All In Good Time: Book Six of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  “Good night, Sara. Sleep well. We’ll be off early in the morning.”

  “Good night, Wallace. I’ll be ready.”

  Chapter 4

  The door slammed behind Logan with a resounding thud. Having always been a good guest, he didn’t remember ever having been thrown out of any place he’d ever been. This was not the best way to start the day. Aisla’s Da was being unreasonably stubborn and he had no idea how he was going to get through to him. Head down, he walked towards his horse, muttering to himself the whole way.

  “What seems to be the problem?”

  Logan looked up to see his friend Dougall astride his horse, Broch. “Nae a thing. Were ye seeking me out this morning?”

  “I was. I’m going off on patrol and I thought ye might like to join me.”

  “Do I have a choice?” Logan snarled.

  “Nae. Ye dinnae,” Dougall chuckled. “It seems ye could use some time away.”

  “Aye. Ye may be right.” Logan mounted his horse and rode the short distance back to Breaghacraig where they were joined by a small group of men for their journey around MacKenzie lands.

  It was his own fault that Logan now found himself in this predicament. Aisla was his friend and she needed his help. He had no idea that her father’s reaction would be so explosive. He’d need the time away to think about how he was going to navigate this.

  “How’s Helene?” he asked. He knew the answer to that question already. Helene and Dougall were happily married and living the life he wished he had. He wasn’t jealous of his friend’s good fortune. In fact, he was quite happy for him. It was just that ever since he’d been back from his travels to San Francisco, he’d done nothing but think about Sara. He’d realized early on it was of no use. She was in another time and verra far away. He would simply have to forget her and get on with his life. Perhaps his plans to help Aisla were just what he needed. She was nothing more than a good friend, but he felt he could learn to love her.

  “Logan! Dougall had been speaking to him and he hadn’t heard a word. “Yer mind appears to be elsewhere. What troubles ye?”

  “Many things, my friend. Many things.”

  “Why dinnae ye tell me about them. Perhaps I can help.”

  “My problems are just that, mine. I cannae expect ye to help me solve them.” Logan looked out towards the horizon. There really wasn’t a thing that Dougall could do.

  “Why nae? Ye’ve helped me in the past with mine, havenae ye?”

  “Aye, but ’twas different.”

  “How so? What is so different about yer problems that I am incapable of helping?”

  “I didnae mean to say that ye were incapable of helping, but it would take far too long to explain it all to ye.”

  “We’ve got nothing but time, my friend. Two or three days to be exact.”

  They rode back through the gates of Breaghacraig and assembled the men who’d be joining them. It was the same group every time and so they had developed a strong bond with each other, as was evident in the way they got under each other’s skin.

  “Logan, I was hoping Dougall wouldnae find ye,” Fearchal said. The others all laughed.

  “Why is that?”

  “More food for the rest of us.” This brought another round of laughter.

  “Laugh all ye like, but I’m still a growing lad, ye ken.”

  “Ye’ll be growing the wrong way if yer nae careful,” Fearchal ribbed.

  Logan shook his head and harrumphed. This was just what he needed to get his head out of his troubles. Three days with these idjits would do him a world of good. They set off to the north, with plans to skirt the edges of MacKenzie lands where they butted up against their neighbors the Cromarty clan. They each had a saddle bag full of food and supplies. Fearchal had been kind enough to put a bag together for Logan, which he handed him as they made their way off on their journey.

  “Thank ye, Fearchal. ’Twas most kind of ye.”

  “Ah, ’tis nae a thing. This way ye’ll stay out of me food supplies.” He barked a laugh and Logan couldn’t help but join in.

  The wagon broke through the trees and into a clearing just beyond Breaghacraig. Sara’s heart beat wildly in her chest. This was it. She’d be seeing Logan soon. How would he greet her? She didn’t really care, all she knew was that she was going to throw herself into his arms and hold on for dear life.

  “I can see by the smile on yer face that yer happy to be here. I hope ’tis nae because yer tired of me company,” Wallace said.

