The Man from Skye

By Ann M Streetman

From the author of Her Man in Ireland comes an exciting new tale of romance in faraway places. In Scotland for a semester of research, a Texas woman LeeAnna Davidson by chance meets Robert MacDonald, a native of the rugged and beautiful Isle of Skye. A handsome man of many parts, Robert is a former soldier in the Royal Scottish Regiment, an engineer, a musician, and a kids’ soccer coach. Robert hasn’t had a serious relationship since he lost his first love in a tragic accident for which he feels responsible. Still hurt from an unhappy divorce, LeeAnna is focused on her University of Glasgow research and a new job when she returns home.

Come along to see if Robert and LeeAnna will be paralyzed by their past or find a way forward to love.
This is the story that will whisk you away from your daily cares to re-live the moments of laughter and tears in the discovery of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ann M Streetman
• Release date: Sep 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005427481

Ann M Streetman

I may have inherited my flair for storytelling from my father. I heard him spin a lot of good tales as I was growing up. Then came my degree in journalism and a lifelong career in many kinds of communication. I served more than 14 years in various management positions (including president and chief paid staff) of Texas Safety Association, which was a not-for-profit statewide educational organization. Along the way, I also served for 9 years as media contractor for Region 6 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (5 states and the Indian Nations via the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Highway Safety Program). My duties there included writing educational materials for Region 6 entities and their partners. These jobs gave me the opportunity to tell stories of organizations and people who made a positive difference in the lives of others. In retirement, I'm still telling stories. My focus now is on uplifting fiction for adults and children's stories. You can learn more about my writing and ask me questions at Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768376.Ann_M_Streetman . Thanks for stopping by today. AS

Book preview

To you the reader for taking the time and effort to make these characters come alive for you. Thank you.

Chapter 1

LeeAnna awoke with a start when the train stopped. She gazed across the lavish pink hues of heather, squinting to focus on a figure moving briskly toward the train. It was a tall man with the largest backpack she had ever seen. Did the train stop just for him? Where the heck is the station? She moved closer to the window, but saw no building. Strange. Very strange.

She watched him approaching the train, noticing his broad shoulders and huge strides quickly covering the distance. He came closer and closer until he was standing just under her window. She watched him wriggle out of his pack, and hang it on his right shoulder away from the train. He looked up, flashing her a broad smile in his heavily tanned face and touching his cap in greeting. Startled, she scooted away from the window. How did he know?

Certain he had moved away, she scooted back close to the window to enjoy the pink heather field and the mountain slopes beyond.

The door to the train car opened, and the hiker walked toward the seat across the aisle from hers. LeeAnna picked up her guidebook and pretended to study it. When his back was turned, she watched him hoist his pack to the rack above the seat. He turned and smiled. Touching his cap in greeting, he said, Good afternoon, Ma’am. A great day for hiking.

Yes, I guess it is. I mean hello. Her voice trailed off. She quickly turned and looked out the window as the train lurched forward.

The conductor entered the car and approached the seat across from her. I hope you haven’t forgotten your pass this time, Robert.

The hiker reached in his shirt pocket. Not after the girning you did last month that I don’t want to go through again. He smiled and handed the older man the pass.

The conductor looked at it.

It’s not as if you need to look at it, Mr. Bruis.

Just doing my job, lad. Just doing my job.

He passed it back to the hiker and went back through the car door.

The hiker looked at LeeAnna. That’s why my mathair let me ride with him by myself when I was about 8 years old. She knew he wouldn’t let me get away with any misbehaving. He chuckled. And still won’t.

He flashed her a smile again and extended his big hand across the aisle. Robert MacDonald, Ma’am. Are you enjoying your visit to Scotland?

Startled, LeeAnna reached over to meet his strong grip and looked into his warm brown eyes. LeeAnna Davidson. How did you know I am a visitor?

He held her hand a couple of seconds longer. I’m thinking you are American. You have an American look about you. Visiting your Davidson Clan here?

Still holding her dark blue eyes, he moved his hand back onto his lap.

I wish I were visiting my Davidson Clan, wherever they may be. I hope to do a little research on that while I’m in Scotland.

I’ve spent a lot of time helping people research their clans.

How did you do that?

When I was younger, I was a licensed guide. Just making money before I went into the Regiment. It was a natural thing since I grew up hearing tales about this and that clan from my own family and everywhere. I often took visitors to sites of various clans they were tracking down. It was good to see how happy they were when they made good connections. I also have a friend who is deep into clan research. He’s pretty much an expert. I can get you in contact with him, and I can even take you around some places, if time permits and you want me to.

