Page 10 of All In Good Time

“Aye, lass,” Wallace assured her.

“What does she do when it’s not winter? Is there a Queen of Summer?”

The man chuckled. “She keeps quite busy, no matter the season and yes, there is a Queen of Summer.”

“So, I imagine your busy season will be coming up then.”

“Sooner than ye’d think.”

“It’s still summer though, isn’t it?” She wasn’t sure if the seasons in this time aligned with the seasons in her own time.

He laughed again. “The seasons remain the same, no matter the year. Winter is followed by spring and then summer, which is the current season, on to fall and then back to winter. I’m going to guess that our weather is a bit different than what yer used to.”

Sara was wrapped in her cloak, even though it was mid-summer. The temperatures were a lot like summer in San Francisco, where it could be quite chilly on any given day, even in July or August. “So, is this the usual summer weather? It seems a little cold today.”

“Well, we are in a heavily wooded area, so the sun cannae touch ye quite the way it might without the trees to block it.”

“I guess that makes sense.” Sara was enjoying her time with Wallace. He was funny and warm and she felt safe and comfortable in his company.

“We’ll stop for the night and I’ll build us a nice, big fire. I’ve got plenty of blankets to keep ye warm, so no need for concern.”

Surprisingly she wasn’t at all concerned, but she was a bit anxious about seeing Logan again. “Do you know Logan McPhail?”

“Nae. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him.”

“Oh… How will I find him?” she wondered aloud.

“I imagine if he’s at Breaghacraig, ye’ll find him soon enough. There are many there who will be of help to ye.”

Sara relaxed a bit. “Yes. I have a friend there. Helene. I can’t wait to see her again.”

“And how is it that ye ken this lass?” he asked as he pulled the horses to a halt.

“She came to my time. That’s how I met Logan as well.”

“It seems everyone is traveling through time but me,” he laughed.

“Would you like to go?”

“Nae. I’m happy here. I’ve nae need for adventure.”

“Everyone needs adventure,” Sara protested.

“I’ve had enough adventure in my life. Most of it when I was a younger man. Now I’m content to help Beira and Edna with small deeds. I’m happy in my little cottage in front of a blazing fire with a wee dram of whiskey. I dinnae need or want anything more.”

A simple life. Sara thought that might be just what she needed. It would be good to be in a place where she wasn’t checking her smartphone every five minutes. A place where life moved at a much slower place.I could definitely get used to this,she thought.

They made their camp for the evening. Sara helped as much as possible. Wallace knew what he was doing and she simply did whatever he needed help with. They got a fire going and had a nice meal together. After dinner, he gave Sara some blankets and some tips on choosing the perfect spot to lay them so she’d sleep comfortably. She doubted that would happen. She wasn’t much of a camper and sleeping outside was definitely not in her comfort zone, but it was only the one night, so she’d deal with it. After searching and searching for a comfy spot, Sara decided she wanted to sleep in the wagon bed, so Wallace helped her get settled there.

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

“Good night, Wallace. I’ll be ready.”