The Trouble with Scotland (20 page)

“No. I'm fine.” But she looked uncomfortable standing by the fireplace.

“Sit down.” He scooted as far over on the sofa as he could. “Ye better use this quiet time to get some work done before the little master wakes up.”

She glanced toward the hallway. “I'll work at the kitchen table in the other room.”

“Good idea.” He stood and took out his phone for a second time. “I'll have Ramsay pick us up some food.” He made the call and joined her in the kitchen. While she scribbled in her notebook with her head down, he put the kettle on and pulled down two mugs.

He liked to watch her work—the way she bit her lip while she thought. She drew a series of pictures, placing lines of text underneath. She was concentrating so
hard that when Ramsay knocked on the door, Sadie jumped.

Ross laid a hand on her shoulder. “I'll get it.”

He was expecting only Ramsay, but Kit was at the door as well.

“May we come in?” she said.

Ross wondered what would happen if he said
no.
He'd wanted to prove a point to his brother in a roundabout way; he hadn't wanted to come face-to-face with his matchmaking sister-in-law though.

“Sure.” He took the sack of food from Ramsay and stepped back. “Sadie's in the kitchen.”

“Oh?” Kit said.
Like Ramsay didn't run straight to her and tell.

Ross shut the door and went back in the kitchen.

Sadie popped up from her chair as if she'd been caught in the act.

“It's okay, lass.” Ross went to stand beside her.

Ramsay sauntered over to the cabinet and pulled out a stack of plates. “We thought we'd join ye.”

More like chaperones, if Ross was reading Kit accurately. “So you're telling me that you two missed lunch, too?”

Kit and Ramsay shared an intimate grin. Ross rolled his eyes. Sadie blushed.

“I hope it's okay that we stay,” Kit said. “We wouldn't want to interrupt.”

Sadie moved her notebook to the counter. “I was working on the lesson plan for the quilt retreat.”

Kit nodded. “I heard you were staying over.” She glanced at Ross for good measure.

Was that Kit's way of finding out if Ross was staying over, too, as in
sleeping over
? Or was he just being paranoid?

Ramsay clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Relax,” he muttered, as if he was the older brother instead of the baby of the family.

Ramsay went to his wife and ran a hand down her back. “Take it easy on him, sprite.”

She seemed to consider his words and then beamed up at him. “All right. For you.” She turned back to Sadie. “May I see what you've written up so far?”

Sadie handed off the notebook.

Kit's eyes ran down the page. “It looks good. Do you have someone lined up to do a test block from your directions?”

“I hadn't thought that far ahead.”

“I'm happy to be your guinea pig. We could do it at Quilting Central tomorrow, if you like.”

Sadie glanced at Ross, slightly panicked.

Kit's head swung from one to the other, registering every emotion as if she was a bar code scanner.

He stepped in. “Sadie's not completely comfortable at Quilting Central. How about ye do it at the cottage? I set up a sewing machine there, if you don't mind using it.”

Kit nodded. “That would work.”

Ramsay set a foil pan on the table. “How about we eat?”

The four of them said grace and dug in. As the meal went on, Ross relaxed, because Kit seemed to have gotten what she came for. He didn't know if she meant to double her efforts to find him a mate after this evening, or if she was going to leave off altogether.

Sadie, though, still seemed on edge. As soon as she took her final bite, wee Angus let out a cry. “Excuse me.” She laid her napkin on the table and left.

Ramsay stood. “I believe that's our cue, brother.”

“Where are ye going? What about the dishes?” Ross said.

Ramsay chuckled. “Ye'll have to take care of them. Kit and I have to run. We're off to an appointment.”

Kit frowned up at him. “What are you talking about? What kind of appointment?”

Ramsay wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “My peace and quiet time.”

“Oh, brother,” Kit said.

Ramsay nodded. “She's a pretty determined woman, my wife. She insists on yielding to my every need in the evenings. She knows if I don't get enough attention from her that I become cranky.”

