Page 13 of Love Beyond Wanting
She was frightened.Before my conversation with Morna, I would’ve told her not to worry—that she had history on her side—but now, I was as scared as she was.
“Listen to me, Laurel.You can beat her if you’re forced to face her.You’re the smartest person I know.You’re so much stronger than you think.”
I heard her take a deep breath, and I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in a hug.
“Thank you, Kate.I need to go.I don’t know if I’ll be able to call for awhile.There’s a lot I need to sort through here.”
I nodded as if she could see me.“I know.I’ll see you in a few weeks, okay?”
At that, Laurel spoke up.I could hear the smile in her tone.“About that.I can’t believe I almost forgot.Listen, you don’t have to look for Morna.I made a friend, another modern lady sent back in time by Morna.She lives at Cagair Castle, and they have their own portal.She says it’s far easier to travel back through it than by Morna’s magic.She told me that if I ever have anyone that needs to come through to send them there.She and her husband will escort you guys all the way to the Isle when you arrive.”
“Are you serious?”I tried to feign surprise at her suggestion.
“Yes.Her name is Sydney.Just ask for her when you get there.I believe the other woman’s name is Gillian.They will know what to do.”
I could hear some shuffling from the other end of the phone, and I could sense that Laurel needed to go.
“Laurel, take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will.You too, Kate.I love you.”
After relaying my own love for her, I hung up the phone, and curled up into a ball beneath my blankets in the hopes the warmth would stop me from shaking from both a wounded heart and fear for my sister.
Chapter 7
Sixteen Days Later
Icouldn’t believe that out of everything I’d taken care of, out of every list I’d created and checked off, out of every possible scenario I’d thought through, that this was the one thing that hadn’t crossed my mind.I was a smart woman.I didn’t do stupid things.But my ignorance over this situation had me sobbing on the phone.I was heartbroken, and if I couldn’t figure out a way around this, I was fairly certain there would be no putting me back together.
“What do you mean, there’s not enough time?There has to be enough time.He’s healthy.He’s had all of his shots and check-ups.I’ve flown with him many times.”
The travel agent kept her voice calm, but she gave me the same answer.“You’ve flown with him domestically, yes?”
My breath shook as I answered her.“Yes.”
“I’m sorry, Ms.Adams, but international travel with animals is very different.Each country has its own rules.While you could’ve flown with your cat had you planned further in advance and had all of the correct documentation, I’m afraid there really is no way for us to get it this close to your trip.All of that has to be arranged way ahead of your actual departure date.I understand your sadness.I truly do.”
“No.”I was making a fool of myself, I knew, but I couldn’t help it.I couldn’t leave Mr.Crinkles behind.I wouldn’t do it.“You really don’t understand.I nearly died for him.I can’t leave him here.”
The woman sighed.“I don’t mean to be cold, Ms.Adams, I really don’t.Surely you can bear to be away from your cat for a few weeks.Don’t you have friends who could watch him?If not, I know of some very good boarding facilities that I recommend to many of my clients when we plan their trips.”
“I can’t leave him with a friend, and I’d never board Mr.Crinkles.”
I hung up the phone and sobbed into my pillow.I might have lost my arm saving Mr.Crinkles in the fire, but I’d never regretted it for a minute.If not for him, I would’ve died that night.He was the one who woke me as smoke filled my room.
If he couldn’t go to Scotland, then neither could I.
Several hours into my session of full-on pity, my phone rang.I knew from the blocked number that it was Laurel.I didn’t even say hello to her as I answered.“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
She didn’t sound okay.She sounded frightened and nervous.
“What’s going on?”
“Listen, Kate.I just wanted to tell you that everything is playing out as you said it would.Calder is back, and he is under Machara’s control.The men have him bound right now, but I’m going to convince them to release him.This has to end.We can’t keep Calder locked away, and I can’t live with the fear of him taking me to her when he gets loose.I’d rather it be on my terms.I have a plan.Everything is going to be okay.But just in case it isn’t, I wanted to call and tell you how much I love you.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.The last thing Laurel needed was to hear how upset I was at the possibility of losing her.I wanted to tell her that it was going to be okay, but I couldn’t lie to her.I couldn’t be certain that it would be.
