Page 8 of A Promise Through Time

“Thanks, Maggie. That’s so kind of you. I haven’t made up my mind about the time travel, but I’m definitely going to stay. I could use some time off.”

The bell above the inn door rang, signaling someone arriving. “I’ll go see who it is,” Maggie said. She opened the office door and then called over her shoulder, “It’s Elle and Hamish.”

“Tell them to join us,” Edna said.

Maggie waved them back to the office. Tina could hear her sister laughing with Hamish and as they came through the door, the look of love on both their faces made her heart happy. It also made her mind up for her. She wanted what they had and if she had to travel back in time to get it, she would. Of course, she was keeping that information to herself. She didn’t want Elle to talk her out of it, or to worry about her.

“Did ye two have fun?” Edna asked, smiling brightly at the happy couple.

“We did,” Elle said. “I love it here.”

“Me, too,” Hamish added. “Scotland is such a different place now. So much has changed, but thank goodness the whisky hasnae.” Hamish chuckled at this before continuing. “Iwillbeglad to get back home. I’ve plans to make a crib for our wee one and cannae wait to get started.”

“I’ve got some news,” Tina said, nervously fidgeting with the arm of the sofa. “I’ve decided to take a vacation. I’m going to stay here in Scotland. Maggie and Dylan have offered to take me on a tour of the Highlands.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, Tina. You’ve been working so hard on this tour for so long. You deserve a nice vacation.”

“Really? You don’t mind?” She couldn’t help but worry. What if they needed her for something on the trip home.

“Of course not. Why would I mind? I think we can manage to get ourselves home without you.” Elle grasped Hamish’s hand as a soft, sweet smile appeared on her lips. “We’ll be fine. I promise.”

“You’ll explain to Mom and Dad?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll tell them. I’m sure they’ll be happy you’re taking some time for yourself.”

She’d done it. She’d taken the first step. Once Elle and Hamish were gone she’d tell Edna she’d made her decision. A shiver of excitement bubbled up in her and she smiled. She was going to meet her man.

***

The following afternoon, they saw Elle and Hamish off. She hugged and kissed them both.

“I’m so happy you’re doing this, Tina. You’re glowing. I mean it, I haven’t seen you this happy in ages.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. You two have a safe trip home and take care of my little niece,” she said.

“Nephew,” Hamish said. This was a debate the two of them had been having ever since they found out Elle was pregnant.

“I hope you’re not disappointed when I’m right,” she teased, poking him in the ribs.

He put an arm around Tina’s shoulder, pulling her in to give her a hug. “I’ll miss yer sassy talk,” he said.

Her relationship with Hamish was one filled with teasing jabs at one another, but also genuine love. She had brothers and felt lucky to be close to them, so she never expected Hamish to worm his way into her heart the way he did. They were all very lucky to have him in their lives.

Their limo pulled up to the curb and once everyone said their goodbyes, they were off. Tina felt a sense of freedom as she watched the car drive out of sight. She’d never traveled alone before and she felt those butterflies again, something exciting was happening and she could not wait. Finally, she would be able to go somewhere on her own where no one would think of her as just Elle’s sister. There were a lot of unknown factors, but for once she was willing to just embrace the adventure of it and she was feeling pretty proud of herself.

Turning to Edna, she said, “Let’s talk time travel.”

“Am I hearing ye right, lass? Are ye going to do this?” Edna’s smile revealed she knew all along that Tina would go.

“I am. I’m a little nervous. Damn, who am I kidding? I’m a lot nervous, but I’m also excited.” Her hands were shaking uncontrollably and so she tucked them under her arms.

“You won’t regret it, I promise,” Edna assured her.

“When will I go?” she asked. Now that she’d made up her mind, it couldn’t be soon enough. She had to do it before she changed her mind.

“Tomorrow. We have to get ye some appropriate clothing to wear and I’ll send ye with a basket of goodies for yer hosts. Oh, and some scones for my Wallace. I can’t forget that.” Edna was busy rattling off a never ending list of things Tina would bring with her. Before she knew it, she was following Edna aroundthe little village stopping in stores for treats and snacks for her journey, and a few mystery items as well. When they were out of earshot of other shoppers, Edna would tell her about the bridge and the fog, the castle and some of the residents there. Edna kept up the commentary and then steered them back to the inn with Tina’s head spinning.

When they got back she must have looked a bit dazed because Maggie only shrugged her shoulders and directed her back into the inn where Dylan and Angus were sitting at the bar having an ale. “Can I get ye something to drink, lass?” Angus asked.