The Highlander's Hope - A Contemporary Highland Romance (21 page)

He sighed, and shook her hand, the feel of it strong and just a bit rough.  “Conall
Stewart—and Piper.”

“I thought so.”  When h
is eyes narrowed in question, she added, “Angus Macleod mentioned you’d be my closest neighbor.  He’s a family friend.”

“
Hmph.  I’m sure he is.  Keep away from the cliffs and ye’ll be fine.”  And with that, he turned and made his escape.

Rowan
watched her neighbor and his dog walk away, the fog wrapping around them like a lover’s embrace.  Unable to resist, she snapped a picture, man and dog fading into the mists.

Angus warned her that
her neighbor was a bit of a loner, but experiencing it firsthand brought it home for her.  Cute dog, though—not that Conall wasn’t something to look at.  With loose curls the color of dark honey, gold eyes and a scruffy five o’clock shadow, it was all she could do to not smile at the mere thought of him.  Between Conall and Angus, she was starting to think there must be something in the water. 

Good thing she didn’t have time for that sort of distraction.  She’d come to Scotland with a set plan and goals, and she’d be damned if she was going to let a couple of men distract her, no matter how good-looking.

Getting back to work, she wandered for several more hours, taking photos of anything and everything, playing around with the settings on her camera for different effects.  When she finally headed home, it was with her heart full and her spirit at peace.  The fresh crisp air and the amazing views had energized and renewed her, reinforcing that this was a new start and a new life.  And with luck, she’d soon have answers to the questions that had plagued her throughout her lifetime. 

A smile sprung to her lips when she saw she had company.  She wandered over to where Angus was leaning against his car.  “You should’ve let yourself in.  I hope you weren’t waiting too long.” 

“Ye can make it up to me with a cup of tea.”   Angus tilted his head towards her camera and followed her into the house.  “Were ye able to get any photos?  The fog’s been coming in waves all morning.  If ye timed it just right, I’d think there might be some interesting shots.”

Settling in the kitchen, she flicked her camera on and handed it to him so he could page through the shots she took.  “Every now and then the light was amazing.  I’m really looking forward to exploring the area further.  Maybe drive up the coast.”

“North of here is really beautiful.  I’d be happy to take ye one of these days.”

“I’d love to, but I feel guilty hogging all your time, especially when you’ve been such an amazing help.  You’ll be sick of me by the time summer rolls around.”  She filled the kettle at the sink, but when she turned to the stove, she quickly realized she wasn’t sure how to use it.  “I swear, I’m not normally useless in the kitchen, but right about now even boiling water is looking a bit tricky.”

Angus laughed and got to his feet.  He lifted the hinged cover on one of the top burners, set the kettle down, and turned the dial.  “It’s an Aga. I got it warmed up and going for ye the other day, so ye should be set since it’ll keep itself running.  It’ll do a decent job of heating the house too, though ye’ve got the fire in the living room if need be.”

He pulled open a cupboard and grabbed a couple of mugs, no doubt sparing her from going on a wild goose-chase through the kitchen.  There was a powerful grace to his movements, and tall as he was, he seemed to fill the small kitchen.  He brushed past her and sat back down at the table, picking up her camera once more and flicking through the images.

“The photos—they’re
really
good.”  He ran a hand over his chin.  “I don’t know how ye do it, for I swear each time I drag out my camera, the photos ne’er look like this.”

She knew exactly what he meant.  It was one of the reasons she got into photography—too many mediocre pictures when she knew they could be amazing.  “A bit has to do with the camera you’re using, but it’s often just a matter of taking it off the automatic setting and experimenting.”

“And ye’ll sell these?”

“Yep.”  She smiled, thinking of the mish-mash of ways she managed to keep an income coming in.  There were several regular clients who used her for their graphics work, and made up for the bulk of her cash flow, though her collages, photos and paintings brought in a pretty penny when they sold, even if that income was less regular. 

She continued.  “I’ll likely incorporate them into another piece, either digitally or within a painted composition.  I’d be happy to give you a few pointers for taking pictures.  It’s the least I can do after all your help.”

“Aye, I’d like that.”  Angus picked up the camera again and paged through the pictures, while Rowan poured the boiling water into a metal teapot with several bags of tea.  When she returned to the table, he turned the camera to her, a man and a dog walking away in the fog.  “Is that Conall?”

