Page 89 of Lochlan

“I have, but not this time in my life. My dream is here for now.”

“There's another reason I came to see you. I didn't want to go into my purpose, not before we renewed our friendship.” He glances over at me, then takes my hand. “You're dear to me, Kenzie. I want to see you happy, and I think I can make that happen.”

I'm startled by the announcement. “Are you saying you have feelings for me?”

“Aye, I do.”

“I had no idea you felt this way. Why did you wait this long to make your declaration?”

His eyebrows raise, a smile tugging at his lips. “I don't think I'm making myself clear. If you're in love with me, then I wouldn't say no. You're a woman any man would cherish, but I know your heart belongs to Lochlan.”

The old anger flushes my face. “He's chosen Fiona. I know he's tried to contact me several times, to give me closure, but there's no need. I've moved on.”

He studies me for a moment to see if this is true. “If you've moved on with Connell, then I'll not say anymore. I see his eyes light up when he speaks of you. If he makes you happy—”

God help me, I'm curious to know what he has to say about Lochlan. I'm not ready yet to shut the door. “What do you want to tell me?”

His gaze wanders to the horizon, taking in the sea. “Have you ever wondered about the vastness of the ocean? Compared to that large body of water, we're just a speck. The depths contain creatures down there that have never seen the light of day, yet they continue to function. People are like that.”

Geordie is an oral storyteller and a very good one, better than Ian, and that's high praise. His hand slips away from mine. He draws his legs up. He hunches over, his forearms on his knees.

“Should I get comfortable? Is this a story or an analogy?”

“Both, really. Since we arrived in America, Lochlan's been a frowning, brooding figure, until he met you. I'm not saying that he became sweetness and light, but I could see the lightening of his mood. Granda and I both noticed it, that he was less angry when you were about.”

“He should be elated that he's reunited with Fiona.”

“I wouldn't know; he won't speak about Fiona. If he is elated with their reunion, then why has he reverted to his old self?”

“I don't know. Maybe it's the pressure of Catriona.”

“I'm sure some of that might be true, but pressures shouldn't prevent him from being an idiot.”

A blue, red, and yellow-streaked sky gives a last glow before the sun descends into the ocean. “If you're talking about how we ended things…” I say, keeping my gaze on the horizon. “He made his choice. I decided to accept it and not talk to him any longer.”

“I think you owe it to yourself to find out the reason for his choice. You might not get back together, but at least you'd know for sure.”

“Why are you doing this? Why do you even care what happens between Lochlan and I?”

“I've been told I'm a romantic at heart. I care for you both. Unresolved feelings fester. They need to be dealt with. I think it would help both of you if you talked.”

“You're willing to arrange a meeting?”

“Are you saying yes?”

“I think it's sweet that you tracked me down to help, but I'm not willing to risk my heart again. I can't open up an old wound.”

“I understand. It's painful. It's been on my mind that I should try to help.”

I give in to an impulse and lean over to kiss his cheek. Even in this light and all that red beard, I can tell he's blushing. “That is sweet of you to care.” He nods as his hand goes to his cheek. “I care for you both,” is all he says.

I resume my position. “Is it true they offered Lochlan a job at the Scotland headquarters of MacTavish Distilleries?”

He raises an eyebrow. “I heard the same rumor, but I can't confirm it. If Granda asked him to come back to take over a position, it's between the two of them until they set the deal. I know Lochlan is preparing to go back to Scotland with Fiona. If you're willing to have a meeting with him, I suggest you do it before he leaves.”

“A meeting with Lochlan will be about missed chances, what ifs, and regrets. In the end, nothing will change.”

Geordie pushes to his feet and extends his hand to me. “I wish I could spend the rest of the evening with you, but I must catch my flight. Lochlan doesn't know I'm here and if I miss our morning meeting, I'll receive a lecture on the evils of sloppy behavior. Let me walk you to your door; at least we'll have a little more time together.”

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