Page 14 of See A Highlander (A Highlander Across Time #10)

CHAPTER 14

F or the next several days, Annie worked on her research, writing down everything all the fishermen they’d spoken to into her notes. She’d also brought down a few of the books from the library to her room to read. She hadn’t seen Tom since their outing, and subsequent soaking in the storm. She’d thought he might come to check on her, but he hadn’t, which concerned her.

That morning she walked out to the stables, planning to go with Maria to the village to work with the children. She’d found that she enjoyed it and wanted to be a part of it. While she waited for Maria, she had plenty of time to reflect on Tom and compared him to every single boyfriend from her past. While she thought he was better than all of them, and especially better than Billy, she couldn’t help but be suspicious with Bella around.

She hadn’t seen the signs that Billy was cheating on her, and it had taken her a long time to see the red flags that had caused her to break up with him in the first place. She replayed the last few months of their relationship in her head feeling like a fool because she should have seen them.

Billy had often talked to Bella but she didn’t think anything of it because Bella was her cousin and worked for her. Billy had also done some video blogging, and he’d often asked Bella to act as his editor as well. Now it all seemed so very simple and obvious. She felt very angry with herself for not paying more attention to what was going on around her. She had been very trusting and na?ve, it seemed, and now it made her look at everything with severe scrutiny.

“What’s got you looking so down in the dumps?” Maria asked, approaching her.

Annie came out of her thought process and manage to smile. “Just thinking about the past, well, the future… God, how do you manage to think about it and not go mad?” she asked.

Maria laughed. “I try not to think in those terms, I just keep it at my past. It’s easier that way.”

Sighing, Annie nodded. “Anyway, I was thinking about my last relationship. He’d betrayed me with Bella, we’d already broken up, but I didn’t find out until a day before I ended up here that the two of them had been together practically half of my time with him.”

“Yikes, that sucks. I’m sorry you had to go through that. Wanna talk about it?”

Annie thought about it. Maybe talking would be good and help her work through some of her issues. “Yeah, if you don’t mind?”

"Not at all, hit me with it.” Maria smiled as they prepared the horses.

Annie started telling Maria about Bella and Billy and how she had discovered their betrayal, nearly two months after she’d broken up with Billy and how it had blindsided her. Maria was sympathetic and completely understood why Annie was so angry with Bella.

“I’m sure if it had been anyone else, you’d have just written him off as scum, but for it to have been your cousin, someone you trusted, that makes it doubly worse,” Maria agreed.

“It’s not like I haven’t had boyfriends cheat on me before, I mean that’s pretty common, but you’re right, it’s worse with it being Bella.” Annie frowned. “I’m having a hard time with it, honestly and it’s effecting things here, you know?”

“I’m sure, especially with Bella being here too. She’s working her way through the guards, and I can tell you, she’s not kept it to the single ones and there are some pretty pissed off wives. Cam is at his wits end with her.” Maria said as they reached the school.

“I’m sorry,” Annie said, feeling guilty because Bella had come through the door with her.

Maria put her hand on Annie’s arm. “Hey, you are not your cousin, and her actions aren’t yours. You are not responsible for her, okay? Even Cam knows that. He likes you, and he doesn’t blame you for her behavior.”

“Thanks, Maria. That’s good to hear.” Annie smiled. “Let’s go read to the kiddos.”

“You’ll feel better after this, I bet. The kids always make me feel happy.”

“I hope so,” Annie said as they entered the cottage.

Later that afternoon, back at the castle, Annie went to her room and took a nap. She was emotionally drained from sharing her past with Maria and then reading and playing with the kids.

When she woke up an hour later, she dressed for dinner. There were going to be visitors, many of the relations from around the MacLeod lands would be at the feast to celebrate one of the guards who were getting married and she was looking forward to meeting new people and greeting those she’d already met.

When she reached the Dining Hall, Annie scanned the room looking for Tom, but she couldn’t see him anywhere. Perhaps he hadn’t arrived yet or was tending to a patient. She walked around the room talking to those she knew and greeting those she’d met in the village as well as the fishermen and their families.

Annie found a spot with Cara and when the groom came to stand with Laird Cameron, the room grew quiet, and then the musicians began to play as the bride entered the room. She was dressed in the clan tartan and carried a bouquet. When the bride reached her groom, the musicians stopped, and Cameron began the proceedings.

