Page 73 of All In Good Time
Chapter 18
Dunaill Castle wasbusy the next morning. Castle workers scurried about tending to their regular duties and preparing for the wedding that was to take place as soon as Aisla’s Da arrived. Edna and Sara strolled around the courtyard. In the light of day, her fears and worries seemed to dissipate a bit. Life was certainly different than in San Francisco, but she had to admit she felt a certain peace when surrounded by so much beauty. It was a joy to be outside in the sunshine, feeling hopeful for the future. They passed the stables where horses were being groomed and the blacksmith where they were to be shod. Several buildings lined the inside walls of the bailey, each with a specific purpose. The smell of freshly baking bread wafted their way as they passed the kitchen. Their noses led them inside where they complimented the baker on the wonderful aroma that had drawn them in. She was so pleased by their compliment that she rewarded them with two warm rolls to take along on their walk.
“Mmmm… this is delicious,” Sara said, breaking off a piece and placing it in her mouth.
“Very,” Edna agreed. “I’m happy to see that Rory is well on his way to a full recovery. The good doctor has been keeping a close watch on him and we’re both pleased with his progress. I can hardly believe how quickly he’s gotten up on his feet. He has a good appetite and is getting stronger by the minute. Thank goodness ye mentioned oleander, Sara,” Edna said to her as they continued on their way. “It saved his life.”
“Really? I thought you did,” Sara teased.
“It was a group effort, but seriously I may never have thought of it and the good doctor may not have put two and two together and asked to see Fenella.”
“Well, I’m happy to have been of service,” Sara said. “I had good reason to want Rory well again.”
“Yes, you did, but you’re a kindhearted lass and more than anything I think ye wanted yer friend Aisla to have the love she was meant to be with. The fact that it benefited ye was a bonus.”
“You’re right. I would have headed back home, broken hearted and alone so that Logan could marry her if things had turned out differently.”
“How are things with ye and Logan?” Edna tipped her head and raised an eyebrow in Sara’s direction.
“Where do I begin? He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever known. He’s kind, generous, honorable and loyal.” She got an impish look in her eye. “And he’s a pretty good kisser, too.”
Edna laughed heartily. “Sara, I’m so glad ye convinced me to let ye travel back in time. It just goes to show that I’m nae always right.”
“I’m kind of relentless when I want something. There was no way I would have let you say no.”
“I understand that now. So, are ye staying here in this time, or are ye going back to your own?”
Sara wasn’t sure what to say. Her worries from the night before started swirling again.
“I know, it sounds crazy, but I was pretty preoccupied with other things, as you well know.” Sara latched arms with Edna. “I guess I’m going to have to decide.” She felt a special bond with Edna. There was something very maternal about her and Sara welcomed it with open arms. She needed a mother and she’d be happy to have Edna fill that role.
“Ye can return when I do, if ye like. Give it some thought. Living here, as ye’ve seen, isnae like yer life in San Francisco.”
“I know. I like it here. I don’t know if Logan would go back with me, or if I even want to go back.” Just saying the words made her realize that if Logan didn’t want to go back, there was no way she would leave him behind. But that would mean…
“What about Zeke?” Edna asked.
Sara’s heart ached for her brother. “I’d miss him terribly.” He was her only family and she couldn’t imagine him not being in her life ever again. “He needs to find someone to love. Helene broke his heart and he hasn’t been the same since. If I thought he’d find someone and be happy, then it would make my decision so much easier. I love my brother so much. For a long time, it has been just the two of us. All we had was each other.”
“I can tell ye that I’m quite sure he’ll find love soon, but I cannae tell ye anything else about it.”
“Because you don’t want to?” she teased.
“Nae. Not at all. I dinnae ken how it will work out yet.” Sara felt the tightness around her heart loosen a bit. If Edna said that Zeke would find love, she was certain it would come true. It must be so fun to picture two people together and figure out they will fall in love. Sara decided to try a bit of matchmaking herself.
“You know who else needs love?”
“I’m sure ye’ll tell me,” Edna chuckled.
“Hamish. He’s so sweet and nice. He needs some love in his life.” Sara was really turning on the sales pitch. Hamish had been so kind to her, she just wanted to see him happy.
“Does he now? Ye’ve been quite busy thinking about everyone else’s love but yer own.”
“Oh, no. I’ve done nothing but think about my own.” They completed their circuit around the courtyard and started another.
“Sara, I’m so happy ye came to The Thistle & Hive. I like ye. Ye remind me of me in certain ways.”
“And what might those be?”