Page 25 of A Bridge Through Time
“Cailin, you shouldn’t have done that, you’ll tear your stitches!”
“I didnae tear anything, lass. ‘Tis my other arm that’s a bother,” Cailin insisted calmly.
There was no way Ashley was going to ride sidesaddle, and with some difficulty, she threw her leg over the horse so she could sit astride. After a good amount of wiggling and squirming, she managed to adjust her gown enough to sit comfortably.
When she was settled agreeably, she glanced across to find Cailin was doing his best to stifle his laughter. Ashley reddened. "Whose idea was it for women to ride in gowns anyway? Whoever it was, they should be shot."
"Aye, I agree. It does appear uncomfortable." He coughed, trying in vain to disguise his laughter.
"In my time, we wear riding breeches or jeans. It doesn't make any sense to ride in a gown."
"Shall we?" Cailin motioned for her to join him and they headed out through the gates and rode across the valley.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly and the sky was bluer than she'd ever seen it before.No pollution to muck it up, she thought wryly. There was a little bit of a chill in the air and Cailin thoughtfully pulled his plaid from his saddle pack, for Ashley to wrap herself in.
"Cailin are you okay with what I told you last night? About me being from the future?" Ashley suddenly announced.
His look alone told her all she needed to know, but what he said next almost made her do a happy dance in the saddle.
"Ashley, I care not where yer from, or when, I’m just happy yer here now."
She smiled shyly at him as they approached the first stop on their tour of the northern-most MacKenzie land holdings.
The little thatched cottage, modest though it appeared, was home to a man and woman with five small children who all came outside to greet them.
"Cailin," the man called as they approached.
"Finn," Cailin called back. He dismounted and clapped the man on the back.
Cailin lifted Ashley down from the saddle and turned to the family to introduce her. "Ashley Moore, this be Finn and Heather and their wee ones. They have a small farm here and take care of Robert’s sheep."
"It's nice to meet you," Ashley said shyly.
"Ashley is here from America," Cailin said, an explanation Finn and Heather accepted without question, even though Ashley knew they had no idea where America was.
The children surrounded Cailin, all talking at once. He crouched down to their level and they took turns in receiving a hug. Cailin hoisted the smallest child up with his good arm and she squealed with glee. She placed her tiny hands on eitherside of his face and tipped her head to the side, examining him thoroughly.
"Mary, what be ye looking at?" Cailin asked with a grin.
"Ye," Mary said.
Cailin gave the child an affectionate squeeze and kissed the top of her head. "Shall we see what I've got in me bag, Mary?"
Mary nodded eagerly and clapped her hands. Cailin produced some sweet cakes, which Ashley assumed he had procured from the kitchen before they left. He handed one to each child and watched as they happily settled on the ground and enjoyed their surprise treats.
While the children ate, Finn and Heather approached Cailin with a request. "Cailin we be needin' more room and wondered if we could extend the cottage to do so. Do ye think Laird Robert would allow it?"
Cailin pursed his lips as he thought. "Aye, I think he would. Ye have a growin' family and I can see ye be needin' more space."
Little Mary, finished with her cake, skipped up to Ashley and took her hand, pulling her towards the side of the cottage. "Lady, come see, come see," the little girl chanted.
Ashley caught Cailin’s eye and he nodded his agreement, still deep in discussions with Finn. Ashley followed Mary around to the side of the small home, where the little girl excitedly pointed to a small fenced-in area, which housed a mama dog and six newly born puppies.
"Oh, they're beautiful, Mary," Ashley gushed, admiring the little bundles of fur. Ashley didn’t recognize the breed of dog, but assumed they were some kind of shepherd.
Mary’s little chest puffed out proudly. "My puppies," she announced importantly.
"Do you have names for them yet?" Ashley asked.