“We’re gathered here today to join Davis and Rowana in handfasting before the Clan MacLeod. Tie their hands, Davis to Rowana, Rowana to Davis.”

Annie watched as Maria used a length of tartan to begin to tie their hands together. Everyone watched, smiles on their faces as they anticipated what came next. Annie had never seen a wedding ceremony like this one and she hoped to record it all later for her research.

Cameron cleared his throat and spoke as Maria bound them, “Now you are bound one to the other with a tie not easy to break. Take this time of binding, before the final vows are made to learn what you need to know of one another. To grow in wisdom and love together. That your marriage will be strong; That your love will last forever; In this life and beyond.” Once they were fully bound, Cameron paused and then said, “You may say your vows.”

“I, Davis, take you, Rowana to be my wife. To be my constant friend, my partner in life, and my true love. To love you without reservation, honor and respect you, to protect you from harm, comfort you in times of distress, and to grow with you in mind and spirit,” Davis said, his voice strong and sure.

A moment later, Rowana said, “I Rowana, take you, Davis, to be my husband. To be my constant friend, my partner in life, and my true love. To love you without reservation, honor and respect you, to protect you from harm, comfort you in times of distress, and to grow with you in mind and spirit.”

At that moment the room broke out in applause and shouts of joy, surprising Annie. She laughed and joined in with the congratulations.

“Now, may God be with you and bless you; May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings; May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward. To Davis and Rowana!” Cameron said, drawing more cheers from everyone.

The musicians began to play again and then the food for the feast was brought out. There were platters of meat and seafood, vegetables, and bread. So many fragrant dishes that Annie’s mouth began to water.

Everyone took a seat and sat down to eat. But Annie's mind was in a much different place. Although she was happy for the couple she wondered if the Laird would ever be making such an announcement for her. Did she want him to? Thoughts of Tom floated through her mind, but she couldn’t let go of the fear that she’d make the same mistakes she had in the past. She didn’t know if she’d ever be able to let go of that hurt. She wanted to, but the thought of it was a bit overwhelming.

“Are you okay?” Cara asked, looking at her with concern.

Annie nodded. “Yeah, I just… I think I need some air. I’ll be back in a bit.” She rose from the table and excused herself, weaving between people to get out of the room and then ran down the great hall to the doors and then out to the courtyard.

Once again her thoughts turned to Billy and trying to analyze the red flags she could now see when looking back over her relationship. For some reason she thought if she could identify those then she would be able to identifythem in the future. She didn’t want to admit to herself why she needed this.

Annie thought that if she could make a list of red flags then it would be impossible for Tom or anyone to hurt her the way that Billy had.

It wasn’t just the cheating, nor who he cheated with. He’d been manipulative and conniving while they’d been together. He’d lied to her on many occasions and treated her poorly. Those were the original reasons she’d broken up with him. The blame should be on him for being such a horrible guy, but she also knew that she’d spent a lot of time working and had neglected the relationship too. She wondered if the reasons it had taken her to realize he was so wrong for her, was because she’d been gone a lot. Perhaps if she’d been more available, she’d have realized sooner that he’d often lied about where he was and who he was with. And she would have noticed much earlier that he would try to manipulate her into doing things she didn’t like just to make him happy. And she had done them because she wanted to make him happy, but after a while it got to be annoying, always doing what he wanted and never the things she wanted to do.

So what was the answer? She didn’t know. Especially being here. Would those red flags be the same? Maybe some of them. It wasn’t as though she would be traveling and gone a lot from here. And she definitely didn’t have her vlog to contend with. But there was her research and the new goals she’d set for herself. They could lead her to be distracted and neglectful, she’d have to be mindful of that. She really didn’t want to fall into the same patterns of behavior as she had in the past, not be with the same type of man who would only hurt her in the end. The question was, what kind of man was Tom? Could he be trusted with her heart? She just didn’t know, and that was frustrating.

“There you are. I didn’t see you inside. Cara said you stepped out to get some air,” Tom said joining her.

“You were looking for me?” she said, pleasantly surprised.

“I was. I meant to come check on you after we got soaked, but?—”

His words struck her almost as though he’d slapped her face. “Let me guess you've been busy,” she said, her tone filled with the hurt she felt and turned away from him to walk away. His words were too similar to ones Billy had often said. And he’d only said them to placate her, to get her to give in, let him do what he wanted when he wanted.

