MacGowan's Ghost

by Cindy Miles

  Gabe studied Allie Morgan, who sat sideways on a bench next to a Highland sea loch, legs pulled up and folded, baring her fears. The wind caught that glorious mane of curls and tossed them about, and she lifted her free hand to tuck the loose strands behind her ear.

  He held her other hand tightly.

  Lifting it, he brought it to his lips and pressed them there, and he watched Allie’s eyes close, a soft sigh escaping her. He could feel her relief wash through her.

  He wondered if she could feel his.

  Christ, he thought she was about to tell him she was dyin’.

  “I’m no’ verra good at comforting words, Allie Morgan,” he said, and she opened her eyes and looked at him. “But I know what it’s like to not feel whole. Guilt can take a chunk out of your spirit just as clean and accurate as a surgeon’s blade.” He slid her close; her knees pulled up between them—just scooted her whole self closer, pushed that wild hair from her face, and traced her lips with his thumb. “You’re the most complete person I know, Allie Morgan.” He watched his thumb as it moved over her mouth. “You have a gift to touch and mend souls, lass—dead, alive, it doesna matter.” He pushed her knees down then, placed both hands on her face, and pulled her so that their lips nearly brushed. “You’ve touched mine. And I’m tired of pretendin’ you havena.”

  And truly, he could find nothing more to say that summed up just how special Allie Morgan was to him.

  So instead of words, he kissed her.

  As Gabe settled his mouth over Allie’s, he inhaled, the smells of the sea combining with the clean, flowery scent that belonged solely to Allie. He held her jaw, used his thumb, and pulled her mouth open just a bit and tasted her slowly, savoring the softness of her lips, the warmth of her tongue, and it all but drove him crazy.

  Her hands, slender and soft, slid around his neck and up into his hair, although he’d cut it so close there wasna so much for her to touch. Just the pressure of her hands on his head, pulling him closer and kissing him back with such desperation nearly sent him over the edge.

  He knew the more he tasted, the more he’d want.

  Resting his hand on her thigh, he felt her skin heat under his touch, and he slid his palm up, over her hip, and came to rest beneath her jumper on the soft skin at the small of her back. Allie groaned softly as they kissed, and when he felt her spine with his fingers, she groaned again and leaned into him.

  “Christ, woman,” he said against her mouth, then moved to her neck. “You’re drivin’ me bloody crazy—”

  “No doubt you’re drivin’ her bloody crazy, what with all that slobberin’ goin’ on,” a deep voice said behind them.

  Both Gabe and Allie jumped, once again clunking their foreheads together. Gabe glanced over his shoulder.

  Only to find his younger brother grinning at him like the idiot he was.

  “Damn,” Gabe muttered with a grin.

  And before he could say another word, his brother leapt over the back of the bench, threw his stupid self down next to Allie, and put his bloody arm around her.

  He gave Gabe’s shoulder a push.

  Lifting Allie’s hand, his brother kissed it. “Sean MacGowan, lass, and I’d be more than happy to take care of this witless fool if he’s botherin’ you.”

  Gabe swore under his breath, and Allie laughed. “If he ever starts bothering me, you’ll be the very first person I call.” She smiled at Gabe, then turned to Sean and shook the hand he was still holdin’. “Allie Morgan and it’s very nice to meet you.”

  Sean put a hand over his heart. “Och, an American. And such fine manners—wherever did you find her, Gabe? That accent is so sweet,” he said, then lifted a brow. “Do you have sisters, then?”

  Allie smiled. “Three.”

  Gabe hadn’t even known that.

  There was a lot he needed to learn about Allie Morgan.

  “Great! When can they be here?” Sean said, and Allie laughed. Then Sean rubbed his arms with his hands and looked at Gabe. “It’s bloody freezin’ out here, man. You two are either goin’ to let me in that blanket or head back to Odin’s.”

  Gabe smiled, stood then, pulled his brother up from the bench beside Allie, and drew him into a fierce hug. Sean hugged him back. “Welcome home, little lad.”

  “ ’Tis good to see you, old lad,” said Sean. “I’ve missed you.”

