Christmas In Delight: Delight Book Four

by Jennae Vale

  Avery parked her truck along the side of the road at the bottom of the hill leading up to the cave. She stared up at the climb ahead of her. She’d done it before with the whole group when they sent the Grey Man back where he came from, but it hadn’t been covered in snow then. Good thing she’d worn her hiking boots.

  “It’s now or never,” she said aloud. Steeling herself for the hike ahead, she started her journey uphill. Stopping every now and then along the way to catch her breath, Avery was happy that the sun was shining. It was cold, but the sun on her face felt good. It took her a while, but she was at the top sooner than she’d expected. The cave was right in front of her, but she couldn’t see Conall.

  “Conall?” She peeked inside, but it was too dark to see anything.

  She used her phone as a flashlight and shined it inside. He’d definitely been there. The fire was out, but still smoldering. She’d missed him. He’d left and he hadn’t even come to see her as he said he would. Defeat caused her shoulders to droop and her spirit to sag. “Why would you leave without saying goodbye?” she asked into the empty cave.

  “I did no’…”

  She spun to find Conall right behind her. “You scared me,” she said, blinking her eyes rapidly and pulling in a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry, lass. I heard someone coming and I was no’ sure who it could be.”

  “You should try not to do that.” The momentary adrenaline rush she had was now dissipating.

  “Sit.” He took her by the hand and led her to a nearby shelf on the rock wall of the cave.

  He grabbed some kindling and threw it on the embers of the fire. Before long, flames flickered at the small sticks. He then placed a larger piece of wood on the fire. “Ye’ll be warm soon.”

  He was so thoughtful and caring. How could he be so angry about what had happened the day before?

  “I must apologize for me behavior yesterday. I spoke with me cousins.”

  “You did?”

  “They believe me to be a traitor to our people. I tried to explain to them that I am no’. That all I want is for our clan to go back to our ancestral lands.”

  “What did they say?”

  “They did no’ seem to believe me. We did no’ have harsh words or fight. I want them to come back with me, but if they doona I will do me best to convince the English at Fort William to allow me to have the clan lands back.”

  “What about Gavin?” Amy would be devastated if he had to return with Conall.

  “He is free to do as he wishes.”

  “You’d be alone then.”

  “I would, but if me clan would return all would be well.”

  “That seems like a pretty big if. Conall, I don’t want you to think that I don’t understand, because I do. You are loyal to your people and you want the best for them. I can’t fault you for wanting to help the clan.”

  “I was worried you were trying to trick me into staying. It was wrong to doubt you.”

  “I do want you to stay. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t, but I know how important this is to you and even though I might never see you again, I wouldn’t try to stop you.”

  He knelt before her and took her hand. “Avery, I never imagined I would meet someone like ye. Wanting to be with ye has made this more difficult than I’d ever thought it would be. I care for ye a great deal. I wish ye’d come back with me, but I understand how hard it would be to leave everything behind. Just know that I believe I’ve fallen in love with ye.”

  A small gasp caught in her throat. “I… I…”

  “Doona say anything. ’Tis already hard for ye. I can see it and I’m sorry to have caused ye such grief.”

  “It will be hard to lose you, but I’m so happy we’ve had this time together. Will you come back with me to the inn?”

  “I planned to leave today. With or without Gavin, but I must speak with him before I go.”

  “Please stay. Just for another day or two. I need a date for the wedding and I was hoping you’d be my plus one.” She smiled sheepishly. It might not be the best reason she could come up with for him to stay, but she hoped it would work just the same.

  He gave her a confused look and Avery couldn’t help but laugh. “I really don’t want to go alone. I’m sure Amy will be taking Gavin. I’d be the only single lady in the bunch.” It was a silly thing to mention, but she knew the stand-up guy he was wouldn’t let her down. It was one of the things she’d come to love about him. He was always there, ready to help her in any way he could.

