Page 3 of A Promise Through Time

“That does sound terrible.” Edna shook her head, Tina felt the pity Edna had for her and couldn’t even bristle at it. Shewaspitiful. She needed change, needed something else in her life besides being in Elle’s shadow.

“It is. I’m just tired of it all. I’d like to have someone I could spend time with. Someone I could depend on to be there for me, but it’s looking less and less likely that it will happen.” Tina was just plain tired of the whole mess. What was the point of trying? Nothing she did seemed to make a difference.

“’Tis a shame. Yer a lovely lass.”

“Apparently not lovely enough,” she chuckled, even though it was, in reality, a painful truth she lived with every day. She’ddecided there had to be something wrong with her, although she couldn’t pinpoint it. She did have a sharp tongue, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Anyone who knew her was aware that she was all bark and no bite.

“Well, I’m sure someone will come along soon. Yer too good to let get away.” Edna sipped her wine, eyeing Tina over the rim of her glass.

“That’s very sweet of you to say.” Tina said. Edna was just being a good hostess, why else would she say that. She certainly didn’t know her or know anything about her. She thought to change the subject. “So, tell me about this time travel you do.”

“’Tis something I discovered many years ago. ’Tis how I met my husband Angus.”

“Really?” Tina was impressed. She wondered how many others she’d helped find their love.

“Aye. He’s a Highlander from Hamish’s time. I must admit, I’m a bit of a busy body when it comes to helping others find the love of their life. So far I’ve done verra well at it. Perhaps I could help ye.”

Was she reading Tina’s thoughts?

Edna was eyeing her from head to toe with what appeared to be great curiosity. “Would ye like to give it a try?”

“Oh, I don’t think so. I don’t even like to fly. I’ve had a hard enough time traveling through Europe on this tour. Time travel might be pushing it too far.” But her curiosity got the better of her. “Just out of curiosity, how would that work?”

“I’d send ye back in time to meet the one for ye. He’s there and he’s waiting for ye, though he doesnae ken it yet.” Edna wore what Tina could only describe as a mischievous smile.

Butterflies had suddenly appeared in her stomach as she absorbed what Edna said.He’s waiting for ye.That can’t possibly be right, though. This was ridiculous. “I couldn’tpossibly do that. I’ve got to get back home.” No. There was no way she was going to get talked into it.

“Whatever for? Ye’ve said there’s no one there for ye, except yer family. Don’t get me wrong, ’tis important, as Elle would tell ye now that she understands it.”

“Yeah, she’s a different person. She’s all about the family now. From dinners together to traveling together, she’s all about togetherness. Thank you for that.” Tina really meant it. Having her sister back and completely present with the whole family was a gift she never expected. “Hamish has been a blessing to all of us. He has become a big part of our family and we all love him to pieces.”

“I’m glad it all worked out.” Edna was looking at her again with that odd expression that said she was peering into her soul. “Stay. Let me help ye.”

“I’ll think about it, but time travel seems scary to me. I have so many questions about how it works. What if I got stuck there? I couldn’t take that chance.” That settled it. She hoped that would put an end to this uncomfortable topic.

Edna laughed at her, “I can tell ye, I have never had anyone get stuck that didn’t want to be.” Tina wondered what on earth that meant. “I’ve got some important matters to attend to, but let’s talk again later tonight or perhaps tomorrow. I’m sure I can convince ye.”

Tina admired Edna’s stick-to-itiveness. Persistence was a quality Tina was very familiar with as she possessed it herself. Once she made up her mind to do something, there was no one who could talk her out of it. No matter the obstacles, it was as good as done. “We’ll see about that.”

Edna winked at her as she left the room. She was met by an older gentleman who reminded Tina of Hamish. She guessed it must be Angus. A moment later when he took Edna in his arms and kissed her soundly on the lips, she was sure of it. She wasnot a voyeur, but she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of them. She could feel the love there, just as she could feel it from Elle and Hamish. It just didn’t seem fair that every guy she ever dated was either completely not her type, or was only interested for a short time until that other girl came along. Why hadn’t she found her special someone? Maybe sheshouldgive Edna a chance to do a little matchmaking for her.

***

They all ate dinner together in the dining room. It reminded her of dinners at the Carrera ranch back in California. Happy conversation, a good bit of teasing and delicious food. This time the chef wasn’t her mother though. It was Dylan Sinclair from San Francisco. He was married to Edna’s niece, Maggie. They were a cute couple. Very much in tune with each other and obviously in love. Tina gathered from their conversation that Maggie was a witch as well. Here she sat with three couples who were all madly in love. Boy did she feel like a fifth wheel, or in this case a seventh. Edna didn’t bring up time travel and neither did any of the others. Maggie and Dylan were curious about the tour they’d just completed.

“Dylan loves to sing and he’s got a great voice,” Maggie offered.

“Do ye now?” Hamish asked.

“I do love to sing, but as for the great voice, Maggie might be a little bit prejudiced.” Dylan took a sip of his beer, before wrinkling his nose at Maggie, who elbowed him in the side.

“Do ye play an instrument?” Hamish asked.

“A little guitar, but I am far from a musician. After you checked in, I took an opportunity to listen to some of your songs while I was cooking dinner. I love your stuff.”

“Thank you so much,” Elle said.

“You’ve definitely got some new fans,” Maggie said.