Page 14 of All In Good Time
“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.
“More so than I can say. I hope ye’ll be staying here with me.” Helene gazed expectantly at Sara.
“I’d love to. Do you think Dougall will mind?”
“He’ll be happy to see ye. He’s quite fond of ye.” Helene assured her.
“I like him too,” Sara said.
“Sit down. I’ll get us some tea.” Helene turned to leave the room.
“Let’s all get it,” Ashley suggested.