Sadie walked in with Angus cradled in her arms at the same time that Kit reached up and patted Ramsay's cheek.

“You're so full of yourself,” Kit said. “But I love you anyway. Take me home.”

“Aye.” Ramsay winked at Sadie. “Ye take care.” And he guided his wife from the kitchen.

Ross was left alone with Sadie and the boy.

“What can I do to help?” he said. “Nappy change?”

“I'll get this one.” She nodded to the plates on the table. “The kitchen is all yours.” She walked away to the other room singing softly to the lad.

Ross had the kitchen tidied in no time. He found Sadie and Angus sitting on the floor with wooden blocks between them. He lay down beside them and propped
himself up on one elbow, offering a rattle to Angus to chew on.

“So what about you, Sadie? How many children do you want to have?”

When she didn't immediately answer, he glanced up. She had her head bent down over the babe's.

Aw, hell.
He'd stepped in it. “I wasn't thinking, lass.”

“It's okay.”

He sat, moving closer and wrapping his arm around her. “It's not okay.”

“I can have children,” she said quietly. “I love kids. But there are risks.”

“If it's any consolation, I keep forgetting about . . . yere condition. I just don't see you as sick. Not in the least.”

She looked up at him with a grateful smile. “That's probably the nicest thing anyone has said to me since I arrived in Scotland.”

He squeezed her shoulder. And because he wanted to do more, like kiss her again, he dropped his hand and scooted away.

For the next few hours, they focused on Angus. Sadie gave him a bottle, then Ross burped him. When the lad messed his britches, Sadie filled the baby's bath while Ross cleaned him up enough to play in the water. The two of them made a good team. He knew it. He could tell she knew it, too.

At nine thirty, Sadie rocked Angus to sleep and stowed him in his crib. As soon as she walked out from the bedroom, Ross grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a kiss. He hadn't planned it, but being near her, working together, well, it had all been too much. More than
he could handle anyway. Her surprise turned quickly to passion, and she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back. Just as he was thinking they should move this to the sofa instead of the hallway, the door to the flat opened.

They jumped apart.

“We're home,” Emma whispered.

Sadie balanced herself against the wall.

Emma came into the hall and stopped short when she saw Ross.

Doc came up behind her, took in the scene, and grinned. “Was the lad so much of a handful that ye needed backup?”

Sadie shook her head. “Your boy's an angel.”

Ross crossed into the living room. “I took refuge here. Ye know how
they
can be.”

“The quilting ladies?” Gabe laughed. “I heard about Harry's niece wanting a turn with ye.”

“Sadie was nice enough to let me hide out.”

Sadie walked into the living room and picked up her notebook from the floor. “Anytime you need me, I'll be happy to babysit. I'm here for an extra week.”

Gabe winked at Emma. “We will definitely make use of ye while we can.”

Emma latched on to Sadie. “Take a second and come see my new dress.”

The two of them left and went down the hall.

“Well?” Gabe said.

“Well, what?” Ross answered back. There was nothing to tell.

Gabe nodded to where the women had been. “You and the American lass?”

“Nothing's going on. I'm tired of telling everyone that.”

“I see.” Gabe raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps you should make an appointment with me and have yere eyesight checked. I believe ye aren't seeing things for how they really are.”

“Not likely.”

Gabe chuckled. “If things change and you need someone to talk to about it, my door is always open.”

“Ye're beginning to sound like yere wife the therapist.” And Ross really needed to make this next part clear. “Sadie and I are friends. That's as far as it goes.”

Gabe's eyes shifted as if they weren't alone.

Ross spun around and found Sadie standing there, frowning. He didn't like it when she frowned. Especially when it was directed at him.

“We better get going,” Ross said.

Gabe nodded at the lass. “Have Ross walk ye back to the quilting dorm.”

