by Jennae Vale
As he approached the practice field, he noted that the men were already hard at work. He set Elena down on the ground where he could see her. “Ye stay right here, lass. Ye can watch yer da best the other men.” He walked away, turning every so often to make sure she was still there and content to see that she was.
“Oh, the men are practicing. This will be a great time for you to see which one catches your eye.” Ashley winked at Tina as they approached a very large field of men in various states of undress sparring with each other. It was hard to believe men that size could move with such agility. Something caught her eye off to the side of the men.
“Is that Elena?” Tina asked.
“I think it is,” Ashley said. The small tot was sitting alone on the grass some distance from the men.
Tina took off at a run, reaching Elena just as she was about to put a fist full of rocks and dirt into her mouth. She scooped her up into her arms, brushing the dirt from Elena’s hands. “Where’s your Da?” she asked, scanning the men in search of Donal.
“Is she alright?” Ashley asked, reaching her side along with Sara.
“She seems fine, but I can’t believe Donal would just leave her here all alone.”
“It’s probably because he doesn’t know any better,” Sara said. “She’s so cute.” She placed Elena’s hand in hers and began babbling away to her. “Who’s a little cutie pie?”
“If he had any common sense, he’d know,” Tina growled. “There he is.” She pointed into the groups of men just as he turned to see her. Donal, being apparently none the wiser, smiled and waved to her. “He’s such an idiot! She could have choked on those rocks. She could have crawled away when he wasn’t looking! Grrr!”
Donal broke free from the man he was sparring with and headed towards them with a huge grin on his face.
“Are you out of your mind?” Tina shouted. “She could have been hurt! You never leave a baby alone like that!”
Donal seemed to have lost the ability to speak as he stood there, face frozen somewhere between the grin and wide-eyed shock at Tina’s berating him.
“Well, don’t you have anything at all to say for yourself?” she asked.
“I, I… Nae.” he said, looking forlorn.
“Donal, you should have found someone to sit with her while you were out here,” she scolded.
“I didnae know. I used to watch the men practice when I was a lad. I thought she would like it.”
Tina put up a hand, stopping him from speaking. He didn’t have baby books to read and at least he was trying, she had to remember that. “I’m sorry, Donal. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. You are new at this. It’s just that it scared me to think what could have happened to her. A baby her age tries to put everything in her mouth, including rocks and dirt. She could have choked, or she could crawl away before you knew she was gone. They are faster than you think.” Donal went pale and Tina felt bad. Donal really was clueless. She hugged Elena closer to her chest. “I’ll take her. You go back to whatever it is that you’re doing. Come find us when you’re through.”
He reached out and touched her elbow, “Thank ye, Tina. Yer a blessing to us both.” He was so close she had to crane her neck up to look into his eyes. They were the bluest she had ever seen. He bent toward her and she couldn’t move. He was going to kiss her right here in front of everyone. She felt her heart nearly beat out of her chest as he placed a gentle kiss on Elena’s little head and said, “Goodbye sweetling, Da will see ye later.” Then he turned and headed back towards the men.
“Shall we go inside, ladies?” Ashley said.
“Lets,” Sara agreed.
Tina turned to join Ashley and Sara as they headed back through the courtyard, thankful no one needed her to speak just yet.
“Remind me not to ever make you mad at me,” Ashley teased.
“You were kind of ferocious with him,” Sara said.
Tina was grateful for the teasing as it helped her refocus. “Only because I was afraid for Elena,” she said. “I’m not usually like that.” Who was she kidding? She could certainly be like that and had been on many an occasion. It was one of the reasons they made her tour manager. She had a pretty high set of standards as anyone who knew her would say, but she’d been learning that it wasn’t always for the best when it came to her relationships. People had flaws. She had flaws. Accepting that about them and herself wasn’t always easy for her, but she was trying.
As they entered the great hall, they were greeted by a group of children, who were introduced to her as Irene and Robert’s. Sara settled herself in a chair by the hearth and motioned for Tina to do the same. “Now you get to see what Ashley does with her spare time.”
A few moments later more children entered the hall and joined Ashley at one of the large dining tables set about the room. From the sounds of it, Ashley was teaching them some basic math skills. The children were all eager to learn and sat as still as could be with their full attention on Ashley.
“Does she do this every day?” Tina asked.
“Almost,” Sara answered.
They spent the next hour or so listening to Ashley as she worked with the children and then finished up with a story. The children all hugged her before dashing outside to the courtyard.
“You were so good with them,” Tina said.
“I used to do some teaching in my other life. I’ve always loved working with children.”
“It’s nice to have a purpose in life, isn’t it,” Tina said.
“It is. I’d go nuts if all I had to do was sit around doing needlework. Don’t get me wrong. I like doing that kind of thing, but I love seeing the delight in the children’s eyes when something finally clicks for them.”
“I’m still amazed that a girl from San Francisco has managed to fit in so well in this time and place.”
“Don’t forget me,” Sara said.
“You, too. And Jenna and Sophia, was it?” Tina tipped her head in question.
