Page 72 of A Promise Through Time

“The fever’s gone and so is the rash,” Maggie reported.

“You’re back,” Edna said, entering the lobby. “I won’t ask how it was. All I need do is look at ye.”

“Everything was perfect,” Tina said.

“Your wee lass is well and will be ready for travel soon,” Edna said.

“That’s wonderful! We’ll just head upstairs and get our things put away.”

They made their way upstairs, placing their things in Tina’s room.

“I can’t wait to take you home. You’re going to love California.”

“Tina, I love ye,” he said. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “I wish to be with ye, but I dinnae ken how to fit into this world.”

She turned in his arms so she could see his face. “Are you saying you don’t want to stay in this time with me?” Fear filled her heart. She thought everything had been settled, but Donal seemed to be having second thoughts.

“I’m saying I’m a warrior. ’Tis what I’ve done my whole life. ’Tis who I am. I want to take care of Elena and I want to take care of ye, but I dinnae ken how I’m to do that here.”

“Don’t worry about that. We’ll find something for you to do. My father always needs extra ranch hands.”

“What would I do?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.

“Take care of the cows and horses. Fix things, you know, stuff like that.”

“I took care of the animals when I was a lad, but I left that behind when I came to Breaghacraig. I no longer wish to be that young lad. I’m a grown man. I’m a warrior. Better than most with a sword and dirk. ’Tis what I wish to do. Is there nae need for warriors in this time?”

“Well, yes, there is, but that might be hard for you to do.” How could she make him understand? She knew being a warrior was where he got his sense of self worth, but that wasn’t something he’d be able to do in Livermore.

“Why? I’m one of the finest warriors at Breaghacraig. On a good day I’m even able to beat Cailin and Cormac.” He blew out a breath as he ran his hands through his hair, eyes filled with apprehension and maybe even a little fear. “What does Hamish do?”

“Hamish plays in my sister’s band. He works with my father and takes care of the horses.”

Donal seemed disappointed by this answer, but straightened his shoulders and stood proud before forcefully saying, “I must be useful.”

“You will be. It might take some time for you to get used to the way things work in this time, but you don’t need to worry about that now. I can take care of everything.”

“I cannae have my wife taking care of me. I am the man. I am the one who is to protect ye and Elena and to provide for ye. What kind of man allows his woman to take care of him?”

Tina was getting frustrated. Nothing she said was getting through to him. They’d had such a wonderful time with each other and she thought everything was worked out between them. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand his point of view. He was from the sixteenth-century after all, but Hamish managed to give up the crazy notion that the man had to be the breadwinner in the family, why couldn’t Donal?

“Let’s not talk about it anymore. Maybe Edna can help us figure this out.” She moved closer, rubbing his arms with her hands.

Thankfully Donal didn’t argue the matter any further, instead he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. Tina nestled into his chest, breathing in the scent of him as he kissed the top of her head. It would all be okay. It had to be.

“I’m going to take a shower, maybe you’d like to join me.” She rubbed her hand down the front of his jeans and got an immediate response. “Come on. Let’s just enjoy each other for now. We’ll iron out the details later.”

She didn’t have to ask him twice. He lifted one brow and a wicked smile crossed his lips.

***

They took advantage of the baby sitting services Edna offered and after their shower, slept the afternoon away.

“We should get dressed and go down for dinner,” Tina said.

“Will Dylan be cooking again?” he asked.

“I think he does all the cooking,” Tina responded.