She frowned at Gabe as if to ask
why
, but she didn't go so far as to say it. Instead she gave a noncommittal good night to both Emma and Gabe, then left without looking at Ross. He had to hurry after her.

Once outside, he pulled her to a stop, wanting to fix what he'd done. “I know I'm sounding like a broken record.”

“About what?”

“Don't give me that. You're as tired of hearing me say it as I am of repeating it.”

She raised an eyebrow. She was going to force him to say it out loud.

“Everyone thinks we're together, and I keep setting them straight.”

She looked him square in the eyes. “Of course. It's preposterous they would think such a thing.”

He was surprised that she was so firm in her declaration.

“Why is it preposterous?” Ross asked, surprised at how defensive he sounded.

She started walking, speaking over her shoulder. “Because you're not my type.”

He stood there kind of shocked.

If I'm not her type, then who is?

But there was a more pressing question, lingering at the back of his mind.
Something having to do with them kissing each other.
Had all the others who'd kissed her been knocked from their moorings like he had been?

Ross realized she was almost to the corner of the restaurant and the main walkway. He hustled to her, again, ready to find out. He caught up to her in between the buildings.

“Hold up.” He gently pulled her to a stop.

The lass spun around and faced him with fire in her eyes. She was so alive. So enticing.

He was one tug away from having her in his arms, and kissing that mouth of hers he liked so
verra much
. “I'm not yere type?”

“Not in the least,” she said with no hesitation, glaring at him, daring him with her eyes.

He accepted her challenge and dipped his head, pulling her to him, kissing her with all he had.
Trying to change her mind.
Instead of pushing him away, she clung
to him as if she was caught in his net as much as he was in hers.

At that moment, the door slammed to the restaurant. As Ross pulled away, Deydie stepped perfectly in their line of sight. The old woman took in the scene and glowered. Whatever crazy urge that Ross had about taking things further with Sadie halted, stumbled, and fell dead in its tracks.

“Ross, ye and that girl git out of the shadows,” Deydie growled.

Sadie stared up at him fuming mad.

He shrugged. What did Sadie expect? She's the one who dared him. Besides, he didn't make her kiss him back
.

He stepped away and moved into the light.

Deydie pointed at Sadie. “And ye . . . git on back to the quilting dorm. It's time for ye to go to bed. Alone!”

Sadie stomped off without a backward glance.

“Good night, lass,” he hollered after her.

Deydie put her hands on her hips. “I know what the problem is. What do they call it when ye're moonin' over a new lass after a broken engagement?” She glared at him a moment. “Aye, a
rebound
, that's it. Normally, I'd tell ye to have yere fun, but Sadie's a good lass. Not one for ye to rebound with. Have yere rebound with someone else.”

Ross exhaled. “I thought ye didn't like her.”

“Och, lad. I believe her to be a sweet girl.”

“She is a good person,” Ross agreed.

Deydie shook her finger at him, something she'd done a lot lately since Sadie came to town. “I tell ye, ye need a strong, healthy woman.” She bobbed her head up and down. “Like Harry's niece.”

Could she and everyone else give it a rest!

“I've got to go.” He sidestepped around her.

“Mark my words, Ross,” Deydie growled. “Sadie may be sweet, but for ye, she'll be nothing but trouble.”

Ross didn't respond. Oh, he wanted to. He had a lot to say on the matter. Sadie wasn't trouble. She was fun. Thoughtful. Kind. And the problem that he had—if he was actually going to admit to having one—was that he wanted the lass. Maybe Deydie had the right of it and when it came down to it, his feelings for Sadie were nothing more than some kind of delayed rebound reflex. If that was the case, there was only one way to fix it.

Y
ou're not my type
tumbled around in Sadie's head as she rolled over in bed and stared at the wall. She was glad no one was around when she got back to the dorm, because she couldn't talk to another living soul tonight.

