Page 13 of Highland Wishes And Dreams
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Finn racedacross the fields as if trying to catch the wind. As he'd held Galina close last night, he'd understood he had a far bigger wish to make at the glen. He’d meant what he said when he said he’d wait for Galina. His heart was so full of her he could never think of another woman.
He slowed his horse as he entered the beautiful glen. The sun twinkled through the trees and the sounds of the stream created a musical background.
He dismounted and tied his horse, then looked around. Suddenly he felt a tad foolish. Was there somewhere specific he had to stand, or sit, or kneel to have his wish heard? Then how would he know if the wish was granted?
He started to walk towards the center of the glen, out from under the tree feeling like the King’s jester, when he swore he heard a woman whisper, “I hear your heart, Lord Stuart. It is beating strong, but heavy with sorrow.”
He looked round, and his heart raced in his chest because he saw no one. He was going mad.
The siren voice came again. “I know what it is you wish for. I have the power to grant that wish if I deem you are worthy. Why don’t you say the words out loud?”
Was he dreaming this? But the brook still babbled and the flies still buzzed. He pinched himself. He was definitely awake. “I want to live a long and happy life with Galina and ensure all our children are safely born.”
The feminine voice cackled with laughter. “You are greedy. That’s not all you wish for. You wish your friend’s suffering would end. You want him to remember your sister with love, but be able to move on with his life and be happy with someone else.”
“What is wrong with that? Andrew is still young and it will be a lonely life without a woman who loves him by his side. If I can only have one wish then I’d gladly see Andrew have a life filled with love again, because I know how it feels to be alone. When you find love it changes your world. I know because I love his sister.” Finn waited, torn between the two people he loved. He longed for an answer.
Finally the voice said, “Your wish for your friend speaks well of you. But I can only grant a person one wish.”
Finn clenched his fists. Selfishly he wanted to ensure Galina was safe, that she would not die in childbirth like Wen. But Andrew… Realizing he needed Galina more than the air that he breathed he had an understanding of Andrew’s suffering.
“I feel your inner battle. You are a good man and a fine friend, Lord Stuart. Go now. Your wish for your friend I have granted. He will eventually recover and will once again experience a love that will last him a lifetime, but Wen will never be forgotten.”
“What about Galina? If I marry her will she be safe?”
“Do not worry. I can’t grant you another wish, but I have already granted Galina hers. She made a wish here not so long ago. I know you will both live a long and happy life with many children.”
Before he could say more, there was a huge flash of light and his head swirled. When the mist cleared, he was lying on the ground with his horse bending down and snorting in his face.
A warmth spread through his limbs and a weight cleared from his heart. Suddenly he knew that everything would work out. Galina would be his if he had a bit of patience.
He remounted and began a slow walk back to Banff Castle. He wanted to find his mother and tell her Andrew would give the ring back. He would put his faith in the siren of the glen and hope his friend saw reason.
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Galina foundAndrew in the drawing room talking with Lady Stuart. Little Jake lay in Lady Stuart’s arms sleeping.
“I hate to interrupt, Lady Stuart, but may I borrow my brother for a moment. I have something urgent I wish to discuss with him.” She could not help the sharpness of her tone.
Lady Stuart looked across at Andrew and they smiled at each other as if some great secret had been shared between them.
“We have something to tell you first,” and Lady Stuart lifted her hand and that is when Galina spied the large emerald on her hand. “His Lordship has given me back the ring.”
Galina’s heart fell to her feet. That meant Andrew would expect her to stay as long as he needed him, but Finn needed her too. She stood up straighter. “Then it is even more imperative I talk with you.”
Lady Stuart once again interrupted her. “I have decided to move to Banff Castle. Both His Lordship and I think that would be best for Jake too. Andrew cannot be expected to raise him alone, and you my girl, are way passed the time where you should be married. And so is Finn if I’m being truthful.”
Her mouth fell open. Lady Stuart knew about her and Finn.
Andrew stood and moved to hug her. “I have been an absolute bore. I apologize. I was a coward, and Wen would be ashamed of me. I want you and Finn to be happy. I want Wen to say to me in my dreams, ‘I knew it’.”
Galina hugged her brother back. “She would be so happy for Finn and I. She loves us all from heaven, I feel it.”
“Always,” Andrew whispered in her ear as he hugged her harder.
A few moments later Finn walked in and it was as if he already knew everything was as it should be, because he simply walked to where Galina stood next to her brother. He got down on one knee and said, “Lady Galina MacDonald, I don’t care how long I have to wait for you, will you marry me.” Before she could answer he looked up at Andrew. “And my friend, I will wait patiently for you to decide you can face life without Galina in your house.”