His earnest expression reassured her. That’s very generous of you. I’ll think about that.

Still looking at her, he said, So what else brings you to Scotland?

Hesitating a few seconds before revealing more, she said, I’ve come to Scotland for a semester’s work at the University of Glasgow. I came early to do a little sightseeing, especially the Isle of Skye. I’ve read about its beauty and wanted to see it for a long time. I can’t wait to finally see it today.

Robert smiled. I can help with that, too. I grew up on Skye. I live in Glasgow. I’m just spending some days of vacation hiking and camping and visiting my family before I go back to work. I have a few days left. I could show you around Skye.

LeeAnna hesitated again. Seems like a decent guy. Used to be a licensed guide. That sounds good. I haven’t made any excursion reservations. What are your rates?

Robert’s rich baritone laugh rose over the noise of the train. For a young lady from America, yearning to see Skye and to find her Davidson Clan? I could not charge a penny. My own mathair would disown me if I charged you for it. He reached in his pocket and handed her a business card.

Call my cell, if you decide you want me to show you around Skye. I’d be glad to help.

Thanks. She slipped the card into her handbag without looking at it.

Robert said, I’ve never heard the name LeeAnna. Is it a common name in the United States?

LeeAnna laughed. No. It’s a combination of my father’s name Lee and my mother’s name Anna. Apparently, my mother thought it was a good idea, but it was always a struggle in school. And, to make matters worse, they didn’t give me a middle name, and all the forms in the United States have a place for a middle name. It was such a problem that when I was 21 I went to the courthouse and changed my name to LeeAnna Frances Davidson. My paternal grandmother’s name was Frances.

I admire your spunk to take care of the problem. LeeAnna Frances is a beautiful name. Welcome to Scotland LeeAnna Frances Davidson. He smiled again admiring her long blonde hair and dark blue eyes before turning away.

They rode without speaking for a few moments.

When he looked out his window, LeeAnna sneaked another peek at him, admiring again his broad shoulders. As if he felt her looking, he turned back to her. And what will you be working on at the University, if you don’t mind my asking.

My field is immunology. I have a PhD. I’ll be doing a semester as a research scholar at the University of Glasgow. I’m very interested in some of the work going on there.

I’ve read about some promising breakthroughs, and I’m glad my university is doing important enough work to bring you here. I’m thinking they’re lucky to have you.

Surprised at his assessment, LeeAnna said, Thank you. I hope I can contribute to the progress. So, you are a graduate of the University of Glasgow?

I am. I got a software engineering degree. Not a PhD, just a bachelor’s degree, but it’s served me well so far.

Robert glanced at his watch. We’ll be getting to Mallaig station soon, and there’s not a long wait for the ferry. My Jeep is parked in the lot on the other side. I could drop you off at the place you’re staying, if you would like that.

LeeAnna replied, That’s very generous, but I’ve already booked a ride to the bed and breakfast where I’m staying.

Well, it’s good to hear that you’re all set with a ride. Is it Logan MacDonald?

Yes, it is. How did you guess that?

Oh, Logan is a distant cousin, and I’ve been needling him to get online booking for his business. I’m glad he’s done it. He’s an honest person. He’ll take good care of you.

The conductor opened the door and said, Mallaig. Arriving in Mallaig.

At least, let me help you off the train with your luggage and over to the ferry dock.

I’d appreciate that.

LeeAnna watched as Robert retrieved her big bag and her carryon bag in the rack over her seat. As the train slowed, he put the luggage out in the vestibule and slung his huge backpack over his left shoulder.

When the train stopped, he said, I’ll go first to set out the luggage and help you down. It’s a big step.

LeeAnna followed him and watched him carry the luggage down the train steps. He set it on the station platform and smiled up at her. His strong hands felt good, grasping hers and steadying her steps down and gently steadying her feet on the station platform.

She looked at him. Thank you, Robert.

He picked up his pack and all her luggage and they walked toward the ferry dock.

Robert said, Look. You can see the ferry coming. It will be here very soon.

He pointed to a bench. You can sit here while I move your luggage closer to the boarding ramp. I’ll stay there to hold your place in line. Sometimes the ferry gets packed at this time of day. People rush up at the last minute and crowd on.

Thank you.

She sat down and watched him stride toward the ramp.

Such a thoughtful person. Probably was a great guide. Probably still would be. Too bad I will never know more about him.

When the last disembarking passenger stepped off the ramp, Robert motioned for her to come.

He followed her onto the ferry with his pack and her luggage.

