Page 107 of Loyally, Luke
She rested her hip against his desk and smiled down at the gift.How on earth a fishing rod proved one of the most romantic gifts in her life, she couldn’t exactly explain, but somewhere during this more candid conversation with her father, and sharing with him how she’d found and connected with the journal of a cherished love story, she decided perhaps Maeve had been right.
“I’d like to hear the reason behind the gift, my dear girl. If you’re willing to share.”
Ellie met her father’s gaze—her wish list fresh in her mind as she cradled Luke’s gift in her arms. She nodded and returned with her father to the couch.
If she could spend one more day with Luke Edgewood, she would find a way to do it. And since she had to be back in Crieff in two days for the Donors’ Banquet, she knew exactly what she would do.
***
Pete was a great guy, but on the weekends he spent either at home in Scotland or with friends in New Inswythe, Luke always seemed to sleep a little better. The night sounds didn’t have to compete with Pete’s sleep talking or late-night gaming.
The scent of fresh coffee and a wood-burning fire warmed the air, giving the day a little brighter outlook than the previous one. He only had a few open shelves to hang before giving the cabin a quick check, and then, after the banquet tonight, he could leave in the morning for Skern.
He poured some coffee and walked to the new sitting room to stare out over the view. But before he flew back to the States, he’d return to Crieff to visit Cambric Hall and the Frasiers. Take those moments while he could, at least.
The sun barely rose above the distant mountains, its light filtered through a view of low-lying clouds. Darker ones hovered in the fardistance and the weather app hinted at cooler temps for the afternoon and evening. Nothing frigid, especially for this part of the world, but below freezing.
He’d checked the news, and even some of the meteorologists weren’t too happy about the longer-lasting cold temperatures. “The coldest May in thirty years.”
Luke grinned. Just to his liking.
Down below, the lake showcased a patchwork of frozen and thawed spots thanks to the warmer weather of last week, but these mountains didn’t let go of winter very easily. Kind of like home, only the North Country’s grip held much tighter than the Blue Ridge Mountains’.
The sound of a car door closing pulled his attention back toward the front of the house where the front door stood. He glanced down at his phone—7:00 a.m.? Who would be up here at this hour? He peered out the side window only to see a gray car leaving down the gravel drive and back through the forest.
The car looked vaguely familiar.
Strange.
And then a knock sounded at the door.
Luke froze.
The knock came again.
With slow steps, he set his cup down on the kitchen counter and approached the door, his body on alert. Contemplating the type of individual who would unexpectedly visit a secluded cabin an easy half hour away from town left him wary.
Running a hand through his morning hair and unbolting the lock, he pulled the door open to find the last person he imagined seeing, especially at the cabin.
Princess Elliana St.Clare.
He blinked a few times, trying to make sure his eyes worked.
“Good morning.”
Well, his ears heard her voice and his eyes saw her beautiful face,and she looked especially nice wearing a blue puffer jacket and matching toboggan. Made the color of her eyes deeper.
But she wasn’t supposed to be here. Had he hit his head in the shower this morning?
“I... I know it’s early.”
He nodded, comprehension dawning by degrees.
“But I brought scones and cream from Bree’s.” She held up a white paper bag.
He slowly moved his attention from the bag back to her face, thoughts coming much too slowly. He needed another sip—or cup—of coffee to take all this in at an adult rate.
“But since I have to be in Crieff tonight for the banquet, I thought... well, I thought we could mark off some more things from my list, as you’d suggested a few weeks ago.”
