Page 51 of Awakened By Time
“So, he’s my replacement,” she teased.
“He’s not as good at getting in the way as you are, but he seems to be working out.”
They both laughed, remembering all of the times that Sara had caused Zeke more work because of some crazy idea she had.
“I’m going to go work in the garden and then head down to Helene’s to nab more veggies. Do you want to help me?”
“I’d love to,” Zeke said. “I’m curious to see the green thumb you’ve developed.”
Sara held her thumb up in front of her face. “It’s not green yet,” she giggled. “Maybe a little around the edges.”
He didn’t know what he was going to do without her. Ever since she was a little girl, she’d followed him around like a lost puppy. Now, she didn’t need him anymore. The truth was she probably never really did.
* * *
Jenna’s babycame into the world with a loud, indignant cry and was immediately cleaned, swaddled and presented to his mother and father. On first seeing the sweet family all snuggled together back upstairs in their chamber, Brenna, along with many of the others now present had happy tears in her eyes. Jenna was ecstatic, as was Cormac. They had a son and his name was Ethan. Dr. Ferguson declared both mother and son to be healthy, but exhausted.
“I think it would be wise for us all to give our happy family time alone now,” Dr. Ferguson announced. “Jenna and the baby need time to rest and Cormac needs time to savor his moment as a new father.”
The others all agreed and began filing from the room.
“I’m going to go back to the house if ye dinnae need me,” Brenna said as everyone began clearing the room to allow the new family some privacy.
“Go on. I’ll be back later. I’m going to help here,” Helene said.
“I’m going back to my room with Emma and Andrew,” Ashley said as she passed them. “Thank you so much for all your help this morning, Brenna. It’ll be good to have you here.”
“’Twas me pleasure,” Brenna said as she watched Ashley disappear into her own room.
“Come back for the evening meal,” Helene said.
“I think I’ll stay at home, if ye’ve no need of me,” Brenna said. “I’m tired and I’d like to have some time alone.”
“If ye change yer mind, ye ken the way.” Helene gave her a peck on the cheek and turned her attention back to making Jenna comfortable.
Brenna wrappedherself in the warmth of her cloak. Strong gusts of wind sent fallen leaves whirling across her path while even the trees were having a hard time standing upright against this onslaught of cold air coming in off the ocean. They swayed back and forth, the younger trees occasionally dipping almost to the ground. Dark clouds rimmed the horizon. A storm was brewing and would be upon them in no time. She hurried along not wishing to be caught in a downpour. She didn’t have much further to go, so she kept herself from worrying about the weather by worrying about the one thing that had been on her mind almost constantly since last night - Zeke and Helene. She knew she shouldn’t be jealous, but she was. She was jealous that Helene had gotten to experience Zeke’s love, something she doubted possible for herself. How could he ever have feelings for her when he obviously still loved Helene? She saw the way he looked at her during last night’s meal. He was so attentive to her every word. She was surprised Dougall hadn’t noticed. Helene and Dougall were married now and so very much in love. She knew nothing would come of Zeke’s love for Helene, but as long as he loved her there was no room in his heart for Brenna. She tried to remind herself that she didn’t like him at all, but she knew that was a lie, and it had been right from the start. Her inexperience in matters of the heart led her to want to protect herself from what she knew would be Zeke’s ultimate rejection. She hadn’t known what that rejection would feel like, or how it would play out. Now she knew, Helene was the woman Zeke wanted.
The sound of footsteps rushing up behind her, caused her to swiftly spin around, not wanting to be caught off guard.
“Brenna,” a smiling Zeke and his sister Sara rushed to her side. “We’d better hurry. It’s starting to rain.”
“What are you doing here?”
“We’re heading to Helene’s,” Sara said. “Is she home?”
“No. She’s still helping at the castle. Jenna had her bairn.”
“Did she?” Sara asked, an air of excitement in her voice.
“Aye. She had a little laddie,” Brenna said. “His name is Ethan. Helene felt she was still needed, so she stayed.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Sara said.
They reached the front door of the house as the skies opened up and the rain fell hard and fast. Zeke shut the door behind them and went to the hearth to get a fire started. “Where’s Dougall?”
“I havenae seen him,” Brenna said. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon, unless he’ll be joining Helene at the castle for their meal. Please sit.”
“I’ll get us some tea,” Sara said. “Don’t worry. I know where everything is.” She hurried from the room, leaving Brenna staring at Zeke’s back while he got the fire going.