A Turn In Time: Book 5 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  Helene silently listened to Edna. Had she overreacted to everything? Her parents’ deaths had affected her deeply and over the years, Helene held on tightly to the people she loved, never wanting them to leave, afraid they wouldn’t return. Had she done that with Dougall? When he didn’t return right away she felt betrayed. When he left without her that morning many weeks ago, it was the same.

  “I’m afraid, Edna. I’m afraid to give me heart to him again. What would I do if he left and never came back? I couldnae bear it.”

  “I understand, Helene. If ye protect yer heart too much, then ye’ll miss out on some of the wonderful joys in this life. Ye’ve come a long way since ye’ve been with Zeke and Sara. Ye’ve learned to be yer own woman and that, me dear, is an important thing. Ye now know that if ye do find yerself alone, ye can do it. Ye can do anything ye put yer mind to. ’Tis an important lesson to learn.”

  “But will I ever be able to go back home.”

  “All in good time, dear.”

  “And what of Dougall?”

  “He has learned some important lessons as well.”

  “But, will I see him again?”

  “I must go now, Helene.”

  “Edna, what of Dougall?” Helene waited for an answer, but the sparking in the fireplace subsided and the overall feeling in the room changed. Edna was gone.

  The cat purred contentedly by her side. A spark of hope now burned in Helene. She softly petted Milly, who rolled onto her back. Helene smiled. The cat was always willing to accept the adoration she’d come to expect from the humans in her life.

  Helene rose and got a sweater and her keys. She left the house, locking the door behind her and walked down to the Marina Green. There she found a bench and sat contemplating what this had all meant. Edna said she’d learned and grown, and so had Dougall. Helene had believed they were perfect for each other, but when she really thought about it, they had been living a fairytale. Everything had gone their way from the beginning and once they hit a bump in the road, neither one of them knew how to recover from it. Now perhaps they could.

  Chapter 22

  “Tomorrow morning we’ll be back at Breaghacraig,” Logan said, adding more wood to their fire.

  Dougall didn’t answer. What was there to say? Yes, he would be back to the place he’d called home for many years now, but it wouldn’t be the same.

  “I wonder if Helene found her way back.” Logan plopped himself down on the ground next to Dougall and rummaged through his saddle bag. A triumphant smile lit his face as he produced a bag of oats and a griddle. “Mmmm… Bannocks!”

  Dougall watched as his hungry friend quickly made a batter while he heated the griddle in the fire. Dougall wasn’t particularly hungry. He hadn’t been since he’d returned from San Francisco without his love.

  “You should eat, Dougall. Ye’ll be skin and bones before long.”

  His friend was right. He would wither away to nothing if he didn’t start taking better care of himself and then what good would he do the MacKenzie clan? They needed him to be a strong, powerful warrior. He felt anything but that right now.

  Logan rummaged through the bag again. “Where is it?” he asked himself.

  “What are ye searching fer?”

  “I packed a small bit of honey and I ken there was some left this morning. I didnae use it all.”

  Dougall chuckled at his single-minded friend. “Be careful, you’ll burn the bannocks.”

  “Never.” Logan flipped the bannocks on the griddle and continued his search. “Ah, ’tis here. The jar is sticky, but there’s enough here to sweeten our supper.” He licked the honey from his fingers before removing the griddle from the fire.

  Dougall closed his eyes and lay back on his folded plaid, his arms beneath his head, hearing without listening to Logan’s incessant babbling. He thought about how much things had changed since the day he left Breaghacraig with Helene by his side. He had been so happy to be with her. To bring her to his childhood home, a place where he would someday be laird and Helene would be the lady of the castle, was a dream too good to be true. Instead of returning triumphantly to Breaghacraig, he was returning without Helene and without the lairdship he thought he had so badly wanted. He knew now he could live without the lairdship, but he had his doubts about whether he could live without Helene.

  A cheerfully chattering Logan rode at Dougall’s side as they entered the courtyard of Breaghacraig. During the long journey, Dougall was thankful for the distraction, but now he was grateful they were at their destination and he might get a moment’s peace and quiet.