“Yeah, his dog got loose.”  She shook her head, a smile springing to her lips.  “You were so right about him keeping to himself.  He couldn’t get away from me fast enough.”

“Don’t let him bother ye.  He’s ne’er been a great one for conversation.” Angus pursed his lips, a shadow clouding his eyes.  “Tea should be ready if you’d like to pour it.  I’ll grab the biscuits.”

Rowan grabbed the mugs he’d put out and poured the tea, the fragrant steam hitting her in the face and warming her.  She was still chilled from her walk, the weather brisk this early in the spring.  “Milk and sugar?” 

“Aye, love.  How else would ye have it?”

She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him as he reached around her to the cabinet above and pulled down a package of cookies—or biscuits, if she wanted to be correct for the part of the world she was in.  Their bodies brushed as they maneuvered in the small kitchen, and he plated the chocolate covered oat treats. 

Settling in at the table, Rowan wrapped her hands around the hot mug to warm them and took a sip, the hot brew heating her from the inside out and making her feel whole again.  Raised by a Scottish mother, she was a regular tea drinker, and since her last cup had been State-side, she was going through withdrawal.  She liked coffee and it was usually what she had first thing in the morning, but from there, she usually lived on a steady stream of tea, especially when she was working.

Angus grabbed two biscuits, and with the chocolate sides sandwiched together, dunked them in his tea and ate them.  “How’d ye spend the night?  I hope ye managed to keep warm.  Be sure to make use of the fire.”

“It was quite comfortable. The blankets were enough, luckily.”  It was sweet of him to ask.  “So, tell me more about Conall Stewart.  I want to be prepared for the next time I see him.” 

He glanced at her over his tea with a tilt of his head.  “There isn’t much to know.  Like I said, he’s a bit of a loner.  Does well enough for himself if his home and car are anything to go by.  Why?  Are ye interested?  He’s single, as far as I know.”

“Nope.  Not interested in the very least.  Like I said, I don’t do relationships.  Not worth the headache, I’m afraid.”  She grabbed a biscuit and gave it a dunk, the chocolate quickly melting onto her fingertips.  She licked them off out of habit, and saw his eyebrows inadvertently
twitch up in response.  Doing her best to not blush, she finished her train of thought.  “I just like knowing who’s around me.  Sometimes neighbors can be… difficult.”

“Aye, they can be.”  His brow furrowed in question.  “But I still can’t believe ye’re so steadfast about relationships.  Why’s that, love?  Ye’re young, smart and pretty—I’d think ye’d have plenty of offers to choose from.”

She didn’t want to have to rehash the last few years of her life, and certainly didn’t need his pity or to be reminded of how stupid she’d been.  It still stunned her that she hadn’t known Stephen was cheating, hadn’t seen past his fun and charming façade.  Nor had she figured out that it was with her good friend.  She considered herself a pretty smart girl—or at the very least, not completely clueless.  So then, how could she have been so blind?  It left her angry with herself for not seeing what was right in front of her face.  “Guess I just haven’t found the right guy.” 

“I can understand that.  Sometimes it’s hard to find another ye might want to share yer life with.”

Desperately trying to avoid any more relationship talk, she turned the conversation back to Angus.  “So what’s up between you and Conall?  You don’t seem to be the best of friends, if you don’t mind me saying.”

He shrugged and looked down at his tea, clearly avoiding her gaze.  “I grew up with him, but there was a bit of history between our families—yours too, sorry to say.”

“Oh.  I hadn’t realized.”  Must have been why she got a cold reception from Conall.  “So what’s that about then?”

Angus shrugged again, his gaze landing squarely on his cup of tea and refusing to stray.  “Wouldn’t really know any of the details, I’m afraid.  Happened when I was just a
bairn.” 

He was acting all sorts of funky, and it now had her wondering.  “How old are you, Angus?”

“About yer age.”

Rowan’s mind raced.  It’d be right around the time her mom left
Dunmuir.  Did the bit of bad blood between the families somehow relate to the clues she was looking for?  She suspected Angus knew a hell of a lot more than he was letting on, and though he might help her if she opened up to him, she wasn’t sure she was ready to go down that road. 

