Christmas In Delight: Delight Book Four

by Jennae Vale

  He lowered his voice and walked with her to the door. “We’ll be fine, lass. Doona fash.”

  “Shall we sit?” Ross motioned toward the sitting room.

  “What is it ye wish to speak with me about?” Conall had a sneaking suspicion he knew exactly what it was, but he was curious to hear what he had to say.

  “I wanted to tell ye a little bit about meself that ye may no’ ken.” Ross sat in one of the wingback chairs while Conall stood by the fireplace, leaning on the mantel.

  Ross cleared his throat before speaking. He seemed to be thinking about what he might say. “Ye may or may no’ believe what I am about to tell ye, but ’tis important information for ye to have.”

  “I doona believe ye would lie to me.” He didn’t know Ross very well, but he got the impression that he was an honest man who worked hard and was very protective of his friends.

  “Good.” Ross paused, again as though he were thinking of how to say what needed to be said. “I fought at Culloden.”

  “Yer a time traveler then.”

  “And I died at Culloden.”

  Conall narrowed his eyes as he took in what he’d just heard. “I doona understand.”

  “’Tis as I’ve said. I was killed. When I died, I became moored to the battlefield along with many others, but I was given a chance to live again. I merely had to perform one good deed. I was sent here not knowing where or when I was. I only knew that to escape the limbo I’d found meself in, I had to do something good.”

  “What is it ye did?”

  “I saved Cassie and she tells me I saved this town.”

  “Why are ye telling me this?”

  “Because in the hundreds of years I haunted the battlefield, I saw many things. I saw how the world changed and I saw how me brethren in the Highlands suffered and lost everything. I ken about the lies and deceit that led to their demise. I tell ye this because there is no hope for ye if ye return. Ye will continue to be used by them to do their dirty work, but ye will never be accepted. They will no’ give ye back what is rightfully yers, because now it belongs to them.”

  Conall heard what Ross was saying and it hit him hard in the gut. This was what Gavin told him he’d read in the books at the library. Hamish, too, had said the same. He thought it was all just a tall tale and that it couldn’t possibly be true, but now Ross was telling him that it was and that he was an eyewitness to it over many years.

  “I ken ’tis hard to hear, but ’tis true. Ye can have a good life here in Delight. Yer cousins wish ye to stay, as do I and Cassie. Think about it before ye decide to go. Ye’ve got everything to gain by staying and much to lose if ye go.”

  Ross stood and walked to the doorway. “I’ll leave ye to think about what I’ve said. I ken ye’ll do what’s best.”

  Conall didn’t move. He knew his decision would change his life forever, no matter what he chose. He could go back to what was old and familiar or stay here in this new world, which if he was being honest was somewhat daunting. There was much he didn’t know about even the simplest of things. Gavin wasn’t afraid. The Fletchers weren’t afraid. So what was holding him back? Why was he letting the unknown stand in his way? There were unknowns, and plenty of them, back in his time as well. Going back would mean facing them on his own with no one there who would understand or care about his Highland pride.

  Seated in the bakery, Avery stared out the window at the town square across the way. A giant Christmas tree sat in the middle of beautifully decorated tableaus put in place by the local schools and businesses of Delight. At night, they were lit up with colorful lights. Christmas music played as locals and tourists wandered through the square, stopping to enjoy the handiwork of those who spent hours each year designing and building each scene.

  Avery caught sight of Ross as he made his way down the street from the inn toward the bakery. She hoped he had good news for her.

  “Ross is coming,” she announced.

  Rose and Kade came out from behind the counter and joined her as Ross entered the bakery.

  “Well?”

  “I spoke with him and told him what I’d seen from me experience at the battlefield over the years. I doona ken if it made a difference, but he was no’ speaking when I left. I imagine it was a lot to hear.”

  “You couldn’t tell whether he was leaning toward staying, then?”

  “I’m afraid no’.”

  “Would ye like me to speak with him, Avery?” Kade offered.

  “He’ll just need some time to let it all sink in. If he heard what Ross said, then I don’t think there is anything that any of us could say that would make a difference.”

  “Oh, Avery, I hope for your sake that he chooses wisely,” Rose said.

  “We can only hope at this point. I should probably get back to the inn.”

  “Here. Don’t forget your Christmas morning cinnamon rolls.” Rose rushed behind the counter to retrieve the box she’d put together.

  “Hopefully I’ll have someone to share them with.” Avery tried her best to look cheerful as she held out her hands to take them.

  Rose gave her what Avery thought to be some motherly encouragement. “You will. Don’t lose hope.”

  All the way back to the inn, she rehearsed in her head what she might say, but none of it was right. She couldn’t beg and she wouldn’t cry. She had to remain strong no matter what.

  With some trepidation, Avery entered the lobby of the inn. “Conall?”

  There was no answer. She hurried to put the box of cinnamon rolls in the kitchen and then checked her bedroom, but he wasn’t there. She ran upstairs to his room only to find it empty.

  “Where are you?” she wondered. “Did you leave without saying goodbye?” Avery stood there for a moment in complete disbelief. She had to find him. She had to tell him how much she wanted him to stay.

