The Templar's Treasure: The MacGrough Clan, #6

By Cherime MacFarlane

Something Hamish never wanted to reveal must come out. Cadell must be told who fathered him.

5 out of 5 stars Great Read

"This is one of those books it is impossible to put down without feeling deprived and needing to go back as soon as possible because that next page just has to be turned."

As the MacGrough clan prepares to celebrate a milestone and chaos ensues. A twenty-six-year-old secret is in danger of revelation, the father of a child exposed, a woman rescued, and soul mates wed. Lori and Hamish's 28th-year-anniversary party is off the charts. They face losing all their brood at once.

Bushmaster is reforming. Once again Hamish gets voted down on tour dates.

The MacGrough Glen is turning up the heat on its Laird. One anniversary gift holds the key to the last of the Templar's Treasure. The supernatural talents of one of the clan lead to a discovery of another sort.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paper Gold Publishing OLD
• Release date: Oct 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386577621

Cherime MacFarlane

Meet Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author Cherime MacFarlane. A prolific multi-genre author, she has a broad range of interests that reflect her been there-done that life. Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, all sorts of characters and plots evolve from a vivid imagination. As a reporter for the Copper Valley Views, Cherime MacFarlane received a letter of commendation from the Copper River Native Association for fair and balanced reporting. She was part of the Amazon Best Selling in Anthologies and Holidays, and Fantasy Anthologies and Short Stories. The Other Side of Dusk was a finalist in the McGrath house award of 2017.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014

Cherime MacFarlane

––––––––

Copyright Notice:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Author's Note: When the children grow and leave, it’s grand if the love that began the journey is still alive.

License Notes:

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your retailer and buy a copy for yourself. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Artwork: Designs by Dana

Dedicated to: The family, slightly dysfunctional, but full of love.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Epilogue

About the Author

Other books by Cherime MacFarlane

Glossary

The Templar's Treasure – Chapter One

He counted it a homecoming of sorts. Cadell picked up the rental car at Prestwick airport on a fine midsummer day in Scotland. Several years had passed since he drove through Glasgow toward Loch Lomond. Deciding he was far too tired to risk taking the longer more scenic route, the A737, Cadell settled for the M77 then the A82 up the west side of the loch.

Forty-eight hours of travel had Cadell more than ready to find a comfortable bed in the MacGrough Glen. Too many hours in too many uncomfortable seats, caused his body to ache along with his head. But it would be good to see everyone again.

His Dad and his stepmother, Catherine, along with their young son, Glendon, would be celebrating their six-year anniversary. He wouldn’t be allowed to dodge this year's celebration. He understood it to be a huge combination twenty-eight-year anniversary celebration for his Uncle Hamish and Aunt Lori as well.

Cadell adjusted the rearview mirror before buckling up the seat belt. If he asked someone would have picked him up. But he wanted his own transportation as he might need to get away for a while.

A niggling feeling of guilt caused a lump to form in his throat. His liaison, a better word might be tryst, with Davina, invaded his thoughts. Only fifteen at the time, Davina had been a beauty. Lust did play its part, but more than that, he needed Davina as he needed sunshine.

She brought warmth and peace to him when he got enmeshed in turmoil. Quite aware of the difference in their ages, he tried to ignore his feelings. But she drew him as steel to a magnet.

Until the very last night, Cadell managed to deny his need for her. As an unwanted melody, the vision of Davina's long slim fingers reaching for the buttons of her shirt rose in his mind.

His deep sense of shame played a major part in his refusal to return to the Glen for the last few years. Guilt nagged him over that. He should have returned before this. Grandmum Wier was old, and not well. At eighty-nine, she had every right to be slowing down. Thankfully, she still lived. If she died before he could see her again... Cadell dismissed that thought, he would be seeing her soon.

As he swung the Range Rover out onto the A79 motorway, Cadell wondered why on earth he didn't rent something smaller. With a slight grin, he supposed it might be because he was out of practice driving on the wrong side. Also, it might be because he gotten used to Humvees.

At the very bottom of his refusal to return, if he decided to be strictly honest with himself, sat guilt and resentment. He didn’t want to see Davina's lovely face for a while. The miserable way he treated her burned his conscience.

Yet, he resented the lack of communication. There hadn't been one message from her in the intervening four years. Not a hint of anything from Davina.