Of course, Deydie was right. Ross had given Sadie attention only because she was a rebound for him. A convenience. And a novelty. Not a Gandiegow lass. In reality, Sadie was no one at all. She needed to remember that for the rest of her stay in Scotland.

She rolled to her back and stared up at the ceiling, feeling the crushing weight of it on her chest. If only Gigi was here. Her grandmother would've known the perfect thing to say to turn all of Sadie's worries into insignificant grains of sand. But Gigi was gone, and Sadie was all alone to deal with her miserable life on her own.

And she wanted nothing more than for Ross to sneak into her room, climb into the twin bed with her, and hold her until the wave of grief passed.

Morning came too soon. As she lay there for a long moment listening to the snoring in the room next to hers, she had an epiphany. She was responsible for her own
happiness, and that meant getting out of Scotland with
most
of her heart intact.

She rolled out of bed, deciding that today she would do only things that made her happy. First, she chose the green dress that she loved so much. And she didn't give a hoot whether Ross thought she looked nice in it or not. She took her things to the bathroom and got ready. And because it pleased her to do so, she blow-dried her short, bobbed hair, used the curling iron under the sink to put a curl at the ends, and applied a little lipstick.

“I'm plain, but I'm not all bad,” she thought, tapping the little heart-shaped birthmark at the corner of her mouth.

In the kitchen, she grabbed an oatcake from the container on the counter and hurried off to Quilting Central. When she walked inside, she was startled to see that the library shelves were completed. She glanced around to see if little elves were scampering away. But the room was empty, save for her stacks of books.

She frowned, wondering what it meant. Why would Ross have worked on them last night? And if not Ross, then who?

She scanned in three books, but felt restless. She rose from the couch and went to the kitchen area, filled a mug with water, and placed it in the microwave for a cup of tea. She took it back to her place by the computer and forced herself to stay focused on the task at hand.

As soon as all the books were inputted, she began arranging them on the shelves. With a burst of wind, the door blew open and Sadie spun around to see if it was Ross. But it was only Deydie.

She looked startled to see Sadie there so early. “What
are ye doing here?” she asked brusquely as she laid a stack of cut fabric on the first table.

“I was putting the library together.”

But Deydie had other things on her mind than books. “Ye need to get yere arse over to the kirk. The service is going to start any second.”

“Kirk?” Sadie said automatically. But then she remembered . . .
the church
. “I think I'll just stay here, if that's okay.”

“Nay, 'tis Sunday. We pay our respects to the Lord on Sunday, come hell or high water. Now, git off that couch and hurry over there.”

When Sadie didn't immediately jump to her feet, Deydie made a move as if she was going to come over and yank her up.

Didn't Deydie understand that Sadie was feeling out of sorts with God these days? Hadn't He dropped more than her fair share of grief on her plate recently?

Deydie slammed her hands on her hips. “Have faith and trust all will be well.”

The old woman had read her mind.

Sadie rose and walked toward the door.

Deydie nodded at her as she passed. “Ye look very pretty today.”

That's a stretch.
But Sadie didn't feel like getting into an all-out war.

The two hurried down the walkway as Deydie shoveled out orders. “Ye'll sit with me and my quilting ladies.”

Sadie knew better than to ask what the older woman knew about the completed shelves at Quilting Central. Maybe she'd run into Ross after church and ask him.

But as they made their way down the aisle, Sadie scanned the room and didn't see him. Was he running late, too?

The service started with Andrew and the choir. Several times during the processional, Deydie leaned over and tapped Sadie's hymnal to bring her eyes back to the page instead of the room. As the service wore on, Ross still didn't appear. His family all sat in one pew together, but they didn't seem to be concerned about his absence; not a single one cranked his head back toward the narthex to catch a glimpse of him.

When it was over, Sadie made her way into the hall, looking for the answer to the whereabouts of her shelf-builder. When John headed for the door with baby Irene in his arms, she bravely cut him off.

