Page 6 of Hearts Bound By Time

Cormac seemed to be reading her mind as he stood with his head cocked to the side, and a knowing look on his face. “Jenna, dinnae fear. We have all the time in the world to have a babe.”

“But what if we don’t?” Jenna’s eyes began to tear up. She knew how much Cormac wanted a child of his own. He loved baby Emma and his other nieces and nephews, but he’d told her more than once how happy he’d be when it was his turn to be a father.

Cormac pulled her in for a hug. Kissing the top of her head. “If we don’t, I’ll still love ye just as much as I do now,” he reassured her. “Though we’ll surely keep trying, as I enjoy that part verra, verra much.”

Jenna couldn’t help but laugh. Cormac was the most relaxed, fun man she’d ever known. Nothing seemed to bother him and while she’d been a bit of a bitch when they’d first met, as well as her own worst enemy, he’d been the bright light at the end of the tunnel that had grown brighter every day she’d known him. She wanted to be a mother, but more than anything she wanted him to have his wish to be a father.

“Are ye happy to see yer cousin Dylan?” It was obvious Cormac wanted to change the topic.

“Yes. I’ve really missed him. And I’ve missed Chester, too.”

“Chester was me best companion when he lived at Breaghacraig.” Cormac’s face broke into a grin and Jenna’s did as well.

“Dylan always said that dog loved you more than him,” she pointed out.

“I dinnae believe that. He was happy to leave with Dylan.” Cormac sat on the edge of the bed with a thoughtful expression on his face. “But then again, no one asked him if he’d rather stay with me.” He lay back on the pillows with his arms behind his head and chuckled.

Jenna sat on the bed next to him and had to laugh. No matter what her mood, Cormac could always bring a smile to her lips and make her laugh. She really did love that about him.

“Now. I’m feeling the need to try to make a baby again. Are ye with me?” Cormac pulled Jenna down next to him.

Jenna gazed lovingly into his eyes. “Yes. Let’s do it.” She leaned over him and kissed him, showing him all the love she felt in her heart, determined today would be the day both of their dreams would come true.

Chapter 4

Lena & Ewan

“Lena Campbell? Is it really ye?” A tall thin man dressed in the strange manner of these future people, stopped them as they were about to pass.

Ewan placed a protective arm around his wife and glowered at the man standing in front of them. Lena, for her part, seemed at a loss for words. Ewan knew the people of Glendaloch hadn’t seen her for years and her mysterious disappearance and reappearance had tongues wagging all over the sleepy little village. It was especially difficult for his wife to explain what had happened and it seemed this was one of those moments.

“It’s me, Michael.” He paused, waiting for an answer. “Ye don’t remember me, do ye?”

“Michael.” Lena whispered his name.

“Yes. It’s me! I heard ye were back. How’ve ye been?”

Ewan spoke up. “What is it ye want with me wife?” He rose to his full height and made himself as menacing as possible.

The man didn’t seem to notice, standing there smiling like a giddy fool and gawking at Lena as if he’d never seen a woman before.

“I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself. I’m Michael Allaway, Lena’s…” He stopped short of finishing his sentence and glanced Lena’s way, his brow furrowed in obvious concern.

“It’s alright, Ewan. Ye can relax. Michael is an old friend.” Much to Ewan’s surprise, she shrugged out of his embrace and hugged this old friend, even kissing his cheek.

Ewan harrumphed, letting his displeasure show. He didn’t believe he could possibly scowl or stare daggers at the man any more than he already had. His wife was gazing at the fool with warmth in her eyes and, were those unshed tears he saw about to spill from those emerald green pools. The “old” friend as Lena had identified him was now holding her hands.

“I thought I’d never see ye again,” he said, “and yet here ye stand.”

If this besotted idjit didn’t stop staring at and touching his wife, Ewan was afraid he may have to resort to violence. Lena was his woman, his wife. How dare this man flirt with her before his very eyes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten everyone.” Lena smiled sweetly and Ewan narrowed his eyes, prepared to do battle if necessary.

He’d seen her smile at many, after all it was her nature to be kind and caring, but this unsettled him. Something about their behavior told him there was much more here than met the eye.

“How long are ye here for?” Michael asked.

“We leave the day after Christmas.”