“That would be fine.” She said and felt Garrett squeeze her closer.
“Perhaps we could go for a ride?” He looked at her, and she felt butterflies in her stomach.
“I would love that.” She smiled at him. Pushing back the fear at not being close.
“It's settled then! Seth!” He yelled, and Seth came running into the room.
“Yes, sir?”
“Saddle my horse please, I am going to take Carissa out today.”
“Saddle two horses please.” She added eyeing him. “I know how to ride.”
Garrett grinned widely.
“Very well.” Seth backed out of the room, and Kettie began laughing wildly.
“Why do I have the feeling this one is a handful? In a good way of course.” She added winking at Carissa.
“Would you like to spend the morning with me Gabby?”
“Got it!” She yelled and clapped her hands.
An hour later they were headed out to the stables.
“Are you sure you are okay with this?” Garrett asked Carissa.
She kept turning her head and staring back at the castle expecting to see Gabby crying or running after her.
“I have never left her with anyone before, and-” She hesitated, afraid she would offend him.
“You’ve only just met my mother?” He finished the sentence for her, and she nodded, ashamed. “I understand, Carissa. Would you prefer if we headed back?”
Carissa watched his face. He tried so hard to hide the disappointment, but she could see it just around his eyes.
“No, I trust you.”
Garrett grinned. “She will be fine, I assure you.”
Carissa smiled. “Where are we going?”
“Not far, I have someplace I wish to show you.”
His body was vibrating with excitement, and it made Carissa wonder where he was taking her.
He spoke quickly to the stable hand who handed him the reins to the two horses they had prepared.
“I had them put a normal saddle on your horse, but I can change it to a woman’s saddle if you would prefer.”
“Not at all, this is perfect. I don’t even know how to ride side saddle.”
At his side glance, she smiled. “That’s what I was raised to call a woman’s saddle.”
“Ahh, makes sense.” He helped her into the saddle and then climbed onto his own horse. “Shall we?”
She nodded and followed him.
With every step the horse took it carried her further away from Gabby, she knew they hadn’t ridden that far yet and still she felt helpless. Garrett slowed his horse down as they rode through some trees.
They had only been riding for about fifteen minutes before he stopped and dismounted.
“Come.” He said reaching for her.
“Where are we?” Carissa asked. The only thing she could see were trees. It reminded her of the forest Garrett, and Leon had found her and Gabby in.
“You said you trusted me.” He grinned and kissed her lightly.
“I do.” She smiled, took his hand and followed him as he ran through the trees.
He stopped her just before the edge of the tree line and asked her to close her eyes. She did and smiled when she could hear waves. Were they that close to the ocean?
“Open.”
She opened her eyes and gasped. She stood on the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. She watched as the waves crashed into the rocks below them. It was the most breathtaking thing she had ever seen.
“Oh my, this is amazing.” She said as she pressed a hand to her heart.
“I come here sometimes when I need to think.”
“Garrett it’s amazing.”
He nodded and turned her. “I am so grateful I found you and Gabby that day in the woods. You have turned my life around.”
Carissa felt her heart thump against her chest. This man made her feel as if she were the most important person on the planet, how did he do it so easily?
“You did the same for us.” She pressed her hand to his heart and closed her eyes to feel the rhythm of it beneath her palm.
For so long she felt as if she didn’t deserve to be loved this way, that she was destined to spend her life alone.
When Mrs. Kinley had appeared for her, she felt as if maybe this could be their fresh start, but she never could have imagined she would find the love of her life nearly eight hundred years in the past.
She felt his lips on her own and breathed him in deeply. His mouth moved smoothly on hers, and she opened for him, prepared to take anything he was willing to give her.
“Can I tell you a secret?” She whispered in his ear.
“You can tell me anything.” He rested his forehead against hers.
“I’m not wearing any undergarments.” She grinned at him wickedly when he looked at her shocked.
He groaned. “You don’t know what you do to me lass.” He covered her mouth again only this time the passion took over. She opened under him, and his tongue darted in to dance with hers.
They lowered to the ground, and she pulled her skirt up slightly as he nestled himself in between her legs.
“Now Garrett.” She begged him, and he obliged.
They lay breathless afterward, just listening to each other breath and the waves crash into the rocks below.
“I fear I am becoming quite addicted to you Carissa.”
“I fear I am becoming quite addicted to you as well Garrett.”
He propped himself up on an elbow and traced her face with his finger.
“As much as I hate to end our outing, maybe we should go back and check on Gabby?” He surprised her with his words.
“Are you worried about her as well ‘dada’?” She asked him, laughing.
“Does it bother you that she calls me that?” He wondered.
“Not at all. I’m so incredibly grateful that she feels that way about you. I wish it had been you from the beginning.” She blushed, afraid her words were offered too soon.
“You do not know what an honor it is to hear you say those words, Carissa.”
Her heart sped as she looked at the seriousness of his face. He truly meant it, and it made her feel beyond blessed. Could things really work out for them?