  “Fergus!” He wouldn’t leave without his horse. If he was still in the barn out back, then Conall would still be here.

  Back through the kitchen and out the door she went. As she approached the barn, the nicker of not one, but two horses calmed her jangled nerves. She could breathe again, but she was still puzzled. Where could he have gone?

  Chapter 19

  Conall stood at the top of the snow-covered hill looking out at the beauty of the natural world. He needed time away from the sights and sounds of Delight to think about his future and he didn’t have to go far. Just a short walk from the back of the inn was far enough.

  “Conall!” Avery’s voice floated through the air to his ears.

  “I’m here!” he called back.

  She hurried down the path through the trees. “Were you going sledding?”

  “Not without ye.” He smiled. He hated that he’d caused her worry. He wished to remove all of it from her shoulders. “Avery, I’ve something to say to ye.”

  She seemed to gird herself for what was to come next.

  “I’ve given it much thought.”

  “Yes?”

  “When I first arrived here, I had but one thought. Get the Fletchers and go right back home. Then I met ye and ye softened me heart. I thought I could go back without them. I would explain me decision to those at Fort William and hope for the best, but I would be doing it on me own because Gavin would no’ come with me. I couldn’t take ye away from all ye know and love. I thought I would go home and, once I had me land and home restored, I would come back to visit with ye because I know the way now.”

  “Oh.”

  He heard the disappointment in her voice and rushed to allay her fears. “Avery, I thought about all of that, but the only thing that really matters to me anymore is ye. I’m so sorry for any pain I’ve caused ye with me stubborn pride. I hope ye can forgive me because I can no’ leave ye. I will no’ leave ye. Will ye still have me?”

  Avery’s eyes opened wide with surprise as her hands flew to her mouth. “You’re staying! You’re really staying!” She ran to him and he engulfed her in his arms. “I was so worried you were go
ing to tell me you were going back, but you’re really staying.”

  “I am. I will no leave ye, Avery. I love ye. Even when we’re old and gray and ye may have had yer fill of me and wish me to go, I will no’ leave ye.”

  “Stop talking and kiss me!” She grabbed his face between her gloved hands and looked into his eyes.

  In that moment he saw all the worry and fear evaporate. It was replaced with the love she’d longed to express, but that he hadn’t wanted to see or hear at first. Now he welcomed it as he covered her lips with his and his heart felt something he’d never allowed it to feel until he met her. They stood like that for a long time and when she pulled back to gaze into his eyes once again, it was snowing.

  Large, soft flakes fell on her hair and eyelashes. He kissed them away before placing an arm around her and guiding her back to the inn.

  Avery often felt as if her life had been put on pause after her husband’s passing. It had been time to press the play button for some time now, but her heart would never let her. The joy she was feeling at this moment was hard to put into words, but she felt it lifting her up and carrying her forward from the place where she’d once only been existing and not truly living. She thought back to that day on the road when they’d met. Conall had seemed so familiar to her right from the very beginning. So familiar that she’d had to stop herself from rushing to his side to greet him. Her heart knew all along that what she’d been waiting for was Conall and it rejoiced when he finally arrived.

  They were seated in front of the Christmas tree, staring into the branches at the lights and ornaments. Conall picked up the small box he’d placed there earlier and handed it to her.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to wait until morning?” Avery asked.

  “I’d like ye to open it now.” He kissed her cheek.

  She tore away the paper to reveal a small jewelry box. Holding it in her hand, she gazed up at him before opening it to find a silver Celtic heart. “It’s so beautiful!” Avery slipped it over her head and it nestled down between her breasts and close to her own heart. It was perfect because Conall had chosen it for her. “Here. Open yours.”

  Conall accepted the package she handed him, tearing open the paper and revealing a box from the metalsmith’s shop. Once the top was off of the box, a slow, happy smile spread across his lips.

  “Do you like it?” Avery asked.

  “’Tis the finest dirk I’ve ever seen.”

  “Quinn is a very talented artist,” Avery said.

  “They would no’ have let me keep this.”

  He didn’t have to say who. She knew exactly what he meant.

  “You’ll never have to worry about that again.” He could have a dirk, or a sword. He could wear his plaid proudly and he could listen to the piper all he wanted. “This is your world now.”

  Amy was pleased with what she was seeing. Her little A-frame house was starting to look more like a home. “The tree looks perfect in that spot.” There should have been one there all along. “It feels so much cozier in here now, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Gavin had positioned blankets and pillows on the floor and was lying in front of the tree with Otto curled up under his arm.

  “I didn’t get you a Christmas present. We’ve been pretty busy with other things.”

  “Ye are me Christmas present and I am yers.”

  “I like that. I guess we are, aren’t we?” Amy loved the way Gavin had of saying just the right thing. They were each other’s gift and that thought made her happy.

  Gavin beckoned for her to join him. “I could no’ have wished for a greater gift than to have found ye.”

  She snuggled up next to him. “We could sleep here tonight. It’s actually pretty comfy.”