  As luck would have it, Cailin and Cormac were conversing near the stables as they approached.

  “Dougall. Logan. Welcome back.” Cormac gave Broch a rub on the neck. “Are ye staying or is this merely a visit.”

  “We’re staying,” Dougall answered as he jumped down from his horse. “Logan will be joining us, so he’ll be in need of a bed.”

  “And some food.” Logan had dismounted and was sniffing the air, which carried the aroma of roasted meat. “We’ve not had a good meal in days.”

  “Ye ken the way to the kitchen, so go get yerself something to eat and then find me. I’ll have someone get a bed ready fer ye,” Cailin said. “I’ll take yer horse.”

  Logan handed the reins to Cailin, nodded to Dougall and was on his way.

  “I was sorry to hear about Helene,” Cormac said.

  “Aye. ‘Tis difficult to be back without her, but is good to be home,” Dougall replied. He really didn’t wish to speak of it right now and it seemed the brothers understood, because they dropped the subject. “I’ll help ye with the horses,” Cailin said. “Cormac, we’ll see ye inside.”

  Cormac headed off to the soldiers’ quarters to make room for Logan while Dougall and Cailin entered the quiet of the stables. Dougall led Broch to his stall and Cailin followed with Dewin. As they unsaddled the horses and brushed them down, Dougall was grateful for Cailin, who knew better than to prod him for information. He’d talk to him, but not right now. Now he simply wished to think about something other than the happenings of these past weeks.

  The two men worked in silence, the sound of the horses munching on their hay was a balm to Dougall’s soul. His mind focused on the task at hand and all other thoughts vanished. If only it could stay this way, then he might be able to get on with his life.

  When they’d finished, Cailin escorted Dougall to the great hall where the women were busily planning a feast to celebrate the summer solstice. They stopped when they noticed the men.

  Ashley jumped from her seat and quickly made her way to Dougall and Cailin. “I’m so sorry, Dougall.” Her concern was evident, as was her own disappointment at losing her friend. Ashley and Helene were very close and it broke his heart that she too would have to live her life without someone who was obviously so important to her.

  “I’m sorry as well.” This homecoming was bittersweet. He loved these people who were more like family to him than his own, but it also reminded him of the time he’d spent here with Helene.

  “What happened? Why didn’t she come back?” Dougall could read the disappointment on her face.

  “She didnae wish to come.” Ashley’s raised her eyebrow in question, so he continued. “She’s met someone else and she wished to stay with him.”

  “Did she say that?” Ashley stood with her hands on her hips now, eyes narrowed and head tipped.

  “There was nae need. I told her I was returning and asked her to meet me at sunrise. She didnae come.” What more could he say? That was the way of it.

  “And you’re okay with that?” she asked.

  Of course he wasn’t, but what could he do. “It was her wish to stay.”

  “Dougall, what if she wanted to come back and she was late or something?” Jenna joined in the conversation as she approached them.

  He hadn’t thought of that. “I don’t believe that was the case. She’s been living in yer home with a man named Zeke Barrett
. I ken he has feelings fer her and she for him.”

  “I don’t believe it!” Ashley seemed incensed. “She loves you, Dougall. How could you give up so easily?”

  Cailin gave him a sympathetic look from behind Ashley’s back. Dougall knew her well enough to know she wouldn’t give up on this.

  “’Tis done. I cannae go back and fix it now.” The pain Dougall was feeling hadn’t subsided even a wee bit since his return to this time. He wondered if it ever would.

  “Sure you can. We just need to get in touch with Edna. You tell her what happened and she’ll help you fix it.” Ashley appeared determined to get Helene back.

  “She’s right, Dougall,” Jenna added. “She fixed it for me and Cormac.”

  A small spark of hope ignited in Dougall’s heart and he quickly tried to extinguish it. This had been the most difficult thing he’d ever been through and he wasn’t sure he could do it again.

  “You know that’s what she does, right?” Ashley prodded him. “I’m not going to let you give up.” She turned and marched towards the stairs.

  “Where are ye going?” Cailin called after her.