Chapter Nine
They arrived back at the stables quickly, and Carissa was grateful that the stable hand was waiting and ready to take the horses from them. She estimated they had only been gone for two hours, but she couldn’t wait to see Gabby.
Garrett and her walked hand in hand up into the nursery and Carissa pressed a hand to her heart when she looked in on Kettie and Gabby.
Kettie was sitting cross-legged on the floor playing with some toys that Edith had given to them. Gabby was giggling wildly and had anyone been looking from the outside in they would have believed Kettie played with her granddaughter.
Before Garrett could walk in and interrupt, Carissa pulled him back, and they quietly left the room.
“So tell me of yourself,” Garrett said as they walked along the hallway.
“What do you want to know?”
“Anything.”
Carissa laughed lightly. “Well my birthday is December fifteenth, and I am twenty-six years old. I love to read and am absolutely addicted to romance books. Particularly those with strong Irish men in them.” She winked at him, and he grinned. “I went to nursing school and wanted to be a neonatal nurse.”
“Nursing school? Neonatal?” He wondered.
“I wanted to be a healer, or rather a healer’s assistant. A neonatal nurse works with newborn babies. I’ve always loved babies, I wanted five.” She laughed.
“Did you become a neonatal nurse?”
“I did, I worked for about a year before I found out I was pregnant with Gabby.”
“And then?”
“I was put on bedrest about five months into my pregnancy. A friend of mine took care of me while I was down, I had met her at the hospital.”
“Parker did not care f
or you?”
“No, he said he was too busy with work. Truth be told, I didn’t see him much beyond the day I told him I was expecting.”
“It continues to surprise me what a terrible man he is.”
She nodded her head. “I failed Gabby on that.”
“Failed her how?”
“Parker.”
“Carissa, you could never fail that little girl. You brought her into this world, and as far as I’m concerned, you did it alone. Don’t ever feel like you failed her.”
Carissa nodded quickly, her throat burning with unshed tears.
“Besides, she has me now. You both do.” They emerged from the castle and began walking along the grounds.
The air outside was crisp and clean. She breathed it in deeply and smiled when Garrett laced his fingers through hers.
How long had it been since she had felt loved? Cared for? She asked herself, although she knew the answer. Since her parents died shortly after graduating college. Parker had been who she had turned to after that day, and he had never made her feel loved. She had told herself she had been, hoping he would wake up one day and love her as she loved him. Though as it turns out, she supposed she had never loved him either.
She looked up at Garrett. Other than Gabby, she hadn’t truly loved until him. How had she fallen so quickly for him? She had guarded herself after Parker, even before they had split she supposed. But it felt as if Garrett had been made for her, as if they had been made for each other.
He looked down at her, and she blushed.
“Something I can help you with, love?” He grinned, amused.
“You could kiss me.”
“I think I could help with that.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, gently.
“Thank you.” She whispered when he lifted his head.
He nodded, and they continued walking.
“Garrett!” Leon called for him, and Carissa turned to see him running with two guards close behind him.
She immediately began to panic and started toward the castle for Gabby.
“Gabby is fine,” Leon said quickly when he saw the fear on her face.
“What is it?” Garrett asked.
“McLoughlin’s men are approaching.”
Carissa watched as the color drained from Garrett’s face.
“Get Carissa to the castle. Now. Ensure that she and Gabby are hidden.” He ordered Leon and then looked to Carissa. “I need you to stay in your room, please don’t ask why now as I don’t have time to explain it to you. I will tell you all later, I swear it.” He kissed the top of her head, and she watched as he headed toward the gate with the two guards Leon had brought with him.
“What is happening Leon?” She asked him as they ran toward the castle.
“Garrett will tell you all he wants you to know.” Leon’s jaw was set, and Carissa decided not to press anymore. She had gotten to know Leon well enough during her time here to know that he would not divulge any information to her without Garrett’s consent.
“Leon, what is it?” Kettie asked when they barged into the nursery.
“McLoughlin’s men have arrived.”
“Why would he be sending his men here?” She asked Leon. “Have there been any letters? Any word of his arrival?”
“No ma’am.”
Kettie yelled something in Irish Gaelic and then turned to Gabby who still sat in her arms. “Little lass I will see you in a bit.” She kissed her head and handed her to Carissa. “It’s best if the two of you stay put.”
“Garrett asked me to stay up here and out of sight.”
Kettie nodded. “That is smart.”
She headed for the door, and Leon turned to leave. Carissa gripped his arm, and he turned to look at her.
“Is Garrett going to be okay?” Tears filled her eyes as she worried about the man she had fallen head over heels for.
Leon must have noted the fear in her eyes because his face softened. “All will be well.” He patted her hand and then turned to leave the room.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” Garrett said sternly to Carrick McLoughlin as he dismounted from his horse.
“Is that how you McKinley’s greet guests?” Carrick sneered at him and handed one of Garrett’s guards his reigns. “No wonder my daughter was so miserable here.”
