” Gwen was confused. Lilith was thrilled when she and Kyle told her they’d planned to marry and were going to remain in the fourteenth century. Beatha agreed to let her parents know what happened and to figure out a way to explain to Kyle’s grandfather and Beth—though she wasn’t sure her best friend would understand.
While she felt very much at home in this century and was busy correcting the many injustices that had taken place under Ronald MacQuin and Damen, she had to admit she had some regrets about her choice to stay to stay in 1305. There were things about her old life she missed and Beth was one of them. Gwen missed her constant chatter about guys, fashion, and shoes. It would have been great to have her as maid of honor, but she also knew Beth would be thrilled that she and Kyle were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
After pulling Gwen into a tight embrace, Lilith released her and smiled. “I am na sad, sweeting, far from it. These are tears of joy. I never dreamed I would see you again, and here you are standing afore me, ready to get married to a wonderful man you love.” She pressed a hand to her heart and sighed softly. “A mother couldna ask for more than to know her bairn will be happy.”
“I wasn’t sure this day would come either.” Gwen smoothed her hands down the front of her gown. The thought of how nice it would have been to have her parents sharing her day, caused her heart to ache. But she had made a decision to stay in the past, so couldn’t have it both ways “Given all that happened and how close I came to being forced to marry Duncan Gower, I wasn’t sure Kyle and I would ever wed.”
Lilith placed a ring of heather on Gwen’s head and adjusted the curls flowing down her back. “You and Caol were destined to be together, it was written in the stars. You were meant to come back to me and he was meant to connect with his Scottish roots. I was pleased to learn Laird MacKay will be present at the nuptials.”
“Kyle was pleased too. He feels a strong connection to the MacKays and I think knowing his ancestors are close made it easier for him to adjust to life here. I just wish his cousins Blair and Rory were able to be here too. They gave up so much for us to be together and we owe them our lives.”
Lilith crossed herself and mumbled a quick prayer. “I believe they will both be here in spirit. Giving up their lives so you and Caol could be reunited is a gift that can never be repaid.”
This time the tears were Gwen’s. She really was grateful for everything Kyle’s cousins had done for them and wished she could tell them in person.
“Are you ready, Lady Gweneth?” Mara rapped on the door, then entered. “Och, you look so lovely. Lord Caol will be most pleased. The steward asked me to tell you the priest has arrived and is waiting in the village kirk.”
“Thank
you, Mara, tell him we’ll be right down.” She picked up the bundle of heather, lavender, and bluebells that Mara had picked and delivered to her room earlier in the day, then faced Lilith and smiled. “It’s time to go, Mother.” It was the first time she’d referred to Lilith as her mother, but it felt right.”
“One more thing,” Lilith said. She picked up a small square of linen from the table, unwrapped something and pinned it on Gwen’s dress. “Now we can go.”
Gwen cupped her hand over the emerald pin. “My brooch. I lost it when we jumped ship. How did you find it?”
“Sometimes it is best not to ask questions and just accept the boon,” her mother said, and kissed Gwen’s cheek.
~ * ~
Kyle paced behind the village kirk, overwhelmed by a bittersweet mix of emotions. He was marrying Gwen, the love of his life, his heart and soul, which made him happier the he ever imagined was possible. But he missed his grandfather and wished his parents could be there as well. His mom and dad had died in a car accident when he was seven, and he was raised by his uncle and aunt, but he thought about his parents every day. Laird MacKay was supposed to be coming, but he couldn’t help feeling sad and a bit guilty when he thought about Blair and Rory. They’d given their lives to save Gwen, and he’d never forget them.
“There you are, lad. I wondered if you might have gotten nervous and run off.” Laird MacKay strode towards Kyle with his hand outstretched. But rather than exchange a handshake, they hugged instead.
“I’m pleased to see you, Uncle. The priest asked me to wait here until Gwen arrives at the kirk. Have you been here long?”
“Nay, we arrived not long ago,” Laird MacKay said.
“Here’s where the groom is hiding,” Blair bellowed as he strode toward Kyle with his brother Rory in tow.
Kyle couldn’t believe his eyes, and his heart soared with joy when he saw his cousins. “Blair, Rory, you’re here.” Kyle rushed toward the men and embraced each in turn. “Gwen and I thought when you didn’t follow us to shore, that Gower’s men had killed you and tossed you overboard for your part in our escape.”
