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

by Jennae Vale

  “Nae. I’m always speaking to me Ma and me Da. I dinnae think there’s anything wrong with it.” They walked a bit, each thinking of the people they missed, when Edna stopped and faced Sara. “Do ye ken who I’m missing?”

  “Who?” Sara asked and then before Edna could answer she guessed, “Angus!”

  “Right ye are, lassie. I miss me man terribly. I cannae wait to get back home to him. He wished to join me.”

  “Why didn’t he?” Sara realized it was rather odd that Angus wasn’t here. Edna was a witch and all, it seemed like they would have the freedom to go anywhere together.

  “I was afraid of losing him. The last time he was in this time he almost died. I wasnae willing to take that risk.”

  “I would’ve done the same thing.”

  Sara had a lot to think about. Edna reminded her that she had a decision to make about where she would live. Staying here in this century was appealing to her, but she wasn’t sure how she’d feel after being here a lot longer. Ashley and Jenna would be the best people for her to speak to about it. They both had decided to stay and they seemed pretty happy.

  And what about Logan? Would he even want to live in San Francisco? She couldn’t imagine it. He would truly be a fish out of water. The only people he’d know would be her and Zeke. It might be hard for him to adjust.

  Edna went up to her room to rest and Sara went looking for Logan. She found him with Nick and Hamish. Before he had a chance to notice her watching, she took the opportunity to observe him. How lucky she was to have found him. He had so many admirable qualities.

  She’d never met anyone quite as honorable as Logan. The list of his attributes was endless and to top it all off he was so very handsome with his long dark curls and ebony eyes. The men were practicing with their swords and the way his arms flexed and the muscles of his chest rippled as he lifted his sword took her breath away. Those broad shoulders and strong arms were a warning to any who may choose to battle him, but to her they were safety and security. When he wrapped himself around her, she knew everything would be alright. She loved nestling her nose in that little spot at the base of his neck. His scent was of pine and musk and smelled better than any cologne. His husky voice in her ear could make her quiver in anticipation of things to come. Just the thought of it was having a similar effect on her now. She broke free from her daydreaming and walked closer, eyes focused on Logan. He turned to see her and the heat in his gaze sent a rush of warmth through her body that settled in her core.

  Logan sheathed his sword, said something to Nick and strode purposefully her way, never once taking his eyes from hers. Sara steadied her breathing and swiftly beating heart as he approached and took her in his arms

  “Hey,” she said.

  His lips met hers in a steamy kiss. Sara steadied herself by placing her hands on his bare chest.

  “Were ye watching me, lass?” he asked with a knowing glint in his eyes.

  “You caught me. Yes, I was.”

  “And I imagine ye liked what ye were seeing.”

  “Mmhmm…”

  He hadn’t released her, still holding her close with one strong arm. “Would ye care to see more?”

  “I would, but not here.”

  He cocked an eyebrow as a half-smile slowly appeared on his lips.

  “Sara, Logan!” Aisla hurried their way, the smile on her face a welcome sight.

  “Damn,” Sara said, much to Logan’s obvious delight as he chuckled. “Hi Aisla! How are you? How is Rory?”

  “We are fine, wonderful really. His strength is coming back so fast. It is truly a miracle. Sara, I wanted to thank ye fer doing what I was afraid to do. If it wasnae fer ye, things would have ended much differently for us all.”

  “It was nothing, really. I did it as much for myself as for you. I’m just happy Rory is going to be okay.” Sara’s heart was happy for them and the baby. She wasn’t much for patting her own back, but she was kind of proud of herself.

  “And Logan, I cannae thank ye enough fer wanting to marry me and care fer the babe even though it wasnae what ye really wanted. Only the very best of friends would have done what you were willing to do. I’m eternally grateful to ye.”

  “Seeing you happy is thanks enough, Aisla.” Logan assured her.

  “Logan, are ye coming back?” Hamish yelled.

  “Go on, I’ll spend some time with Aisla,” Sara said. He touched his finger to her lips and then turned back to Nick and Hamish.

