The Key to His Castle: A Clean Time Travel Romance (Clan MacGregor Book 5)

by Blanche Dabney

  “You were wondering about going back. Is there someone you wish to speak to?”

  Heather nodded. “Is that not possible?”

  “I was lucky. I didn’t leave anyone behind I wanted to see again. Tell me it’s not a boyfriend though. That could get messy.”

  Heather laughed. “Nothing like that. It’s just a friend of mine. She’ll probably be wondering what happened to me.”

  “Leave the key with me and I may be able to do something about that. If you go back now, you’ll come out the way you came in.”

  Heather thought about Tony, what she’d found out about him since coming back to the medieval highlands. “What’s a collector?” she asked.

  Tanya smiled sadly. “Not someone you want anything to do with. He would not be happy to have you return without the knife.”

  “And what if I give him the knife?”

  “That’s up to you. What did he offer you for it?”

  “A promotion at work.”

  Tanya frowned. “There must be more than that. You’re not that shallow.”

  “He said it would improve my family history.” Heather waved at Gavin as he glanced across at her.

  “You already have.”

  “What? How can you possibly know that?”

  “I’ll explain it to you sometime if you’re really interested. You know, I never believed in magic until I came back here. Spells and enchanted swords and candles that entrance people. Who’d have thought it was actually real?”

  “You haven’t answered my question.”

  “Because it would take a long time and you’re meant to be celebrating.”

  “Are they really happy?”

  “History is in the past. You’re in the present. What happens to future generations isn’t up to you. Or me. It’s up to people to live their lives. All you can do is focus on your life. Or you can keep the key and go home.”

  Heather looked at the key, then placed it in Tanya’s hand as Gavin made his way across to them. “I think I’ll stay right here.”

  “Oh, I was hoping you’d come with me,” Gavin said. “The music’s about to start.”

  Heather got to her feet. “I didn’t know you did dancing.”

  “Fastest feet in the highlands,” Gavin replied with a smile. “You’ll see.”

  She leaned up and kissed him. “Modest too.”

  He paused, throwing his arms around her. “I love you,” he said.

  “I love you too.”

  They danced, they laughed, they ate and drank some more. At some point, Heather had no idea when, they made their way upstairs to her room.

  Once inside, Gavin bowed deeply. “I shall leave you to sleep.” He turned to go, pulling the door open.

  She caught his arm, stopping him from walking out. “I would feel safer if you stayed.”

  He smiled. “Just for one night,” he said, pushing the door closed. “To keep you safe.”

  20

  Six months later…

  Heather sat on the edge of her seat, wincing. “You’re going to pull my hair out if you keep yanking it like that.”

  Behind her Tanya scoffed. “Och, quit complaining. You want to look beautiful don’t you?”

  “Are you saying I don’t already?”

  “Of course you do. There. Done.”

  Heather looked in the mirror in front of her. Made of polished steel, the image was blurry and indistinct but it gave her some idea of how she looked. “Thank you,” she said. “Seems a bit pointless when it’ll be hidden inside the coif though.”

  “Only for the ceremony. Gavin will get to see it afterward. That and a fair bit more of you.”

  Heather felt herself blushing. “Thanks for that.”

  She’d been preparing all morning. In the six months since they’d arrived back at the castle all anyone had been talking about was the upcoming wedding.

  It had been timed to coincide with Mayday celebrations. The clan had been counting down the days for weeks. As each day passed Heather had become increasingly nervous, worried something would come along to spoil things. Life couldn’t possibly remain this good for this long.

  She ended most days with Gavin in her room. He had remained the perfect gentleman. Not once had he attempted to climb into her bed, though there were several occasions when she wished he would.

  He sat with his back to the bedroom door, sleeping the same way he had when she’d first arrived in the Middle Ages, each time saying it was for a single night only. Having him there made her feel safe even though the danger had long passed.

  A church had been founded on the site of the battle between the highlanders and the outlaws. Another year and it would be finished. The walls were only a couple of feet high but already pilgrims were visiting. More people visited the cave where the old crone had been killed.

  Her exposed foot had crumbled to dust within weeks of her death. The ground surrounding her remained barren, nothing growing there at all. Even the birds avoided the area. The archbishop had come up from Edinburgh to bless the ground on behalf of the clan. He stayed long enough to bless the upcoming union of Gavin and Heather before returning to the city.

  Gavin split his time between MacGregor Castle and Frazer Castle. Whenever he was away Heather’s whole body ached with loss, yearning with all her might for his return, praying nothing would happen to him while he was away.

  He always came back, of course, kissing her as if he’d been away for months. She smiled at the thought of it.

  “You look happy,” Tanya said.

  “I am,” she replied. “If only Donna could be here.”

  “About that,” Tanya said. “I did have a wedding gift for you but I wondered if you’d like to have it now.”

  “What is it?”

  “Watch.” Tanya crossed to the door and closed it, sliding a key into the lock.

  “What are you doing?” Heather asked.

  “This,” she replied, pulling the door open.