Why should there be? Cadell asked himself as he drove on toward the roundabout where he would pickup the A78. He made it clear to her, one night was all they could have. The hurt in her eyes stayed with him.

Since the day he came to live with Hamish and Lori in the Glen, Davina became his almost constant companion. At thirteen, Davina was anything but an awkward teenager. With her long black hair and deep dark eyes, she reminded him of the small bust of the Egyptian Queen, Nefertiti. She possessed the same elegant features with lovely high cheekbones and a neck made for draping with jewels.

MacGrough Glen became his home the year his mother died, 2007. A blowout caused his beautiful blonde mother to go off a twisting road in Rio de Janeiro. At the time, his dad had been on tour for Uncle Hamish. But everything got cut short, and he came home for Cadell. They flew directly to Scotland after the funeral. His Uncle Hamish was the first person he saw and the first to hug him tightly.

Right fine way to repay him, having sex with his fifteen-year-old daughter. Once again, Cadell castigated himself for his lapse in judgment. It didn't matter that Davina had thrown herself at him when she knew he must leave. She was Hamish and Lori's baby girl and he ignored the fact for a half hour of stolen bliss.

Bliss did describe what took place between them. At twenty-two, he understood things better than Davina did. But every time he thought about her, he ached inside. Shame still haunted him, worse yet, he still wanted her. Not another woman, not that he could call a fifteen-year-old girl a woman, ever came close.

Perhaps a portion of his reasoning for finally returning, involved her upcoming birthday. In September, she would be twenty. Davina's date of birth was written in fire in his brain. September 14, 1994. Every year since he left her alone in the corrie, Cadell hid away on that date and got roaring drunk.

Perhaps they could make a new start. Cadell got honked at for drifting too close to the other lane. Reaching for his bottle of water, he resolved to keep a closer watch. It would not do to wreck the rental car.

At the next roundabout he nearly missed the A77 and almost had to go around again. Tired as he was, he should have taken a shuttle to a hotel and picked up a few hours sleep before trying to drive to the glen.

Cadell did remember to peel off when the A77 became the A77/M77. He congratulated himself for remembering the tricky bit as he buzzed along on the M77.

Davina, his thoughts refused to leave her alone. Well, have they ever? Cadell asked himself as he glided along in the big luxury SUV.

It still amazed him how the gentle little girl took the sullen, pain wracked, nineteen-year-old into her heart. She always included him even when he cursed her and tried to drive her away. Cadell still did not quite understand how Davina eased him out of his major case of black grief, into the light of day.

Davina encouraged his love of photography. And it was through a contact of his Uncle Hamish's that Cadell landed the photojournalist position. A position which Uncle Hamish and Elden managed through WarLoch Productions.

But at twenty-six Cadell Warren Barrett had burned out. Too many battles, or rather skirmishes, he supposed the powers-that-be labeled them. Too many times he found himself recording the deaths of men no older than himself. He shared bed and booze with too many men, only to have them blown to bits a day or so later.

Why he had survived, Cadell had no idea. But he lived and longed for something different. He no longer wanted to record the face of war, any kind of war, no matter what the higher ups called it. He was finished with it all. Done. Acabado in Portuguese.

Somehow, he managed to maneuver himself to the A82 without loss of life or any damage to the vehicle. After negotiating several more roundabouts, Cadell found himself traveling up the west side of Loch Lomond. The improvements to the road, a vital artery up into the Highlands, made it much easier to drive.

When he thought about all the years his Uncle Hamish navigated the road on his motorcycle, Cadell welcomed the new construction. His dad, aunt and uncles were not getting any younger. Cadell didn’t want to see Hamish, Uncle Lurch, Aunt Cate or his dad injured.

At Tarbet, he made sure to stay on the A82. The other highway, the A83 crossed over to Inveraray. He recalled riding on the back of Hamish's Harley to the Rest And Be Thankful. That ride left Cadell positive he would own a Harley someday.

And it was nearly time to begin looking for the perfect bike. He would ask Hamish, Lurch, and his dad, to go along on the hunt. They would make a lad's day of it.

Once the road left Lomond side, Cadell knew home was over the next ridge. The drive took a bit over an hour. Shortly he would be tucked away into one of the cottages with a duvet over him, resting comfortably. He found the unmarked drive, a gravel track, and eagerly turned the Range Rover off the highway.

The Glen lay open before him. Cadell turned away from the cottages toward the studio. With the window down, he listened for the sound of music. Then he heard it. After parking the SUV, he quietly opened the screen door.

