Page 34 of Hearts Bound By Time

“You have to open it to see,” Ashley said.

Carefully unwrapping the package, Cailin took his time, apparently knowing that it would drive Ashley crazy. She was squirming in anticipation. He finally opened the box and pulled out a pair of blue baby booties. His eyes went immediately to Ashley and he stood, pulling her into his chest and practically crushing her in his embrace. It was obvious that he couldn’t speak.

“I guess Jenna did a very good job of keeping my secret,” she said, pulling herself free and gasping for breath. Ashley glanced around at all the happily surprised faces in the room.

“Ashley.” Cailin cleared his throat. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since we’ve been here in Glendaloch and I want ye to live a life that is happy and free of worry, so my gift to ye is one I know ye’ve been wanting. I’ve spoken with Edna, and our little family will be staying here in Glendaloch when everyone leaves tomorrow.

It was Ashley’s turn to be silent.

Irene, on the other hand, gasped at the announcement. “Cailin, ye cannae. I’ll miss ye so.” She burst into tears, which triggered tears from all of his little nieces and nephews.

“No, uncle, dinnae leave us.” Wee Robert said, running to Cailin and doing his best to wrap his arms around him.

“I’ll come back to visit as often as I can,” Cailin assured him. “’Tis important to Ashley to stay here and as her husband, I cannae deny her heart’s desire.”

The whole room fell silent. This was what Ashley wanted, but somehow now that she’d gotten her wish, she found she wasn’t as happy about it as she should be. She realized that watching her family leave tomorrow would not make her happy at all. She didn’t know what to do or what to say. Glancing around the room, her eyes locked on Edna. “Edna?”

“Yes, dear. Is something wrong? Don’t ye wish to stay here?”

“I thought I did. Now I’m not so sure.” Ashley turned to Cailin, who seemed sadder than she’d ever seen him.

“Ashley, what are ye saying?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ve a thought,” Edna said. “Why do ye nae take the rest of today and tonight to think about it. No need to decide right this moment. Ye can tell us in the morning, aye?”

“Okay. I guess.” Ashley felt terrible about this. She was ruining everyone’s day. They should all be enjoying their last day here, but instead they all looked as if someone had died. She felt the weight of the world on her shoulders, knowing that her decision could separate her and Cailin from the family she’d come to love so very much.

Chapter 15

The Departure

December 26th had come far too quickly for Edna’s liking. She’d enjoyed having everyone here with her and hated to see them go. Dylan prepared a lovely breakfast for them, and knowing they had a long trip ahead, he’d also packed plenty of food for them to take along as they headed home to the year 1516.

“I wonder what Ashley will decide?” Angus asked. He was concerned about the family being split apart. “They are such a close knit group, leaving Cailin and Ashley behind will be like severing a limb for them.”

“Before they go, I’m going to speak with Ashley. I have some news that may help her with her decision. If ye’ll excuse me, I’m going back to the cottage to speak with her.”

Angus’ face and smile told Edna he knew what she might be up to. “Good luck.”

“Thank ye, me love, but I won’t need it.”

Edna went out through the kitchen door and garden, heading for the cottage. Upon reaching it, she knocked on the door, to be greeted by Jenna and Cormac, who had packed all their things and were obviously heading for the inn, where they’d meet the rest of their group of time travelers.

“Good morning, Edna.” Jenna said. “Thank you again for taking such good care of us.”

“Aye.” Cormac added. “We love ye, Edna.”

“Thank ye. The feeling is mutual. I’ll see ye in the dining room. Dylan has set out a lovely breakfast for all of ye.”

“I think you’re needed in there,” Jenna said as she headed for the inn.

Edna walked in to find Ashley in tears and Cailin doing his best to console her. “Cailin, would ye mind if I spoke with Ashley alone for a moment.”

“Of course.” Cailin kissed the top of Ashley’s head and went into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Ashley broke into a whole new round of crying as Edna sat next to her and cradled her in her arms. “I’m destroying the family that I wanted to badly. What is wrong with me?”