  “To get my snow globe. This is an emergency!”

  “When she makes up her mind, she’ll nae be stopped,” Cailin explained.

  “I ken it,” Dougall said. A small smile crossed his lips as he recognized a lot of Sara in Ashley, but he also saw the woman Helene had become.

  “How long have ye been back?” Cailin asked.

  “A while now. I went back to Castle Treun to speak with me Da. I found when I got there that he’d married Greer himself.” He laughed at the absurdity of his situation. “He’s the happiest I believe I’ve ever seen him.”

  “Truly?” Cailin seemed surprised, as well he should.

  “I’ve told him I’m nae sure I wish to be laird after all.”

  “But why?”

  “’Tis nae what’s important to me. I dinnae wish to marry another highland lass who’s da is in search of an alliance.”

  “Awww… Dougall. You’ve got to try to get Helene back. Don’t give up,” Jenna said.

  “I’ve nae a thing to offer her now. I wanted her to be Lady MacRae.”

  Ashley returned with the snow globe. “Call her, Dougall. You’re the one who needs her help.”

  “What if she doesnae wish to help?”

  “You won’t know if you don’t ask. Go on.”

  Dougall cleared his throat and though he felt a fool doing so, he spoke to the small globe Ashley held in her hands. “Edna are ye there?”

  They all stood staring intently and waiting.

  “Try again,” Ashley suggested.

  “Edna, I need ye.” Dougall thought this was a hopeless cause.

  He was about to turn away when Ashley shouted, “Look!”

  As he watched, the snow in the globe swirled and swirled, faster and faster and then there she was. Edna’s face was looking out at him.

  “Dougall, I’ve been waiting fer ye,” she said.

  “Edna, this may be a fruitless effort, but I miss Helene. I want her to come home.” Dougall had tried things his way and failed miserably. He was now ready and willing to do whatever it took to bring Helene back, he only hoped Edna would give him another chance.

  “She wishes to come home as well.”

  Dougall brightened for the first time since returning to his own time. He could hardly contain his excitement as a brilliant smile illuminated his serious warrior’s face. “Can you help her to come back?”

  “I can, but I think it would be best if ye went to her and told her yerself that you want her to come home.”

  Dougall’s heart sank. “That didnae work the last time. She didnae meet me, why would she come with me now?”

  “Things have changed for ye both. There were lessons to learn before ye could be truly happy with each other. I believe ye’ve both come to realizations about yer love. Ye’ll never take each other for granted again.”

  “Tell me what to do, Edna. How do I get her back?” He would walk through the fires of Hell if it meant he could have Helene by his side once again.

  “Come to the bridge. Alone this time.”

  “When?”

  “As soon as ye can. Call to me when ye arrive and I’ll send ye to Helene.”

  “Thank ye, Edna. I’m verra grateful.” More grateful than he could possibly express. He hoped she knew that.

  “I ken ye are, Dougall. Don’t mess this up. ’Tis yer last chance, so do it right.”

  “Aye. Ye have me word.”

  “Good.”

  The snow began swirling again and Edna’s face disappeared.

  “I must go,” Dougall said, beginning to walk away.

  “Wait. You’ve just arrived. Stay the night and set off tomorrow morning,” Cailin suggested.

  “I cannae wait a moment longer to have Helene in me arms again, if ’tis true that she’ll have me.”

  “Awww…” Jenna said. “Good luck, Dougall. Safe travels and we’ll see you soon.” She gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

  The warmth Dougall felt in his heart for the MacKenzies was so great it could not be expressed in words. Returning with Helene would show them that their faith in him had not been misplaced. He said his goodbyes and turned to go.

  Laird Robert MacKenzie had been lurking in the doorway and as Dougall made his way out, he stopped him. “Dougall, ye’ve been with us a long time now. Ye’re one of me most valued men. In thanks fer yer service to the MacKenzie Clan, I’ve set aside a piece of land fer ye. I didnae believe ye’d need it, but now that I ken yer nae interested in being Laird MacRae… well, ’twill be a good place fer ye to settle down with Helene. When ye get back, we’ll all help ye build yer love a place where she’ll be Lady MacRae.”

