Wounded: Delight Book Three

By Jennae Vale

Payton Fletcher is a grieving widower who has lost his wife and child in eighteenth-century Scotland. Time traveling to present day Delight, California hasn’t helped him move past his grief. He spends his days and nights working to avoid the painful memories that he can’t seem to keep at bay. His only escape is hiking the rugged trails that surround his new home. The solitude of the hikes brings him relief from the good intentions of his brothers and the people of Delight, but keeps him locked in the prison of emotions he seems unable to escape.

Crystal Stone has had a loss of her own. After her husband’s death, she and her daughter move back to Delight to live with her mother. Crystal is a psychic and believes there is someone nearby who needs her help. She thinks it might be Payton, but there is a very real possibility it could be someone or something else that is calling to her for help.

Crystal has an almost immediate attraction to Payton, but he has vowed to love only one woman and he will not betray his vows. Will Payton and Crystal be able to abandon their grief, or will they remain tethered to their pasts? If the people of Delight have their way, anything could be possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennae Vale
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215121849

Jennae Vale

Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class - wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside. When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Delight, California - Early November

The crisp crunch of pine needles beneath his feet emitted a strong fresh scent as he ventured through the woods on this clear fall day. His favorite spot awaited. It was, like these woods, a place of reflection and peace. Payton didn’t mind being alone. In fact, he actively sought it out. Since he’d been here in Delight it seemed he was almost always surrounded by people who wanted to help him. They wanted him to forget, but that wasn’t possible. His brothers, Bear and Kade, meant well, but they could never understand what he’d been through… what he was going through. His wife and babe were lost to him forever, cruelly taken from him by an illness he could not battle on their behalf. And then, in a moment that challenged all he knew and believed, he found himself dragged away from the only place he could feel close to them and sent to a land far away in time and place.

There was no going back.

Never again would his tears drop upon the cold, dark stone that marked their place. He’d never visit their gravesite again. And so he walked, alone in these woods searching for a closeness to them that always seemed just beyond his reach.

His grief was still with him and it worried Bear and Kade. They’d found their loves and he’d lost his. He’d told them he didn’t believe it was possible to love anyone again. He didn’t wish to, because loving someone meant you could lose them and having done it once, he knew it was too painful to endure ever again.

He continued on his way, breathing in the freshness of the air. The days were becoming cooler now and shorter. It was autumn in the mountains and soon it would be winter. The Writer’s Ranch of Delight had been his home for almost a year. He was grateful to Ross and Cassie for giving him work and a place to stay. He’d found purpose in caring for the horses and in helping around the ranch in any way he could. They were good people, as were all the others. Kade’s lass Billie had asked for his help with the new pub she’d opened in town. Kade was busy working at the bakery and she needed a bartender and manager to help at night. He was happy to do it. It gave Kade and Billie time together in the evenings, which Payton knew to be important for the new couple and it kept him from dwelling on his own misfortune every moment of the day and night.

The sound of rustling leaves and scuffling in the brush caught his attention. He stood motionless for a moment, listening for any further movement. He heard what sounded like a tiny sneeze and spied what appeared to be a glimpse of bright pink fabric in amongst the foliage.

Show yerself, he ordered. And when he didn’t receive a reply, I can see ye.

The bushes moved and much to his surprise a wee lass of about four or five years came out with her hand firmly wrapped around the collar of a dog that stood as tall as she.

What are ye doing out here all by yerself? he asked.

Oh, I’m not alone, she replied, nodding to the large, golden dog, Rex is with me.

I see. He was caught a bit off guard by her logic and couldn’t help but smile in response. Just ye and yer dog? he asked, eyeing the large creature, whose tail wagged frantically. The wee lass struggled to hang onto him. I be Payton Fletcher. Who may ye be? he asked. He didn’t wish to frighten her, so he stayed where he was.

I’m Hannah, the wee lass stated.

Well, Hannah, ’tis unusual for me to see someone as young as ye out here in these woods, even with yer handsome dog.

A small giggle left her lips.

Are ye lost? he asked.

She shook her head, making her curls bounce around her head. Then she looked around at the forest. The large trees of these woods surrounded them and the sun shone in spots that dappled the ground. She looked back at him and tilted her head to the side. Well, maybe. Hannah admitted.

He cocked an eyebrow. Maybe?

My mom’s around here somewhere. She told me not to wander off, but Rex wanted to see the squirrels.

He did, did he?

She nodded. So we followed them and went around and around the trees and this way and that way and then we found you. She smiled at him again and he couldn’t help but smile back.

Would ye like me to help ye find yer Ma?

Again she nodded.

Payton examined the ground around them for signs that would tell him which direction the two had come from. He imagined her mother must be frantic with worry. It would be best to get Hannah back to her as quickly as possible. Come with me, he said, holding out his hand for her to take.

Hannah released Rex and he bounded over to Payton, who ruffled his fur. Yer a good dog, he assured him.

I’m tired, Hannah said. Could you carry me?

