Page 43 of All In Good Time

Sara continued, triumphantly stating, “You don’t. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to call on the Mackalls.”

She started to ride away from him. He was stunned and at a complete loss as to how to handle her. Sara really knew how to get to him. He loved her fire and determination and since he was already this far, why not see why Rory hadn’t come back to get Aisla as he’d promised. At the very least, Rory Mackall was in for a pummeling. “Wait,” he called. “I’ll join ye.”

Sara was angry with him. He could see it and feel it. Even if they settled things with Mackall, she might nae want him after all of this.

* * *

Sara couldn’t believeLogan had tried to stop her. If he really loved her, he’d have done this as soon as he found out that Sara was in his time, but instead he continued to go ahead with his plans to marry Aisla. At first, she’d thought it was a very noble gesture and she’d been proud of him. He was willing to sacrifice his own happiness to help a friend in need. Now, for some reason, he seemed very reluctant to find out what Rory Mackall would do when he found out Aisla was pregnant. Maybe he really did have feelings for her. Maybe he didn’t even realize he was in love with her. Why else would he fight this?

She rode sandwiched between the two men, but she wasn’t about to give Logan the time of day. She was going to see this through, Aisla deserved that at least. She kept conversation going with Hamish and he obliged, answering her questions and comments and giving her more tips on her riding skills.

Sara spurred her horse forward. She could feel Logan’s eyes on her, but too bad for him. He blew it with her. There was no way she was going to forgive him for this. She hoped Rory did want Aisla after all and then Logan would probably come crawling back to her, but he’d have another thing coming. She was going home as soon as they got back to Breaghacraig. If she wasn’t his first choice, she certainly wasn’t going to be his second.

“Sara, wait!” Logan said.

She kept riding. If he wanted to talk to her, he’d have to catch up.

“Sara, please. I’m trying to do what’s right for everyone.” Logan trotted up beside her.

She finally faced him with her face aflame and tears ready to burst forth from her stormy eyes. “Face it, Logan. If I hadn’t shown up, you’d have married her and never looked back.” She drew in a shaky breath and continued. “Edna was right. She told me this was the wrong time and that I shouldn’t come, but I’m here now and I’m going to help Aisla. Something you should have done all along.”

* * *

He had hurther and he was sorry, but what could he do? She was right. Rory had a right to know about the babe and he should have done his best to find him, but what if he didn’t want Aisla or the babe. That knowledge would surely crush her. He’d know soon enough whether he was right or wrong.

* * *

Sara’s mindwas a muddled mess of thoughts about Logan and leaving him behind, but she had to get it together. Aisla’s happiness depended on it and Dunaill castle was right in front of her. It’s enormous stone walls were topped with formidable battlements that included turrets with arrow slits and open barbican gates they were able to ride through unchallenged. Sara was in awe. She didn’t think she’d ever grow tired of seeing these massive structures and knew she’d miss them when she returned to her own time.

They came to a stop by the stables and dismounted. Handing their horses off to the stable boys, they entered the castle where they were greeted by a servant. They were ushered into a small room, which contained a desk with chairs on either side. The roaring fire brought a welcome warmth and Logan attempted to guide Sara towards it, but she shook him off and moved there of her own accord.

A soft female voice greeted them from the doorway and they all looked her way.

“Welcome to Dunaill. I’m Katriona Mackall, wife to laird Nick Mackall.”

Sara seemed unable to speak as she stared at the lady of the castle.

“Good day to ye,” Logan said. “I be Logan McPhail, this is Hamish MacBeown.”

“I’m pleased to meet ye both and who is this?” She walked to Sara, who finally seemed to regain her speech. “I’m Sara Barrett.” She put her hand out to shake Katriona’s.

“Sara. Nice to meet you.” She eyed Sara with some curiosity and then took her hand. “Please sit and tell me what we can do for ye. Me husband isnae here at the moment.”

“We’re looking for Rory Mackall,” Sara said. “We have a message for him.”

“Rory?” Katriona appeared shaken by this. “Whatever could ye want with him?”

“It’s kind of personal,” Sara said.

Katriona walked around behind the desk. She looked at some papers there and seemed to be gathering her thoughts before speaking again.

“Where have ye come here from?” she asked, gazing at them again.

“The Clan MacKenzie,” Logan said.

“Well, Rory cannae see ye at this time. Mayhap ye can return another day.” They were being dismissed.

* * *