  “Of course not.” Sara turned her beaming face towards him. “I’ve loved spending time with you. You’ve been such good company and I felt very safe knowing you were with me.”

  “’Tis good to hear. I’ve enjoyed yer company as well, lass. I’ll miss ye on me long trek home.”

  Sara leaned over and gave him a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. As they approached the castle, they both noted a group of men riding off away from Breaghacraig. She wasn’t sure, but it looked like Dougall was in the lead, but they were too far off to tell. This was all so exciting. Here she was approaching a real sixteenth century castle. They’d traveled past several small cottages and then through a small village.

  “The village is new. Only finished a short while ago. I may stay at the inn tonight rather than head straight home.”

  The people in the village and the cottages were curious to see who was in the wagon and Sara smiled and waved at some of them, who either returned the wave or looked at her as if she had two heads. She felt like she was in a parade.

  Through the castle gates and into the courtyard, she couldn’t believe her eyes. There were several buildings behind the walls of the outer courtyard. She had no idea what they all were, but she guessed that each of them had something to do with the running of the castle. The wagon pulled up in front of the castle doors and Wallace dismounted and came around to help Sara down. She took his hand, gawking at everything in sight.

  “Careful, lass,” Wallace leaned in close so only she could hear. “Ye dinnae want everyone to suspect yer from a different time. Fer while there are some here who have time traveled, not all have nor do they believe it possible.” He took her hand and led her to the castle doors, which he opened and then led her through.

  “Good morn to ye, lass. We’re here to see the laird and his lady.” Wallace greeted the young girl who’d been by the door. She nodded and scurried off in search of them. “Come. Let’s go into the great hall.”

  Sara’s eyes couldn’t have been wider as she took in all the sixteenth century finery that filled the hall. She’d never been to a castle, but from her reading, this surpassed even her wildest imaginings. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, wonder filling her voice.

  The stone walls were covered with beautiful tapestries that she imagined might be in a museum somewhere in her time. Everything looked fresh and new, even though in her mind it was five hundred years old and should maybe be dusty and falling apart. Servants were busy cleaning the long wooden tables at the center of the room, sweeping the floors and lighting torches along the walls. On the other side was an enormous fireplace with an opening so tall a man could easily stand up inside of it. In front of it were a few beautiful, ornate chairs. The pleasant scent of lavender and fresh herbs greeted her with each inhalation, but she couldn’t see where it might be coming from.

  “Wallace is that ye?” A woman entered the room. She was quite beautiful with jet black hair and the bluest of blue eyes.

  “Aye, Lady Irene. I’ve brought ye a visitor. Edna asked me to escort her safely to Breaghacraig.”

  “And I can see that ye’ve done just that.” Irene turned to Sara. “Who do we have here?”

  “I’m Sara Barrett, ma’am.” Was that how she should address her? She hoped she didn’t say or do anything stupid.

  “Good day to ye, Sara. I be Lady Irene MacKenzie. Ye are welcome in our home. What brings ye to Breaghacraig?”

  “I’m here to visit with my friend Helene. Is she here
?”

  “Nae. Helene is at her own home. She and Dougall… do ye ken Dougall?” Sara nodded. “She and Dougall have their own home now and she spends most of her time there. Come. Let’s sit for a moment.”

  “I’ll be leaving ye then,” Wallace said.

  “So soon,” Sara said. She felt comfortable with him nearby and hated to see him go.

  “Aye. ’Tis been a pleasure spending time with ye, Sara. I hope all yer dreams come true.” He bowed in her direction and then to Irene. “Lady Irene.” He turned to leave and Sara wanted to run after him, but instead stood fidgeting with her cloak and feeling at a complete loss for words.

  “Here, come sit by the fire and warm yerself. I’ll see if I can find Lady Ashley and Lady Jenna. I think ye’ll have much in common with them.” Irene led Sara to the chairs by the fire and indicated she should sit. “I won’t be but a moment.”

