Page 42 of Guarding Salvation

Walking into the dining room, Bram tried to hide the smile from his face when he saw Mrs Murrel had gone all-out for breakfast. The sideboard was loaded down with fruit, fresh bread, croissants, homemade jam, and honey from the estate, as well as cold meats and yoghurt, also made on the estate.

“Wow, look at all this. Are we expecting company?”

“Only Titan and Snow and perhaps Lana and Rory when they get back from the school run.”

“That’s a lot of food, it looks delicious.”

“Och, will you look at the two of you.”

Bram spun at the sound of Mrs Murrel. “Mrs M.”

“Bram, darlin’, ’tis so good to have you back so soon, and with a pretty lady to boot.”

He hugged the smaller woman, as she kissed his cheek and then turned to Aoife who was beside him. “Mrs M, this is a friend of mine, Aoife. Aoife, this is the true backbone of the McCullum estate, Mrs Murrel.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Murrel, Bram has told me so much about you, and your stew from last night was divine, thank you.”

Mrs M patted her hair in pleasure at the praise. “Well, my dear, Bram has been tight-lipped about you. Maybe we can have a chat later and I can give you the recipe for my stew. The secret ingredient is pickled walnuts, you know.”

“I’d love that.”

“Now, I must get on. Do you want your eggs poached or scrambled?”

“Poached, please.”

“Excellent, I’ll bring in some toast and bacon shortly and get the eggs going. Coffee is in the carafe and fresh juice is in the jug.”

Bram pulled out a chair for Aoife beside his at the end of the table, leaving the two at the head for Lana and Rory.

“Do you always eat like this when you come home?”

Bram chuckled. “God, no. I’d have to live in the gym if I did. Mrs M is taking great pleasure in cooking for more than just Lana, Rory, and the kids and is going way over the top.”

“Did I hear my name?”

Rory walked into the room, the huge burly Scot smiling as he held hands with Lana.

“Rory, good to see you.”

“Aye, you too. Nice to meet ya, Aoife. Sorry I wasn’t here last night but I had to have a call with this producer in the US about exporting our beef.”

“It’s fine, I don’t expect you to run around after us. I’m just grateful you’re happy to have us here.” Bein knew the man was risking his family’s privacy bringing in a stranger this way.

“Yes, thank you, it’s very kind of you.” Aoife nodded beside him.

“Away wit’ yeh. This here is Bram’s birthright. We’re just taking care of it in case the lad does nae produce bairns.”

“What he said was he’s happy we’re here.” Bram took in Aoife’s confused expression and explained. Rory’s accent was strong and for those not used to it, could prove tricky sometimes.

“Aye, that’s right. Now, is there anything we can do to help ya out with this here problem?”

Rory was a big guy and protective of his family, and Bram bringing Aoife there made her family to them. He hadn’t known it at the time but the more time he was here the more he realised he’d brought her home for a reason. He just wasn’t entirely sure what that was yet.

“I’ve told them everything. I couldn’t lie when it’s their children that live here.”

Aoife nodded slowly as if embarrassed. “It’s fine, I understand and thank you. I’m sorry I brought this to your door.”

“Never apologise for something that isn’t your fault.” Lana was firm as she spoke, but Bram could hear the gentleness in her voice too. Lana reached for Rory’s hand, and he took it, giving it a squeeze. “Don’t let anyone dim your spirit because of who they are.”