  Gabe grinned and slapped his brother on the back. “Come on, then, you boneless schoolgirl. Let’s get you back to the pub before you catch a chill.”

  Allie laughed and Gabe looked down at her.

  The reality of Allie Morgan washed over him then, and how bloody lucky he was to have crossed paths with such a woman. To think a woman like that could, dare he hope, care for a man like him?

  ’Twas nearly unthinkable.

  She stood and sidled next to him, and slipped her wee arm around his waist.

  Over her head, Sean looked at Gabe and grinned.

  Then he mouthed the word perfect.

  Gabe pulled Allie close and returned his brother’s grin. I know, he mouthed back.

  And as they walked back to Odin’s Thumb, on that cold, misty October eve, Gabe realized he’d been alone all this time, had made the mistakes he’d made and lived through a hell he mostly created for his own stupid self, and that maybe it had been for a reason. He hadn’t known Allie Morgan would be the one to step into his life to try to stop him from leaving his and Jake’s home, but he was damn thankful she did.

  It was at that very moment Gabe decided with certainty that Sealladh na Mara was where he and Jake needed to stay. He’d not have to fight his ghosts alone—once he told Allie the rest of his own secrets.

  He looked down at her, and she looked up at him, and he knew then he wanted to keep her.

  Keep her forever.

  He only prayed he could.

  Chapter 19

  An hour before her alarm was set to ring, and Allie’s eyes popped open. Five a.m. She blinked, pulled the duvet up around her neck, and peered over her toes at the hearth. Once again, another slab of peat had been placed, a nice warm blaze making the room toastier than it would have been had the fire gone completely out.

  She’d have to remember to thank Gabe later.

  Studying the room in the amber light of the fire, Allie thought back to the night before, after she, Gabe, and Sean had walked back in to Odin’s. Everyone was still sitting in the same place as when she’d left, and they cheered as the three crossed the pub to the table. Nothing was said about why Allie had left, and yet it was comfortable, inviting, easygoing.

  She’d discovered Gabe’s family was like that. Completely accepting, natural, and accommodating.

  Allie really liked that.

  Sean, who looked enough like Gabe they could nearly pass for twins except he’d grown his hair out a bit longer and was about an inch shorter, had walked right up to Wee Mary, kissed her neck, and was rewarded with a squeal and a swat to the backside, and then he did the same thing to his mother.

  Allie realized quickly just what a charming flirt Sean MacGowan truly was.

  Of course, she also realized just as fast where the MacGowan boys obtained their charm, because when Sean tried to walk past his father, Gerald pulled his six-foot-plus son into his lap and planted a big sloppy kiss right on his cheek. Everyone had roared with laughter.

  Once released from Gerald’s arms, Sean had bowed to Mademoiselle Bedeau, who’d blushed a ghostly pink, greeted the other spirited souls of Odin’s like family, who returned the greeting likewise, and had entertained the group with what Wee Mary had called youthful naughty shenanigans from university. Wee Mary was right. Naughty hardly described Sean MacGowan.

  For the first time since arriving at Sealladh na Mara, Allie saw Gabe relax. A change, just as recent as their talk at the wharf, seemed to come over him. His demeanor was more laid-back, he laughed more. And God, what a great laugh he had. Not to mention that adorable, slightly crooked mouth when he spoke.

  Gerald Ma
cGowan then enlightened Allie on a few shenanigans pulled by a little Gabe MacGowan, including a few mishaps involving pollywogs, hedgehogs, and a little girl named Cassidy who’d once lived up the lane. Gabe covered his face with his hands and laughed, along with the rest of his family, and had turned to her and said, “Dunna believe everything they tell you, Allie Morgan.” and then his eyes had danced with mischief.

  She learned quite a lot about Gabe MacGowan in the two hours she’d sat amongst his loved ones. And she discovered the more she learned, the more she liked. He had a sister named Merriweather—Merri for short—who seemed to be just as mischief as Gabe. Allie hoped to meet her.

  Rolling over, she pulled her knees up to her stomach and watched the peat burn in the hearth. The earthy scent wafted through the room and she inhaled, and thought a better smell couldn’t possibly exist. Maybe because that same scent had clung to Gabe’s clothes, and Allie had inhaled a good bit of it while nearly sitting on his lap as he kissed the socks off her.