“Yes. Sophia, too,” Sara answered.
“The things we do for love,” Ashley said.
“Crazy, isn’t it?” Sara said.
Tina silently agreed. After all, she was here in sixteenth-century Scotland looking for it. And by anyone’s standards that was totally crazy. Elena had fallen asleep in her arms. She looked like a little angel as she lay there so peaceful and content, having no idea at all that life had dealt her a less than ideal hand. Tina could only hope that Donal would give her a good life.
Once done for the day, Donal went in search of Tina, knowing that Elena was safely in her care. He hadn’t done much to impress Tina with his fatherly skills, but that was because he had none. He’d never been a da before, so it wasn’t likely he’d be good at it. He chuckled to himself thinking about Tina. She’d thought he was going to kiss her out on the practice field. She’d closed her eyes in preparation and was surprised when it was Elena he’d kissed. She’d had that look in her eyes. The one that said she wanted him and that was a beginning. He headed towards the great hall, assuming she’d be there and he was right.
“There ye are,” Donal said, as he burst into the room.
“Shhh…” Tina put a finger to her lips. “She’s sleeping.”
“I was thinking it might be time to feed her,” he whispered.
“It probably is, but let’s wait until she wakes up.”
“As ye wish,” he said. “Mary will have something prepared for her when she’s ready.”
“Speaking of which,” Ashley said, “I think I’ll go check on my little ones. Helene has been watching them for me. Do you want to come, Sara?”
Sara wriggled herself to the edge of the chair and Donal hurried to her side to help her up.
“Thank you, Donal. Who says you’re not a gentleman?” she teased.
Donal was embarrassed by this. It hurt to know that although her tone was light, even Sara thought he was no good.
“She’s only teasing you,” Tina said as they both watched the ladies�
� departure. Was that sympathy or pity he saw in her eyes? He hoped it was neither.
“I’m nae so sure.”
“I am.” He rewarded Tina with a relieved smile. “Tell me more about your wife, Sionaid,” she encouraged.
His smile faded. “There’s nae much to tell,” he said. Apparently none of the ladies told her he wasn’t married. He was at odds with himself. Should he say something?
“How long were you married?” she asked.
He nervously glanced around the room as he tried not to look at Tina. Could he continue on with this ruse? This was all making him very nervous. He didn’t like lying to her, but since no one had told her the truth he thought it best to stick with it. “Perhaps about two years.”
“Perhaps? Don’t you know for sure. When’s your anniversary?” She asked, seeming surprised.
“Anniversary?” He was confused by this.
“Don’t you remember the day you were married?” Her furrowed brow and wrinkled nose told him he’d better figure this out and fast.
“I do,” he said. “I just don’t know the exact day.”
“Everyone where I come from even remembers their first date. You know, the exact time and place and they celebrate it, so remembering your wedding date is a big deal.”
He was definitely in over his head in this conversation. Not knowing what to do or how to change the subject he gazed down at his feet, hoping he didn’t look as guilty as he felt.
“You must have loved her very much,” she said.
“Aye.” She thought him sad and that would work in his favor. “We hadn’t known each other long,” he added. “She wished to go home and live with her parents. I stayed here. I didnae even ken she was with child. No one told me.”
“That’s so strange,” she said and was about to continue when Elena stirred in her arms and opened her bright blue eyes. “Look who’s awake.” Tina glanced up at him. “She has your eyes.”
“Does she?” he said, relieved that the conversation may be heading in a different direction.
“She sure does.”
“I’ll take her,” Donal said, scooping her up into his arms. “Are ye hungry?” he asked. “Ye must be, because I am.” He started towards the entry. “Are ye coming?”
“Yes,” Tina said, hurrying to catch up to him.
Chapter 7
Donal couldn’t believe the amount of lying he was doing to keep Tina from knowing the truth of his circumstance. He somehow knew the sympathy and compassion she’d shown him would disappear if she found out that he wasn’t married to Sionaid and in fact wasn’t even sure what she looked like. He’d only lain with her on one or two occasions and then he’d moved on to someone else, whom he also could not remember. His only hope was that she wouldn’t find out.
They entered the kitchen and he almost immediately regretted his decision to bring Tina with him. Mary was about to open her mouth to speak, when she obviously noted Donal’s pleading eyes.
“Good day to ye,” she said to Tina. “I be Mary.”
“Tina,” she said, smiling that bright, sweet smile she had.
“Donal,” Mary’s tone changed. “Ye’ve brought the wee one back and I’ve made her something special.” Pulling the babe from Donal’s arms, Mary danced around the kitchen with her. The tinkling sound of Elena’s giggle brought a warmth to Donal’s heart that he had never experienced before. A deep chuckle burst from his lips as he grasped Tina’s hand, giving it a small squeeze. A moment later he realized what he’d done when she pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, lass. I was overcome with joy and I wished to share it with ye.”
“It’s alright,” Tina said, looking anywhere but at him.