Cadell stood in the doorway listening and watching as three men played. Uncle Hamish rocked out on the keyboard. His whole body moved back and forth in time to the music as the MacGrough sat on the piano stool he loved.

Seeing Cadell, Hamish didn't break stride as he continued with the recording. Birk played lead guitar and as always, Lurch held down the rhythm with his rock-solid guitar work. Hamish nodded toward Cadell.

When the recording finished, Hamish rushed toward him in greeting. The piano stool nearly slammed into Lurch as Hamish pushed away from the keyboard.

Finally! Laddie, it's so good tae see you! Hamish reached out to pull Cadell into his embrace.

Suddenly, the older man went still. Pulling away from Cadell, he took a step back. It was you! In tha name of God how could you have done that tae Davina?

As Hamish MacGrough got angrier, his brogue increased. Ye miserable excuse for a mon, ye were twenty-two an my poor lass naught but fifteen! She nearly died o ah broken heart. Had it nae been for tha bairn she might have died on us. I've ah mind tae break yur fool neck, but she would nae take kindly tae it.

Hamish took Cadell by the front of his jacket and shook him violently.

Bairn! Uncle, I had no idea there was a child. Davina told me nothing.

Aye, Tis what she did! Davina hid yur identity from all. Tha poor wee lass refused tae tell. Good for ye as well, otherwise ye would have been rottin in Barlinnie jail where ye belonged.

Giving Cadell a huge shove, Hamish pushed the younger man hard enough to bounce him off the stone wall beside the door and to the floor. Cadell landed hard on his behind.

The screen door got jerked open by another MacGrough. Standing nearly as tall as his father, Gideon was the youngest son. At eighteen, Gideon's hair lay thick and black on his head. He possessed the same dark eyes as all the MacGrough offspring.

The youngest MacGrough stared at Cadell on the floor, then glanced up at his father. Da?

Hamish understood the question. Tha scunner is Elsbeth's Da. Ah Christ! I should have guessed afore now! Elsbeth's middle name is Franny. Short for Francine. Poor wee Davina named her for yur mum. If ye werenae Glen an Francie's son, by God, I would strangle ye where ye stand.

Birk muttered under his breath as he tried to push past Hamish. Gideon beat his older brother by a few heart beats. The young man reached down to grab both sides of Cadell's jacket. Legs braced, Gideon hauled the older, heavier Cadell upright.

Ye slimy wee turd, ye nearly killed her! I had to watch the life go out of her eyes by degrees. Gideon released the right side of Cadell's jacket and drove a sharp jab into Cadell's stomach quickly followed by another.

Cadell held up one hand. Doubled over, he tried to take a breath. With his left arm covering his abdomen, he looked up at his uncle. I deserve it. I know I do. It's one reason I've stayed away so long. I'm guilty as sin. But swear to God, I didn't know she got pregnant! It was only the one time, the night before I left.

How did you know Da? Birk quietly asked Hamish.

His father shook his dark head. I felt tha guilt oozing out o him when I touched him. Then it came tae me all in ah rush.

Anger caused Hamish to shake with the force of it. It often only takes once lad. An what would ye have done? Would ye have come back an married her to make it right? Tis nae way tae start ah marriage. An do ye think she would have had ye? Nae lad, ye have made ah great cockup of this. The lass worshiped ye. God in heaven, tis why she feels ugly! Ye've no idea what ye've done here.

I'll leave sir. There's no use staying here to make matters worse.

Hamish turned to Gideon without replying to Cadell. Go down tae Davina's cottage. Tell yur mum an Cate tha whole miserable story. Birk, hie over tae tha keep, call yur Uncle Glen an give him tha shite news. Nae use yur cell phone, tha home one only. After, meet us at Davina's.

Lurch moved to stand next to Hamish. Hands on his hips, he glared at Cadell. Let me have him for a bit. All I need are a few minutes here.

Hamish turned partially toward Lurch and placed a hand on his chest. Nae. I think Gideon can get away with bashing tha wee bugger. I nae think Davina will thank either of us for doin what we would like here.

Cadell finally managed to straighten up. He leaned against the wall behind him.

