Page 36 of Guarding Salvation

“Aoife?”

She shook her head to clear the vision in front of her and help her concentrate on his words. “You’d be willing to do that?”

“Listen, I ain’t saying I won’t try and get in yer pants but I think we should get to know each other too. I like you and I think we have something that could be special, but the truth is I don’t know how it would work. I’d like to try and see where this leads though. No promises or expectations, just plain old dating.”

Aoife laughed and nodded, feeling lighter already, free from the threat even though it still existed.

“I like that idea. Although if we’re calling it dating maybe we should actually go on a date at some point.”

Bram took her hand and kissed her palm as the vehicle slowed in front of the castle. “That’s a great idea.”

“And I’m not saying we shouldn’t sleep together, just maybe slow it down and let it flow.”

Bram smiled and then turned to the castle. “We’re here.”

Aoife ducked her head to look for servants’ quarters, but the front door of the castle opened and three children ran out consisting of different ages, ranging from she’d guess around four to eight. The oldest, a boy with red hair, moved down the steps with his two sisters behind him. A tall, beautiful woman with dark hair and a toddler on her hip stood in the doorway, the light from inside silhouetting her pregnant body as she watched them.

“Hey, Uncle Bram.”

Aoife watched stunned as Bram got out of the car and embraced the boy, who blushed with embarrassment despite seemingly being happy to see him. She turned to see two small faces peering at her through the glass of the car before they were both grabbed in Bram’s arms as he kissed their cheeks, making them giggle.

“No, Uncle Bram, that tickles.”

Aoife couldn’t help but smile at the happy familial scene in front of her. Seeing a new facet to the man in front of her made her glad she’d decided to be brave for a change.

Aoife opened the car door, feeling a little disoriented but hearing the giggles and laughter and seeing the smile on Bram’s face eased her anxiety.

“Come away, now, girls. Let yer uncle help his lady friend from the car.”

Bram opened the door helping Aoife out before grabbing their bags from the boot. “Don’t look so scared, they dinnae bite.”

“Bram, it’s good to have you back, but I have to say I’m surprised it’s so soon. I thought you’d be all familied out by now.”

They stepped through the huge wooden doors, which must have been built for a giant, to a large entrance hall that would fit the entire pub she worked in on the ground floor. Large stag heads were hung on the walls, with massive tapestries hanging from ceiling to floor. The floor was flagstone tiles, with huge antique rugs covering them, and a vintage table in the centre had a bouquet of heather, thistle, and white roses displayed.

“Aoife, this is my sister Lana, and these are my nieces, Morag, who’s six, and Heather is seventy-five.”

A giggle escaped the younger girl’s mouth as she rushed to Bram and tapped him on the leg making him crouch to her level. “Uncle Bram, I’m four not seventy-five like Mummy.”

Aoife stifled a laugh and Bram choked on the chuckle as he looked at his sister who had her eyebrow raised in warning.

“Charming. You carry them for nine months, let them use your bladder as a trampoline, and this is the thanks you get.”

Bram straightened back up after ruffling his niece’s hair. “This young man is Angus and the little monkey who is hanging off his poor mother is Fergus.”

“Everyone, this is my friend, Aoife.” Bram slid a hand behind her back in support and as the eyes of everyone in the room come to her, she was glad of it.

“It’s lovely to meet you all. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you.”

“It’s our pleasure. Come, let’s get some food inside you, you must be starving.” Lana walked away, letting Bram take Fergus, who she noticed had a brace on his foot. “Mrs Murrel was in seventh heaven when she heard you were coming home again so soon and bringing a guest.”

Lana led them into a kitchen that smelled of meat, veggies, and spices, making her stomach rumble loudly.

Lana laughed and Aoife could feel herself blushing. “Mrs M is going to love feeding you up, Aoife, and be warned she’ll probably be dropping huge hints about weddings and babies before you have the chance to eat breakfast tomorrow so enjoy the peace tonight.”

Aoife looked at Bram in question.

“Mrs Murrel is the housekeeper here at the castle and has been with us since we were born. She’s more a surrogate grandmother than a housekeeper.”