Page 62 of A Matter of Time
“You have nothing to apologize for. You did nothing wrong.” Richard reached up to cup her cheek against his hand. The love he had for Angelina was beyond anything he’d ever experienced in his life.
“I’ve spoken with your mother.”
Richard was surprised by this announcement. “You’ve met my mother?”
“Yes. When you left here, Nick and I thought you’d be returning home. He was determined to find you and I went along, because I didn’t feel I’d given you a chance to fully explain your actions.”
Richard listened quietly, rubbing his thumb tenderly across the back of her hand.
“Anyway, your mother is very sweet. She told me about your father and gave me a far clearer picture of you. I know you wanted to tell me yourself, but the timing has never seemed to be right. I also learned that you were afraid to tell me, because you knew how I’d react and I’m ashamed to say I did exactly what you expected.” Vivid blue eyes gazed into his own and he had to remind himself to breathe. “I had to examine my own feelings in order to discover why, if everyone else had forgiven you – even Ashley – why I was still so angry with you.”
Richard shook his head. “Angelina, please, this is my shame to bear. None of this was your fault. All I need to know is that you’ve forgiven me and there’s a chance you’ll start to love me again.” Richard held his breath, awaiting her answer.
Tears began to roll down her cheeks again. “Yes I do forgive you… and I never stopped loving you.”
Richard pulled her down to rest her head on his chest and held her close. She loved him. The sweetness of her words went straight to his heart. He’d spend the rest of his days making her happy. It was all he wanted to do. “When can we go home?”
“As soon as you’re able.” Angelina sat up again. “May I kiss you?”
“That’s a question you never need to ask, love.” Richard drew her down to him and they shared the sweetest kiss. Sweeter than any they’d experienced thus far. It was a kiss that marked a new and honest beginning, a kiss filled with promise of their future together.
Edward and his men, along with Nick left the following morning. Nick was returning home to his family, who would undoubtedly be shocked by his return. He had quite the story to tell, whether they believed him or not. He had promised Richard they would meet again soon and Richard warned Nick he was going to hold him to that promise.
Richard was up out of bed and had managed to get himself downstairs and into the courtyard, where he breathed deeply in the cold, fresh air. He was ready to return to his own home, but had promised Angelina they would stay one more day, to be certain he was ready for travel. She had assured him it had nothing to with the fact that she and the MacKenzie women were busily creating agenuinemedieval gown and cloak for Angelina to wear on their journey. Richard was thankful that everything had worked out and he was more than ready to begin his new life with Angelina.
The MacKenzie men joined him in the courtyard. “’Tis good to see ye up and about, Richard. The weapon Malcolm Granger used to shoot ye was like none we’ve ever seen. I feared ye wouldnae survive it.” Robert put a hand on Richard’s shoulder as he spoke.
“I cannot thank you enough for taking me in, and caring for me the way you did. It means more to me than I can ever express.” Richard gazed earnestly at each of the men in turn.
“Yer one of us now, Richard,” Cormac said. Richard was confused by this pronouncement and it must have shown in his face, because Cormac continued to explain. “Angelina is my Jenna’s auntie, ye see and because we are wed, she is my auntie as well. When ye marry me auntie, ye’ll be me uncle.” Cormac chuckled at this fact.
“I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right. I will be your uncle.” Richard chuckled.
“Welcome to the family,” Cailin said, offering him his hand.
“Thank you, Cailin. I’m quite sure you’d rather pummel me than welcome me,” Richard smiled.
“Aye. That would’ve been the case not so long ago, but my wee wife has forgiven ye and as long as she’s happy, I am as well. I will say, if ye ever do anything to hurt her again, I willnae be responsible for what happens to ye.” Cailin seemed quite serious, which made Richard a little uncomfortable, but then Cailin broke into a wide grin, to reassure Richard all was well.
“We were about to ride out to visit with some of the nearby tenants, if ye’d care to join us. It might be useful to see how ye’ll fair tomorrow, when ye leave us.”
“That seems like an excellent idea. I’d love to,” Richard agreed.
“When you setyour wedding date, you’ll let us know, won’t you?” Ashley asked, as Angelina tried on her new gown.
“You’ll be the first to receive an invitation. Of course, he hasn’t officially asked me, but I think it’s pretty clear we don’t plan on being away from each other, ever again.” Angelina slipped the gown over her head and Irene laced up the back.
“The blue is a perfect match fer yer eyes,” Irene stated.
The women had taken one of Irene’s gowns and modified it to fit Angelina. Their efforts had paid off and it fit like a glove. Angelina admired herself in the mirror. Irene was right, the sapphire blue was perfect. Now they just needed to put the finishing touches on her cape, made of an even deeper blue and lined with fur to keep out the cold. “This is the most luxurious piece of clothing I’ve ever owned. When I get to my new home, I’ll have to find out where I can buy fabric and supplies to make more gowns.”
Jenna crossed to the corner of the room and retrieved a beautifully wrapped package, which she handed to Angelina with a warm smile.
“What’s this?” Angelina demanded.
“A starter kit,” Jenna laughed. “We put this together for you. There’s fabric, ribbons, needles and threads. You should have enough there to make two or three more gowns.”
Angelina was overcome with affection for these women. She kissed each of them on the cheek and then announced, “Group hug!” They giggled and laughed and held onto each other, enjoying the bonds of sisterhood they all felt. “The only thing that would make this more perfect, would be if I were to live closer.”