  He smiled a warm, sexy smile. “I would be happy to attend with ye, if me cousins doona mind.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. She held on tight, not wanting to let go. His arms went around her waist as he leaned back long enough to find her lips with his.

  Avery’s head was spinning. She was hopeful, but at the same time realistic. She had to be prepared to let him go if that’s what he wanted.

  Conall had insisted on riding Fergus back into town. He’d refused to even consider allowing Ross to transport his horse back to the inn. “I doona wish to be indebted to him,” he’d said as he mounted his horse and she drove away.

  Avery waited for him in the sitting room, warming her feet by the fire. The inn door opened and she turned expecting to see Conall and was surprised to see Cassie.

  “Hey,” she gave a slight wave before entering the sitting room. “I wanted to talk to you. I feel as though we’ve been misunderstanding each other a lot lately and I didn’t want it to get to the point where we were all avoiding each other.”

  “Have a seat.” Avery was happy Cassie had come to her. She’d been thinking about the very same thing ever since their dinner the other night at the pub.

  “You and Amy are two of my favorite people and I’d hate to see anything get in the way of our friendship.”

  “I agree. We’re having a difference of opinion. I think we can work through it. What would be more helpful would be if we could get the guys to work through their issues with each other.”

  “I was thinking the same. If we could get them to talk without looking like they want to kill each other and if they spoke minus the accusations and then listened. We might be able to take this situation down to a slow simmer.”

  “Any ideas on how to do that?”

  “The usual. We get them together for dinner either here or at the ranch.”

  “Okay. I’ll work on Conall and Gavin. Gavin won’t be hard to convince. Conall will be a harder sell.”

  “Why will I be a harder sell, as ye say?” He closed the door behind him and joined them in the sitting room.

  “Cassie was here to invite us over for dinner. I wasn’t sure you’d want to go.” Avery held her hand out for the jacket he’d just removed. “I’ll hang this up for you.”

  “Do ye really wish us at yer home?” Conall seemed skeptical.

  “We do. It’s the Christmas season. You know, peace and goodwill.”

  “He doesn’t celebrate.” Avery returned, linking her arm through Conall’s. “You must be cold.” His arms felt like icicles. She drew him farther in so that he could stand by the fire.

  “It’s just that Ross and I were feeling bad about how things went that day at the pub. We wanted to make it up to you.”

  “What do you think? It could be good to mend a fence or two.” Avery wasn’t sure he’d agree. She held her breath, anticipating he’d probably say no.

  Conall glanced at Avery before answering. “I’ll speak with Gavin. If he wishes to join ye, then we will.”

  “Great!” Cassie beamed at them. “Let me know.”

  “When do you want to do this?” Avery asked.

  “Tonight.”

  “Okay. I’ll get in touch with Amy and we’ll see how Gavin feels about it.”

  “I hope I’ll see you tonight, Conall.” Her warm smile seemed to have an effect on him as he returned it in kind.

  Once the door closed behind Cassie, Conall turned to Avery. “What ar
e ye up to?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” Of course, she knew exactly what he meant, but if she told him, he might change his mind about going.

  “Ye surely do.” Placing a gentle finger beneath her chin, he encouraged her to face him.

  “Okay. You caught me. It’s just that Cassie and I have been friends for a long time. It’s been a little rocky between Amy, me and the rest of the ladies.”

  “Because of me?”

  “Sort of. We’ve been sticking up for you and they’ve been sticking up for their men. Cassie came over to talk and we thought it would be good to get you all together before the wedding.”

  “I’ve spoken with them. They doona wish to hear what I have to say,” Conall protested.

  "I know. Could you give it one more try? Please? For me.”

  “I would do anything for ye, love. Ye’ve only to ask.”

  There was one thing she’d been told she couldn’t ask and that was for him not to leave her, but she’d take what she could get for now. “Thank you.”

  “I’m still cold. I need ye to warm me.” He had a devilish glint in his eye as he led her to the settee where he sat and pulled her down onto his lap.