  “Where’s Rory?” Sara asked, as she admired Logan’s retreating back and smiled.

  “He’s with his mother. She’s been so worried about him. He wished to put her mind at ease.”

  “So, we’ve got time for some girl talk.” Sara reluctantly turned away from watching Logan.

  “Sara, ye make me laugh with the things ye say.” Aisla giggled as she hugged her.

  They walked through the courtyard and towards the castle doors as they spoke.

  “Your new home is pretty impressive,” Sara observed, no matter how many times she saw it, this castle always took her breath away.

  “I can hardly believe I’ll be living here. ‘Tis a dream.” Aisla’s happiness was evident in her eyes, her voice and her new-found zest for life. She was very different from the Aisla she’d first met back at Breaghacraig, who’s life seemed to be tinged with an unspoken sadness.

  “Ye ken my little garden back home,” Aisla said.

  Sara nodded, it was evident gardening was her passion.

  “Well, the garden here is bigger than my little cottage and garden put together,” she was bursting with excitement as she spoke.

  “I’ve seen it. It’s really quite beautiful. Aisla, I’m so delighted for you. Isn’t it amazing how quickly things can turn around? You’ll have your Da here with you and a whole new family to love!”

  “I can hardly believe that this family has welcomed me, a person of my lowly stature, into their home. They’ve been so kind.” She placed her hand over her heart as she glanced around at her new home.

  “They’re good people, but you deserve this,” Sara assured her.

  “And what of you, Sara? Logan is yours now. I can see that he loves ye.”

  “I’m a lucky, lass,” she tittered. “I don’t think I really believe it yet though.”

  “Logan is a good man. I’ve known him since we were both bairns. He will be a good husband to ye.”

  “I’m sure he would be.” Again, Sara was caught off guard. She hadn’t really thought any of this through. Of course, in this time you’d get married. In her time, they’d probably live together first, but she loved Logan. She’d never been in love like this before and if he asked her she had no doubt she’d say yes. “Well, I guess we’ll see.” Sara stopped in her tracks and faced Aisla. “But he hasn’t asked me to marry him yet.”

  “He will. He looks at ye with such passion.” Aisla giggled. “Yer the first woman he’s been with who has challenged him and captivated him. I am so thankful he will have you around to keep him in line.” She put her arm around Sara and headed into the castle she couldn’t help but laugh along with her.

  They entered the great hall and were greeted with hugs and kisses by Lettie and Edna. Although one woman was from the future and one a medieval lady, they were getting along like old friends, just like Sara and Aisla.

  “We were just beginning to wonder where ye two were,” Edna smiled up at them.

  “I’m glad ye took yer time. It’s given me a chance to spend time alone with Edna before she leaves,” Lettie said. “Aisla, Rory just went off to visit with his brothers. He said to tell ye he’ll be back soon.”

  Edna patted the seat next to her and indicated that Sara should sit with her. Aisla sat beside Lettie. They were both served some tea and Sara recognized it as Aisla’s special blend. She glanced over the rim of her cup at her friend.

  “I brought it with me when I left home,” Aisla explained.

  “I’m so verra happy that ye did. ‘Tis delicious
.” Lettie said and then as proud as any mother can be, “She’s a verra good gardener, ye ken and she used a special herb blend to make this tea.”

  Aisla smiled shyly and looked down at her tea.

  “I’m hoping ye’ll help tend my garden, Aisla. We’ll grow whatever ye need or want.”

  “Yer garden is lovely, Lettie. I believe ye’ve already got everything I could ever need or want. I’d be happy to tend to it.” It was easy to read the excitement in her eyes.

  The conversation switched to talk of the wedding and all the preparations being made for the big day.

  “Merry and Isla are helping with yer dress, Aisla. I believe they’ll need ye to try it on this afternoon. They’ll put the finishing touches on it once ye approve.”

  “Will ye join me?” Aisla asked Sara.

  “Of course, it will be fun. I can’t wait to see you in it.”

