Page 46 of Guarding Salvation

Bram looked at her and she nodded. “Yes, please.”

Mrs Clark looked at Snow and Titan. “And what can I get you both?”

Titan was already looking over the small menu. “What would you recommend?”

“Well, a big lad like you needs his fuel, so I think a meat pie and then some of my famous Dundee cake.”

“Sounds great, and may I have a coffee to go with that please?”

“Och, with manners like that, you can have whatever you wish.”

Mrs Clark took the rest of the orders, smiling wide when Snow ordered the same as Titan.

“I like a girl who can eat. Are you married, lass? My Johnny is still single.”

Snow blushed and said she was in fact single.

“Snow here is headed home in a few days. Unfortunately, Mrs Clark, the matchmaking is a bust this time.” Bram gently helped a panicked looking Snow from her corner.

“Well, I tell ye if he keeps on messing around, he’s never gonna find a nice lass like you seemed to have.”

Bram hugged Aoife closer and she snuggled into him as he kissed her head. “I’m a lucky man.”

“’Tis good to have you back, Bram. We’ve missed you around these parts.”

“It’s good to be home, Mrs Clark.”

With a smile, she rushed off to get the food sorted and Aoife looked at Bram, really seeing how much he fit into this place and how much everyone who knew him loved him, told a lot about the man he was.

“Abraham?” Snow’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Don’t you start.”

Her smirk told him that she was saving that for another day.

“So, are there any women’s clothing shops around here?” Snow looked down at her boots, which had seen better days. “I figure I need some new boots and a new coat.”

“Yes, two doors down is Mrs Price. She should have everything you need.”

“Want to go after we finish eating, Aoife?”

“Yes, sure. I need a few items too.”

The pineapple tart had been amazing and nothing like she’d ever tasted before. Titan had been equally effusive about the meat pies. Once she and Snow had finished, they left Bram and Titan, who headed for the general store, and made their way to the clothing shop.

As soon as they walked in it was clear the woman knew who she was, and they were greeted like long lost friends.

“If you need anything, just give me a shout.”

“Thank you.”

Snow giggled. “This is nuts. I can’t believe we didn’t know Bram was practically royal. They treat him like he’s a returning hero.”

“I know, they do love him.”

“I heard one of the people at the castle saying how much his family gives to the village and if it wasn’t for the Castle, they wouldn’t make a living, and because of Lana and the changes she and Rory have made, that their own children are returning to raise their families here.”

“Really? You learned that after a day, Snow?”