  “Ye are me comfort, Amy.” He held her close, kissing her cheek. “No matter where I am, if yer with me I’m home.”

  “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” There was so much she wanted to say to him, but one thing was more important to her. “I love you, Gavin. I’m so happy you found me.”

  “And I love ye, Amy. Ye’ll no’ be lost ever again. I will protect ye and care for ye. Ye will be loved. ‘Tis me promise to ye.” He rested his head alongside hers.

  Amy thought how much like wedding vows his words were and how much they’d touched her heart. Happy tears formed in her eyes. “That was beautiful.”

  He pulled away to gaze into her eyes. “Amy, would ye handfast with me?”

  “Would I? Yes! I would!” She scared Otto who hopped up and began barking.

  Gavin quieted him with softly spoken words and Otto returned to his spot by Gavin’s side.

  “Where do we do this handfasting and when?” Amy was filled with excitement. She’d never heard of handfasting before, but the thought of doing this with Gavin thrilled her.

  “Tomorrow, in front of the others. They can be witnesses to our love.”

  She couldn’t wait to tell Avery, but then she felt guilty. Here she was all happy with Gavin and planning this handfasting thing with him and Avery might be miserable right now. “I have to check in with Avery to see if Conall is still there.”

  “He is. If he were leaving, he would see me before he left,” Gavin assured her.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Aye, but call her if ye like.”

  Amy got her cell phone and dialed Avery.

  “Hello?” Avery’s voice came through the speaker.

  “Hey, how are you? I was worried about you.”

  “I don’t think I could be any better.” Avery’s voice was filled with joy and Amy was relieved.

  “Does that mean he’s staying?” she asked.

  “It does!”

  “Hey, tomorrow Gavin and I are going to handfast in front of everyone. Do you know what that means?”

  “Not really. I’ll ask Conall.”

  “Never mind. I don’t care what it means. Tomorrow at Cassie’s before Christmas dinner. You’ll be there, right?” She had to be. She wouldn’t do it if her best friend wasn’t going to be there.

  “We will,” Avery answered.

  “Avery, I'm happy for you. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas, Amy.”

  The next morning, Avery warmed the cinnamon rolls and made fresh coffee. She arranged it all on the dining room table before Conall was up. Humming “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” she checked herself in the mirror. Happy with the face she saw staring back at her, she sat down at the table and poured herself some coffee.

  The sound of footsteps coming down the hallway toward the dining room told her that Conall was up. He leaned down and kissed her before sitting beside her.

  “Merry Christmas,” she said.

  “Merry Christmas.” He reached for the cinnamon rolls and then poured himself a cup of coffee.

  “I have a question for you.”

  He looked up from his coffee, brushing a stray lock of hair from his eyes.

  “Amy told me last night that she and Gavin are handfasting today. I hadn’t heard of that before.”

  He smiled. “I think we should join them.”

  “Really?”

  “I would like that verra much. We would make a commitment to each other for a year and a day. If at the end of that time yer still happy with me, we’ll marry.”

  Avery nearly spit out her coffee. She coughed and sputtered.

  “Are ye dying?” he teased.

  Opening and closing her eyes, Avery took a deep breath. “No. Just surprised.”

  “What do ye say?” He tipped his head, a mischievous grin on his lips.

  “I say I would like that, too.”

  “Good.” He set aside his plate and took her hand. “I must ask ye the right way.” Conall got down on one knee and, still holding her hand, gazed up at her with so much love that Avery thought her legs might give out on her. “Avery, ye are me love. Will ye handfast with me?”

  “Yes!” She pulled him up f
rom the floor and hugged him, knowing this is where she was meant to be all along and now Conall understood that too. “Do we have to do anything special?”

  “We must braid a cord to bind our hands as we pledge our love to each other.”

  “I’ve got just the thing.” Avery left the table and went to the closet in her room. She pulled out a box of ribbons and cords she’d used in the past for her sewing projects and brought it back to the dining room. “You pick one you like and I’ll pick one I like and then the third one we’ll pick together. How does that sound?”

  He rummaged through the box and found a strip of leather. She thought that was perfect for him. Avery gravitated toward a purple velvet ribbon that seemed like it was the perfect length. Together they picked a gold and white striped cord. Knotting and braiding them together, they ended up with what they both felt was a perfect representation of each of them.

  “We should finish up our breakfast and get dressed. We’re supposed to be at Cassie’s by one o’clock. Rose and Walt are going to take us.”

  Conall helped her with the dishes. She washed and he dried. Once everything was put away, they headed to the bedroom. Avery felt so at peace having Conall with her, she looked forward to what the next year would bring for them and knew it would all be good.

  The living room at the Writer’s Ranch was crowded with all of their friends. Avery carried their handfasting cord in her purse. Amy had hers as well. They had spoken with Cassie and Ross who were delighted to be a part of their sweet ceremony. Ross would officiate.

  “Could I have everyone’s attention?” Cassie said, clinking a glass with a spoon.

  The conversation stopped as everyone turned to hear what she had to say. “Something very special is happening here today for Amy, Gavin, Avery and Conall. They’re all thrilled that you are here to witness it.”