  Heather gasped as she looked into Donna’s living room. Donna was standing on the other side. “Heather,” she said, stepping forward and smiling. “It’s good to see you.”

  Tanya closed the door again. “I’ll leave you two to catch up.”

  She slipped out the door. Donna ran over and hugged Heather. “Tell me all about it!” she said.

  “You don’t seem surprised to see me.”

  “Tanya came last night, asked me if I wanted to see you. Explained what happened.”

  “And you believed her?”

  “Not at first but then she showed me what that key can do.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “I wouldn’t miss the wedding of my best friend, even if you did miss mine.” She held up a hand.

  “Wow, you did it!” Heather said, examining the ring closely. “Managed to survive without my help picking flowers?”

  “The pink ones were fine.”

  “Come and sit down. I want to know all about it.”

  They sat together on the bed. Donna told her all about the wedding while Heather listened, trying not to cry. She didn’t succeed.

  “And when we got back from the honeymoon you’ll never guess what we saw on the news.”

  “What?”

  “You know the place you went to in Scotland?”

  “What about it?”

  “It burned down.”

  “What? How?”

  “No one knows. Only one person died though, the rest of them managed to get out.”

  “Who died?”

  “Tony Carson apparently. They found his body in the lab in the basement, hand gripping a door handle like he was trying to get out. A bit gruesome, isn’t it? He was the one who invited you up there, wasn’t he?”

  Heather hadn’t expected to feel anything but suddenly she felt as if a weight was off her shoulders. There was no chance of him coming after her for not bringing him the knife anymore.

  “What about my family?”

  “It�
��s funny you mention that. I looked them up just the other day.”

  “How come?”

  “I don’t know. I just felt like it.”

  “And?”

  “You really want to know?”

  Heather shook her head. “You know what. Actually, don’t tell me.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m sure.

  “So enough about the twenty-first century,” Donna said with a smile. “Tell me all about the Middle Ages.”

  “What do you know about medieval Scotland?”

  “Nothing. Educate me.”

  They talked for a long time while Heather dressed. Heather had no idea how long they were talking until she heard a knock on her door. “It’s time,” Tanya said from the other side. “Are you ready?”

  Heather got to her feet, taking a deep breath. “Time to go.”

  The ceremony took place in the chapel in the courtyard. Heather walked out with Tanya by her side and Donna carrying the train of her dress. It had been raining for the last two days but it had finally stopped.

  The ground was wet but the sun was shining, the spring warmth enough to stop Heather from shivering. A crowd had gathered in the courtyard. They parted to let her pass through, all of them smiling.

  She noticed Keith in his squire’s uniform, little Natalie waving, the bandage finally gone from her arm. There were Catherine and Amelia beside Mungo, both women scowling.

  In the chapel, Gavin’s men lined the aisle, nodding to her as she walked toward the altar. Gavin stood in front of Charles, his hands clasped behind his back. He beamed when he saw her. Almost at once Charles began talking. Gavin leaned in and whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful.”

  Charles shushed him before continuing. “The chance to protest has passed. The time for bonding these two people together is now here.”

  He lifted his hands into the air. “Almighty God, I beseech you to bless these two people here before you in their union and for the rest of their lives. Gavin MacGregor, do you take Heather Frazer to be your wife, to listen to and talk to, to obey and command, to laugh and to cry together, for the rest of your life.”

  “I do,” Gavin replied, taking Heather’s hands in his.

  “And do you, Heather Frazer, take Gavin MacGregor to be your husband, to listen to and talk to, to obey and command, to laugh and to cry together, for the rest of your life.”

  “I do,” Heather replied. “And I give this to the laird to show my loyalty to the clan.” She handed him a golden apple. He looked at it and smiled. “Straight from the Frazer orchard,” she added.

  Charles raised his voice louder. “Now you may kiss in the presence of the MacGregor Clan and the Frazer clan, bonding your two clans together in a peace that no man or clan may ever tear asunder.”

  Gavin leaned toward her, pressing his lips to hers. The familiar tingle spread through her as she closed her eyes. All too soon the kiss was over and she was walking on a cloud out of the chapel and into the great hall.

  The feast rivalled the one enjoyed when they defeated the old crone. This time she knew Gavin could dance though. Together they swirled around the center of the room, the musicians on the balcony playing her favorite tunes. Gavin held her close, whispering in her ear. “I love you, Lady MacGregor.”

  “And I love you Laird MacGregor.”

  Bruce thumped his fist on the top table. “To the bride and groom.”

  The toast went around the room as the song came to an end. Donna waved to her, glass held higher than anyone else.

  Gavin beckoned someone over. Bruce frowned as he saw who it was.

  “Mary?” Bruce asked. “You…you look lovely.”

  She spun around, her dress splaying outward. “You really think so.”

  “Aye, I do. Would you…?”

  “Would I what?”

  “Care to dance?”

  She smiled. “I’d love to.”

  The rest of the day passed in a blur. It was only when the fires died down and the last few guests left that Heather floated back down again. Tanya was beckoning her from the door that led through to the solar. “It’s time to say goodbye to Donna,” she said.

