Page 71 of Awakened By Time

“I don’t know. I certainly wouldnae miss anything about Castle Treun.”

“Not even your father?” Ashley asked.

“Nae.” Brenna was angry with him. He’d tried to bargain her away to keep his wife happy.

“What of Dougall?” Helene asked.

“Aye. I’d miss Dougall and Logan and all of ye, of course. Ye’ve all been so kind to me. ’Tis not like Castle Treun at all.” Tears appeared unwanted and unexpectedly in her eyes and she wiped them away.

“Group hug,” Ashley said.

They all rose and pulled Brenna up from her chair. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but it became evident almost immediately as all of these women wrapped their arms around each other and around her for a hug.

“I like this group hug,” Brenna said, laughing now.

These women understood what she was feeling and they wanted her to know that if she needed them, they were here to help her. They were all so much like the woman she wished to be. They had husbands and bairns and they were still strong, able women. Their husbands listened to them and they had a say in everything involving their families. She thought she had that too, but being here taught her that she’d merely been her father’s helper. He made all the decisions, never once asking her opinion on anything, not even with regard to her choice of a husband.

Thinking about husbands, naturally brought Zeke to mind. He was turning out to be exactly what she’d always dreamed of in a husband and she wanted to go wherever he went. She hoped he would take her with him when he left. She didn’t wish to be too forward, but she thought she might bring the subject up with him. After this conversation with the ladies of Breaghacraig, she felt empowered to do so.

* * *

Dougall, Logan and Zeke rode out along the cliff top overlooking the sea. Zeke wasn’t sure why they’d asked him to join them, but they were having a good time discussing what had taken place the day before.

“Yer quite good with a sword,” Dougall said. “I’ve seen it before, in San Francisco, but yesterday I was once again reminded of yer skill.”

“Thanks,” Zeke said. “I’ve picked up some pointers since I’ve been here.”

“We could use a man like ye here at Breaghacraig. I wondered if ye’d consider staying on with us.”

“I’m honored that you’d ask me, Dougall, but I really want to go back home. I have the studio and my students there.”

“Sara would like ye to stay as well,” Logan added.

“I know she would and I’d like her to come back to San Francisco, but neither of those two things is going to happen.”

“What are your intentions towards me sister?” Dougall stopped his horse and gazed intently at Zeke.

“I’d like her to go with me. She’s not safe here. You know Munro will be hanging around waiting for any opportunity to grab her.”

“Aye. I agree. He’s a dangerous man and now he knows she’s here, I have nae doubt he’ll return. He wouldnae dare present himself to the MacKenzies, but he’s not above lying in wait for her and snatching her away. I dinnae have enough faith in me father to believe he’d bargain for her if it meant losing that piece of land.”

“I haven’t asked her yet. I’m not even sure she’d want to go with me. She’s happy here with you and Helene.”

“’Tis you she’s happy with,” Dougall noted. “Ye ken, she’s me sister and while I havenae spent a good deal of time with her over the years, I do know she’s never been this happy.”

“Aye. I’ve never seen her smile and laugh so much,” Logan added. “I’ve known her almost as long as she’s been Dougall’s sister.”

Zeke was surprised by this. He thought back to their first meeting and could see what they meant. She didn’t come across as the warm, sweet woman he now knew. She’d seemed cool, distant and somewhat disagreeable with him, which is why he didn’t really like her much at first.

This new information put a whole new spin on his return trip. He hoped it would be alright with Edna, because he’d made up his mind. He wanted Brenna to come home with him.

* * *

The thoughtof never having to answer to her Da again, had Brenna walking on air. San Francisco sounded as if it would be exactly the right place for her and the best part of it all was that Zeke would be there with her. This would be the adventure that had been sorely lacking in her life. She no longer had to tolerate the pettiness of her step-mother. Excitement, followed by anticipation, followed by nervousness kept her moving. She couldn’t seem to sit still.

“Brenna, what on earth is wrong with ye, lass?” Helene asked.

“Nae a thing,” Brenna answered.