Page 1 of A Promise Through Time

Chapter 1

The Thistle & Hive Inn – Scotland, Present Day

So, this is where the magic happens.Tina Carrera smiled to herself as she surveyed the lobby of The Thistle & Hive Inn. Her sister, Elle and her brother-in-law, Hamish were having a very animated conversation with Edna Campbell, the innkeeper witch who’d matched them. All Tina could think was how crazy it was that both Hamish and Elle had time traveled. And this adorable lady with the wild blue stripe in her white hair had made it happen. Crazy!

“I’m so happy to finally meet you,” Elle said, speaking to Edna. “If it wasn’t for you I would never have met Hamish and my career would have died an untimely death.”

“Oh, ’twas nothing, dear. I do what I can when I see someone who needs a little love in their life.” Edna grasped Hamish’s hand. “What do ye think of modern-day Scotland, lad?”

“It’s been five hundred years since I was last here,” he chuckled and they all joined him. ’Tis different than I expected. We were in Edinburgh yesterday. ’Tis a big city.”

“Did ye tour the castle?” she asked.

“Aye. A place I’d never had the pleasure to visit when I was with the Mackenzies.”

“And who’s this?” Edna asked.

“Tina, come over here,” Elle called. “This is my sister, Tina. She’s my tour manager.”

“Oh. ’Tis a big job, aye?”

“I guess you could say that. Keeping these two under control is a bigger job,” she teased. “I’m pleased to meet you, Edna.” Tina had enjoyed being Elle’s tour manager, but it certainly wasn’t what she’d dreamed of doing. She was glad the tour was over and that for the foreseeable future there wouldn’t be another one. It had been an experience she’d never forget, but she understood now that along with the thrill, it was also exhausting. It had been Elle’s dream, not hers, but it had given her a bit more understanding into her sister’s life. Tina wanted nothing more than to go back home and find her place in this world. She’d always wanted to be her own boss so following the schedule and demands of the touring company had been a big adjustment. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she was certain that whatever it was would keep her a little closer to Carrera Ranch.

Edna continued chatting with Elle as she occasionally snuck a peek in Tina’s direction. “How many more cities are ye going to before ye head home?”

“We’re done. We made Edinburgh our final stop because we wanted to come see you, but after this we’re heading home.”

“I’m so pleased yer here. How long can ye stay?”

“It’s going to be a quick visit. I’m exhausted,” Elle said.

“Tell her,” Hamish said, poking Elle in the side.

“Tell me what?” questioned Edna.

“Well, we wanted you to be one of the first to know. Tina’s the only other person we’ve told.”

“Aye,” Edna said, patience obviously wearing thin.

“I’m pregnant!”

Edna’s hands flew to her face as her eyes and mouth opened wide. “Oh! That’s wonderful news!” Edna came around the desk to pull them both into a hug. She was beaming with obvious pride. “I knew ye’d be the perfect match. I cannae tell ye how happy I am for ye. How far along are ye?”

“Just about two months, but it’s been difficult traveling. I’ve had morning sickness from the start,” Elle said, rubbing her tummy.

“More like all day sickness,” Tina added. Being pregnant wasn’t high on her list after watching Elle barfing on a daily basis and getting nauseous at the drop of a hat. That did not look appealing to her at all.

“Ye poor dear. We will take good care of ye while yer here. Yer room is the first one at the top of the stairs. Why dinnae ye head on up to rest before dinner. Dylan, my nephew-in-law, is an amazing cook. Hopefully, ye’ll be well enough to eat something.”

“I hope so,” Elle said, yawning.

“Come love,” Hamish took her hand and headed for the stairs. “We’ll be down for dinner.”

“Good. I can’t wait to hear all about ye two lovebirds.” Edna turned her attention to Tina. “Tina, yer room will be right next to theirs, if ye’d like to head up.”

“No. I think I’ll stay down here if you don’t mind.” Tina could swear there was a new glint in Edna’s eye, but it disappeared so fast she couldn’t be sure.

“Of course I don’t. Would ye care for something to drink. Tea?” Edna asked.