Page 80 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Is something wrong, Jenna?” Cormac questioned.
“No. Everything’s fine, just fine,” Jenna lied.
“I dinnae believe ye,” Cormac smiled warmly, searching her eyes for the truth.
Jenna wondered if he was a mind reader. He always seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. “Suit yourself, then,” she answered, taking a bite of her dinner. Maybe if she kept her mouth full of food, she wouldn’t have to tell Cormac what she’d been thinking. For his part, Cormac kept an eye on her, but Jenna could tell he was content to let it slide for the time being. It was a good thing, too. She’d hate to admit to him what she’d been thinking.
* * *
Cormac knew Jenna was avoiding his question, but he’d get the truth out of her later. He was sure Jonathan and Sophia had upset her, but he wasn’t exactly certain why. Was it because she was wary of their plans, or was it because she might have to take them back to San Francisco when she went…ifshe went. Cormac still had time to convince her to stay, but then what would happen? Would Jonathan and Sophia be able to get back to San Francisco, or would they be cursed with Jonathan’s presence at Breaghacraig forever? He’d speak with Robert about it, later. There had to be a way to get him out of their lives and far enough away, so he couldn’t bother Jenna ever again. Cormac watched Jonathan as he ingratiated himself on his tablemates. They were all smiling and laughing at whatever story he was telling them. He could see how Jonathan had managed to fool Jenna into believing that he loved her. If he didn’t know him better, Cormac might even have believed Jonathan was a decent human being, but he had met the more sinister Jonathan in San Francisco and knew he would need to protect Jenna from him, at all costs. He didn’t like having him here, this near to Jenna, but it was better to keep him close. Cormac would just have to remain vigilant.
Everyone sat at the table for much longer than was usual for them. They had a lot to talk about and Robert was intent on toasting Cailin and Ashley’s good fortune. Cormac was happy for them. His brother had found the woman of his dreams and they were about to start their family together. He wished them all the best. He just wished he could be so lucky. He thought he was, but Jenna had other ideas. She was not an easy one to deal with. He would have to work hard to prove his love to her, but she was definitely worth it. He wanted her in his life, even though she could be asprickly as a thistle; he knew she was the one for him. And he knew if she left, he would spend his days lamenting the loss and regretting his inability to keep her here as his wife.
“Cormac, now I’m the one asking… is everything okay?” Jenna asked.
“Aye, love. I was just thinking,” Cormac responded. His eyes fell lovingly on her beautiful face. Her soulful brown eyes drew him into their depths and he wished he could linger there forever.
“About what?”
“About ye… about how beautiful ye are. About how happy I’d be if ye were to stay here with me.”
Jenna seemed saddened by his admission, but didn’t respond. Instead, she reached for his much larger hand and squeezed it with her own.
“I’d like to share something with ye, Jenna. Would ye come with me?” Cormac asked.
“Of course,” Jenna answered.
He stood and pulled Jenna’s chair out for her. “We’re going for a walk,” Cormac announced to the table.
“Have fun,” Ashley smiled and winked at Cormac.
“We will, dinnae fash,” Cormac answered, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Come, let’s go, Jenna.” They left the noise of the hall for the contrasting silence outdoors. “Are ye warm enough?”
“I’m fine. The fresh air feels good and besides, I happen to know that, if need be, you’ll keep me warm.” Jenna poked Cormac in the side and when he tried to return the favor by tickling her, she squealed with delight and tried to run. Cormac wrapped his arms around her waist before she could get away and lifted her off the ground.
“Dinnae think ye can escape,” he chuckled. “We’re going this way.” He led her to the steps to the battlements.
“Oh, I’ve been here before. Ashley brought me up here.”
Cormac lifted an eyebrow. “Did she? Whatever for?”
“I’m not sure I’m supposed to say. It might be a secret,” Jenna said with a mysterious smile.
“Dinnae make me tickle it out of ye, lass,” Cormac teased.
“Okay, okay… she showed me a place where the women go, to watch you guys at work on the practice field.”
“I see. And what did ye think?”
“I was impressed,” Jenna admitted.
“And what precisely were ye impressed with?” Cormac thought he knew the answer to his question, but he wanted to hear Jenna’s response.
“Well, there was this one guy…” she started.
“Aye. And what is his name? I’ll be sure to work him extra hard tomorrow.”
Jenna giggled at that. “I think his name is… Cormac MacBayne. Do you know him?”
