Page 59 of Cottage in the Mist (Time After Time #3)

ONE YEAR LATER…

“It’s an amazing likeness,” Katherine said as she came up to stand beside Lily in the long hallway that served as Alec’s gallery.

Behind them, she could hear Bram and Robby laughing at something Iain was saying, Alec’s arguing a counterpoint to the sound.

Ranald and his wife Ailis were talking with Fergus and Dougan, the two men improbably having become the closest of friends.

“It is, I suppose, although it still feels strange to see myself like that,” she replied, her eyes still on the portrait that had recently been hung in a place of honor among the room full of Comyns—past and present.

Alec had insisted on it, claiming that history would want a record of her time here in the fifteenth century.

She’d wanted Bram to pose with her, but he and Alec had agreed that, despite their newfound friendship and the peace between their clans, the hallowed halls of Tigh an Droma weren’t ready to be graced with a portrait of a Macgillivray.

But as a nod to their new alliance, she’d worn the ring, the feel of it against her breast reminding her of all that she’d lost—and gained.

It wasn’t until the painting was done that she realized what it was.

She turned to smile at Katherine. “I guess what continues to throw me is that I’ve seen it before—in our time, I mean.

I kind of feel sorry for Reginald and Tildy.

They believe it’s a portrait of Tyra. I suspect they’d be disappointed to discover that it’s only their distant American cousin. ”

“Who traveled through time, averted catastrophe and brought success and well-being to both Clan Comyn and Clan Macgillivray.”

“Well, when you put it like that…” Lily grinned, linking her arm with the other woman’s.

So much had happened since the battle at Dunbrae.

Not only had Alec and Bram allied themselves, but Ranald and Iain had also joined their pact.

And in so doing, there had been a subtle but powerful shift within the workings of Clan Chattan.

Bram’s great uncle had been forced to recognize him as the legitimate heir to Dunbrae.

Robby’s wound had healed, and he’d agreed to stand as Bram’s captain, the two men determined to rebuild what Malcolm had destroyed.

“When will the new tower be finished?” Katherine asked, as if following Lily’s thoughts.

“Bram says within the month. Two at the most. Which is just as well.” She ran a hand across her softly swelling belly. “As much as I love my cousin, I’d much rather my baby be born in my own home.”

“I totally understand that. I feel the same way about Duncreag. It is Anna’s home. As it will be her brothers’ and sisters’ when that day comes. And hopefully, my brother’s children as well.”

“Do you miss him terribly?” Lily asked. After the battle, Jeff had returned with Iain and Ranald to Duncreag, and after a short visit with his sister, returned to Elaine and his own century.

He’d proven, along with Elaine, to be the dearest of friends, and she hoped that somehow they’d find a way to meet again. Certainly stranger things had happened.

“Every day,” Katherine was saying. “But we’re both where we belong.

And that makes it easier. Besides, I carry him here.

” She touched her heart. “Always.” She sighed and then smiled, patting Lily’s hand.

“Now, as to babies being born here at Tigh an Droma, I’d have to say that even were you to desire it, it wouldn’t be the best of ideas.

Alec’s home doesn’t exactly lend itself to creature comforts. ”

“It’s true. He’s created that rare combination of chaos and austerity that only a dedicated bachelor can achieve. What he needs is a wife.”

“What he needs,” Bram’s deep voice replied, “is a less meddlesome cousin. Just because we’ve found our happiness doesn’t mean we should try and force it upon everyone we meet.” He slid his arm around her, the smile in his eyes removing the sting from his words.

“Alec isn’t everyone,” Lily admonished, “he’s family.” And that said it all really. She leaned back into her husband’s embrace, her eyes moving back to the portrait. It might not be Tyra looking back at her, but Lily liked to think that if she were here, the woman would approve.

She’d loved Graeme beyond everything else.

Of that there could be no doubt. But she’d loved her family as well.

Enough to pass the ring down through time until it had reached Lily and the circle had been completed.

And now, here Lily stood in a room full of people who loved her. Family. Every one of them.

But none more so than the man who held her in his arms.

“So, mo ghràidh ,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, “what’s a man have to do to get a kiss around here?”

“Simply ask.” She smiled, turning in his arms to lift her lips for his kiss.

“Aye, that I will.” His blue eyes twinkled down at her. “Or mayhap, I’ll just take what I want.”

“Not much of a battle, when you consider that it’s something I gladly give,” she teased as he slanted his mouth over hers.

She closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his lips against hers.

And, as she let herself sink into the warmth of her husband’s love, she sent a glance heavenward, knowing that somewhere up there her parents were smiling.