  Chapter 15

  The living room of The Writer’s Ranch was filled with Highlanders. Avery could feel the tension from every corner of the room. She and Cassie had arranged to get the cousins together. It was in everyone’s best interest to set aside their anger and make peace. They sat with Amy in the kitchen, watching, listening and hoping.

  Ross had agreed to keep things under control. He wouldn’t allow it to turn into a shouting match or, worse yet, a physical fight. “We called ye all here to settle yer differences. I ken ye have hard feelings, but I believe if ye take the time to really listen to each other there may be a way ye can behave like a family again.” He looked to Bear and lifting a hand in his direction, indicated that he should speak.

  “Before the lads and I fell through time, we were starving. Poor Kade looked like skin and bones.” Bear indicated his brother with a nod. “The people of our clan knew what was about to happen. They had no wish to leave their homes, but knew if they stayed with us, they would no’ survive. So, they did what they felt was best and who could blame them? Many scattered in search of work and food.” His gaze fell on Conall. “Ye say ye are no’ a traitor, but ye left us to join the English at a time when the clan needed ye. I doona ken why ye did it and mayhap ye had good reason. After Culloden, we were forced to accept harsh new laws that took away our rights. No tartans, no pipes and no weapons to protect ourselves. Those among us who disobeyed and were caught, were fined or imprisoned. Some were exiled to the colonies.”

  Kade and Payton, arms folded across their chests, showed no emotion as they stood beside Bear, letting it be known that they were with him. He was not only their older brother, but the clan chief as well.

  Avery clasped and unclasped her hands as across the room, Gavin and Conall listened respectfully as Bear continued speaking.

  “Ye thought we deserted ye, but we did no’. I believe ye ken now what happened and realize it was out of our control. We would never have left our home willingly. As we once had, we were prepared to fight the English at every turn once we had food in our bellies. We were almost caught as we tried to steal back one of our own cows. So ye see, in the eyes of the English, we are fugitives. We ran with them right behind us and only escaped by some magic that landed us here in Delight. We did no’ desert our clan. Can ye say the same?”

  Conall raised his eyes toward the ceiling as he prepared to speak. “To yer eyes we are traitors, but we ken differently. Aye, we joined the English, but no’ to fight against our own people. We wanted nothing more than to gain back control of our lands.” He indicated his brother and the Fletchers. “We never did a thing to harm a Highlander. Our job was to guide the English through the Highlands and as we did, we were able to warn those they sought before they got there to arrest them. They paid us for our services. We planned to use the money to make repairs to clan homes. To that end, we were told by the commander of the troops at Fort William that if we could find ye and bring ye back with us that an agreement could be reached. If ye, as the clan chieftain, promised no’ to cause them any more trouble they would be satisfied. They needed ye to be there for the negotiations.”

  “Ye ken they wish to arrest us. Did they tell ye that? Did they tell ye we were wanted men?”

  Conall exchanged a confused look with Gavin. “They did no’.”

  “So yer search for us would no’ have resulted in a return of our lands. We would be imprisoned, killed or conscripted. Ye’ve been lied to.”

  “So ye will no’ return with me.” Conall seemed to accept that. “Then I will go on me own. Mayhap they will negotiate with me when I tell them I could no’ find ye or yer brothers.”

  Avery’s heart sank on hearing Conall’s words. He was going back.

  The men continued talking and some of the tension seemed to be relieved by their doing so.

  “I hope this convinces them to stay,” Cassie whispered to Amy. “Going back would be a big mistake.”

  “Gavin already told me he’s not going to leave with Conall. They knew their cousins wouldn’t be going back with them, but Conall still seems to think it’s the only thing he can do,” Amy explained.

  Avery put her head in her hands. The thought of what might happen to him if he returned on his own and without the one person he was ordered to bring back didn’t sit well with her.