The problem was she didn’t have any idea who her father was.  Her mother refused to talk about him—not a name, no hint as to what he was like, no reference to their time together.  She had hoped her mom would finally tell her when she knew she had little time left, yet she’d still refused Rowan’s requests.  Even after she’d passed, there were no letters, no secret journal, no name.  She did have a few clues, but they just weren’t enough.

“Are ye all right?”  Angus pulled her from her thoughts, his brow furrowed, his gaze locked on hers.

A smile sprung to her lips to keep Angus from asking any questions.  “Sorry.  Just got distracted.”

He must have thought she was still dwelling on Conall.  “Don’t let Conall get to ye.  He’s always been a dour sort, and not worth the trouble.  Smart—and I’ll even give him handsome enough—but he’s got a puss on him like he’s drank sour milk.”

Rowan burst out laughing, and the tension she’d felt only moments earlier, melted away.  “Well, I’m glad to hear I’m not the only who has that effect on him.”

He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, his blue eyes locked on hers.  “Being a stranger to these parts, it’ll take people awhile to warm up to ye.  But don’t take it personally, aye?  They’re just set in their ways, and not used to a whole lot of change.”

It felt like he was preparing her for something, even if she didn’t know what.  “What aren’t you telling me, Angus?”

With a shrug, he sat back and played with his mug.  “There’s ne’er much to tell in places like this, lass.  Nothing out of the ordinary, aye?  But the town’s an old one, and is settled in its ways.  I just want ye to give it a bit of time, is all.”

“I don’t scare easily, Angus.”  She managed a smile, determination in her gaze.  Maybe he did know more than he was letting on.

“Happy to hear it.”  His smile widened and his eyes sparkled with mischief.  “I need to see a client just north of here.  Don’t suppose ye’d like to join me?  I won’t be long, and would be happy to show ye around the place afterwards.  Maybe take ye out for a bite.”

“Only if you let me buy.  I owe you big time for all you’ve done.”  It would be the perfect way to check out the area, since she was a bit iffy about driving herself.  Not only was she not familiar with the area, but the car in the garage was a stick shift, and she didn’t trust herself to not screw up the whole driving-on-the-opposite-side-of-the-road thing.

“Bring yer camera, aye?  There are some gorgeous views where we’ll be heading, and the fog may even clear up for ye.”

The excitement of a new life and adventure bubbled inside her.  Soon… she’d find the answers she was looking for.  She’d find her father.

Chapter  Two

Angus concluded his examination, pulled off his gloves and tossed them into his bucket.  “Tonight or tomorrow, I’m guessing.” 

He ran his hand over the mare’s abdomen, swollen with the
bairn within.  The skin was taut like a drum, the muscles beneath like stone.  The contractions had yet to start, but he suspected it wouldn’t be long. 

“She’ll manage it just fine, I’m sure, but
I’ve got yer number should I need it.”  Robbie McNally pulled an apple from his pocket with a weathered hand and fed it to Craggy, his favorite mare.  He then tilted his head towards Rowan with a sly grin, as she wandered by the fence off in the distance, camera already out.  “Who’s the lass, Angus?  Ne’er seen ye bring anyone around before.  She’s a pretty thing with all that red hair.  Always been partial to it myself.  But be fair warned—they tend to be the fiery sort.  Independent too.”

Angus ignored Robbie’s laugh and jesting.  “That’s Rowan, a family friend.  Just moved here from Vermont.”

“Aye?  Vermont?”  Robbie’s eyes narrowed with thought, before going wide.  He then cocked his head back to look at her again.  “Ye’re not telling me she’s Iona’s girl, are ye?”

“She is.”  Angus felt his back go up.  “And I’m telling ye now, whatever happened with her ma is in the past, and she’s got nothing to do with it.  She knows nothing of it, aye?”

“She’ll find out soon enough once word spreads.  Ye best keep yer distance, lad.  Ye don’t want that sort of trouble.”  Robbie shook his head and ran a hand over his bristled chin. 

Angus leaned in, annoyed.  “Whatever happened decades ago with her ma has nothing to do with her.  Ye hear me?  She’ll be shown the highland hospitality we’re known for.  You make sure of it, and be sure to let the others know too, or they’ll be dealing with me.”

Robbie put his hand up.  “Calm yourself, lad.  I’m not going to run her out of town.  But ye may want to warn her, aye?  The Stewarts won’t be happy about it and neither will anyone else in town, once they find out who she is.  Things like that don’t tend to die off easily.”