  Doubts about the sanity of what she was doing began to creep into Sara’s mind. Here she was in a strange place, about to meet more people she didn’t know and all she could hope was that they would be as kind to her as Wallace had been. Maybe if she ran she could catch him and he’d take her back to the bridge. She turned to face the entrance when two women around her age entered the room.

  “Hi, I’m Ashley and this is Jenna. It seems you’re joining us from the future.”

  Sara wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She was shocked to hear them mention time travel so casually, but also ecstatic to meet these two women. They might be the only one’s present who knew what she was feeling and thinking right now.

  “Hi. I’m Sara Barrett.”

  “Welcome,” Jenna said as they approached her. “I’ll bet you’ve got lots of questions and I know we’ve got lots of answers.”

  Sara was feeling a little tongue tied as she glanced from Ashley to Jenna, both of whom were very obviously pregnant. Jenna carried a small dog in her arms and Sara reached out to let it sniff her hand before petting it.

  “Shall we sit,” Ashley suggested.

  The three women sat by the fire and all Sara could think to say was, “Wow! This is so surreal.” Sara glanced around at the great hall.

  “We’ve been here a while, so it’s not surreal to us anymore, but it was when we first arrived. It takes some getting used to, but before long you’ll feel quite at home. That is, if you’re planning on staying.”

  “I hadn’t given it much thought.” Sara looked around and wondered if she could call this grand place home. “I’m here to see my friend Helene. I guess she doesn’t live here at the castle anymore.”

  “No. When she married Dougall, they moved into their own house. It’s not too far from here. We’ll walk over there with you if you like.” Ashley looked to Jenna, who nodded her agreement.

  “That would be amazing,” Sara replied. “Do you know Logan McPhail?”

  The ladies exchanged glances before Ashley answered. “Yes. He’s one of Dougall’s men. They just left on patrol. They’ll be gone a few days. Did you meet them when they were in San Francisco?”

  Sara nodded.

  “Speaking of San Francisco,” Jenna began, “how’s everything at the house? I understand your brother lives there now.”

  “He does. He’s taking really good care of it, so you don’t have to worry.”

  “I wasn’t worried. I know it’s in good hands. I’m wondering why he didn’t come with you. I can’t imagine he’d want you to come here all by yourself.” Jenna tipped her head as she gazed at Sara, a look of concern on her face.

  “He doesn’t know I’m here. I told him I was taking a month-long cruise. If I stay longer, then I’ve asked Edna to contact him and let him know where I am.”

  Ashley’s raised brow and Jenna’s frown told Sara they didn’t approve.

  “It’s okay. Really. He’d just worry needlessly and I don’t want him to do that. He’s got enough on his plate without worrying about me.”

  “But do you really think…” Ashley began to speak, but was interrupted.

  “Jenna!” A male voice called from outside.

  “I’m here, Cormac!” Jenna answered.

  A very handsome Highlander accompanied by a large Rottweiler dog came through the door wearing a huge grin. He was quite tall, with long black hair and the most beautiful sapphire blue eyes Sara had ever seen, which she noticed were solely focused on Jenna. “There ye be, love. What are ye doing? I’ve something to show ye.”

  Jenna returned his gaze, never taking her eyes from him as he strode across the room to help her up from the chair. “I’ve made something fer ye, wee one,” he spoke to Jenna’s belly. His hands rested there reverently as he leaned down to kiss Jenna’s lips. She took a moment to obviously enjoy her husband before introducing him to Sara.

  “We were just getting acquainted with the newest arrival from San Francisco 2017. This is Sara. Sara, this is my husband Cormac.”

  “Welcome to Breaghacraig.” Cormac brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.

  Jenna and Ashley giggled and Sara assumed it was because she’d just turned hot pink.

  “You’ll have to get used to that,” Ashley said. “It happens all the time around here.”

  Cormac released her hand and turned back to Jenna. “Can ye join me or is there something else ye need be doing?”

  Jenna glanced at Ashley. “Don’t worry, I’ll walk her over to Helene’s. You go see what Cormac’s up to.”