Tom grabbed her wrist and twirled her around toward him, shocking her. She stumbled against him putting her hands on his chest. She looked up at him and met his gaze. The sparkle was back in his eyes as he stared down at her. Involuntarily, her lips parted on a gasp.

“Annie…” his voice was a moan as he said her name. He gathered her in his arms and put a hand to her cheek. He leaned down as though to kiss her, but before he could they were interrupted.

“There you are,” Bella said loudly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Tom abruptly dropped his hand and stepped back away from Annie. Annie was immediately frustrated to hear, let alone see Bella.

“What do you want, Bella?” Annie asked harshly, turning toward Bella.

Upon seeing her more fully, it was obvious that Bella had been drinking heavily. Her steps were fumbling as she walked toward Annie.

“What do I want? I can list off a thousand things. Including wanting to go home. Including never having come to Scotland with you and ending up in this stupid place,” she slurred.

Annie looked at Tom. He was obviously frustrated and let out a groan. She mouthed, “I’m sorry,” to him, giving him a regretful look. He didn’t need to deal with Bella, she was her problem, not his.

Sighing, Tom nodded., “I will leave you to your cousin. Good evening, Annie.” He reluctantly turned and headed for the door to go back inside.

Annie was more frustrated than ever. Bella had ruined the moment. It finally seemed as though Tom were going to kiss her, and Bella had taken that from her as she had taken many things.

“Bye, Tom,” Bella said, her voice suddenly seductive.

Annie felt a flash of anger at Bella. She wasn’t going to subject herself to her antics.

“Did you come out here simply to annoy me?” Annie asked.

"Maybe. I can do whatever I want, and I will,” Bella said with disdain.

Annie’s fingers clenched. “Whatever. I'm going back inside. Shouldn't you be flirting with someone's husband?” Annie tossed at her, and then headed back inside as well.

Over the next few days, whenever Annie found a quiet corner to talk to Tom, she would only get a few words in before Bella interrupted them. It was almost as if Bella was following Annie and trying to sabotage her. Something that she didn’t want to consider but didn’t put it past her deceitful cousin.

She knew that something was going on with Bella, but she didn’t know what she was up to or why she was trying to keep Annie from forming an actual relationship with Tom. Perhaps she was simply acting up because it was her way of coping with being pushed back in time.

Annie decided to test her theory. She would go see Tom in his office and see if Bella follow. She made a very loud scene about leaving her room and walking down the hall.

Finally she arrived at his office, but just as she was approaching the door, it opened and Bella stepped out. She was tying up the laces on the front of her dress. Annie stopped cold. Her mouth fell open. Heat and anger rush through her. Bella looked up from the laces down the front of her dress at Annie. She smiled a devious smile.

“Well look who's come to see Tom. I'm afraid you will find that he's sleeping. I left him very tired,” Bella said. She walked past Annie and down the hall.

Annie was so angry that she couldn’t control her emotions. She found herself stomping down the hall after Bella. She grabbed her by the arm and turned her toward her.

“You are such a liar. What do you think you’re doing? I demand to know what you are up to. Why are you trying to hurt me?” Annie said.

“Isn't it obvious? No, I suppose it wouldn’t be. You didn't know the first time I did it with Billy either. I'm going to steal Tom away from you, just like I stole Billy. Because I can and there's nothing you can do about it,” she said snidely.

Annie wanted to slap the smug smile off of Bella's face, but she kept her cool. “You can try all you want, but Tom has better taste than to go for someone like you. His clan doesn’t like people who betray their own relatives, like you did with me. You are so far beneath him, he wouldn’t even look twice at you,” she said.

“That’s a big lie. No man cares about such things when it comes to a woman, not even in this time. I’m hotter than you and we both know it. I’ll win him. You’ll see. Or maybe I have already,” Bella said. “After all, he did just see me naked. What man can resist that?” Then she turned around and walked away with a pep in her step.

Annie was absolutely furious. Bella had done this to her before with Billy and there was no reason to think that she wouldn't do so again. The thought that Tom might fall for her tricks had her devastated. She wanted to weep, to scream, to cry out that it wasn’t fair.

