Page 78 of Awakened By Time
“Ashley, it has been a pleasure getting to ken ye and yer bairns. Thank ye fer yer help while I’ve been here,” Brenna said. Ashley stood and hugged Brenna.
“What about you, Zeke? Can I get a hug?” Ashley asked, arms out and facing him.
“Of course,” Zeke obliged.
“Good luck to you both,” she said.
“Thank you. We’ve got many goodbyes to say if we’re to leave tomorrow, so we should go do that.” Zeke looked to Brenna who was beaming with joy. She latched onto his arm. “We’ll see you later, Helene.”
* * *
“Oh, no! You’re leaving so soon,” Sara pouted.
“Brenna wants to come with me and I think it’s best if we get out of here before Munro decides to return,” Zeke explained.
“Yes. Of course. Silly me, I didn’t even think about that. I guess I was being selfish wanting to keep my big brother here with me for as long as possible.”
“I talked to Edna about the twice a year thing and she agreed. We thought maybe Christmas and mid-year would work well. Ashley told us everyone went to the inn last year for Christmas, so it seems like we’ve got a plan for seeing each other.”
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Sara said, hugging Zeke tightly around the waist. “You really are the best brother ever, you know that, right?”
“According to you,” he teased.
She tipped her head and gazed up at him and he touched her nose with the tip of his finger, much the same way he’d done many times before.
“I love you, sis,” Zeke said, unshed tears in his eyes.
“I love you, too,” Sara said, not bothering to hide her tears.
Zeke glanced at Brenna and saw that she too was crying. He pulled her in to include her in their hug, as all three attempted to get themselves under control.
“Welcome to the family, Brenna,” Sara said. “We’re all connected now. You, me, Zeke, Logan, Helene and Dougall. We’re family. We may not have the luxury of seeing each other more than twice a year, but we’ve got a bond now that can’t be broken.
“We’ll be back to see my nephew when he’s born,” Zeke said, releasing Sara and Brenna.
Sara wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “It’s going to be your niece, big brother. So, you can come back to seeherwhenshe’sborn.” In typical Sara fashion, she poked him in the belly.
Brenna giggled as she watched brother and sister interact. She wished she and Dougall had more time together growing up. She was certain they’d have been equally as close. Still, she’d miss Dougall and Helene and was happy to know she’d be able to see them again.
Logan returned home as they were saying their goodbyes. He hugged Brenna. “Ye ken ye were always like me little sister,” he said.
“Aye. Ye were me friend as well,” Brenna said.
“And I always will be.” He kissed her cheek and then clasped arms with Zeke. “Take care of her,” he said.
“And you take care of my sister,” Zeke replied. Logan nodded in agreement. “Alright, we should go then. Are you ready, Brenna?”
“Aye. Good bye for now,” she said, opening the door.
“Oh, wait! One more thing,” Sara said. “Brenna, have Zeke take you to my apartment. You can help yourself to my clothes. I won’t be needing them anymore.”
“What about your landlord?” Zeke asked. “Should I tell him to rent the apartment?”
“No. I’ve paid the rent for six months. Let’s just hold on to it for now.”
“Alright then. I love you, sis.” Zeke waved goodbye, afraid he’d break down if he said another word. He walked away with Brenna by his side, and didn’t look back.