  Dougall was without words. He was engulfed in emotion. Robert clasped his arm and pulled him in for a hug. “Yer a good man, Dougall. I pray Helene returns with ye this time.”

  “As do I. Thank ye, sir. ’Tis appreciated more than I can express properly.”

  “Go on then.” Robert walked with Dougall to the door.

  “Goodbye, sir. I’ll nae be gone long.”

  Dougall couldn’t bear to take Broch away again, so he left him to rest while he took Helene’s palfrey and another horse for himself. He rode throughout the day and into the night, stopping only long enough to rest the horses and to get a few hours of sleep. Before sunrise the next morning he set off again. Both his mind and heart were set on one thing only and that was seeing Helene again.

  Arriving at the bridge, he left the horses to graze and hoped he wouldn’t be gone too long. He hoped to be there and back in no time at all. He made his way to the bridge, doing his best to calm his racing heart.

  “Edna, ’tis Dougall. I’m here.” He leaned on the bridge, looking out over the water, which was sparkling from the sunshine filtered through the trees.

  “Aye, Dougall. Are ye ready?”

  “I am.”

  “Wait fer Helene when ye get there. Dinnae leave the spot where ye land.”

  “Aye.”

  The fog moved around him as it had the other times. He relaxed and, closing his eyes, envisioned Helene. He could feel movement as he travelled and he was filled with anticipation at the thought of seeing her again.

  Seated on the sofa looking into the fireplace, Helene had hardly ventured away from it since speaking with Edna. She didn’t want to miss her opportunity to go home.

  The warmth of the fire and the cozy comfort of the sofa had lulled her into a sleepy state. She caught herself nodding off just as a sound came from the fireplace.

  “Edna? Is that ye?”

  “Aye. Helene, ’tis time. Are ye ready?”

  “Aye.” Helene jumped up from the sofa. “What should I do?”

  “Gather yer things and head to the spot where ye were when ye arrived. Ye ken where it is?”

  “Aye.” Helene had wandered to the spot many times, hoping that the fog wo
uld carry her back home, but had always left disappointed when it didn’t.

  “What about Zeke and Sara? I should tell them I’m going.”

  “There’s no time fer that. I’ll tell them. Dinnae worry yerself over it. They will be fine.”

  “Tell them I’m so very grateful to both of them.”

  “I shall, me dear. Now hurry.”

  Helene went to her room and put on the dress she’d been wearing the day she arrived. She’d cleaned and repaired it. It looked like new. She was so excited she almost forgot her shoes, but remembered them as she got to the door. Putting them on her feet, she was suddenly frightened. What if there was no one there to help her find her way back to Breaghacraig. She’d surely get lost again.

  “Nae, Helene. Edna will help ye,” she said to herself.

  Closing the door behind her, Helene ran down the stairs and then down the street towards the Marina. She didn’t care if she looked the fool, she wanted to go home and the faster the better. Rounding the corner, she stood impatiently waiting at the crosswalk. When the light changed, she again ran as fast as she could. She got to the spot, just as the fog was whirling and her heart sank. She’d missed it. She was just about to turn around and head back when the fog cleared. She could hardly believe her eyes. Dougall was standing there waiting for her.

  “Dougall,” she cried, running into his arms.

  “Helene.” He buried his head in her hair and the warmth of his breath on her neck was the best thing she had ever felt.

  “I can’t believe yer here,” she said as she pulled away to gaze into the eyes she thought she’d never see again.

  “I came fer ye, Helene. I love ye and I cannae live another moment without ye.”

  “I love ye, Dougall.”

  He lowered his head and kissed her. His lips softly exploring hers. Oh, how she’d dreamed of those lips. The intensity of his gaze as he pulled away from her was so powerful she was happy he was still holding her, because her knees buckled and she would’ve fallen otherwise.

  “Come, Helene, let’s go home.” He gathered her close and held tightly as the fog engulfed them once again. This time they were together and Helene could not wait to go home.