Inside or outside? he asked.

Outside. I want to see everything. I don’t want to miss one second of the view.

He smiled and nodded and led the way to a good place to stow her luggage and stand for the best view of Skye.

It’s a pleasure to have met you, LeeAnna Frances Davidson. I’m going up to talk to my friend the captain as we cross. Logan will be waiting for you to help with your luggage and take you to your lodging. I hope you have a wonderful visit on Skye and a productive research semester at University. And I hope you go home connected to your Davidson Clan.

She met his warm grasp. Thank you for all your help today. I hope the rest of your days off from work are just what you want them to be.

A very kind wish, LeeAnna. Thank you. I’ve finished my camping and hiking for this trip. Now I have to spend time with my family.

LeeAnna watched him walk away, disappointed that he did not stay to chat during their crossing. Would have been nice to have him point out special places as they approached Skye. The places that he had known all his life.

+++++

Robert was the last one down the ferry ramp. He stood on the dock watching his cousin Logan escorting LeeAnna to his cab and holding the door for her. Before she got in, she looked back toward the ferry and saw Robert. He waved and she waved back. Thank you, Robert, she called.

You’re welcome, he returned.

He stood watching them drive away. Would she call? Not likely. Not likely at all. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed toward his Jeep. Mathair would have supper waiting. She might have heard something from Andrew by now.

+++++

LeeAnna lay in her single bed, studying brochures for excursions around the Isle of Skye. There were plenty of choices. Her mind wandered to Robert MacDonald. Smiling, she got up and retrieved his card from her handbag. What? she said aloud. He’s an engineer at Dickurdsen Glasgow. When I get home, got to remember to tell my friends at Dickurdsen Austin that I met one of their Scottish colleagues. He would be surprised to know that I live in Austin. What a strange coincidence that we met. Strange, but good.

She turned off the beside lamp and snuggled under the covers, enjoying her memory of Robert MacDonald, smiling at her on the train. Seems to be a decent guy. Does he know how crazy handsome he is and charming with that hint of a Scottish brogue? She turned over and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 2

LeeAnna unfolded her lacey napkin. This looks wonderful, Mrs. MacLeod.

I hope you like it, Miss Davidson.

Please call me LeeAnna.

All right, I will. Are your plans set for touring around Skye?

Not yet. I’ve been looking at brochures.

She pulled Robert’s card from her pocket and handed it to Mrs. MacLeod. I was wondering if you know this man. I met him yesterday on the train to Mallaig. He offered to drive me around. He said he used to be a licensed tour guide.

Mrs. MacLeod pulled her glasses out of her apron pocket and looked at the card.

My goodness, it’s Robert MacDonald. I’ve known him since he was in nappies. He and my son Baen were good friends when they were growing up and still are. How is Robert? The rascal hasn’t stopped in to see me in a long time.

So, you think it would be safe for me to hire him as a guide. He said he couldn’t charge me, but I wouldn’t let him do it for free.

You would be as safe as a person could ever be, but you need to know something about Robert. He’s determined and stubborn. Always was. If he said he couldn’t charge you, he will stand by it.

He said his mother would disown him if he charged a woman from America wanting to see Skye and find out about her Davidson Clan.

Mrs. MacLeod laughed softly. He got that right. Surely Agnes MacDonald would disown him for such a thing. I’ve known her long before Robert was born. She is a generous woman, and just as stubborn as her son. So, choose Robert to take you around if you will, but don’t expect to pay him.

Thank you for the information.

If you don’t need anything else, I’ll be going outside to do some chores. When you leave this morning, just close the front door behind you. It will lock.

LeeAnna finished her breakfast and picked up Robert’s card. Maybe he’ll be too busy for sightseeing. He said he needed to spend time with his family. She punched in the number, and he picked up on the second ring.

Hello. LeeAnna. Is that you?

How did you know?

It’s not every day that I get a call from the USA 512 area code. So, you live in Austin, Texas. Do you know any of my colleagues at Dickurdsen?

I can tell you about the people I know there while you drive me around Skye in your Jeep, if you’re still willing and you don’t need to spend that time with your family, like you said yesterday.

For sure, I’m still willing. Evening is the best time to visit with my family anyway. Always has been. Where are you staying?

I’m staying at a bed and breakfast run by a Mrs. MacLeod. I forgot what it’s called. Just a minute I’ll look it up.

Robert chuckled. Oh, you don’t need to look it up. Mrs. MacLeod was practically my second mathair when her son Baen and I were growing up. I can be there in 15 minutes. Is that OK?

