Page 28 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
“I believe ye should do yer research first and make sure ye would be welcome,” Annis added. But the twinkle in her sapphire eyes told him she was softening.
Robert saw the closeness between mother and son and hoped he could find a place within their relationship. Where would Anthony fit in this intimate circle? He was no longer worried about Finlay accepting a “brother.” But would Anthony be as understanding?
CHAPTER 12
Annis was in a dream. Surely, this could not be real. Her son and his father were talking like old friends who had known each other all their lives. After the first few minutes of awkward conversation, they had taken to one another like bees to honey. It was as if an invisible bond had always been there, waiting for them to meet. Even Mac walked contentedly between them, licking at whatever hand fell close to his nose.
It had been a difficult decision to tell Fin and then Rabbie. She had never been a coward, and this task had taken all her courage and strength. But ahead of her, there seemed to be a rainbow after the storm. Annis’s feelings for Rabbie were another matter. It was impossible to forget that day fifteen years ago. Impossible to just let his betrayal go. But could she try to forgive him? Her heart wanted to believe him. Her common sense told her to take it slow.
Approaching Boot Corner, the men stopped and waited for her. Fin was laughing and shaking his head.
“What’s so comical?” she asked.
“Lord Robert,” Fin said and began laughing again. “He says a new kind of broom has been invented.”
Annis raised an eyebrow.
“It’s sweeping the nation!” Fin slapped his thigh and guffawed.
“Och, tell me ye’re no’ still telling those glaekit jokes?” she rolled her eyes, remembering some of the awful lines he’d told her years ago. So awful one had no choice but to laugh. “Do ye still laugh at yerself after ye tell them?”
That question sent Fin into another roar of laughter. “Aye, he does!”
“It’s no’ that we dinna have a sense of humor.” Annis tried to atone for poor Rabbie’s affronted look. “But ye’re such a methodical… scholarly mon. The jokes seem to be better suited coming from someone a wee more…”
“Jovial?”
“Younger.”
Another guffaw from Fin. “My ma is calling ye an adolescent in her polite way.”
Annis’s cheeks heated. She had been trying to be diplomatic. “I dinna see why ye find it so funny when ye’re laughing right along with him.”
Fin’s eyes went wide. “Does ridiculousness run in the blood?”
“Not from my blood,” Annis spouted before she could stop herself. She bit her lip to hold back the impish smile but couldn’t.
Fin spotted a friend across Jamaica Street. “Weel, I believe it’s time for me to take my leave. I’ll see ye at home, Ma. It was verra nice to meet ye… Lord Robert.” He held out his hand, and Annis smiled as the two shook hands again.
They both watched the gangly youth make his way across the busy street, Mac on his heels. Rabbie offered his arm, and Annis took it.
“So, I should stop with the humor?” he asked, concern in his hazel eyes.
“Och, no. I was only teasing. I love the contradiction in your character.”
“So, there is still something you love about me?” he asked, squeezing her hand in the crook of his elbow. “That gives me hope.”
Annis peeked up at him. The early evening sun was at his back, making his glint like spun gold. She wanted to run her fingers through those soft waves, kiss his beckoning lips. But she held back. Her heart wanted to trust him, but her brain demanded she wait. Instead, she nodded and gave him a smile.
“That makes me content for now. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. Have I told you how much I appreciate all you’ve done? How much I appreciate you?” His voice carried such gratitude. “He’s a wonderful young man. I am certain he will be successful at whatever he endeavors in this life.”
“Ye ken this from a few hours of conversation?” she asked, wondering if it was a bit of flummery.
“That, and the fact Annis Craigg raised him, with the help from some of Scotland’s finest.” He stopped and turned to face her. “I understand how challenging it is to be a good parent, balance love with discipline, helping but not hovering. Praying to the good Lord above you’ve done all you could, and they will make wise decisions when you cannot be there.”
“I’m no martyr,” she said, embarrassed. It hadn’t been empty praise. He did realize what it took to raise a child. “I admit there were times I wished I had someone to turn to at night, to discuss decisions I had to make.”
His knuckle trailed lightly down her cheek, lingering on the curve of her neck. “You are amazing. I wish I could have been here to give you support, but I could not have done better.”