  “The ladies are quite like our modern-day recyclers, Sara,” Edna explained. “They’re taking bits and pieces of gowns they already have and making them into a beautiful new dress for Aisla. I’ve been lucky enough to take a peek. Ye’ll love it, Aisla.”

  “I’m sure I will, especially because it’s being made for me by me new sisters,” Aisla smiled at them all, but it was easy to see she was getting tired.

  “Are you feeling well, my dear?” Lettie asked.

  “Aye.” Aisla nodded.

  “Ye should probably rest some. The wee bairn ye carry will tire ye easily. I remember when I was with child all those many years ago. I never seemed to get enough sleep. It got harder and harder the more bairns I had,” Lettie laughed. “You should go up to yer room and nap fer a while. We’ll send fer ye when the dress is ready.”

  Sara and Edna agreed with Lettie and they sent Aisla off upstairs without argument.

  “She’s a verra special young lass,” Lettie said after she left. “Rory was lucky to find her.”

  This must be what it’s like to have a mother who cares about you and loves you, she thought. “It’s a win, win situation,” Sara said without thinking.

  “I dinnae ken yer meaning,” Lettie said.

  “She only means that it has worked out well for all of you, including Aisla,” Edna explained.

  “Och, of course. Katriona says strange things all the time. I’m getting used to it, but I still need help understanding her sometimes.”

  They all laughed and continued enjoying Aisla’s tea blend and talking. Sara watched the servants scurrying around the castle, making preparations for Aisla’s wedding and the dress her new sisters were making. Who did Sara have to talk with about flowers and hairstyles? There had been times in her life when she wished for her mom, well, not her mom exactly. But a mom like they had in the movies that would fuss over her. For someone whose dreams of finding love were coming true, Sara felt oddly alone.

  Sara excused herself from the ladies and walked out to the herb garden to sit on a bench and be alone with her thoughts. The scent of lemon verbena, thyme and rosemary soothed her anxiety over an unknown future. She picked some and crushed them in her hands to further enjoy their fragrance, and as she did, a sweet little squirrel appeared at her feet, gazing up at her with a tipped head and an inquisitive eye.

  “Well, hello there,” she said. Sara was afraid she’d scare the little critter away, but much to her surprise, it hopped up on the bench next to her. She slowly and cautiously held out the hand with the herbs in it and watched in delight as the squirrel gently took some from her hand and happily munched away. Sara had secretly always wished she could have a squirrel as a pet, so having this small creature befriend her might just be the best part of her day. “Do you like that?” she asked, not expecting an answer. The squirrel continued taking the herbs from her hand until they were all gone and then instead of leaving it stayed there with her while it groomed itself. Sara continued her one-sided conversation with the squirrel, talking about her relationship with Logan and the decisions she’d be making soon. Saying it out loud seemed to be helping her work through things. Now she needed to have this same conversation with Logan.

  As if on cue, he appeared in the garden. “Sara, there ye be. I hoped ye hadn’t wandered off and gotten lost,” he teased.

  The squirrel stayed right next to her and eyed Logan as he approached.

  “What have we here? Have ye made a new friend?” he stopped a few paces away, not wishing to scare the squirrel.

  “Isn’t he cute?” she asked.

  “He is. I thought you were with Aisla, not making new friends,” he spoke softly as he moved a few paces closer, keeping a close eye on the squirrel’s reaction.

  “We had tea with Edna and Lettie for a while, then she was tired and went to lie down. I decided to come out here.” She sighed, “I needed some time alone to think.”

  Logan took his eyes off the squirrel and gave her his full attention. “Would ye like me to leave then?”

  He was so sweet and considerate. No wonder she loved him. “No. Come sit with me.”

  The squirrel hopped back down on the ground, chirping indignantly as Logan sat beside Sara. Logan chuckled. “It seems I’ve angered him.”

  Sara laughed as the comical squirrel complained while flicking its tail back and forth. She reached out and picked some more herbs, which she deposited on the ground at her feet. This appeased her little friend, who happily went to work eating.

  Logan put a hand beneath her chin and turned her face to look at him. “What have ye been thinking of, my sweet?”

  “The future. Yours and mine.”