“Hi. Good morning,” Sadie said, feeling unsure. “I was looking for Ross. I wanted to thank him for finishing up the library shelves.” She looked from side to side. “Do you know where he is?”

John gave her a kind smile. “Sorry, lass. Ross is gone. He's helping out on the
Betsy Lane
, a lobster boat. He won't be back until right before the wedding.”

Ten days.
After I'm gone.
And he hadn't even said good-bye.

“T-thanks,” she muttered.

Irene put her arms out to Sadie. Automatically, she took her and bounced her gently.

John watched her closely. “Are ye all right, lass? Do I need to get Doc? Or yere brother?”

Sadie plastered on a smile. “I'm happy Ross is trying something different. He was looking for something new.”

“I know,” John said.

And she suspected John might feel a little betrayed as well.

Irene stuck a thumb in her mouth and lay against Sadie's chest, contented.

Maggie materialized beside her. “Ye have a way with the babe. Do ye want me to take her off yere hands?”

“No.” It felt good to be comforted by the baby in her arms. “She's settled in.”

Maggie gave her a pitying look. “Why don't ye come to noon meal at our house?”

Sadie was going to decline, but Kit came up from behind and laid a hand on her back.

“She can't come, Maggie. She's going to lunch with us. Then I'm going to work on her quilt block; test it out.”

Yes. The retreat started tomorrow and Sadie still needed to finish planning her lessons. But she felt a little empty inside. Knowing for sure she wouldn't see Ross again would take some getting used to.

Sadie glanced down and saw that Irene had drifted quietly off to sleep. As she handed the baby over to Maggie, Dand ran up and hugged her middle.

“Did ye ask her, Mum? Is Sadie going to come over and read to me this afternoon?”

“I—”

Sadie squatted down to Dand's level. “What do you think about you, Mattie, and me starting a book club? I thought the three of us could read together.”

“That sounds great!” Dand turned and hollered across the narthex. “Mattie! Hey, Mattie!”

The other boy turned and waved.

Even though his parents were shushing him, Dand
hollered again. “Come here, Mattie! Sadie's going to read to us!”

Mattie brightened and rushed over.

Kit laughed. “Sadie, I believe the boys have changed your plans. I'll come over later. Right now, you have a date.”

“Sounds good.”

Dand looked up at his mother eagerly. “Sadie's going to read to Mattie and me.”

Maggie smiled back. “I heard. But ye're going to have to let her eat first. Also, Mattie has to ask his mama's permission to come to the house.”

The boys ran off to find Cait.

Then they all walked to the Armstrongs' cottage as Dand listed every book he wanted them to read. The little boys were helping keep her mind off of Ross's absence.
Well, mostly.

Once inside Maggie shooed Sadie from the kitchen. “Go on now. I'll let ye know when it's time.”

Sadie settled herself on the sofa between Dand and Mattie and began with Dand's favorite books. After two, she turned to Mattie. “Do you have a favorite that you would like for me to read?”

Mattie slipped off the couch and pulled out a book, handing it over to Sadie. He climbed back up and sat close as she read about the dragon in the cave. She couldn't help but compare the silent dragon to the boy next to her.

There was a pleasant buzz of activity in the cottage as Maggie pulled food from the oven and the refrigerator while John set the table. Sadie figured they had time for one more book before it was time to eat.

She chose an easy read from the pile. “I have an idea.”
She waited for both of the boys to look her way. “Wouldn't it be fun if we took turns reading?”

Dand smiled from ear to ear. “Only if you help me with the hard words.”

Mattie nodded solemnly.

Sadie started off with the first page. When she was done, she turned to Mattie. “Do you want to go next or do you want Dand to?” No surprise, he deferred to Dand with a nod. Dand read his page excitedly, struggling with several of the words. For a second, she waited to see if Mattie would come to his rescue. When he didn't, Sadie provided the help that was needed. Then she turned the page and said casually to Mattie, “Your turn.”

Mattie leaned over and quietly read the eight words on the page, never looking up once.