“People need to let it rest.  These days, no one would give any of it a second thought.”  He grabbed his bucket and medical kit, his movements tense.  “Let the others know—I’ll not tolerate any nonsense.”

“I’ll pass it on, lad.  Just don’t go falling for her, aye?”

Angus spun on him, every muscle knotted tight.  “And why’s that, Robbie?”

Robbie put up both hands and shook his head.  “Forget I said anything.  I’ll call ye if there’s any trouble with Craggy.  If not, ye’ll hear from me once the wee one’s born.”

“Aye.  I’ll see ye then.”

Angus headed back to his Rover and tossed his things in the back, his shoulders still tight.  His mother had warned him that Rowan wouldn’t get a warm reception, but he hadn’t quite believed her.  It had been so long ago, and even if there was a lot more to the story, children were often born out of wedlock, and other than a bit of gossip, no one gave a rat’s arse. 

They’d eventually warm up to her once they got to know her—of that he had no doubt—and until then, he’d do his best to protect her from the truth.  The last thing he wanted was for her to not feel welcome when she’d just arrived.

Rowan was already wandering over.  “Did ye get any good pictures?”

The smile on her face melted away some of his anger—but not all.  People would see past what happened with her mother, and would see Rowan for who she was.  They just better do it quick, because he’d not have her feeling uncomfortable in a place that should feel like home.

Her brow furrowed as she laid a gentle hand on his arm.  “Is everything all right?”

Surprised she’d notice, he forced himself to let it all go, pushing a smile onto his face.  “Just getting hungry is all.  Would ye like to get a bite?”

She smiled at him, her eyes dancing in the sunlight over a sea of freckles.  “Only if you let me buy.  I still owe you, yeah?”

“Och, well, if ye’re buying then we might as well have a pint with our meal, too.”  He gave her a wink, happy to see her smiling.

“Well, you’ve certainly earned it.”

***

Settled in a corner of the local pub, Angus set a few pints in front of them and slid into the booth across from Rowan.  They’d made it there just in time.  Soon after arriving, a bus of tourists pulled up and unloaded.  The small pub was now bustling, barely a seat to be had.

He handed her a menu, not bothering to take one for himself.  He’d been coming here for as long as he could remember, and other than the specials written on the chalkboard, the changes were kept to a minimum.  “Their burgers are good.  And ye can’t go wrong with the fish and chips.  They use fresh–caught from the local fishermen right here at the harbor.”

“Sounds perfect.”  She closed her menu and gave him a smile as she looked around the place, taking it all in.  “Is it always this busy?”

“That friend I mentioned and his fiancé
e?  They recently found a diamond and emerald necklace of huge historical importance.  It’s tucked away someplace safe until they can figure out where they’ll be putting it on display, but it put our little town on the map.  The tourism has picked up as a result, despite the weather still being cold.  I suspect the number of tourists will only increase as we head further into spring.  Ye could sell yer photos to them, if ye wanted.  Make yerself a good chunk of change, I’d imagine.”

Her eyes sparkled, as if lit from within, the green of them like a stormy sea.  “It’s a thought.  I’ve always wanted to open a small gallery and studio—not just for my own work, but to help other artists.  Maybe teach a few classes.  Might be worth looking into once I get settled.  I hadn’t realized
Dunmuir had so many visitors.”

By the gods, all those months of emailing back and forth had gotten to him.  And to now have her sitting there at arm’s length, beaming at him… it left him needing to take a deep breath to steady himself.

Lara showed up at their table to take their order, her eyes darting to him in question.  “Are ye ready to place yer order?”

Angus tilted his head at Rowan, so she’d order.  “The fish and chips, please.”

Angus took Rowan’s menu and set it aside behind the napkin holder.  “Make that two.”

Lara jotted it down, and then pinned him with a stare and a cocked eyebrow.  “So, Angus, are ye not going to introduce us?”

There’d be no stemming the flow of gossip now that Lara was in the mix.  At least she was young enough to not know of Rowan’s mother—not that there weren’t other issues to deal with.  “Lara, this is Rowan Campbell.  Rowan, Lara Graham, the keeper of this fine establishment.”

“A pleasure.  Campbell, eh?  And how do ye know our dear Angus?”  Lara wasn’t exactly warm and inviting, but she was always a bit harsh whenever Angus came in with any woman other than his Ma or sister.