I could, he said, easily lifting her up into his arms where she wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up into his face.

You’re nice, she said.

How do ye ken that? he asked.

Rex knows. If he thought you were bad, he’d growl and never let you come near me.

He smiled down at her and just for a moment allowed himself to wonder what his daughter would have been like at this age.

You look sad, she said.

How can I be sad? I’m smiling, he said, thinking she was very perceptive for a wee one.

She shrugged her little shoulders. I like your hair, she said. She raised a hand to stroke it and then gently laid it on his cheek.

Tears sprang to his eyes as he was overcome with emotion. He hid it by looking up into the trees overhead while he got a hold of himself and cleared his throat. I believe ye came this way. He pointed straight ahead. The tracks weren’t easy to miss. They’d kicked up quite a mess as they’d walked, run and skipped their way through the trees.

Yer mother will be worried for ye, he said.

I know. But maybe she won’t notice.

How could she not notice? He wondered what kind of mother would allow their child to roam around alone in the woods and not miss them.

There she is, said Hannah, pointing straight ahead.

A small circular clearing appeared up ahead and seated in the middle of it was a wee wisp of a woman with her back to them. She sat perfectly still, her head upright, long red locks falling halfway down her back. Everything about her seemed so familiar.

Payton’s breath caught in his throat as his heart pounded in his chest. She was here. But how? Could it really be? Jenny? he called, but the woman who turned to look at him wasn’t his Jenny. His heart sank and the elation he’d felt only moments before crashed down to the ground. He put Hannah down and spun away from the woman. She looked so much like his wife, he could hardly bear to look at her.

Hi. I’m not Jenny. I’m Crystal.

He felt her presence behind him, took a deep breath and turned to face her. I’m sorry. You look like someone…

People tell me that all the time. Her sweet smile showed off dimpled cheeks and bright green eyes. Guess I’ve just got one of those faces.

I be Payton Fletcher. I found yer daughter and Rex. They were lost.

Hannah, I told you not to wander away, Crystal scolded.

How did ye not notice she was gone? Payton questioned.

I was meditating.

Meditating? The people of this time were a puzzle to him, but he was learning more and more each day. He would ask Cassie or Billie what this meditating was.

Yes. I’m a psychic, she said, sounding somewhat unsure of herself. I was drawn to this spot. Someone needs my help. Her eyes flew open wide. It’s you. You need me.

Nay. I doona believe ’tis me. I need no one’s help. he held his hand up in protest.

She seemed disappointed. Are you afraid?

Of what? Bears? He didn’t understand this strange line of questioning. I’m not afeared of anything. He thought perhaps she should be the one to be a bit more afraid. Ye should no’ be here alone in the woods. ’Tis a dangerous place for a woman and child to be, Payton lectured.

We have Rex, she said, parroting what Hannah said earlier.

I ken it, but there are many things to be fearful of, he replied.

Like what? Crystal asked.

Mountain lions, bears… He wanted to add the Grey Man, but knew she had no idea who that was or why she should fear him.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" she asked.

I come this way often.

And you’re not afraid? she asked with a sarcastic tone.

Nay. Of course no’, I can take care of myself. Could she not see that he was a big, strong man?

And you don’t think I can? She seemed irritated with him.

My apologies, lass. I did no’ wish to insult ye. If ye have no’ spent much time in these woods, then ye would no’ ken the danger.

Well, you’re assuming a lot, she huffed. I’ve spent plenty of time. My husband and I camped here often and when Hannah was born, we made it our special occasion place.

Why is yer husband not with ye? If she were his wife he wouldn’t let her come here alone. What if someone else had found wee Hannah? He’d have words with the man if ever he saw him.

He passed away a little more than a year ago. His birthday would have been a few days ago.

It was like a punch to the gut. Of course her husband would be here with her if he could. He shouldn’t have doubted it. Me apologies, lass.

Momma, Payton’s sad. Hannah said. She reached for his hand, taking hold of one of his fingers in her tiny hand and gazing up at him.

I know, honey. I can feel it. Crystal’s voice was soft and soothing. It held a calmness that seemed to be called for in this moment.

Once again, he was taken aback by the way they could read him. He swiped at his cheeks and when he found they were dry and free of tears, he thought he must not be doing a very good job of hiding the melancholy that followed him at all times. Or it could be the fact that he was in one of the few places where he could allow himself to grieve without bearing the brunt of Delight’s good intentions.

Crystal gazed at him. She more than gazed at him. It was as if she was seeing deep inside his soul. He wanted to walk away from her scrutiny, but felt compelled to stay.

I’m making you uncomfortable. I’ll stop, she said, glancing away from him as she shook her herself and drew in a deep breath.

Stop what? he wondered.

I’m an empath but not a very good one. When my gift is working properly I can feel what other people are feeling. It’s how I know you’re sad, Crystal explained.

But Hannah… he began.

I think she’s got abilities, too. In fact, I know she does.