  “I’m nae up to anything, Ashley,” Cormac said, winking at her. “I’ve made our wee bairn a cradle, love.”

  “Oh, Cormac, you’re so sweet. I’m sure I’m going to love it.” Cormac put an arm around Jenna, pulling her close as they walked away.

  “I’ll catch up with you later.” Jenna called back over her shoulder.

  “Shall we?” Ashley asked.

  Sara stood and watched Ashley wiggle her way out of the chair. “How far along are you?”

  “Seven months. I don’t remember being this big with my daughter, maybe I’m having a mini Highlander.” She chuckled at her own joke.

  “You’ll meet my wee bairn and my husband, Cailin later.” Ashley retrieved her cloak and led the way out into the courtyard. “So, were you blown away when you got here. This castle is pretty incredible. The first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was sure it was a hallucination.”

  “I’m sure my mouth hanging open was a dead giveaway.”

  “Just a tiny bit,” Ashley giggled.

  “You seem very happy here,” Sara observed.

  “I am. I love my husband and the MacKenzies so much, I couldn’t imagine my life without them in it. Of course, the side benefit of that is I have a beautiful daughter. Her name’s Emma. And I’ve got this one on the way.” She pointed to her protruding belly and laughed.

  “Does Jenna have other kids?”

  “No, this is her first. She was so worried that it would never happen and then we went back to visit Edna for Christmas and it was like a Christmas miracle. It wasn’t until we made it back here that she realized she was pregnant and then she waited to tell everyone because she wanted to be sure there were no problems.” Ashley was talking a mile a minute. Sara hardly had time to squeeze in a question, as they headed out of the keep and onto the path to Helene’s home. A gentle breeze wafted across the green fields dotted with purple heather on either side of the path. They came to a fork in the road and went to the left, away from the village. The smell of salt water, the sound of waves crashing in the distance and the sight of gulls overhead left no doubt that Breaghacraig was situated right by the water.

  “So what’s it like giving birth here? No hospitals, no maternity wards.”

  “I won’t lie. It was a little scary. Things can go wrong here that are difficult to take care of. I don’t like to think about that too much. I’ve learned to focus on happy thoughts and outcomes. Besides, we have a great midwife here and she made it so much easier than I thought it would be.”

  Happy thoughts
and outcomes. Sara could relate to that.

  They were approaching a quaint little manor house not too far from the castle. A two-story stone building with shuttered windows that had been opened to let in the warmth of the day, it was surrounded by lovely plants and flowers, with a well off to one side. It was a beautiful place and Sara was overcome with joy for Helene and Dougall.

  “I’m so happy things worked out for Helene and Dougall. I wasn’t so sure they would, but my brother really helped to encourage her to come back here. He knows how much she loves Dougall.”

  “Your brother must have been heartbroken to lose her. Helene confided in me when she returned. He holds a special place in her heart, as do you,” Ashley said.

  Sara smiled at her new friend, even though her heart ached for her brother.

  They approached the door and Ashley knocked. “Coming!” Sara smiled broadly at the sound of Helene’s voice.

  The door opened and Helene screamed before grabbing Sara and crushing her in a hug and not letting go.

  “Sara! Is it really you?” she squealed. Sara could barely breathe, let alone speak.

  “Helene, I think you might need to let go of her so she can answer you,” Ashley giggled.

  Tears welled up in Helene’s eyes and in Sara’s. “Helene, I’ve missed you so much.”

  “And I’ve missed ye. Why have ye come? I’m happy yer here no matter the reason, but I didnae expect I’d ever see ye again.”

  “I had to see Logan. I felt like we left things unfinished between us.”

  “Oh, so that’s why you asked about Logan,” Ashley said.

  “I’m sorry, I would have told you more, but I wasn’t sure how much I should say.”

  “Well, he’s gone off with Dougall for a few days,” Helene said with a wave of her hand. “Where are me manners? We’ve been standing out here far too long. Come in. Come in.”

  “Helene your home is beautiful. You must be so happy here.” Entering the house, Sara found herself gaping at everything she saw.