Page 41 of Time To Learn

“What abouthim?”

“Ailith told me you’d met him before, at Waterstones in Glasgow. That’s quite a coincidence, isn’tit?”

I bite my lip, nodding carefully.

“Yes, I guess so. Actually, I also bumped into him when I went to the bank a couple of days ago. Funny, isn’tit?”

Mum tilts her head at me, a small smile grazing herlips.

“That it is. Three meetings in three days...hmm.”

This time, I do turn my eyes to the heavens. I already know where this is going, and I’m not amused.

“Don’t hmm me, Mum. It’s just a funny coincidence, but that’sit.”

“If you say so, my dear. But don’t forget where we are.” She stops, releases my hand and turns in a slow circle. “In the land of the Scots, where magic still lives in every little thing.”

Groaning, I put a hand over myeyes.

“Not this again,” I mumble. Sighing, I lift my head and look hard into her soft eyes. “Magic doesn’t exist. Theend.”

Mum starts walking again, but casts a teasing look in my direction when I don’t follow her atonce.

“Just wait and see, Laura. You might be surprised.”

I look to the sky, inclined to stomp my foot at her like a child, but then I let it go when I hear the sound of Ailith shouting my name. She jumps down from Lady and almost forgets to keep her hands on the reins as she removes her helmet. I’m not worried the old pony will wander off, though—she never leaves Ailith’s side when they’re together.

Ignoring Mum and her tendency to lose her head in ancient superstitious drivel, I beam at her and pick up my pace to meether.

“Look, Mummy, look!” Ailith is almost jumping on the spot, and when Mum takes Lady’s reins, I pick up my girl and hug her tightly, spinning us around and around in a circle.

Her joyful laugh fills my cold heart with warmth and I kiss her soundly on her cheek.

“So, so, so proud of you, sweetie,” I whisper. My lips tremble with pent-up emotions.

“Thank you,” she whispers back. “This is the best dayever.”

Mum laughs as she runs a hand down Lady’s neck. Her laughing eyes meet mine briefly, making megrin.

“Mine, too,” I tell Ailith before I place her on her feet. “I think an ice cream to celebrate is in order, don’t you?” I ask as I run my hand down her cheek.

She throws her small fists in the air, making me laugh harder.

“Yes!”

“I’ll take Lady over to the trailer and meet you there,” Mum says as she hands me her wallet. I shake my head at her and refuse to takeit.

“Not this time,” I tell her as I take Ailith’s hand in mine. “This round is on me. Let’sgo.”