Page 23 of All In Good Time

He could see the fire in her eyes and didn’t envy her Da. Luckily that wasn’t what was ailing him. “Nae, I’ve not seen yer Da.” Hearing the irritation in her voice he did his best to alleviate it. He also knew that she felt a good deal of guilt about this rift between the men. Her father had always liked and respected him, but once he learned Aisla was with child and was told Logan was the cause, he’d been unforgiving in his treatment of him.

She stood hands on hips and eyed him “Then something else?” She cocked her head and awaited his answer.

“All is well, lass.” He hoped that would set her mind at ease.

“Och, I dinnae believe ye, but if yer determined to keep it from me, I’ll leave ye be.” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm that her sweet smile couldn’t hide.

He didn’t wish to lie to her, but if he told her the truth he knew she’d encourage him to go and be with Sara. She’d gladly fend for herself despite the consequences to her own well-being.

“I ran into someone I haven’t seen in a while. Things didnae go well.” He had to tell her something. He hoped this would do.

“I’m sorry to hear it.” Aisla pulled a chair out for him to sit, but he didn’t feel like sitting. He was only staying a short while, so there was no need to make himself comfortable.

“’Tis nae a thing to concern yerself with. I doubt I’ll see them again.” If he did his resolve would vanish into thin air.

“Good. I had a surprise visitor today, but it went better than yer meeting. I believe I’ve made a new friend.”

“One can nae have too many friends.” Good they were on to a new topic.

“She’s a lovely lass. Visiting with Helene and Dougall.” She wiped the table clean as she spoke, brushing the crumbs into her hand and then tossing them into the fire.

Logan’s heart dropped and he was sure it showed. Sara!

“Are ye well, Logan? Yer face has grown quite pale. I hope yer not ill. Did ye keep yerself warm while ye were out with Dougall?” She fussed over him like a mother hen, feeling his brow for a fever.

Logan was only half hearing what Aisla had to say. This wasnae good. He’d speak with Dougall about keeping Sara away from Aisla. He couldn’t chance them meeting again.

“Come sit for a moment.” She led him to a chair and he sat. “Can I get ye some warm tea?”

“Nae. I be fine. I only came to see if yer Da had come to his senses.” He wasn’t really fine, but he was determined not to show it. He sat up straighter in the chair and wiped the defeated expression from his face before Aisla noticed. His need to do the right thing seemed to be backfiring on him.

“Nae yet. Give him some time. He loves me and he’s angry with ye. Remember he doesnae ken that yer nae the babe’s Da.” Aisla placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I understand and if ye were my daughter I’d surely feel the same. I should go before he comes home.” He had a sudden urge to bolt, but he never would. He’d made a promise to Aisla and he planned to keep it.

“Are ye sure ye wish to do this, Logan? I ken ye dinnae love me and I am grateful fer what yer doing, but it doesnae have to be this way. We can tell him the truth and ye can live yer life the way it was meant to be lived.”

“I wish to live it this way, Aisla. We are good friends. Many a marriage has been built on much less. We’ll have a good life together, ye’ll see.” He walked to the door, and then remembered he had something for her. He reached into his sporran and removed a piece of ginger. “Fer ye. To put in yer tea.”

“Yer so thoughtful, Logan.” Her soft doe eyes began to tear up and she quickly brushed at them with the back of her hand.

“I ken ye’ve been feeling sick with the babe growing inside of ye, so I took some from the kitchen at Breaghacraig to help soothe ye.”

“Thank ye. Yer a saint.” Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek.

“Take care of yerself and the babe. Send word to me when yer Da is ready to see me.” He turned and headed for the door, happy that he’d done at least one thing right this day.

“I will.”

“All will be well.” He squeezed her hand and said a silent prayer for the strength he knew he’d need to resist Sara.

* * *

By the timeSara made her way through the front door of Helene’s home, she was blubbering like a baby. Her hands went to her face to wipe away the tears that wouldn’t stop.

Helene rushed to her side. “Where have ye been, Sara? I’ve been so worried about ye. Are ye hurt?” Helene looked her over from head to toe.

Through sobs and sniffles, Sara managed to speak. “I’m such a fool. I shouldn’t have come.”