  Heather’s smile faded. “Does she have to go?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “Will I ever see her again?”

  “Perhaps. It depends on if I can keep this key safe.” She passed the key to Heather. “Be sure to lock it when she’s gone.”

  Heather nodded, passing through to the solar, finding her friend standing by the window.

  Donna gave her a final hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she said sadly. “Be sure to visit.”

  Heather found herself crying. “Of course I will.” The key weighed heavily in her hand. “Who’d have thought we’d both end up married.”

  “Never doubted it for a second.”

  “What do you think of Gavin?”

  “Just your type.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “The opposite of David.”

  “Ouch.”

  Donna smiled. “And now I’ll go before this gets too emotional.”

  “It already is.”

  Donna held her close one last time. “I’ll miss you so much.”

  “You too.” She slid the key into the lock, turning it one way and then the other. She pulled the door open, revealing Donna’s living room once again.

  “Goodbye,” Donna said, stepping through. “Be sure to take care of yourself.”

  “You too.”

  Donna pulled the door closed. Heather took a deep breath before locking and unlocking it again. When she opened it Tanya was smiling at her. “Gavin’s been looking for you.”

  Heather passed her the key, wiping her eyes before going to look for her husband.

  She found him waiting for her by the door into the great hall. “My wife,” he said. “Ready for bed?”

  She nodded. “As long as you keep me safe.”

  “For the rest of our lives,” he said, slipping a hand around her shoulder.

  They left the room together as the candles began to splutter.

  Up in Heather’s bedchamber, the fire soon died down to embers. Neither husband nor wife noticed. They were far too busy.

  21

  Three years later…

  Heather crossed her legs, leaning back on her elbows. It was a beautiful day. The sun was high in the sky. Looking up she saw only a single white cloud floating lazily across the sky.

  It wasn’t often she had time to herself anymore. Not that she minded. She’d spent the last hour swimming in the shallow waters of the loch before climbing out to dry off.

  The first time she’d taken a dip the cold made her feel like she was going to die. It was surprising how quickly she’d got used to swimming in the icy waters of Loch Glamis.

  On the shore she could see the old broch. She found herself thinking about the day she’d arrived in the past. She’d been so lost, so afraid of what was happening, no clue her entire life was about to change.

  She closed her eyes as she lay on her back, thinking of that first encounter with Gavin MacGregor. He’d almost killed her, sword raised above his head. She’d been terrified of him. How different things had become.

  The highlands were experiencing a period of peace the like of which they’d never known before. Already tales of the old crone and the barefoot man were becoming legend. There were those who doubted that either of them existed.

  The bards embellished the tale with each new telling. The chroniclers were unsure which version to write down. The clan often spoke of the dark days of the past, warning the children to make sure they behave well, lest the darkness return.

  The Frazers and MacGregors combined had become a formidable force. Outlaws shunned their land, the risks were too great. Other clans were hinting at forging alliances too, afraid of taking on the most powerful two clans in Scotland.

  She couldn’t remember the last time there’d been news of bloodshed. It
was a time of great peace. She hoped it would continue forever.

  Scotland had a tough history. If she’d been able to bring peace to a corner of it, that would be enough for her to feel proud. Tanya had disappeared back to wherever she was living. Heather thought something might have happened to her but Gavin was not concerned. “She’ll appear when she chooses,” he said when she asked about it.

  “What about the key?”

  “I’ve no doubt it’s gone.”

  “But there’s supposed to be six. What about the last one.”

  “Five? Six? Maybe the old stories got it mixed up. Who’s to say the druids could count anyway.”

  Heather wasn’t so sure and sometimes wondered about it, worry occasionally gnawing at her.

  It was impossible to worry on a day like this though. The air smelled fresh and clean. There was barely a ripple on the loch. She had emerged from the water ten minutes earlier, slowing drying on the blanket. The sun felt good on her arms, warming her skin and her heart. Bees droned in the nearby flowers, the only sound she could hear.

  Until the splash.

  She looked up. They were coming back, waving frantically as they yelled her name. Gavin manned the oars, his muscles bulging as he drew close to the shore.

  “Hey,” she shouted at the top of her voice. “Catch anything?”

  “We caught a shark,” Brice shouted back. “A huge one.”

  Sasha laughed as she saw her big brother waving his arms about.

  Gavin pulled the oars into the boat, letting it drift up onto the shingle.

  “Caught a shark?” she asked, eyebrows raised as Gavin lifted Sasha out of the boat.

  “Almost,” he replied. “It got away at the last second.”

  “Of course it did. Come on, lunch is waiting for you.”

  She watched her husband carrying Sasha in his arms, Brice walking beside him, tugging on his plaid. The sight filled her heart with warmth.

  Brice was two years old, Sasha a year younger. She thought about the dream she’d had long ago, sitting on a lochside watching Gavin with their two children, suddenly hit by a sense of deja vu.

  “What a day,” Gavin said, placing Sasha on the tartan blanket. “We couldn’t have wished for better for our anniversary.”