Page 40 of An Allusive Love
“What would I do without ye?” he rasped. He scrubbed his face with one hand, the unshaven jaws scratching beneath his palm as he closed his bloodshot eyes. “I keep hoping this is just a night terror. If I go to sleep, I’ll wake up to see Ian walk through the door.”
“What can I do for ye? Have ye eaten?” She wondered how much he’d drank of the half-empty decanter.
“I’m no’ hungry.”
“That’s no’ the question.”
He snorted and opened his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Sweet Mary, how I love ye, Kirsty.”
“And I love ye too, but ye’ll be no help to Calum if ye drink yer supper.” She stood and held out her hands. “Let’s go see Enid and get some food in yer belly.”
“I’ll follow yer lead, love.”
Enid had been busy. Her puffy eyes belied the smile she gave them. “It will be a small army in and out, paying their respects over the next week. I thought I’d get started with the food,” she told Kirsty as she set a plate of cold fowl, cheese, and fresh bread on the trestle table. “How is the MacNaughton?”
“Doing well and insisting it was no’ apoplexy but a bit of dough he choked on.” Kirstine remembered his gray pallor when she’d first seen him.
“Ye canna blame a mon after such a shock. Especially at his age,” added the cook.
“Dinna let him hear ye say that,” said Brodie. He picked at the hunk of cheese.
“And how are ye, lad? I heard ye did a fine job in yer grandfather’s stead.” Enid squeezed his shoulder. “Calum will be proud.”
He nodded. “He’d expect nothing less, and we must all do our part.”
Kirstine picked up the conversation. “Aye, his color is already improving. Ma says he should rest a couple days, but she doubts he’ll listen.”
“Ye’ll no’ keep Grandda in bed for long. He’ll want to be up to meet Ian when…”
Enid and Kirstine shared a concerned glance. “And Lissie?” asked the cook.
“I gave her something to sleep. Brigid and Glynnis are with her. Even in their grief, they’re strong and worried about others.”
“They’re MacNaughtons,” Enid agreed.
Kirstine heard a loudsniffas the portly woman resumed her work.
“Will ye be leaving soon?” Brodie tucked her hand in his. “Ye must be tired too.”
It occurred to her, in that moment, how thoughtful he’d become.
“I believe my mother is giving last-minute instructions to Peigi about now, then she’ll check on Brigid and Glynnis once more. Da said he’d let me know when he would bring the wagon up.”
“And I’m here to do just that,” Mr. MacDunn said behind her. “I’m going now.” Brodie stood when the older man held out his hand. “I’m sorry for it, son. We all loved Ian, and he’ll be sorely missed.”
“Thank ye… for everything,” Brodie said hoarsely. “The women’s skill… all yer support today, it’s greatly appreciated. Yer family is indispensable to this clan.”
Her father ducked his head, and Kirstine realized he was embarrassed. Brodie stepped forward, and the two men hugged, thumping each other on the back.
“Whatever ye need, we’re here for ye,” her father said.
Kirstine watched him leave, pain etched on his weathered face. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat.Ma told him we’re betrothed. He knows we’ve lost a family member too.
Brodie touched her arm. “I need some fresh air. Can I walk ye out?”
“I’d like that.” She went to Enid, and the two hugged.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” she told the cook. “I’m happy to lend a hand.”