The room seemed devoid of the kitchen maid he’d been wooing this past week and for that he was grateful.
“Sit,” Mary ordered. She set some food in front of them. “Eat,” this command was directed at Tina who was looking through her food as if there was something hiding in it. “’Twill nae bite ye… at least I dinnae believe so,” Mary laughed. “And ye, my wee lass, sit with Mary and I’ll feed ye. Did ye get her spoon as I told ye?”
“Nae. I didnae have time. I will,” Donal replied.
Mary’s lips pressed into a narrow line as she shook her head at him.
“I will,” Donal insisted. “There wasnae time this morn. I was busy.”
She didn’t seem convinced.
“If you tell me where to go, I’ll get it for you,” Tina volunteered.
“We’ll go together,” Donal said. “After our meal.”
“Okay.”
The sound of her voice was sweet to his ears as was her beauty to his eyes and her kindness to his heart. He felt content sitting here with this lass and his wee daughter.
Tina couldn’t help feeling like part of a sweet, little family as she sat next to Donal. It was becoming more and more clear to her that he was the man she was sent here to meet. Her common sense battled with her intuition telling her she was wrong. She had to be wrong, but her intuition was winning this war. Sneaking a peek at Donal, she felt her tummy do a little flip flop and not from the food. Her assessment of his bad boy good looks, his larger than life presence and the vulnerability he showed with Elena were all very attractive to her. Never in her wildest imagination did she believe a child would come with this bargain Edna had conjured for her, but she couldn’t be happier about it.
As Donal and Elena finished up their lunch, Mary tsk tsked at what was left on Tina’s plate. She didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings it was just that the food wasn’t what she was used to.
“Shall we go in search of a spoon?” Donal asked.
“I’d love to,” she responded.
“Ye dinnae need to search, Donal,” Mary said, handing Elena back to him.
“I ken it, Mary.” Donal gritted his teeth as he spoke. “I’m nae daft.”
“I wouldnae be so sure,” Mary said, obviously her parting shot as they walked out into the courtyard.
“She doesn’t like you very much,” Tina observed. She felt bad for him. He’d just lost his wife, found out he had a daughter to care for and no one seemed to have any sympathy for him. Well, she did. “I just don’t understand it.”
“Nor I,” he said.
The sadness in his voice touched her heart and she reached out to take his hand. “I like you,” she said, hoping he could hear the sincerity in her voice.
“Thank ye. ’Tis good to know.”
“So, where are we going?”
“To the smithy,” he replied. “to get my wee lass her verra own spoon.”
They strolled through the courtyard, hand-in-hand drawing the stares of those they passed. The fact that Donal had recently lost his wife made her feel guilty and a little self-conscious. She made a conscious decision not to let it bother her. Maybe it wasn’t normal for a woman to hold hands with a man in this time, but she didn’t really know any of these people and she wasn’t staying here. She wondered how Donal would feel about leaving. That thought hadn’t occurred to her until this very moment. “Donal, do you like living here?”
“Aye. ’Tis my home.”
“What if there was something you wanted in your life that wasn’t here?”
“It would have to be something verra good. Something I couldnae live without. Why do ye ask?”
“Just wondering.”
They arrived at the smithy, who stood over a blazing fire. “Ye should stay out here,” Donal said, handing Elena into her care. “’Tis too hot in there for her.”
“Okay.” She watched him with a new appreciation as he spoke with the blacksmith, who it seemed had some spoons already made. Donal picked them up and examined every one until he found the spoon he must have thought to be perfect.
“I’ll take this one,” he said, reaching into his sporran and handing payment to the man. Donal held it up in front of his face as he came back to them. “What do ye think, Elena? Will this one do?”
She held out her hand and wa
s rewarded with her very own spoon. She waved it around before promptly dropping it. Donal retrieved it with a grin and placed it in his sporran. They walked around the courtyard together for a while longer enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other’s company.
“’Tis been a good day,” Donal noted.
Tina was pleased to hear this because she was thinking the exact same thing. “The next thing we need to find for you is someone to look after Elena while you’re working.”
“Aye. Yer right. ’Twouldnae be fair to ask ye to spend all yer days here looking after her.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind helping. As a matter of fact, I really enjoy it, but I’m going to need back up.”
He was looking at her with a confused expression.
“I’m going to need help,” she explained.
“Where will we find someone?” he asked.
“Let me see what I can do. I might have better luck with it than you.” The way everyone was treating him she had no doubt they’d probably run the other way if he were to ask.
“Ye’d do that for us?” he asked. The poor guy couldn’t believe someone was willing to help him.
“I already told you I’d help in any way I can.”
“So ye have,” he smiled warmly at her and her belly sang with the beating of a million butterfly wings. His eyes held hers for what should have been an uncomfortably long time, but to her seemed not long enough. She thought he might kiss her when they were interrupted.
“Excuse me, miss. Ye dropped this.” A girl of not more than fourteen stood before her holding up one of her earrings. She instinctively checked both ears and realized that one of her earrings had fallen out.