As for ye, ye shite ball, tha only place ye're going, is down to meet yur daughter. If ye think yur gontae waltz off again, ye need tae rethink yur plans. Yur ah father an by God, yur gontae act like one. Elsbeth will be four in December of this year. By then laddie, ye're goin tae be well an truly tha bairn's da. Otherwise, I will personally remove strips of yur hide an when finished, I ken a place where I can bury what's left so nae one will ever find ye. Ye took tha joy from my bairn's eyes an ye're going tae put it back, or tha life will leave yurs.

Hamish turned to Lurch. Stay here with tha wee scunner. I'll need tae calm tha hens down before we bring him down tae see Elsbeth. Do ye ken when Davina was tae return?

Lurch nodded to Hamish as he watched Cadell. I didn't realize she wanted to avoid old Cadell here. Lori and Cate planned to keep Elsbeth until after dinner tonight. I think she hoped he would be sound asleep before she got home.

Och, aye. We'll give her tha extra time. No need for Davina tae find out tha fox is among tha chickens tonight. Tomorrow will be soon enough for tha accountin. Dear God, but I need tae get inta tha gym an batter tha punching bag till my arms ache!

Hamish walked toward the screen door then stopped with his hand on it. I looked for better than this from ye, lad. She was only fifteen. Ye're going to meet yur beautiful daughter this evening. After ye do, ye can tell me what ye might do tae tha man who treats her, as ye did her mum.

After he pushed through the screen door, Hamish MacGrough let it bang shut behind him. As he walked down the path toward the cottage, he mumbled to himself. The lad has a bit o Vincent tha viper in him. Now, we will see if he can do better than Vince.

Hamish thought about Vincent's death. Francie, Cadell's mother, murdered Vince to keep Cadell safe. Francie ran to Rio where they didn’t honor U.S. extradition requests. Glen followed her there and married her because he loved Francie. Because of his love for her, Glen tried his hardest to raise Cadell to be a good man. Hamish fought the Los Angeles police so Cadell would have a chance at a decent life.

Everyone made mistakes. Now the question was, could the lad make good the wrong he had done to Davina and Elsbeth?

The Templar's Treasure – Chapter Two

Glen and Catherine sat in the small living room of their house outside the village of Crainlarich. He and Catherine purchased the property shortly after their marriage. The huge Forbes mansion proved to be far too much for either of them. On learning his new bride was pregnant, Glen immediately went house hunting.

Charles Forbes, Cat's father insisted on staying in the old family home where all his books and research materials were. A well-trained staff managed the home and cared for Charles. When he decided he no longer wished to live alone, a spare room waited, or he would hire a full-time companion.

Their son, Glendon, proved to be a never-ending source of wonder and delight to them both. Cat never thought to have a child. She gloried in each day of the entire term. And her pregnancy flew by as they remodeled the small three-bedroom cottage.

Hamish's knowledge helped Glen build a place which didn’t depend on unreliable power in the winter. Their snug little home met all their needs. Glen smiled at his three-year-old son who lay in front of the unlit fireplace, singing as he drew pictures.

Seven years ago, Glen would never have believed he could find such happiness. Francie's death nearly tore his heart out. At first, he seriously considered she might have driven the car over the cliff.

Once again, Hamish stepped up to talk sense into him. Elden, the manager of WarLoch Productions, badgered and pushed on the Rio police to obtain a copy of the police report far sooner than usual. Once the translation from Portuguese into English got faxed to the Gen, Hamish pointed out the blown-out tire finding.

Further, the car slewed to the side of the road away from the drop off. Unfortunately, it appeared Francie jerked the steering wheel too hard. The car rolled sideways, back toward the cliff before plunging over.

Francie was in therapy for over nineteen years. Her murder of Vincent Slaughter never sat easily on her heart or conscience. But she tried hard to stay cheerful and upbeat with Cadell. Francie tried her best to bring up a happy, healthy son.

Glen missed Cadell. They spoke on the phone whenever the boy found himself in a position to do so. His work as a photojournalist in the Middle East had it drawbacks. The biggest being his inability to predict where he would be. Developing news stories took Cadell to various backwaters and dusty countries with frightening regularity.

But this time the boy swore he would be home for the big celebration. Catherine looked over at Glen from her rocker. She sat knitting another something. He really didn't care what it might be, she enjoyed doing it and that suited him. In an hour, it would be time for Glendon's nap.

Once the child went down for a while, he planned to go into the studio. Glen had a song he’d been working on for the album he and the other members of the old Bushmaster band had hatched up. It wasn't a reunion gig. They planned on it being a 'that was then, this is now', album. None of their old material would be included.