Garrett ground his teeth together. Carrick had blamed him for his daughter’s death even though he hadn’t cared for her at all. He had merely suffered her presence when she had been a child and married her off when he believed it would benefit him.
“Is there something I can help you with Carrick?”
Carrick nodded and began walking toward the castle ignoring Garrett.
Garrett moved in front of him, and Carrick stopped to stare him down.
“I said, is there something I can help you with Carrick?”
“I am only checking on my investment.”
Garrett scoffed. “You have no stake in McKinley land Carrick. You haven’t for quite some time now.”
“I own part of your land, you owe it to me after the way you treated my Eleanora.”
“Your daughter was tended to just as the lady of the house should be.”
“Then why is she dead?” He growled back, and Garrett clenched his fists.
“Carrick, this is a surprise.” Kettie placed her hand gently on Garrett’s arm.
“Good to see you, Kettie.” He nodded and smiled at her.
“I’m sure it is, now what can we help you with?” She asked him sternly.
“As I told Garrett here, I am merely checking on my investment.”
“You have no money in our land Carrick.”
“I have an interest.”
“You can keep your interest and place it somewhere it belongs, Carrick. We do not need nor wish it here.” She folded her arms and Carrick bared his teeth.
“Are all McKinley’s so unwelcoming I wonder?” He laughed and looked back to his men who smiled and nodded in agreement. “I hear you found a lass in the forest, and that you are housing her here. Is that true?” He asked arrogantly, and Garrett began to understand why he was there.
“What goes on in our walls is none of your concern Carrick.”
“But it is. I have spent the last years grieving for the loss of my daughter and granddaughter.” He tried to muster up grief, but Garrett saw right through it. Carrick McLoughlin cared for no one but himself.
“As have we,” Kettie said softly.
Carrick scoffed. “So much so that your son is bedding a whore?”
“You will watch your tongue.” Garrett started toward him, but Leon gripped his arm.
“Who said he was bedding anyone, Carrick?” Kettie asked sweetly. “Perhaps you should find another source for your information.”
“Perhaps.” Carrick smiled and patted Garrett’s cheek. “Might we come in?” He asked Kettie but never looked away from Garrett. “Tis a long ride from McLoughlin land and we could use a rest.”
Kettie nodded. Garrett knew she was only trying to avoid a confrontation. McLoughlin had more soldiers than the McKinley’s, and any war would end badly for them.
“You will hold your tongue and show respect while in my home, Carrick,” Kettie warned. “Or so help me, Lord, I will have you and your men removed.”
“Of course, Kettie. We are grateful to you for your hospitality.” He nodded slightly and then gestured for his men to follow him in.
Garrett watched angrily as they walked into his home.
“This is not going to end well,” Leon said quietly to him.
“No, tis not.” Garrett agreed, his jaw tight. “Go and warn Carissa. Tell her that I will have dinner sent up to her.”
“What do you wish for me to tell her?”
“Whatever she asks.”
Leon nodded and headed for the door.
Garrett watched as he disappeared from view. Carrick had some nerve to show up unannounced like this. Then to insult Carissa. Garret closed his eyes and took a deep
breath. How he had wanted to run the man through right then. Then add in the history they had, Garrett was surprised the man had shown his face at all.
He knew why, though, he believed he was going to push his way into taking part of McKinley land. After all, that had been why he had forced Eleanora to marry Garrett. The plan had come out once she had died, although they had never heard it from his mouth.
Carrick had intended on killing Garrett once Eleanora had given birth to a son. It had been his intention to take the land from Garrett’s family. Eleanora’s handmaiden had overheard them talking after the wedding and had told Garrett once she had passed. Eleanora had never wanted anything but to get away from her own father and had feared Garrett would kill her himself if he knew of her father’s plan.
One question did plague Garrett’s mind, though, how did Carrick believe he would obtain McKinley land now?
“Is Garrett okay?” Carissa asked when Leon came to the door. “What happened?”
Leon closed the door quietly behind him and walked them into the nursery.
“Aye, he is fine.”
“Then what is going on?” She held Gabby tightly against her chest, and Leon touched her shoulder gently.
“Carrick McLoughlin arrived with a handful of his men.”
“Who is Carrick McLoughlin?”
“Garrett has told you of Eleanora?”
Carissa nodded.
“Carrick McLoughlin is Eleanora’s father.”
“Oh.”
“Tis not a happy visit.” He told her. “Garrett does not care for the man, and McLoughlin feels the same.”
“Then why is here?”
“I am not sure. I imagine he is going to try and convince Garrett to hand over part of McKinley land.”
“Why would he do that?”
Leon shook his head. “I will not tell you that. It shouldn’t come from me.” He ran his hand over his jaw. “You and Gabby should stay here, we will send food up.”
Carissa nodded.
Leon put his hand on her shoulder again. “Carissa, you needn’t be afraid. Everything will be well.”
Gabby reached for him, and Leon took her hand gently. “Will you keep an eye on your mother wee lass?”
Their Own Time: A Trio of Time Travel Romance Novelette's Page 5