  “I can see yer worried about it. Tell me of yer fears and mayhap I can help ye put them to rest.”

  “I don’t know if I want to stay in this time or not,” she admitted. She looked down at her lap, afraid to see Logan’s reaction. “I really like it here, but what happens a month or two from now, when all the excitement has worn off? Will I want to go back to my own time? And what about Zeke?” the worries were spilling out fast now. “Edna says he is going to find love soon and that makes me so happy for him. But…he’s the only family I have left and I don’t know if I can just never see him again. I think I need to talk to Ashley and Jenna to see what I can expect.” Sara felt so lost.

  Logan reached for her. His hand was so warm, so strong. She could feel his love in that touch. “Sara, as long as ye take me with ye, I’ll be happy,” his voice wrapped around her and calmed all the noise in her head. She looked into his eyes and saw her future. “Stay for now, but if ye dinnae wish to be here in the coming months or even years, I will go with ye to yer time. I am happy as long as ye’re by my side, no matter where or when that may be.”

  Happy tears formed in her eyes. “I love you so much,” she said, her hand caressing his face.

  Logan wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She felt safe and secure in his arms, knowing that it was all going to be alright. No matter her choice, he would be there with her.

  “Helene! Dougall! Sara ran to greet them as they rode into the courtyard with the MacKenzie party.

  “Sara!” Helene dismounted and ran to her. “Ye scared us half to death going off as ye did.” She hugged Sara tightly. “I’m so happy yer well.”

  “Where is everyone?” Sara asked, only seeing Irene and Robert, who were being greeted by the Mackalls and shown into Dunaill.

  “Jenna and Ashley couldnae make the journey and so their husbands stayed home with them.”

  “That makes sense. I guess they’re too far along in their pregnancy for a three-day trip by horse. What about the children?” she asked.

  “Robert and Irene’s children stayed home as well. ’Twill give their Ma and Da a chance to enjoy themselves without worry.”

  Dougall joined them. “’Tis good to see ye, Sara. I see Logan found ye,” he teased.

  “He did. Not that I needed to be found.”

  “Speaking of Logan, there he is now,” Dougall pointed out.

  Sara turned to see her handsome highlander striding
towards them. She wondered if she’d ever get used to the way he took her breath away every time she saw him.

  “Dougall, Helene. ’Tis good to see ye,” Logan said as he reached them.

  “So, our wee Aisla is to be married,” Dougall said.

  “Yes, and not to me,” Logan chuckled.

  “I understand ye have Sara to thank fer that.” Dougall turned to smile at her.

  “Aye. She saved us all the day she decided to find Rory Mackall.” Logan put an arm around her shoulders and stood proudly next to her.

  Sara didn’t think that what she’d done was that extraordinary, but she loved feeling Logan’s pride in her. She put her arm around his waist and snuggled a little closer.

  “Dougall, I’d like to speak with Sara for a bit. We’ll meet ye inside.”

  “As ye wish, my love,” Dougall said.

  “Come, Logan. ’Tis been a long journey and I would like some whisky.”

  The two men walked away, leaving Helene and Sara to catch up with each other.

  “So, I see ye and Logan are together.”

  “We have been practically the whole time we’ve been here.”

  “They say ’tis a miracle that Rory Mackall survived.”

  “If it was a miracle, then Edna’s the miracle. Dr. Ferguson figured out what the problem was and then Edna took it from there,” Sara said. “It was amazing how quickly he was up and about.”

  “You must be happy about that,” Helene said. Sara could tell she didn’t want to pry, but she was hoping Sara would tell her everything.

  “I’m more than happy, Helene. I love Logan and he loves me. I can’t imagine a better outcome.”

  “I can. Ye need to marry him.”

  “Well, I can’t if he doesn’t ask me.”

  “Ye’ve nae spoken of it.”

  Sara shook her head. “There’s no hurry. We have nothing but time, right?”

  “Well, ye better get to it. Alpin told me he’s going to leave the cottage for Logan. He’ll be staying here with the Mackalls and will have nae need of it.”