Are ye a witch? he asked, thinking she reminded him of women he’d heard about back home who knew things they shouldn’t. It never ended well for them.

I’m not a witch, she assured him. I’m a psychic. Two different things.

He was unfamiliar with the word psychic and the other word she’d used. It gave him an uncomfortable feeling.

You have an accent, she noted. Where are you from? She’d apparently noted his discomfort because she adeptly changed the subject.

Scotland, he answered, taking a moment to really see her. She wore blue jeans, a black puffy jacket and a colorful scarf wrapped around her neck. The light shining on her hair shone like strands of copper framing her face and setting off soft green eyes and a freckled nose.

I’d love to go there someday. It’s on my bucket list. What brings you to these parts? she asked, tipping her head as she awaited his answer.

I live here now. He hoped she didn’t continue asking questions. She’d never believe him if he told her the truth. At the Writer’s Ranch.

You must be a writer then, she smiled that warm, sweet smile again.

Nay. I work there. He chuckled, thinking it amusing that anyone would mistake him for a writer and for a moment he felt his sadness dissipate.

Do you like it? she asked, tipping her head in question.

Aye. Ross and Cassie have treated me well. It was true. They’d taken him and his brothers in when they’d first arrived and given them a home and a friendship that meant everything to them. Payton and his brothers repaid them by helping out wherever they were needed. It was the least they could do for all that they’d received from these people who’d come to mean so much to them.

Ross and Cassie, who are they? Crystal asked.

The Seton’s. They own the ranch and a bookstore, Payton explained, wondering why she didn’t know them.

That’s in Delight, right?

Aye. Where do ye live? he asked. Perhaps she lived in another town. That would explain why she didn’t know Ross and Cassie.

Not far from here.

She didn’t wish to say. He understood. I must be on me way, unless ye wish me to walk ye back to yer car.

I don’t want to keep you from wherever it is you’re going. Thank you for helping Hannah. It was nice meeting you. She held out her hand and then seemed to think better of it as she took it back before moving closer. I’m a hugger, she announced before quickly moving her arms up and around his shoulders. He had little choice but to hug her back. As he did, he was overcome with a sense of comfort. He didn’t wish to let her go. For a moment it wasn’t Crystal that he hugged, but his Jenny. His arms encircled her and he rested his cheek atop her head. Closing his eyes, he breathed in the fresh scent of roses and lilies. He could hold her this way forever.

Crystal pulled back to look at him. Are you okay? she asked.

His embarrassment at losing control with this woman he’d only just met was great. He had to escape and quickly.

Good day to ye, lass. And to ye, Hannah and Rex. He quickly turned and walked away, eager to put space between himself and this woman who’d reminded him so much of his wife.

Crystal watched as he strode out of sight. Her heart ached for him. His hurt was deep. She recognized it because it was how she’d been feeling the past few days. It had been Jack’s birthday. They’d always celebrated with a camping trip. Not this year, though. That thought settled in her heart with all the other things they would never do again. This time last year, the weight of all those never-agains had nearly crushed her.

Since Jack’s passing, her psychic abilities had waned to the point she wasn’t sure she still had them, but today for some reason they’d come back. Maybe it was Jack who’d led her here. Maybe he knew it was her path to help this stranger she’d met in the woods. She glanced around at the trees as a gust of wind rattled through the branches and felt she’d made a connection with Payton. It had been over a year since she’d connected with anyone she didn’t know and rather than feel awkward, it felt right. She was here in one of her favorite spots for another reason and was convinced she’d found it. Payton was the one who needed her. She had no idea what it was that he needed, but she would find out.

I like Payton, Hannah said. So does Rex.

I know you do, Crystal answered. You shouldn’t have wandered away like that though.

I knew he was coming, Hannah’s bright smile could light up the entire forest. Grandma will be proud of me.

They were a family of psychics. Hannah had inherited the family gift and Crystal wasn’t sure how she felt about it. Her baby girl had a gift that could be both rewarding and draining. Being able to feel what other people were feeling could be debilitating at times. She wondered if Payton thought her weird. Not that it mattered. She was used to that reaction. It had been that way from the time she was in school when the other kids, frightened by her abilities, would shy away from her. Crystal had learned how to shake off those feelings when she needed to, but after Jack’s death her psychic powers had gone missing. As she worked through her overwhelming grief it was as if her body and mind turned off those abilities, which had probably been for the best. She’d barely been able to manage her own emotions much less those of strangers.

Jack’s illness and death had been a journey of discovery for Crystal. At first the pain had been so great that she’d curled up in a ball most days, unable to do the simplest of tasks. Thankfully her mother had been there to help with Hannah. It wasn’t long before Crystal pulled herself out of the fetal position realizing that her daughter needed her. She’d just lost her father. She couldn’t lose her mother as well.

As for her gift, she thought it was gone forever, but she didn’t have time to worry about that. She’d moved herself and Hannah back home with her mother, and tried to make herself useful by doing most of the cooking and cleaning. It wasn’t