Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“Hector. Lila. Neither of you move.” Calum jogged across the courtyard and swung up onto the lowest branch. He scaled the tree, and on the bough next to theirs, eased across then lowered to his haunches. “As nice a day as it is for tree climbing, you two shouldnae be out here.”


“S-sorry.” Hector launched himself at Calum and he caught the boy and sat him beside him. “Lila said you rescued her too.”

“Aye, it appears ’tis what I do best. Now, no more tree climbing for you.”

“I miss Father. Mother does too.”

“We all do.” He ruffled the boy’s red hair. “He’ll return soon. The king cannae keep him forever.”

“Calum, please send him down.” Hector’s mother twisted her hands in her skirts.

“He’s coming, Margaret.” He tucked a loose shirttail into the boy’s breeches then turned him around. “Crawl, but take care. We’ll speak more about your father once you’re down.”

“I’ll be careful.” He snuck back along the branch, climbed down then dropped into Margaret’s waiting arms.

Margaret smiled at her. “Thank you. Lila is it?”

“Yes.”

“Jean Cunningham spoke of you.”

“She did? I’m coming down too.”

Calum grasped her from behind before she could move. “Nay, you’re no’ dressed.”

“Calum’s right,” Margaret called. “I’ll be up shortly, right after I’ve taken care of Hector.” She turned to her son, hooked an arm around his shoulders then led him back into the keep.

“Inside with you now.” Calum spread his hands around her waist and angled her toward the window.

Together they crawled inside to a buzz of activity. During her tree climbing, her bath and meal had arrived. Two lads in loose brown tunics poured steaming pails of water into a tub set before the hearth, and a maid with a gown in hand, draped it over the end of the bed. They bustled out and shut the door behind them.

“I ordered this for you.” Calum pulled out a chair before his desk where a tray had been laid.

“Thank you. Tree climbing certainly fires the appetite.” She sat, lifted the small bowl of honey and swirled it over top of the hot oats. “It’s been ages since I’ve had porridge. I have a terrible habit of sleeping in, so I usually grab a snack bar and eat on the run.” She slid a spoonful into her mouth. Delicious, and it tasted exactly like Nanna used to make on those cold winter mornings. She held out a second spoonful for him. “Would you like some?”

He caught her hand, brought her spoon to his mouth then slid it sensuously between his lips. “Where do you run to?”

“The train station. In the future we have these big steel contraptions that run on long metal tracks and carry passengers. People all over the city ride the trains to work.”

“You dinnae ride a horse?”

“Sadly, I’ve never even touched one. There are far faster means of getting about than on a horse.” She took another spoonful. “What news did your brother bring?”

“MacIan’s ranks have grown with the aid of his MacDonald kin. With an attack so close at hand, I must prepare my men.” He brushed his thumb along her cheek. “Which means my plans have changed. You must remain here until ’tis safe to search for your grandmother.”

“I can’t. I don’t know how long I have in this time. Every minute counts.”

“Aye, though remain you will.” He stood and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll leave you to your bath afore the waters cools and return at midday after training. You’ll stay here, within Duart’s walls.” He strode out the door and shut it quietly behind him.

She’d enjoy her bath then speak with Margaret. She’d remain only until she knew where to go.

She peeled off his borrowed shirt, stepped into the tub and eased her head back against the rim. The water sloshed to her chin, and the alluring fragrance of roses wafted in the steam. Heavenly. She scooped the soap and washed away the salt still clinging to her skin from the night before.

A knock sounded on the door. “Lila, ’tis Margaret.”

“Come in.” Not wanting to miss this conversation, she slid under the bubbles, covering herself adequately.

Margaret walked in with a posy of lavender in her hand. “I apologize for disturbing your bath.”

“No, we need to speak. I’m eager to hear about my grandmother.”

“Aye, she said you would come.” She set the flowers on the side table then perched on the chair before the fire. “She confided in me.”

“How did she know I’d come?” She sloshed water over the rim as she sat up. “Tell me everything.”

“Jean spoke of the faraway place you both came from.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “And I mean the future, a realm beyond my imagination.”

Gosh, Nanna must have trusted Margaret, even though she was married to the MacLean chief. “Keep going.”