Page 22 of A Promise Through Time

“Perfect,” Tina said.

***

Donal strolled through the doors of Breaghacraig with a sack of his belongings thrown over his shoulder and whistling a lively tune. His smile brightened at the sight of the new lass descending the stairs with wee Elena in her arms.

“You look happy,” Tina said, reaching the bottom of the steps with Ashley at her side.

“I am,” he said, winking at her. He immediately thought better of it when he noted Tina’s face go from smiling to a furrowed brow and pursed lips. Apparently she didn’t appreciate the wink that had melted many a heart here at Breaghacraig.

“I’m going to show Tina around the castle. Your room’s at the top of the stairs,” Ashley said.

“Thank ye, Lady Ashley,” he said, feeling pleased with this arrangement. “I’ll be seeing ye later then, lass.”

Tina nodded, still frowning at him. Most of the lasses here at the castle were charmed by him ’twas true, but this one might require more work than the others. He had no doubt he’d charm her eventually, just as he had every woman he’d ever set hissights on. He bid them good day and headed upstairs to find his room. Approaching the only open door, he peeked his head inside to find Helene, Dougall’s wife, just finishing up.

“Donal,” she said once she noticed him standing there. She had that same stern tone she had used with him this morning. “This is to be yer room. One of the lads will bring a cradle for Elena.”

“Thank ye, Helene.” He knew it wasn’t in his best interest to seem happy about his new room, so he hung his head, looking as sad as possible. “’Tis good of the MacKenzies to let us stay. I dinnae ken what I’d be doing if not for them.”

“Dinnae think on it.” He noted her voice had softened a bit so he kept his eyes down and nodded slowly, hoping he looked even sadder. “They’re good to us all and they can see that ye are in need.”

“I’ll find a place soon,” he assured her.

“There’s nae hurry. Lady Irene says ye can stay as long as ye need to.” She finished straightening the blankets on the bed. “If there’s anything ye need for yerself or the bairn…” She sounded almost friendly.

He brushed a nonexistent tear from his cheek, noting the look of sympathy on Helene’s face.

“I’ll leave ye then,” she said, squeezing past him into the hallway and closed the door.

The chamber was grander than any he’d had in his life. In actual fact, he’d never had a room of his own, other than the one in the barracks and compared to this, he could hardly call that a room. As a child he’d lived in a one room cottage with his Ma and Da and eight other children. He’d taken care of himself for as long as he could remember. His mother and father worked hard and had no time to raise their children, so the children raised each other. Donal fell squarely in the middle and was often forgotten in the daily hubbub of his small home.

He ran his hand reverently over the brocade bedding atop a bed larger than any he’d ever slept in. The four poster was framed by deep burgundy velvet curtains. A small table and chair were set beneath a window, the light from which lit a path across the floor to a hearth ready to hold a warming fire. It was more than he deserved and he knew it. His reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Aye,” he said.

The door opened and two lads brought in the cradle. “Where would ye like it,” one of them asked.

“Here, beside the bed,” he answered. The reality of his new life came back to him in that instant. He was a father. Not something he’d ever thought to be and there was nothing to be done about it.

The lads closed the door behind them as they left and Donal sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the window. Could he be a good Da? He didn’t know. He’d not had much of an example at home. Much of his time was spent doing chores, while his mother and father were busy tending to all of their many duties. For his mother it was caring for their wee home and farming the small plot of land that surrounded their croft. His da did odd jobs here and there, but was seldom seen before dark. As for his brothers and sisters, when they reached the age of ten, they were each sent to foster with a family that needed them. The boys to care for the cows and sheep and the girls to be maids. He’d learned early on not to get attached to anyone in his life because they always left. While Donal was alone in this world, he was never lonely. There was always some pretty lass happy to spend time with him. They would have some fun, but they ultimately wanted too much from him. He was unwilling to give away his freedom, to be saddled with one woman for the rest of his life. Now the tide had turned and he found he needed someone. Notfor himself, but for wee Elena. If he could provide that much for her, perhaps he would be a good da after all.

***

Tina entered the great hall for the evening meal, feeling unsure of herself. She’d had a brief rest, but was eager to join the others. She hadn’t had a chance to meet everyone and this would be her opportunity. Taking a deep breath she ventured into a room filled with Highland warriors, some with wives and children, some in groups of single men. One of them was meant for her, but who? The Mackenzies were all seated at a table together. Ashley waved her over and she began her long walk through the crowded tables, but before she progressed too far, someone at a table near the front of the room stood and walked towards her. It was Donal. He looked quite handsome. Why hadn’t she noticed earlier?

As he approached, her heart did a little hitch in her chest.

“Would ye do me the honor of sitting with me lass?” he asked.

“I…I don’t know,” she glanced Ashley’s way and Donal did the same.

“She’s sitting with us, Donal.” Ashley’s tone left no room for discussion.

Tina nodded at Ashley, then turned her attention back to Donal. “Where’s Elena?” she asked.

“One of the young maids is sitting with her until I return,” he replied.

“Oh, good.”