  Closing her eyes, Allie easily called forth the memory of Gabe’s thumb grazing her lips, the way he stared so deeply into her eyes and making sure her head was at just the perfect angle before tasting. Sweet God, the man could kiss, more erotic and sensual than Allie ever thought she’d experience. Perhaps those sensations happened because of the man himself. Gabe MacGowan did nothing without thought, purpose, and yet spontaneity at the same time.

  Their first kiss still lingered in her memory—and the way Gabe had been before that first kiss. Wide-eyed and seemingly in another place, Allie wondered what had caused him to be out of bed and so out of sorts at that time of night. Rather, morning. She remembered it had been around one a.m. Had a dream awakened him?

  All she knew was the fun, joking, lighthearted Gabe MacGowan was something to consider. Just watching him laugh at his brother, or at something he and his brother conspired to do, made her smile. Laina and Gerald had shaken their heads and laughed. Pride shone in both of their eyes, and it made Allie happy to know that while during Gabe’s tormenting struggle through his marriage, the loss of his career, drinking, his wife dying—and all the recovery he’d accomplished after, he’d had a close-knit, supportive family system to see him through it.

  She’d be willing to bet he was glad for it, too.

  Briefly, and not for the first time, Allie considered what might become of her and Gabe. How on earth could she just walk away from him and everything wonderful in Sealladh na Mara? Not that she’d been asked to stay, of course, but their relationship—if she could call it that—was so fresh and new. To even think of staying, or Gabe asking her to stay, seemed too far-fetched at the moment.

  But would they be able to carry on with a big fat ocean between them? Would she be able to easily get over him if they simply parted ways once the contract for Odin’s was up?

  Pulling a pillow over her face, Allie groaned. She was thinking way too much, and too fast. She needed to calmly swallow a big chill pill and take things easy. Go with the flow. See how things worked out over the next few weeks.

  Flinging back the duvet, Allie gathered her clean clothes and toiletries. She looked in the mirror over the dresser and stared at her reflection. Truth be told, the Odin’s lot could completely handle the hauntings—which was exactly what they’d decided to do to dissuade any potential buyers with a mind to buy a pub—while the contract ran its course. She wasn’t needed. Not really. Yes, she could conduct a pretty frighteningly haunting experience, but it could all be done without her presence. Especially since Gabe was now on the same page as everyone else.

  That was a feat all its own.

  Allie felt as if she were on an extended vacation.

  She smiled. That was the good thing about being a money saver and having your own small business, being your own boss.

  No one to answer to.

  She squinted at herself in the mirror. “Yeah, you should definitely stay,” she said. “See how things go.”

  She turned and slipped out of her room and into the bathroom across the hall. She’d get ready, go over to Leona’s for a pastry and coffee, and get back to Odin’s.

  They had a scheduled haunting in the pub at nine a.m. sharp, followed by lunch preparations.

  She didn’t want to miss a minute of it.

  An hour later and Allie started up the walk toward Leona’s. Pushing open the door, she drew up short as a man walked out, the two nearly colliding. At first, she thought it was Gabe, but quickly recognized Sean instead.

  He smiled and held the door for her. “Och, what a fine morn to find such a bonny lass to be stuck in a doorway with. Leona, love, look who I’ve found.”

  “Saints, boy, you’re such a flirt,” Leona said, shaking her head. She smiled. “Come in, Allie. I’ve your pastry waiting for you.”

  Sean bent his dark head over her waxed paper. “Leona’s meat and cheese pie. A girl after me own heart.” He cocked his head and wagged a brow. “Are you sure it’s me old decrepit brother you’re interested in, lass?”

  “Are you jokin’, boy? Have you seen the way those two look at each other?” Leona said. “All but caught the pub on fire last night.”

  A gleam of mischief shone in Sean’s eyes when he grinned. “You should have seen the wee bench by the wharf. Smolderin’, ’twas.”

  Allie shook her head, but she could feel the heat rush up her neck. “You guys are bad.”

  “You guys,” Sean mimicked. “God, that American accent is so adorable.”