She didn’t know what Tom wanted in a woman or what he thought of Bella, but from what he and the Laird had said, she didn’t think he liked her. They could both be lying to her for all she knew, though, and Tom could have easily bedded Bella when he was seeing to her wounds every morning when they first arrived. If Bella had made herself available to him, why wouldn't he? He was a healthy, single man, and Bella was willing.

Doubt filled Annie’s mind. Tom had been distant, he’d blown hot and cold off and on, and maybe it was because of Bella. When Bella had interrupted their almost kiss he quickly vanished. The doubt and despairing thoughts were all adding up quickly and simmering inside of her, creating a maelstrom of emotion.

This was why she’d said that she wouldn’t trust men again. They caused too much heartache. Now she was at it again thinking hard and feeling hurt about the whole situation.

She turned sharply on her heels back to the office ready to confront Tom. There was only one long corridor and so if he had walked out, he would have to crossed paths with her. She didn’t bother to knock. She simply opened the door and stepped in with all her fury and rage.

“Tom. Tom where are you?” she said.

She expected to find him naked lying on a heap of fur rugs in front of the fireplace. But there was no such thing to see. There was no response from Tom. She was completely confused. Her own voice echoed loudly as she called out to him walking across the big room. But there were no other doors besides the entrance and no bed or living area. His bedroom was closer to her own. Had Bella been lying?

Suddenly the door opened, and Tom entered with one of the guards. The guard was holding his arm, which had a gash in it.

“Annie?” He smiled. “This is a surprise. Are you unwell?” he asked.

She immediately felt too stupid and dumb. Obviously, Bella had been in here alone possibly putting some sort of salve or balm on her bosom or perfume that she had found. She was wicked indeed. Now she was making Annie look a fool.

“I was looking for you.”

“And here I am.” He chuckled. “Can you wait a moment, though? I must see to this man. He’s injured,” he said, as he moved the man to sit on a table.

“Of course. You’re busy. It's not important. Sorry,” she said as she scurried to the door like a frightened cat.

She quickly left and closed the door behind her. She sighed a great breath of relief. Then a smile crossed her face as she realize that Bella had lied about the whole thing. She hadn’t been with Tom in his office because he had been with an injured guard, bringing him to his office. Bella had lied and it had worked on Annie. She would need to keep her wits about her next time. She would have accused Tom of being with Bella and he probably wouldn’t have taken it lightly.

Tom led David to the table to see to his injury. They had been practice fighting and Tom had gotten the upper hand. He accidentally put a gash in David's arm and couldn’t think about anything else other than patching him up. So when he saw Annie, he was thrown off a bit, pleasantly so, but he couldn’t see to whatever it was she needed. Sadly, he watched her leave, wishing he could run after her and find out why she’d come to see him.

“Tom?” David commented, drawing his attention back.

“Right, sorry David. And I'm very sorry about this.” Tom indicated the gash. “I should have known better. That was a bad maneuver.” He moved around the room gathering his items to clean and sanitize the wound before binding it.

“No it is my fault entirely. I didn’t put up a block or act defensive. It is a good sign.” David said.

Tom stopped short. “A good sign? What do you mean? Look at your arm you’re bleeding. We should have used the wooden swords."

“Aye, I am, but tisn’t my first gash, and won’t be my last. I meant it tis a good sign that you’ve become a master with your sword skills. I would be honored to have you fight alongside me out in the battlefield."

Tom chuckled. “Ah, well I don’t know about that. I think it t’was merely a lucky blow that landed.”

“Well, perhaps not a master swordsman, but a skilled one, and were you there, at least then you would be near enough to heal me when things go wrong on the field,” David joked.

Tom burst into laughter.

“Now don't just sit there and laugh see to my arm,” David said, his voice filled with amusement.

Tom got to work on David’s arm and saw his gaze travel to the door Annie had left through. He wondered how long it would take him before he asked. Apparently not long at all.

“So that’s the lass?"

“It tis. Annie Mills. The curse of my heart. The thorn in my side. The?—"

"Love of your life?” David filled in.

"Shut it for now,” Tom grunted.

"She seems a lovely lass. You shouldn’t wait too long. She will not stay single forever."

“I know, but I don’t need to hear it from you.” Tom cleaned the wound.

"Aye you do, because I’m a man of action. I’m going to ask Ellie to be my wife."

