Page 4 of Highland Wishes And Dreams
A servant had arrived with a tray and Finn took it and walked to sit on the bed next to his friend. He pushed the bottles aside with his hip.
“She’s gone, hasn’t she?” Andrew asked. “And nothing I do will bring her back.”
Finn looked at the tears on Andrews face and felt himself tearing up. “Yes. She’s gone but not from our hearts. And she lives on through Jake. Those of us who loved her will remember her always,” and he handed Andrew a mug of tea, which thankfully Andrew began to drink. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay longer after the funeral. I was too caught up in my own grief.”
“I would not have noticed if you were here anyway. I wish I’d never married her.” Andrew’s words made Finn flinch.
“I’m glad you did marry her. I’m glad she knew such a love with you.”
Andrew looked at him. “I thought you would hate me for taking your sister from this world.”
“You did not take her from us, Andrew. This is not your fault. It was God’s will. It is God I’m angry at, never you.”
Andrew gulped down his tea before Finn handed him a scone to eat. “I’m never letting Galina marry. Not if this can happen to her.”
Andrew’s words drew him up short as it mirrored his earlier thoughts. Fear was ruling them both it would seem. “I’m sure Galina would disagree with that. When Wen learned she was with child, she told me Galina couldn’t wait to get married and have children of her own.” An image of Galina big and round with his child flashed in his mind’s eye and his heart began to hammer in his chest. “She has been looking after Jake for you.”
Andrew rubbed a hand over his unshaven face. “My son looks like Wen.”
“Aye, he does. He’s a bonny babe.”
The two men sat looking at each other both probably consumed with their own private memories of Wen. Then Andrew threw back the covers on a sigh and said, “Best I have this bath then.”
Finn smiled. “Good. I was worried my mother might invade this room if you didn’t join us this evening. She told me we are still not so big that she couldn’t put us over her knee for a good spanking.”
It was wonderful to see a smile quiver on Andrew’s lips. “I can’t believe you’ve never told her that her spankings never hurt, even when we were boys.”
“Go have your bath and I’ll inform Galina you have rejoined the world. She was very worried about you.”
Andrew stopped at the door to his dressing room where they could hear the bath being filled. “Thank you, Finn. Bear with me over the coming days. It’s not going to be easy. I’ll need your support.”
“What are friends for? I loved her too, and I cannot begin to understand the depth of your grief compared to mine. We will help each other, and mother, and Galina. Let’s make Wen proud.”
On that note Andrew nodded and disappeared into the dressing room.
Chapter 4
Finn had worked a miracle. Her brother had made it down for dinner and had drunk very little. He had also visited the nursery and spent some private time with Jake. She had stood outside the door of the nursery just in case, but after he had cried for a wee moment, he had sat in the chair with his son in his arms telling him the story of how he’d fallen in the stream because he’d been trying to impress Wen.
She’d crept away to bed and had the best night’s sleep she’d had since Wen’s death.
This morning she’d ridden out alone to her secret glen. It was rumored that if you wished hard enough, a Fae appeared and granted your wish. If she’d had time she’d have ridden here and begged for Wen’s life, but she’d died before Galina could saddle the horse. Galina knew no one, not even the Fae, could bring Wen back from the dead.
As she walked through the glen leading her horse, Legion, she stopped to pick a wild flower. She knew what she wanted to wish for but that would be selfish at this time. She wanted Finn to love her—not as a friend but as a lover. She wanted a love like Wen and Andrew shared—even if it was for only a short time.
She was about to lead Legion over to the fallen tree to remount when, as if the Fae had been listening to her thoughts, Finn came galloping into the glen. Why did just one look at him set her body afire? Her heart surged deep within her chest and she had to hold back her wish. He pulled his stallion to a halt with ease.
“Galina. I hope I have not intruded on your peace.”
“Not at all. I was just about to remount.”
Finn looked around the small glen. “It’s a beautiful place. The stream behind the copse sounds almost magical.”
“The legend is that the Fae favor this glen and grant wishes to those who they deem deserving.”
Finn’s laugh irked her a bit but she was not surprised. Andrew had laughed when she’d brought him here many years ago.
“You’re a bit old to believe in the Fae.”
