Page 87 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Do people here know that there’s a land on the other side of the ocean?” Jenna wondered aloud.
“Aye. Some have travelled there. But ’tis not called America in our time.”
“So, I guess Columbus didn’t really discover America,” Jenna observed.
“Who do ye speak of, love?”
“It’s not important, really. It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”
“Any day I can spend with you is lovely,” Cormac answered, a serious look in his eyes.
“Don’t make me jump off this horse and onto your lap, you sweet talker, you,” Jenna teased.
“Teaching ye to ride was a good thing, but I think I liked it better when ye rode with me,” Cormac said.
“Me, too,” Jenna answered.
They rode to the edge of the bluff and dismounted. Cormac removed the saddles and let the horses graze on the abundant grass surrounding them.
“This way, Jenna.” He held out his hand and guided her down the path to the beach. He had brought an extra plaid and a basket of food with him. “We can spend some time here, if ye like.”
“I like,” Jenna agreed.
Cormac spread the plaid in the sand, and placed the basket down beside it. He helped Jenna down onto the plaid and sat next to her.
“This is such a nice way to spend the day,” Jenna said.
“I’m happy you approve,” Cormac replied. He moved closer to Jenna and placed his arm around her shoulders.
Jenna sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder while she took in the beauty of the beach and the water. The smell of the ocean brought her memories back to the waters of San Francisco Bay and a childhood spent with Ashley and her family, and Dylan. Those were happy, happy times for Jenna. Her life had not been quite so happy over the last few years. Of course, she’d had a period of false happiness with Jonathan and the more she thought about it, the more she realized the happiness she enjoyed with Cormac was the real thing. It was the same sense of happiness she remembered from her childhood. It was carefree and easy. She knew she was safe, protected, and loved. What more could a girl ask for?
“Cormac, this is perfect. Thank you for bringing me here,” Jenna said.
Cormac didn’t respond. He let the moment rest on Jenna’s words. She liked that about him. He cared what she thought, how she felt, if she was cold or tired. She would never take that for granted. Until this point in her life, no one had ever cared about any of those things and she would have said that it didn’t matter because sheknewwhat she thought and how she felt. If she were cold, she’d get a jacket. If she were tired, she’d go to bed. She’d never had the luxury of anyone else caring about those things. Sure, people said they cared, but they didn’t really. Cormac really cared and that was quite a gift he had presented to her, but one she could not accept. Before she started to feel sad about her circumstances, she quickly stood up and offered Cormac her hand.
“Do you want to go for a walk down the beach?” she asked.
“I’d love nothing better,” he replied.
* * *
“Did you two have fun?” Ashley queried, as soon as they walked through the door.
“Aye. I believe Jenna enjoyed the beach as much as you do,” Cormac said.
“I love the beach. It’s my favorite place,” Ashley agreed.
“Me, too,” Jenna added.
“Well, I’ll leave you with Ashley, then, love. I cannae keep ye all to myself.” Cormac kissed Jenna softly on the lips and let his fingers caress her cheek before he went back out the door.
“He’s a keeper, Jenna, I’m telling you. You need to rethink this whole going home thing,” Ashley insisted.
“I know he’s a keeper, but Ashley, I’ve already told you I can’t stay.”
“Don’t be so stubborn, Jenna. You know you don’t have anything waiting for you back home that you need to hurry back for,” Ashley argued.
“What about Dylan? And Chester? They need me. And my parents’ foundation. Who’d take care of that? And all my charitable work. I have to go back, Ashley.”