  “Och, wee Sean, you’ve more than a run for your money in your brother. That rogue Justin Catesby has the eye on her as well.”

  Allie wasn’t surprised when that comment didn’t startle Sean MacGowan—or slow him down—at all.

  “Well then, seems I’ll have to work extra hard, aye?” he said. “Come, Allie Morgan from America. Let’s go break our fast together.” He winked. “ ’Twill be good to make the old decrepit brother jealous.”

  Allie laughed. “Okay, let’s go.” She handed Leona three pounds for the pastry and coffee. “Don’t forget. Haunting at nine sharp.”

  Leona’s smile proved just how much she enjoyed being part of the Big Odin’s Fiasco. “Wouldna miss it for the world, love. I’ll see you there.”

  Sean held the door and Allie ducked out of Leona’s. Together they walked down to the wharf and sat on the bench facing the loch.

  “So, tell me about these sisters of yours,” Sean said, taking a big bite of his pastry. He barely finished chewing. “What are their names? Are they as bonny as you?”

  Allie slid a glance his way, took an enormous bite of her own pastry—which turned out to be the exact same one Sean had—chewed, and swallowed.

  “Bloody hell, you’re no bigger than a bird but can eat like a man,” Sean said with pride. He smiled. “I like that. Now go on. Tell me.” He took another bite.

  “I’m the oldest. Next there’s Emma, she’s twenty-eight; then Boe, she’s twenty-six; and Sicka—her name’s Ivy, but we call her Sicka—she’s twenty-four.” She grinned. “They’re all ten times more gorgeous than me.”

  He shook his head. “I dunna believe a word of it.” He smiled and inclined his head. “Do any of them have that glorious mane of curls you have there?”

  Allie chewed, watching Sean closely. As he ate with gusto he had the most devilish tilt to the corner of his mouth. “You’re not very shy, are you?”

  He didn’t break his amused stare. “Nope,” he said through another mouthful of pie. “No’ in the least.”

  Allie shook her head, balled up her empty wax paper, and sipped her coffee. When she slid Sean a glance, he was still staring at her.

  “What?” she asked.

  Funny how she felt completely comfortable around a guy she’d known less than nine hours.

  “You’re a true miracle, Allie Morgan,” he said. “I canna tell you the difference I see in Gabe, just since the last time I saw him.”

  That somehow made Allie tingle inside. “When was that?”
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  “About three months ago.” He shook his head and wadded up his own empty pastry wrapping. “ ’Tis like night and day.” He continued to study her, an approving grin lighting his handsome face. “You’re good for him.” He winked. “I suppose I’ll have to settle for one of your gorgeous sisters, aye?”

  Allie laughed. “You’re crazy.” Like Gabe—actually, like everyone else at Sealladh na Mara—Sean’s accent was so pleasing to hear. About sounded like aboot, ago sounded like agoo, and there was that ever-present, always pleasing to the ear aye that Allie thought she’d never grow tired of hearing.

  “I can only imagine wee Jake adores you, as well,” Sean said. “He’s a great little kid.”

  “He is,” Allie agreed. And she meant it. She loved kids, and some of her favorite spirited souls were children. “He’s been wanting to take me up to the family homestead.”

  “Och, the MacGowan keep,” Sean said. “One of me favorite places to go. Maybe we’ll take a run up there before I leave.”

  “I’ve seen it at night but not during the day,” she said.

  Sean laughed. “I’ll bet. That wily brother of mine.”

  Allie remembered the memory. She’d never forget it.

  “So, is Gabe still havin’ those horrible nightmares?” Sean asked. “Christ, they’re bloody terrifying, what with his dead wife appearin’ to him and such.”

  Allie’s eyes widened. “What?”

  Suddenly, Sean’s face blanched. “Christ, you didna know?” He swore under his breath. Something Gaelic, and a word Allie hadn’t heard before.

  Allie shook her head. “I knew he’d been having horrible nightmares about his wife but not that he’d been seeing his wife’s spirit. That’s a whole new ball game.”

  Sean rubbed his chin, much as Gabe did. “He’s goin’ to kill me if he finds out.”