“He’s a good friend.”  It became clear that Rowan had picked up on Lara’s tone.  With a smile she reached out and gave his hand a quick squeeze.  “Been truly indispensable.  I couldn’t have made the move here without his help.”

“So ye’re staying then?  At the Campbell cottage?” 

“I am.  It’s a lovely area and town.”   Rowan gave Lara a wide smile.  “And everyone’s been so friendly.  I know it’ll feel like home in no time at all.”

Angus had to bite back a laugh.  Rowan had played Lara perfectly, putting an end to any escalation and diffusing the situation by calling to Lara’s obligation to be hospitable.  He loved that she already felt at ease.  Might make it easier for her if things got difficult. 

“Aye.  I’m sure it will.  I’ll put yer order in, then.”  And with that, Lara was off.

Rowan was now staring at him with amusement.  “Ex-girlfriend of yours?”

He barked out a laugh.  “Aye, but we were just kids—still in secondary school, and it didn’t last more than a few months.”

Her tone was teasing, her eyes sparkling with mischief.  “Well, you certainly made a lasting impression.  Did you leave all the girls heartbroken?”

“Me?”  He leaned forward, his elbows on the table as he closed the distance between them.  “Nae, love.  I was always the one nursing a broken heart.”

She didn’t pull away, but rather held her ground, despite the energy that seemed to spark and crackle between them, leaving the air charged.  “I don’t believe it, Angus Macleod.”

Freckles, porcelain skin, deep red curls, and full kissable lips.  By the gods, he was a goner.  “Nothing but the truth, though it’s all for the best.” 

Her eyes narrowed with curiosity.  “And why’s that?”

“Cause it leaves me single for when the right lass comes along.”  So incredibly close.  He could see the flecks of brown in her green eyes, and the intelligence there.  Could breathe in her scent.  She smelled like the forest, like peonies and wood fires, cedar and jasmine.  It left him wanting to bury his head against the curve of her shoulder. 

“Is that so?”  A smile tugged at her lips, but he saw her quickly get it under control. 

“Aye, it is.” 

She sat back and picked up her napkin, folding it absent-mindedly, her eyes on what she was doing, even when she spoke.  “And what if you get your heart broken again?”

“It’s the chance we all take, is it not?”  With her mood turning towards the serious, Angus figured a change in subject was probably best.  “Ye said ye hadn’t seen the stones yet.  Is that correct?”

“I’m afraid I went the other way when I took my walk this morning.”  Her eyes then drifted past him to the crowd beyond.  “Speak of the devil; there’s Conall.”

And no seat to be had in the entire place.  Angus hoped Conall would turn around and walk away, but he knew he’d not be that lucky.  His worst fears came true as Conall wandered over in their direction, looking for a table.

When Conall spotted them, Rowan gave a quick wave in response to his head nod.  With a look of apology at Angus, Rowan shifted over in the booth and addressed Conall.  “You’re welcome to join us if you’d like.  I doubt there are any available seats.”

“I appreciate it.”  Conall slid in next to Rowan.  “Angus.  How ye been?” 

Angus tried to swallow his annoyance, knowing full well that if not for Rowan’s company, Conall would rather sit on the floor than with him.  And what of the bad blood between their families?  He guessed Conall was willing to put it on hold in the presence of a pretty face.  At least that was something.

Angus decided he’d try his best to be civil—for Rowan’s sake.  “Been well.  And you?  Heard ye have a new dog.”

“Aye.  My sister left the pup with me when she took the job in Paris—though I half-suspect she left just to get away from the crazy mutt.  She sends her regards, by the way.”  Conall stared at him as if to judge his reaction.  Or was it purely to annoy him?

“I’m sure she’ll enjoy Paris.  It suits her.”  It’d been at least a year or two since he’d last seen Moira, and a good five years since their relationship ended.  “As for the dog, make sure ye bring her by if she’s not up to date with her vaccinations.”   

“She’s up to date.”  His tone was clipped, his eyes hard.

Before they could say another word, Lara showed up at their table.  “Well, I ne’er thought I’d see the day.  Look at the two of ye sitting together and not killing each other.  The only thing marring the vision is that ye look like two hungry dogs fighting over the same bone, despite there being plenty of others to choose from.  Typical.”

End of Sample

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