Tom looked at him shocked. “Finally?"

"Aye. I’m ready."

“Good on you. Congratulations, and I wish you and Ellie the best."

“Well we shall see; unless my arm falls off first,” David teased.

“Tis a very shallow wound. Nothing to be afraid of. As long as you keep it keep clean and keep putting this cream on it. T’will be fine."

"Aye, I will. So now that you know I’m asking Ellie, does that not make you more confident in asking Annie?"

“I’m not sure that Annie feels the same way Ellie does about you. I know she was hurt before, and we’ve done naught but talk and become friendly. I’ve not even kissed her.”

"Aye, sounds as though you’d best get to it then.”

Tom laughed.

"Well, you will never know how she feels until you try.”

Tom sighed. “I know, you’re right. I’ve been afraid, thinking she may think me below her station, but perhaps I’m wrong.”

“Aye you’re wrong. You’re a good man, Tom. You’ve plenty to offer her. And once you’re ready and you propose to court her, and if she says no, then at least you will have your answer and can move on. You deserve a wife who will love you. You deserve happiness and a family. You cannot wait forever for it."

"Aye, I suppose you are right in that."

"I am. What is this now? Treating my wound with no whisky to be had for my pain?” David said.

Tom rolled his eyes and grabbed a decanter of whisky. He poured a small bit in a cup, then handed it to David.

"Might as well get deep in my cups. I won't be fighting for a few days anyhow with this injury,” David said.

"Aye,and if anyone asks who puts you out of commission make sure you let them know that it was me, the lowly healer."

They both laughed. When David was bandaged and done Tom saw him out the door and then went back to work.

As he worked, he thought about what David said. He wouldn't know unless he tried. With that he left his office and went to see the Laird. He waited outside the door until he was summoned into the chambers. Cameron sat behind his desk.

“Tom, what can I do for you?” Cameron looked up and smiled.

“I came to make a request.”

“Oh, what sort of request? Do you need to go back to Glasgow for supplies? We’ll miss having you here while you’re gone, but that should be easy enough?—”

“No, sorry, nothing like that. This is more of a personal request.” Tom cleared his throat. “What I mean is, Miss Mills would like permission for us to sit in the gathering room and watch the door she and the others came through overnight. I know you prefer we leave the door sealed and not disturb it, but?—”

“You know as well as I how dangerous that could be. I do not think it a wise choice at all.”

“I understand. I believe she understands the peril involved, but she is looking for answers as to how and why she and all the women have come here, and she thinks this could help. I will stay with her and make sure that she is safe, if you will allow it. You have my word."

Cameron stood up and paced the room. He walked to the window and peered out at the sea.

Tom was nervous as he waited with bated breath. Would he see right through his request that it was simply his way of being alone with Annie? It was true she wanted to do this research but it didn’t need to be him that guarded her. That was his own request.

“Very well, permission granted, though I will also add additional guards to that section in case you run into trouble you cannot handle. When do you propose to do this?”

Tom thought about it and then said, “Perhaps in two nights?”

Cameron nodded. “That will do I suppose. I would like Miss Mills to write down anything that might occur so that I may add it to Dunscaith’s history for the scholars. Honestly, we have very little information on the doorway as it is and maybe this would be a good time to start keeping track of all of the comings and goings from it. I know there have been instances of Scathach being seen entering and leaving by that door, though she does not interact with anyone."

“I think she would like that idea. She has many papers that she has written on the subject, already. She is quite intelligent and ready to add to the information in the libraries. I believe she’s planning to write a book about her research as well."

“Good. I look forward to reading it.” Cameron smiled. “If you would not mind, could you find Bran and send him in to me so I can add those additional guards to that section of the castle?”

“Of course, and thank you, Laird.” Tom turned to walk out the door.

“Tom, don't forget that if either of you should go through the door, you could end up in some other time, and there is no getting back here from what we believe. You play with magic we don’t understand."

“Aye, I understand, and I’ll be sure to keep Annie and myself safe from it."

Tom nodded and walked out. He knew that the Laird was right. Anything could happen. He supposed it was possible that they could open the doorway, and he could find himself in a different time or even separated from Annie all together. That thought was worse than the two of them going through the doorway together. He didn’t let these things slip his mind, but he was glad that he would be able to spend time with Annie alone.