Page 24 of Highlander’s Misfit Lass

He walked to the kitchen door and announced that he was leaving.

“So soon?” Lyndsay called out. “There are still so many things I wanted to ask you about.”

“I will still be in the village for some days yet. I will be around if you want to ask me about anything,” Trevor said.

“I’ll show ye out,” Emma said, and escorted Trevor to the doorway. The stars framed his body as he stood outside while light from lanterns shone behind Emma.

“Thank you for allowing me to stay,” Trevor said.

“Well, in truth, if ye ever want tae come by and muck the stables out again, ye are more than welcome,” she said, and Trevor was relieved that her good humor had returned.

“Emma, I know that your life here has not always been perfect and that some people have been mean to you, but I hope you know how lucky you are to have such loving parents. I know it may seem as though they’re trying to control your life, but I can tell they care about you deeply. You are the most precious part of them, and I think that’s the only reason why it seems as though they’re harsh.”

Emma nodded. “Are there any other insights ye would care tae share with me?” she asked.

Trevor grinned. “Not at the moment, although I’m sure others will occur to me in the coming days.”

“Then I’ll be sure tae seek ye out.”

“I hope you do,” Trevor said, and began to turn away, hating to leave her again when he knew that their time together was fleeting.

“Trevor,” she called out. “Since ye are gaeing tae be here for the Beltane festival, I wondered if ye would like tae join me?”

Her voice wavered with unease, but her words were music to Trevor’s ears. A wide smile appeared on his face, and he agreed enthusiastically.

“But on one condition,” he said.

Emma tilted her head and looked at him with a puzzled look on her face.

“What’s that?”

“Don’t wear a shawl,” he said.

She looked a little shocked for a moment, but then the smile on her face widened, and she blushed a little. Trevor turned to the cold night and the barren expanse before him and dared to allow a little love into his heart, even though he knew well the pain that was going to accompany him back to London.