Page 34 of A Promise Through Time

“I don’t doubt it. He’s not the most responsible man around,” Jenna said, rolling her eyes skyward.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Tina was irritated for Donal. He seemed quite responsible to her.

Before Jenna could answer, Ashley joined them. “I talked to Cailin last night and he has a few prospects for you.”

“Are we matchmaking?” Jenna asked.

“We are.”

“I’m curious to know who he picked. I’ve been talking with Cormac about the same thing. It’ll be interesting to see if they’ve come up with the same names.”

Tina wasn’t sure this was how it was supposed to work. “Isn’t Edna the matchmaker?”

“She is, but a little help from us wouldn’t hurt. Besides, if you don’t like them, you can tell us. We won’t mind.”

Tina carefully schooled her reaction. “Alright.” She didn’t care who they picked for her. She knew what she wanted and Donal was it. She only hoped he felt the same way.

“So, who did he pick. Names, please.” Jenna leaned her elbow on the table and peered past Tina to see Ashley.

“Tam, Jock and Marcas,” Ashley beamed.

“They were Cormac’s choices, too.”

“And good ones,” Ashley said, glancing at Tina.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Tina. We’ll arrange everything. You’ll get to spend some time with each of them and then you can make your choice.”

I’ve already made my choice,she thought. “I think I need some fresh air. I’ll talk to you later,” Tina said, rising to leave.

“Is everything okay?” Ashley asked.

“Fine,” she replied. How could she tell them this wasn’t what she wanted? They were just trying to be helpful.

“We’ll start working on this for you,” Jenna called after her.

She couldn’t walk out of the hall fast enough and was relieved when she reached the doors to the courtyard. If only Elle were here. She’d understand.

She descended the steps and headed for the gate. She needed to get away so she could think.

“Tina!”

She turned to see Donal hurrying towards her with a small bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. Her heart thudded in her chest at the sight of him and the closer he got, the louder it thundered in her ears.

“These are for ye,” he said, handing them to her.

“Thank you,” she lifted them to her nose and their sweet scent calmed her. “They’re beautiful.”

“As beautiful as ye,” he replied.

She felt the heat of his gaze as a flush of warmth penetrated her from head to toe. “And thank you for carrying me back to my room last night.”

“I would have left ye there. Ye looked so peaceful laying next to Elena, but I didnae wish to soil yer reputation.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you.” How could anyone think poorly of him? He was a good man and she was a good judge of character. One thing she prided herself on was her ability to read people.

“Doreen is with Elena. She seems to be in good spirits this morning, thanks to ye.”

He looked away and shifted his weight. Looking first towards the gate and then back at the castle. There was uncertainty in the movement and Tina realized he was nervous.