Page 81 of All In Good Time
Chapter 20
The horses passedthrough the gates of Breaghacraig mid-morning of the third day of their journey home and their riders were greeted by those of the clan who’d stayed behind.
“Welcome back,” Cailin said as he grabbed the reins to Edna’s horse.
The others all dismounted. Several young lads came to take the horses to the stables as the returning travelers exchanged greetings with Cailin, Cormac and the rest of the MacKenzies.
“How are the Mackalls?” Cormac asked.
“They are all well.” Robert answered.
“Even Rory? Has he fully recovered, then?” Cormac said.
“Aye. ’Tis as if he never ailed,” Irene responded.
“I’m happy to hear it, for Aisla’s sake,” Ashley said.
“Shall we go inside?” Robert led the way, but before they even reached the door, Edna stopped them.
“Robert, Irene it has been wonderful as always visiting with ye, but I must get back to The Thistle & Hive. I’m missing my Angus and I told him I’d come back as soon as I could. I wonder if some of yer men could escort me to the bridge? I’d like to leave as soon as possible. I’m tired from the trip, but if I keep going, I could be back in me own bed by tomorrow night.”
“We’ll be sorry to see ye go,” Irene said, disappointment showing in her eyes.
“I’ll arrange an escort fer ye,” Cailin said.
“Thank ye so much, ye sweet man. Arthur will be staying on here with ye. Take good care of him.” Edna hugged each and every one of them. “Arthur, when yer ready to come back all ye need do is call to me. The MacKenzies can help ye with that.”
Cailin returned with two of his most trusted soldiers. “Edna, this is Fergus and Latharn. They’ll see that ye get to the bridge safely.”
“Edna, can I talk to you privately before you go?” Sara pulled Edna away from the crowd that had come to welcome them home. “I have decided to stay here with Logan. Can you tell Zeke where I am?” her voice was shaky as she thought of Zeke.
Edna held her hands, “I will, dear.”
“Can you tell him I love him and he’s the best big brother in the whole world?” Tears were forming in Sara’s eyes as she spoke.
“I can and I will.”
“Do you think I’ll ever see him again?” Sara asked.
Edna smiled, “I’m sure ye will, love. Remember, as I’ve told all the ladies who’ve come here from San Francisco, anytime ye wish to return all ye need do is call to me.”
Sara felt relieved. It might be a while, but knowing that she could see Zeke again calmed her fears and helped her look to the future. “Thank you, Edna,” Sara threw her arms around her, “for everything.”
“Now,” Edna sniffed and wiped a tear from her own cheek, “if my two handsome escorts are ready, we’ll be on our way.”
Cailin helped Edna back onto her horse. Fergus and Latharn were already mounted and ready to go. She waved a final goodbye to all those gathered and the three were on their way.
* * *
Sara wassad to see her go. “I feel like I’m watching my mother ride away,” she said.
“So do we,” Jenna said. “She’s always felt like a mother to me and Ashley.”
“She’s a verra special lady,” Helene chimed in.
“Sara, if you need anything at all, let us know,” Ashley said. “We’re here for you. Sisters in spirit, right?”
Sara smiled. “Yes. Sisters.”