Brenna seemed satisfied with that answer, but Zeke knew it would only be a matter of time before they had to tell her everything. Once they did, he was sure she’d distance herself from him.
Despite their concern about Nevil Munro, they made it back to Breaghacraig without incident. Dougall and Logan reported in at the castle while Zeke and Brenna made sure the horses were given food and a stall in the stable.
They then waited in the courtyard for Dougall and Logan to return.
“You finally made it,” Zeke said to her. He was still in awe of these amazing castles he was seeing. This one might be the grandest of them all. It was, by far, much larger than Castle Treun with more outbuildings lining the walls of the courtyard. The people of Breaghacraig went about their business, not giving the couple standing in the center of the yard more than a cursory glance.
“I’m happy to be here,” Brenna said, her face lighting up into a glorious smile.
Zeke was happy for her. He wasn’t sure how much better life would be here, but at least she would have Dougall and Helene to care for her. The thought that he would be seeing Helene soon struck him like a bolt of lightning and it must have showed.
“Is all well with ye, Zeke?” Brenna reached out and took his hand in hers.
He gently squeezed her hand to let her know he was alright. “I’m fine. Please, don’t worry about me.”
Her eyes searched his. What was she looking for?
“Without ye I wouldnae be here today. I’d be married to that awful man.” He could see her shudder at the thought.
“I’m happy I could be of service.” And he was. He wanted her to be happy and to know the love she hadn’t felt at Castle Treun.
“So, ye’ll be on yer way then? Back to San Francisco.”
He saw the sadness in her eyes and he was surprised to find he felt sad as well. “Not right away.” He wanted to reassure her, but why. They both knew all along that their handfasting was only for show.
“Will ye come and see me at Dougall’s home?”
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure he was ready to see Helene again. “I’m sure I’ll see you here around the castle.”
“Brenna! Zeke!” Dougall called to them as they returned. “Brenna yer coming home with me and Zeke yer going with Logan.” He presented his arm for Brenna to take and they walked away. Brenna peeked back over her shoulder and Zeke waved to her. There was an ache in the area around his heart as he watched her walk away. The sensation he was feeling was very much like the one he’d felt when he let Helene go, but he had loved Helene. He certainly didn’t love Brenna, but he couldn’t deny the fact that he’d miss her when he was gone.
“Are ye ready to see yer sister?” Logan asked, drawing his attention back to him.
“Let’s go!” Zeke said.
They left the castle grounds and headed down a well-traveled dirt road that led them to a small cottage. As they approached, Zeke was surprised to see Sara dressed in medieval garb and tending a garden, of all things.
“Sara!” he yelled.
Her head popped up and she peered down the road towards them.
“Zeke!” She dropped her trowel and ran to him with her skirts lifted.
“Careful, love,” Logan said, watching her careening their way.
Zeke couldn’t help but laugh as he watched her barreling towards him. Just as she reached them, she tripped and fell into his arms. He crushed her to him.
“Oh my gosh! I’ve missed you so much,” she said.
“I’ve missed you, too.” Zeke said, placing her at arm’s length to get a better look at her. He had to admit she looked amazing. It was a great relief to see her in the flesh. He should have known she was fine. If she hadn’t been, Edna would never have sent him on to Castle Treun. Still, he felt like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Sara began to cry and Zeke pulled her close again, one arm around her back and the other cradling her head close to his chest. “Don’t cry. Please don’t cry.”
“I’m so sorry I lied to you,” she said. “I didn’t want to, but I knew you’d probably talk me out of coming here.”
“I would have and now that I’m here, I’m going to talk you into coming home with me.”
Sara and Logan exchanged looks. Zeke got the impression a whole conversation happened in that look. He looked between them and saw two people united. It was strange to see Sara like this, as part of a couple. She had dated other guys, of course, but there was something very different about the way she looked at Logan and he knew that things would never be the same again.Sara nodded at Logan and then looked back at Zeke. “I’m so happy here. Why don’t you stay? It would be so great to have my big brother here with me. You’d love it. You’d be witnessing history first hand.”