Technology could be quite exasperating in some ways, but it certainly made it much easier to collaborate. It wasn't nearly as difficult for him, Hamish, Birk and Lurch. Thud proved to be another story. A grandfather three times over, the drummer found it difficult to get away from Belfast.

Somehow, they managed to get everything ready. Birk stood in for Glen until they got down to the nitty gritty. For the time being, Glen handled an electronic drum kit. Later, when on tour, Birk would take over the front man position. Hamish's son had vocal chops. Hamish's voice was always more than adequate. Birk on the other hand, sang as Vince always wished he did.

Thud and his wife, Mura, planned to come over for the celebration. It would be a real shindig.

The phone rang and Glen rose to get it. Since it was the land line, family wanted to reach them. Only family used the hard wired phone. That kept their personal business from being spread all over the scandal sheets.

Uncle Glen, Birk here. Da told me to call and tell you tha whole sorry mess.

Glen felt his heart contract as it did when Hamish called to tell him Francie had died.

How odd, he was just thinking about that time. Spit it out Birk!

Aye, well, Cadell is here an it seems he is Elsbeth's father. Da has nae killed him yet. Davina is gone an before she gets here, Da is going to introduce Elsbeth to her da.

Christ! Has your mum seen Cadell yet?

Naw Uncle. Da went to prepare tha ground, so to speak.

Then the boy might live through it. I'll be there in twenty minutes, tops.

We'll all be at Davina's cottage Uncle, just come in. And take care.

Glen slammed the phone down into its charger. When he turned Cat stood behind him. He didn't bother to ease it out. Glen spit it out as he had commanded Birk to do.

Cadell is back. It seems he's Elsbeth's father. Dear God! How could he have made love to a fifteen-year-old child? I thought we raised him better. Francie and I tried to give him some morals. I must get there before Lori murders him. If I take the bike will you be alright to come along later?

Go on Glen. Glenny an I will wait here until you call. Otherwise we will be there tomorrow. I would imagine it would be best to keep things normal, for Elsbeth's sake. She an Glenny are such good friends an she might need ah friend later.

Glen took his riding jacket from the entryway closet as he listened. After kicking off his slippers, he pulled on riding boots.

Helmet in hand, he turned to give Cat a quick kiss. I'll stay the night in the Glen.

Cat grabbed his arm. Everyone needs to remember Cadell at twenty-two was ah grief stricken, barely functioning child. He certainly wouldn’t be classified as an adult then.

Glen's blue eyes narrowed in thought. He nodded his thinning blonde head before pulling on the helmet.

You're right! We do need to remember what Cadell has been through. I guess a lot depends on his attitude. Since he's still alive and Hamish hasn't beaten him senseless, there may be hope yet.

He opened the door as he fished his keys from his pocket. Lock the door behind me, love. You never know what kind of vermin an ill wind like this might suck in.

I shall! Cat called out as she shut the door behind Glen and locked it. Cat went to make the circuit around the house checking that everything had been locked properly.

Glen got the garage door up and started the motorcycle. As it warmed up, he put up the kickstand then backed the Harley out.

Once the bike on the drive, and the door shut, he mounted and twisted the throttle. When the back tire wobbled a bit in the gravel, Glen backed off the gas slightly. It would not do to wind up in the hospital when Cadell needed him most.

He entered traffic on the A82 southbound toward the turnoff for the MacGrough Glen. Francie swore them all to secrecy regarding Cadell's real parentage. Glen always doubted it was the correct way to handle things. They would need to tell Cadell exactly what had happened. As all of Bushmaster would be reunited for this bash, perhaps they could all tell him together.

Cadell needed to hear the whole thing. He also needed his dad right now and Glen planned to deliver. Cadell was his son regardless of who planted the seed. Glen loved the boy from the moment he entered the world. He gave the bike a bit more gas. His son needed support, and he needed it now.

Glen trusted Hamish to be fair with the boy once his flame up cooled. Lori might be another matter entirely.

The Templar's Treasure – Chapter Three

Cadell? It was Cadell. I’m going to kill him. Why isn't he bleeding already? Surely, one of you big men gave the little bastard something to think about. Davina hasn't been the same since. We've had to deal with eating disorders and sleep disorders, all because he couldn't keep his pants buttoned any better than his father.

