Page 33 of All In Good Time

Chapter 9

Logan couldn’t believewhat had just happened with Sara. He’d told himself to stay as far away from her as he could, but something about seeing her with Hamish tonight had riled him to the point that he lost all good sense and came after her. Getting her away from Hamish was the only thought on his mind, but once he found himself alone with her his troubles truly began. The bittersweet kisses they’d shared may be all he’d have to remember her by, but he hadn’t been able to stop himself or the feelings of love that had overcome him. He wanted her more than he wanted anything else in his life and it seemed she’d felt the same way. He hurried out to the courtyard, where a brisk breeze coming off the water cooled his heated ardor and brought clarity to his mind.

He’d spoken with her, as Helene said he should, but she already knew. He hated himself at this moment. He’d foolishly allowed his feelings for Sara to make their situation even worse. He loved her, he was sure of that, but he was also sure that he’d made a commitment to Aisla and he would follow through with it. He hoped that Sara would go home to San Francisco, because he couldn’t bear the thought of seeing her here at Breaghacraig and not being able to have her. But, if she did stay, he would be a loyal husband. Aisla deserved as much. He’d seen the pain it had caused his mother when his father had been unfaithful to her. He wouldnae allow that to be his story too. No. It was good that Sara had stopped them before anything more occurred.

He walked out through the postern gate and sat on the rocks below the castle wall, overlooking the dark ocean. The moon gave him just enough light to see the waves splashing below him. This was his secret spot. The place he went when he needed to think or just wanted to be alone. The ocean had always calmed him. The sound of the waves, the scent of the salt water and the vastness of the ocean for as far as they eye could see. All of those things spoke to him and he needed them tonight, more than ever before.

A rock tumbled past him and he looked up to see Dougall standing there.

“May I join ye?” he asked.

“Aye.” Logan turned back to stare out over the water.

Dougall made his way down to where Logan sat. “Me wife says I should check on ye. I can see she was right.”

“How did ye ken I was here?”

“I saw ye leave and I saw who ye were with before ye left.”

“Sara.” He said her name with the longing of a man who knew he’d never get to have her or hold her again.

“She’s with Helene. They’ve gone back home.” Dougall sat down beside Logan. “Do ye care to tell me what ye were thinking tonight?”

“I wasnae thinking. I was feeling.”

“Mayhap nae the wisest thing to do, under the circumstances.”

Logan continued silently counting the waves as they crashed below.

“What are yer plans? Ye’ve a choice to make and ye’d best make it.”

Logan shook his head. “There is nae choice. I’m to marry Aisla. I gave her me promise and I will stand by it.”

“And what of Sara?”

“I hope fer her sake and mine that she goes back home. I couldnae bear to see her here.” His voice was barely a whisper, but the words were out. He could hardly believe what he was saying. “If only she’d arrived sooner. Before I made my commitment to Aisla. I cannae back out of it now and I wouldnae even if I could.”

“I’m sorry fer yer troubles, Logan. If there was some way I could help, I would.” Logan could feel Dougall’s stare and heard the truth in his words. His best friend would have done anything for him, would have laid down his life. But that wouldn’t help here.

“There’s nae a thing that can be done.”

“Are ye sure?”

“Aye. Nae a thing.” Logan turned to see Dougall gazing at him with concern. “Ye should go home to yer nice warm bed.” And yer wife, he thought but didn’t say. “I’ll be fine here.”

“Are ye sure? I can stay if ye’d like.”

“Nae. Dinnae fear. I dinnae intend to jump, I just need to think. I’ll head back to the barracks soon.”

“I’ll say good night then.” Dougall stood and climbed back up to the path.

“Good night,” Logan called after him.

* * *

Sittingby the hearth with Helene, Sara felt not only the warmth from the fire, but the warmth of Helene’s friendship. They sipped some warm cider and stared into the flames.

“I’m ever so sorry that things didnae turn out as ye wished,” Helene said.