  Amy moved closer, putting her arm around Avery for support. “We’ll find a way.”

  “We have to.” She lifted her head to gaze at the only man since her husband to utter words of love to her. She loved him back just as much, but he hadn’t let her say it. She wanted to be able to. If she could, maybe he would stay.

  “Look!” Cassie pointed to the group of men who were all standing closer together now.

  Conall and Bear clasped arms before Bear pulled him into a hug. He clapped his cousin on the back. Gavin was doing the same with Kade and then Payton.

  “We’ll put our misunderstanding behind us,” Bear said. “From now on we are family once again.”

  Conall caught Avery’s eye and she smiled brightly at him. She was so happy for all of them. Now that they had made amends, anything was possible and that gave her hope.

  Amy gave Gavin a big thumbs up before running into the room and throwing her arms around both he and Kade. “My two favorite guys! I’m so happy you like each other again.”

  Kade couldn’t seem to help himself. He chuckled as he kissed her cheek.

  Gavin appeared a little concerned about this. Pulling back slightly for a better look, one eyebrow rose in question.

  “Don’t worry. He’s like my little brother,” Amy assured him.

  Gavin’s face softened as he leaned in to kiss the other cheek.

  “Yay! This is so great!” Amy threw her arms in the air and did a little dance that caused huge grins to break out on Gavin’s and Kade’s faces.

  “Just in time for the wedding,” Cassie said, joining her husband.

  “Ye will come, aye?” Payton asked.

  Conall looked to Gavin, who seemed happier than could be remembered in their recent past. “We would no’ miss it.” He left the group to join Avery as she sat at the kitchen island. “I wish to thank ye for yer part in bringing us together.”

  “Of course. I’m happy it worked out.” For everyone but us.

  “Ye doona seem happy. Where is yer beautiful smile?”

  She forced her lips to curve upwards.

  “That’s better. All will be well.”

  She wondered whether that was true. If he left the day after the wedding, it couldn’t possibly be well. She rested her head on his shoulder and observed those in the living room chatting away happily. “I imagine you have a lot of catching up to do.”

  He chuckled. “I believe all that talking ye just heard us do took care of it. There�
��s no’ much else to tell.”

  “I should probably get back to the inn. I’ve got guests to see to. Are you coming with me?”

  “Another night in a warm bed and the company of a beautiful woman are no’ things I will turn down.”

  She hopped off the stool and he caught her around the waist. “Ye ken ye are the beautiful woman I speak of.”

  “I know.” Caressing his cheek with her hand, Avery wished she was the woman he planned to stay with. She kissed him softly on the lips and was met with a passionate kiss that made her knees weak. “We should go.” She placed a hand on his chest and pushed herself away from the danger she’d placed herself in – the danger of wanting him so badly that her insides ached with desire.

  The door closed quietly as Avery and Conall left Amy, Gavin and the others behind at The Writer’s Ranch.

  “What are we going to do?” Amy turned to Gavin. “Avery is going to be heartbroken when he leaves.”

  “I doona believe there is much we can do. He’s stubborn. Always has been,” Gavin said.

  “’Tis true. As a young lad, he subjected himself to many a beating by the other lads because he would no’ give in when he thought he was right,” Bear said.

  “I remember that.” Payton chuckled. “He never backed down. As he got older, it became much more difficult to best him in a fight of any kind. So he got to be right all he wanted.”

  “But he told Avery he loves her.” Amy was surprised when all of the men stared at her. “What? She told me.”

  “Poor Avery.” Cassie’s lips turned down in a sad frown.

  “I know. Isn’t there anything we can do?” She looked to the men for an answer.

  “I think not. I doona believe even the love of a good woman will keep him from doing what he thinks he must,” Bear said.

  “It doesn’t make any sense. Going back isn’t something he must do. What’s he got to go back to? A job with the English and more of their lies.” Amy couldn’t possibly be happy when she knew Avery would be devastated.