Page 72 of A Bridge Through Time
“You’re right about that, Cailin, and I’m not even driving at the fastest speed a car can go,” Edna said with a smile.
Cailin’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Ye can go faster?”
“Yes, I can, but there are laws against it. I must obey the speed limit, so I can’t show you, I’m afraid.”
Ashley giggled again, at the disappointment in Cailin’s expression. “Are you enjoying the twenty-first century, Cailin?” she asked.
“Aye, love, this a wondrous time.” He was gazing out of the window, staring in fascination at the lights and the buildings as they passed. “Why would ye leave this, Ashley?” he asked, suddenly becoming quite serious.
“I think you know why,” she smiled.
“Aye, but tell me, what will ye miss most when we return?”
Ashley thought carefully for a moment. “Hmmm. I’ll miss indoor plumbing and a hot shower, that’s for sure.”
“I’ve seen yer indoor plumbing and hot shower and I ken why ye’d miss them. I’ll miss them, as well, and I’ve only used the bathing chamber once. What are the other things you’ll miss?”
“Hmmm. Let’s see.” Ashley thought some more. “I’ll miss chocolate, coffee, pizza and my friend, Jen.” Ashley grinned. “Edna, can we let Cailin experience my favorite food and drink?”
“Of course,” Edna agreed immediately.
“Unfortunately, you won’t get to meet Jen. She’s my best friend, but she’s in the United States. We’ve been friends ever since we were little girls.”
“I’m sorry ye’ll nae see her again, love.”
“It’s okay. I’ll miss her terribly,” Ashley admitted, “but I’d miss you so much more.”
He reached back and took her hand, kissing her fingertips.
“I am going to call Jen though, before we go back to Breaghacraig,” Ashley said wistfully. “To say goodbye.”
***
When they reached the inn, Ashley and Cailin retired to Ashley’s chamber. She was still a bit drowsy from the pain relief, but did her best to stay awake for him and answer his questions.
Edna sent food upstairs for them; burgers and fries, with a beer for Cailin and a soda for Ashley, along with her much loved pizza.
Cailin enjoyed the meal very much, he was starving after their long day, and his long night of searching for Ashley and Irene. He’d snatched a bite to eat here and there, but it had been minimal.
Ashley had to explain the different food items to him, but once Cailin had figured out what everything was, he finished all that was on his plate and, the rest of Ashley’s when she announced she was full. They shared a piece of molten chocolate cake for dessert and Cailin understood exactly why Ashley would miss the delicacy and wondered again why she would leave all this behind to return to Breaghacraig with him.
After their meal, Cailin helped Ashley prepare for bed. He could see that she was exhausted from the excitement of the day. He tried to be as gentle as he could, but was alarmed when he saw tears in her eyes after he settled her in bed. “Did I hurt ye, love?” he asked, concern written all over his face.
“No,” she sniffled. “I’m just so happy you’re here with me. These are happy tears.” Cailin cocked his head, uncertain if she was telling the truth, but Ashley rushed to reassure him. “Really, Cailin. I’m telling you the truth.”
He accepted her word. “I want to hold ye close to me tonight, but it might be better if I sleep on the floor, love. I have no wish to harm ye.”
Ashley shook her head firmly. “Don’t be silly. I want you here, beside me. We’ll figure it out, I’m sure. I know you won’t deliberately hurt me.”
With a happy grin, Cailin removed his t-shirt, pulling it over his head and dropping it to the floor. When he glanced at Ashley, she was appraising him with lust in her amber eyes. With a wicked smile, he removed the plaid and watched her eyes wander south before a smile lit up her face. Cailin chuckled as he climbed into bed beside her. “Don’t be lookin’ at me with those eyes. I won’t be responsible for what might happen.”
“I would love for something to happen,” she teased huskily.
“Ye are surely a vixen, my love, and if ye didnae have a broken arm, stitches and bruises covering ye from head to toe, I’d be happy to make your wish come true, but nae tonight.” He kissed her nose and laid one hand possessively on her stomach. Ashley fell asleep within minutes and Cailin lay there for a very long time watching her, grateful she would be returning to full health soon.
***
The next morning, Edna was knocking at their door bright and early, with a tray full of goodies and a large pot of coffee. Edna was enjoying the chance to expose her time-travelling guest to life in modern Scotland. She made sure to bring him an assortment of foods he’d never have had before, along with some, she thought he might find more familiar. There was bacon, eggs, scones, lemon curd, butter, hash brown potatoes, and pancakes with maple syrup. She’d also supplied cream and sugar for the coffee. She set the tray on the table and turned a brilliant smile on her two guests.
