Page 36 of A Bridge Through Time
***
Ashley kept her eyes lowered as they entered the great hall. She was very aware that heads were turning as Cailin proudly escorted her through the crowd. He stopped momentarily and seemed to be searching for someone. He suddenly grasped Ashley’s hand in his and guided her to a table on the other side of the hall.
"Ashley, I'd like ye to meet Gavin and Kenna."
Gavin got to his feet and took Ashley's hand in his, raising it to his lips. He was as fair-headed as his wife was, and had sparkling green eyes. Gavin wasn't as tall as Cailin and Cormac, but had astocky, muscular build. Kenna was a petite woman with bright blue eyes set in an attractive face. She greeted Ashley warmly.
"It's so nice to meet you both," Ashley said. She was a little embarrassed by her earlier assumptions regarding Cailin and Kenna’s relationship.
She quickly discovered she had nothing to fear however, when Kenna smiled sweetly at her. "Cailin ye've been hiding Ashley from us," she teased. “She’s lovely.”
"I didnae want to just tell ye of Ashley, I wanted ye to meet her, so ye could see for yerself why I'm so taken with this beautiful woman."
Ashley saw Kenna and Gavin exchange knowing looks, while she blushed profusely.
"Ashley, we've known Cailin since we were wee ones and he's never introduced us to any lass. Ye must be verra special," Gavin said.
By now, Ashley assumed she was tomato red. She couldn't seem to find her voice and she squirmed beneath their scrutiny.
Kenna came to her rescue. "Ye boys are embarrassing poor Ashley. Enough with this talk. Ashley, I look forward to getting to know you. I can tell ye lots of embarrassing stories about yer man here."
"I'd like that," Ashley laughed.
"Come, lass," Cailin said. "They're waiting for us at the head table. Gavin, Kenna," he nodded to his friends. “We’ll talk more soon.”
As they walked to the dais, which held the head table, Ashley apologized. "Cailin, I'm so sorry for assuming you were seeing Kenna."
"Dinnae fash, lass, it proves you care for me and I'm happy to ken it." He squeezed her hand as he held her chair out for her. Once she was seated, Cailin leaned down and kissed her cheek before taking his seat on her left.
Cormac was seated to Ashley's right and he looked at her with some concern in his eyes.
"All is well, lass?" he asked.
"Yes, and I feel pretty dumb at the moment."
"I see ye’ve met the offending lass?"
"Uh huh, I did, and she is a very sweet girl."
"Good. I'm happy yer worries have been put to rest."
There was a festive atmosphere in the great hall, despite the circumstances that had brought them together. Goblets were raised and many toasts made throughout the gathering of the clan.
Irene and Robert were busy with their children, who’d been given permission to eat with the adults on this special occasion. Ashley watched the family and was happy to be a part of their lives, even if it was only for a brief period of time. Despite clearing the air with Cailin, Ashley was determined to leave as soon as possible. No matter how attracted she was to Cailin, she needed to return to her own life.
***
When the meal ended and the tables were cleared, space was made available for dancing. Soon musicians and their instruments appeared, and the room buzzed with excitement. In a way, it reminded Ashley of the wedding receptions she’d attended in the last few years. The only thing missing from this one was a bride.
When the musicians started playing a lively song, Irene and Kenna grabbed Ashley and drew her out onto the makeshift dance floor. The music was fast, the tempo quick-paced and the women whirled around, giggling and laughing. Ashley did her best to copy what Kenna and Irene did, but decided after a few minutes it really didn't matter. She hooked her arms throughKenna’s, and then Irene’s and then with the other women who’d joined the dancing. The men stomped their feet and clapped their hands and eventually switched places with the women.
Ashley danced with Cailin, who whirled her around the room until she was dizzy. Cormac requested a dance with her next, followed by Robert, Gavin and a string of other men whom she didn't know by name, but recognized as members of the clan.
Out of breath, Ashley stumbled from the dance floor. Cailin greeted her, offering Ashley a mug of ale to quench her thirst.
"Are ye enjoying yerself, lass?" he asked.
"Yes," she agreed breathlessly. "This is so much fun!"