Hamish grabbed his wife of twenty-eight years by the back of her collar as she marched toward the door. I put him on his arse, Gid punched him in tha stomach repeatedly an all tha lad said was sorry. He kens tha wrong of it.

He spun her around to face him and took Lori by the upper arms. His forehead furrowed as he shook his dark head. Dinnae bring up Vince. Cadell kens nothing of that as ye well know. This is not tha time tae land it on him. You recall how Davina followed him about like ah wean pulling ah string toy? While thinkin it over, it seems tae me Cadell is nae entirely tha blame.

Lori tried to shake his hands from her arms without success. As she stamped her foot in frustration, she glowered back at Hamish.

Davina was only fifteen! Twenty-two to her fifteen for heaven's sake! Surely he could have refrained from taking advantage of our daughter.

Lori stressed the words 'our daughter'. She knew how very much Hamish loved his little girl.

Dirty pool luv. Fair is fair, Lori. He's Elsbeth's Da. If we hurt him ‘tis only going tae make Davina angry. He needs tae be in his lass's life. Tell me Elsbeth will be better off without him an say it like ye mean it.

Lori looked away from Hamish. His anger, his flame up had boiled over and dissipated. Her husband returned to his reasonable self. Lori wanted to hurt Cadell, she wanted to see blood. All the agony she watched her daughter go through deserved reparation.

Ye're nae going tae do it luv. I cannae let you. Davina doesnae need us tae destroy any hope of their working it out. An 'tis between tha two of them, nae us.

His big hands, hands that by all rights should not be able to fly over the keys of his piano and keyboards as they did, released her. Lori batted at his chest with one hand. When the tears begin to form, she tried to turn away from him.

Och luv. It's alright tae cry. Here.

With a heavy sigh Lori allowed him to cuddle her close to his broad frame. Her voice hitched as she fought to keep the tears from falling. We cared for him like he was our own. How could he? How could he hurt Davina that... that way? She sputtered the last two words out.

Wheesht luv, 'tis over an done with. Cadell was naught but ah child himself when he left here. The pain of losin Francie at nineteen weighed heavy on tha lad. Recall how much time Cate spent with him?

Lori felt her anger begin to bleed away. She didn't want it to fizzle out, there were things she wanted to say to Cadell.

An ye spewing vitriol at tha lad will satisfy yur anger, but if he leaves here now, I dinnae think he'll ever return. They must make their own decisions, Lori as we made ours. You cannae let your need for revenge color their future.

I hate it when you get all fair and honorable! I want some payback!

One hand stroked her hair as another rubbed her back. Slowly, but as surely as one day followed another, Hamish calmed her. Lori knew he would eventually win, but she didn't want him to get an easy victory. She cried too many nights over the condition her Davina was in.

The girl's name meant beloved and Lori loved her baby girl to distraction. When Davina lost too much weight because she felt too fat, Lori found she lost appetite as well.

Then Davina cut all her beautiful hair off and returned from a trip to Glasgow with a spiked blonde head. Lori cried herself to sleep in Hamish's arms. Then she recalled Hamish had cried with her.

Within the last few months, Davina finally found something besides Elsbeth to take an interest in. She put together a series of illustrated children's stories. Davina began making them as entertainment for Elsbeth.

The lovely little books were all about a beautiful princess, Francesca. Dear Lord! The books Hamish! Francesca, we should have known. We should have been more watchful.

Aye. We were tha adults in charge, we should have taken better care. Do you still wish tae make ah eunuch of the lad?

Lori shook her head. With a whisper, she conceded. No. It wasn't all his fault. But now I feel cut to the quick. The anger is gone, but the hurt is still there.

Och, I ken. But mayhap we expected tae much of two children. Particularly in today's climate where sex is everywhere being used tae sell everythin. Not tae mention touted as luv. We ken tha difference only because we ken what real luv is.

Thank you, Hamish. I would have regretted what I thought I wanted to do later when it was too late.

Tis what we do for each other, wee wifie, we keep each other sane in an insane world. Now can I bring tha lad down tae meet his lassie?

For a moment longer they stood together. Lori knew they would weather this storm as they had others. Hamish was right; it was Cadell and Davina's future. They would need to work it out on their own. Cadell had a right to meet his beautiful little girl. And he would be in for a surprise. Lori fell into the vernacular.

"Aye Hamish. You may bring tha wee bastard down to meet Elsbeth, an I