I’ll be on the porch watching for you.

If you don’t mind, I’ll knock on the door and say hello to Mrs. MacLeod.

OK. See you soon.

LeeAnna smiled as she climbed the stairs to get a scarf to match her pale blue long sleeve tee. In front of the mirror in her tiny guest bathroom, she fussed with her wispy blonde bangs and rearranged her long ponytail to fall over her right shoulder, carefully shaping the ends into a curl. She adjusted her minimal makeup and tucked spray sunscreen in her handbag. She heard a vehicle outside. Could it have been 15 minutes? She hurried down the stairs and opened the door to a smiling Robert MacDonald.

You’re looking rested and lovely today. I’ll just put my head in the kitchen and say hello to Mrs. MacLeod.

I think she’s in the back yard.

Good. I’ll surprise her. I won’t be long.

LeeAnna closed the front door and stood in the hall. Through a window that overlooked the back yard, she saw Robert walk toward Mrs. MacLeod pruning her roses. She turned around, and he swept her off her feet in a bear hug. LeeAnna watched their animated exchange and one more hug.

Robert returned to the hall, chuckling. That woman saved my hide more than once when I didn’t deserve it. Are you ready to go?

I am.

LeeAnna liked his light touch on the back of her elbow as they walked toward the passenger side of his black Jeep.

I’ve got the top on for you. I thought you might not like the wind.

She pulled her blue scarf out of her handbag and looked up at him. I’m prepared, in case you want to have the top off, back or whatever you call it. I’ve never ridden in a Jeep before.

It’s a hard top, not so easy to manage, so it will have to stay in place for this trip.

He opened the Jeep door for her. Sorry the step up is so high. It’s not convenient for a woman your size. I could help you up, if you don’t mind.

I don’t mind.

He placed his hands on each side of her waist and gently lifted her up to the seat. She made herself comfortable and he closed the door.

She watched him cross in front of the Jeep and swing into the driver’s seat.

I apologize for not having a more comfortable vehicle, but I need the Jeep, especially in winter. The driving can be treacherous.

I don’t mind the Jeep. I like being up high where I can see. Where are we going first?

I thought we’d go to Bradford. It’s a pretty easy drive from here. There we can stop off for lunch at a little place I know before taking the steep road up to enjoy the views over Bealach Udal. It will be wonderful on a clear day like this. Then we can go back down to the village of Kylerhea for an early dinner and talk over what else you’d like to see. Does that sound OK?

Sure. You’re the expert. But there’s just one thing I want to get straight. Since you won’t let me pay you for your service, I want to buy your meals. It’s only fair.

He studied her face. OK. You can buy my lunch and dinner today.

Wonderful. Let’s go.

He looked at her a second longer and pulled onto the street.

He said, I always heard the Davidsons are a stubborn lot. Maybe there’s something to those tales.

LeeAnna laughed. And I’ve been forewarned about you. Mrs. MacLeod said you are stubborn and always was.

Robert said, Maybe the word we should be using about each other is confident. There’s nothing wrong with having confidence in yourself and your opinions, don’t you agree?

LeeAnna said, I can’t disagree with that.

Robert’s baritone laugh filled the Jeep. It’s going to be a very good day.

+++++

LeeAnna checked her seatbelt. You weren’t kidding about this road being steep. We’re practically going straight up. No wonder you need a Jeep here.

For sure this road is impressive. I’ve been driving it since I was a teenager, but I never lose respect for the terrain. He shifted gears again. When we get to the top, you’ll see why it’s worth the effort.

LeeAnna sat in silence looking at the drop-off on her side and gritting her teeth.

Without taking his eyes off the road, he said, Sorry you’re so uncomfortable. We’re almost to the top. Just a little farther. You can close your eyes if you want to.

LeeAnna laughed nervously. No, thanks. I do better when I keep my eyes on my problems. That’s the only way I can do much about them.

Wisely said.

LeeAnna glanced at him, noticing his tight grip on the steering wheel. No white knuckles, but tight. Respectfully tight. She smiled and looked back at the drop-off on her side of the road.

When they got to the top, LeeAnna breathed an audible sigh of relief. Robert parked in an overlook area and smiled at her. I hope you’ll think it was worth it.

His strong hands felt good, helping her down and guiding her to a perfect spot for the panoramic view.

She looked down and around. Yes, it was worth it, she said. They were alone on the overlook.

He motioned toward a two-seat bench perfectly placed for the views. Would you like to sit down for a while?

I’d like that very much.

He guided her to the bench, and