“Wow,” Dand said. “Ye read really good, Mattie.”

Mattie gave him a crooked smile.

When the book was done, Maggie announced that it was time for lunch.

“Go wash up, lads.” Maggie turned to Sadie when the children left the room. “What ye're doing is a fine thing . . . for both Dand and Mattie.”

Sadie smiled. “I've always loved to read.” She glanced down the hall to where the boys were. “I just never knew how good it felt to read to others. Until now.”

John pointed out where she should sit. “If that's the case, I bet Mr. Menzies wouldn't mind ye dropping by to read to him. His eyes are bad, and he's been shut up in his house for the last couple of years. He always appreciates a visit.”

“Sure. If you let me know what kind of books he likes, I'd be happy to.”

John named several well-known thrillers. Probably books Ross would prefer to Sadie's Jane Austen collection any day.

The boys came running back in, prayers were said, and the food passed around. Once again, Sadie wished her brother could be here for the family dinner. But by the way he was making eyes at Kirsty during church, she imagined the two of them were enjoying a more intimate setting for their meal.

After eating, Sadie was pulled away by a text from Kit.
Change of plans. Emma is going to meet you at Quilting Central.

“Go on,” Maggie said. “John will clean up the kitchen while I nurse Irene.”

But Sadie wasn't happy about Kit's text. What happened to her testing the quilt block at the cottage?

Sadie didn't think she could possibly sew at Quilting Central. She would just have to convince Emma to come back here. She walked to the door, but Maggie hurried toward her.

“Ye almost forgot this.” She hefted the portable sewing machine from the treadle and handed it over.

Sadie's stomach churned the whole way to Quilting Central. It was one thing to set up the library; it was quite another to quilt, with all the memories it would dredge up.

But as it turned out, the place was empty. Either the quilters spent their Sunday afternoons at home or they hadn't arrived yet. Sadie was thankful to have the place to herself, if even for the moment. But then her stupid eyes landed on the completed shelves and the deep hurt of abandonment settled into her bones.

She positioned her machine on a table close to the door, in case a quick getaway was necessary, and noticed a cardboard box with her name written at the top. She pulled it closer. A lump formed in her throat. For a second she worried she would sob.

The restroom door opened and Emma appeared. “Oh, hello. The postie asked me to drop that box off here.” She stopped suddenly, her cheerfulness turning to concern, and then she rushed to Sadie. “What is it? Tell me what's wrong.”

Sadie scooted the box toward Emma. “Gigi's favorite fabric.”

“Oh, sweeting.” She ushered her to the sofa in the new little library.

All the losses were jumbling together. First Ross this morning, and now another reminder that Gigi was gone.

“I miss my grandmother,” Sadie blurted.

Emma took her hand and squeezed. “Of course you do.” She was quiet, letting Sadie sort through her thoughts.

“I want to talk to her. There are things I need to tell her.” Sadie and Gigi didn't always see eye to eye when it came to men. But Gigi was the only one who could help make sense of the mess she'd gotten herself into with Ross. Gigi had a way of tackling problems from a different angle—ways Sadie never saw on her own. “There're also things I want to share with her. Good things.” She looked around the room filled with fabric, projects, and love. “Gigi would be beyond excited to be here.”

Emma nodded understandingly.

A sob erupted from Sadie, along with the words she never planned to utter. “But I killed her!”

Emma's look of alarm lasted only a split second. She took both of Sadie's hands and squeezed. “You are in a safe place. But first, let me lock the door.” She jumped up and set the dead bolt.

The second she returned to her place on the sofa, Emma's eyes backed up her words. Sadie felt safe and confessed everything.

“I went against Gigi's wishes. She didn't want me to be a librarian. She said I'd never get a man if I buried myself in stacks of books. She was worried about me being alone in the world.” Sadie motioned to herself. “She never made a big deal about it, but I knew she was referring to how plain I am.”