When he sets me back on my feet again, I reach up to cup his face in my hands—my thumbs tracing over the rough stubble on his jawline.
“I love you Cal.” My voice comes out in a whisper but doesn’t lose intensity. “I don’t know how or why the universe decided to throw us together, but I’m so damn grateful it did.”
“Aye, lass,” he murmurs, his forehead resting gently against mine. “I thank my lucky thistle every day for steering ye into my path, even if ye did insist on playing the heroine to a seasoned sailing instructor out on the Firth.”
I let out a snort of laughter, lightly thumping his chest in playful indignation. “You looked like you’d capsized that boat, you big lummox. But I suppose I’ll tolerate your daily presence. After all, someone must shield me from insurgent chickens and disgruntled cows.”
Cal throws his head back and laughs, and the sound rings out through the tavern. “I’ll wrangle a thousand cows for ye, my wee fierce lass. Now come and kiss me again ’afore I expire from wanting ye.”
As his lips capture mine once more, I melt into him, secure in the knowledge that whatever challenges we might face: angry clansmen, magical time portals, my frequent head bumps—we will face them together.
Always.
Brimming with kinetic enthusiasm,Fiona bounds our way, a vibrant whoop escaping her as she wraps us in a bear hug that nearly knocks the wind out of me.
“I thought ye were already handfasted!” she exclaims, shaking her head with a grin.
“Just a moon ago, ye were sniping at each other over how to brew tea.” She winks at us conspiratorially, her smile softening.
“But even then, I felt there was so much love, beneath the bickering.”
Her words send a rush of warmth flooding me, with memories of our first days in this era and the intimacy of sharing one bed making my cheeks blaze.
Keeping my feelings for Cal under wraps has been like trying to hold back the tide, especially when we've been so close together in that small space. But tonight feels different. There's a sense of anticipation for our first naked night together humming beneath my skin. A light sheen of sweat forms on my palms, not just from the wild dancing but from the promise of what comes next. The way Cal's fingers linger on mine, the heat in his eyes... it’s an unspoken promise of fireworks later.
Alistair wanders over, his usual stern expression replaced by an uncharacteristic grin that transforms his rugged face. He claps Cal on the back before turning to me with raised brows.
“Well done,” he rumbles, adding with a chuckle, “First, travelers from the future, lost in our era, and now not yet wed? Our minister is going to have quite the story for Sunday sermon.”
Cal laughs, but his gaze never leaves mine as he addresses Alistair. “Sorry for not being completely upfront about it. We’ve had to think on our feet andadapt quickly.” He pauses for a breath before softly adding, “And figure out our own feelings while we were at it.”
Alistair’s grin widens into an almost smug smirk as he winks at us both. “Can’t say I’m too upset about it. You two have managed to save our little town, after all.”
“And you’ve saved our future home!” I add, my voice thick with gratitude and awe. Will he ever truly understand the enormity of what he’s done? Alistair waves away my thanks with a casual flick of his wrist, but there’s something in his eyes that looks suspiciously like pride.
“Don’t be daft,” he chides gently. “I’m just glad to see my battle-hardened brother settling down with a fiery lass who’ll keep him on his toes.” He trails off, blinking rapidly as if fighting back tears. “It warms this old heart of mine…”
“But remember,” he adds, his finger wagging in the air with all the drama of a stage actor. He’s trying to keep a straight face, but a twinkle in his eye gives him away. “‘Tis considered quite scandalous indeed to share a bed before marriage... unless time has altered such norms in yer future?”
Fi’s laughter bursts through the room, her infectious energy lighting up every corner of the inn and tavern like a sudden break in stormy clouds. “Aye! Maybe they’ve come up with some fancy term for it in their time: ‘It’s complicated,’ or some such nonsense!”
I catch Cal’s eye, and we dissolve into barely suppressed giggles ourselves. The irony is too delicious—if only Fi knew how close to home she was hitting!
Sex and love in our time isn’t just complicated; it’s taken up a corner of the bookstore and become as complex as a mystery novel. I might never fully understand how to make love last... but I’m willing to camp out in that corner of the bookstore for as long as it takes if it can help my love and I go the distance.
As the rest of the townspeople crowd around us, offering their well wishes and congratulations, I lean into Cal’s side, basking in the warmth of his presence and the love that surrounds us. For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong somewhere, not just to a place, but to a person.
As our friends return to their seats and drinks, Cal’s low, intimate voice rumbles in my ear.
“What do ye say we make this official, Mills? I dinnae want to be causing a scandal, but above all else, I can’t wait another moment to call you my wife.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
I tiltmy head back to examine the intensity of his gaze. I’m momentarily breathless, as if the air has been stolen from my lungs.
“Wait, you’re saying... get married? Like, right this second?”
That devilishly charming smile spreads across his face. “Aye, right here in this very pub, surrounded by friends and relatives. I cannae think of a more perfect kick-off to our life together.”
