In the Kingdom's Name (Guardian of Scotland Book 2) (28 page)

“No, what you’ll do now that your ordeal is over?”

Eva pushed her food around with her fork. “In the short term, I’m traveling. Hopping a plane for Los Angeles in the morning. Fortunately, I’ve made it back in time for the film debut of my book. And then I’ll stop in Washington to see my parents.”

“You’re leaving?” His eyebrow’s pinched together as he set his glass down. “How long will you be away?”

“A month or so.” She shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

“Pardon?” He picked up one of the pictures—a selfie she’d taken with William in the early days. “Did you think your leaving wouldn’t matter to me?”

She sat back with a snort. “Ah…I thought you would have run out of here screaming by now.”

“Perhaps I should.” He then examined the one she’d taken when William and Andrew were consecrated as Guardians.

“Not before dessert. I made your favorite.” Eva again headed for the sideboard. “I had to make it from scratch because they didn’t have any at the castle.”

Glancing over his shoulder, he pushed his chair back. “So, what
is
my favorite?”

“Plum pudding.”

“Wrong. It’s plum tart.”

Her shoulders dropped. “I knew there had to be some differences. After all, it’s been seven hundred years.” She tried to laugh, but it came out like a splutter.

Standing, the floorboards creaked as he moved in behind her and placed a hand on her waist. “You seem upset.” His whisper sent a shiver across her shoulders.

This time Eva’s laugh sounded like a cough. “If only someone besides Walter Tennant would believe me.”

Warm breath caressed her neck. “I believe ye,
mon amour
.”

Eva froze, goosebumps coursed down her arms. She hadn’t said a word about William’s endearment. But then, it was common enough—the two men were similar, too.

“God help me.” She closed her eyes and swooned against him. “Do you remember anything from my story?”

“Not a thing…but…”

“Yes?”

“I had a feeling. I can’t explain it—but there’s something incredibly familiar about your photos—about you—about this room.”

“There is?”

“So much so, I cannot walk away—though any reasonable man would have already sprinted to his car and sped down the motorway.”

Eva’s head spun. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. He was supposed to be history by now, speeding down that very motorway. She picked up the spoon and scooped some pudding. “Taste.”

He opened his mouth and allowed her to feed him. His bold jaw twitched with his chewing, then his eyes grew wide. “Lord, that
is
delicious.”

She grinned. “A new favorite?”

He reached for the spoon and scooped some more. “It’s a close second for certain.”

“I’m glad you like it.” She bit her bottom lip. “But there’s one more thing I have to tell you before…before…um...” …
you make that mad dash for your Audi
.

He stopped mid-chew. “Yes?”

“I’m pregnant,” she blurted without hesitation. After all, he needed to know and she had to get this whole thing over with. Jeez, how he’d hung around this long was beyond her.

His Adam’s apple bobbed with his gulp. “Oh?” It wasn’t a happy “oh”. It sounded more like the croak from an adolescent rooster.

Now he’ll run for certain
. “I just found out yesterday.”

Bill’s face pinched like he was in complete shock, then he turned and strolled toward the hearth. “And the father?”

Here it comes.
Eva clutched her hands against her abdomen. “Ah…as I said, I’ve been away since February. It’s August—and I’m only two months along.”

“Good God.” Bill buried his face into his palms. Shaking his head with a groan, he then slid his hands over his hair and regarded her. “What other shocking surprises do you have for me tonight?”

Regardless of the fact that she’d prepared for his reaction, the hunk of lead in her stomach dropped to her toes. “I didn’t think you’d want me to cut my trip to America short.”

“America?”

“The film debut—you know—I mentioned it.”

“Er…yeah.” Bill paced the floor, his head still shaking. How she’d ever thought there was a thread of hope he’d believe her… Then he stopped. “I…you…I—”

Throwing out her hands, she stepped in. “You don’t have to say anything. I know this seems crazy—impossible. I can’t even believe you’re still here right now.”

“Jesus.” He looked to the ceiling. “Do you have any idea why I haven’t walked out the door?”

“No.”

He pointed to her chair. “You’d best sit, ’cause this might take a while.”

Holy shit. What on earth?
Eva complied and folded her arms.
This ought to be good
.

He stood with his arms crossed, his black t-shirt straining good and tight across well-muscled pecs. “The first time I saw you, your eyes were swollen and red with tears. At that time, my instinct was to leave you to your sorrow, but then a picture flashed through my mind—one that’s been with me since the beginning of time—one I’ve dreamt about as long as I can remember.”

Leaning forward, she opened her mouth, but Bill held up his palm.

“Bear with me.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “When I looked at your face—really looked at it, you brought all my dreams to life. You made the hairs on my arms stand on end.”

He shuddered.

So did she.

Then his crystal blues bore through to her soul. “Every dream is the same—and it’s
you
. I’m certain of it. You are always dressed in gold with an aura of light radiating around you.” He pulled open her arm, took her hand and turned William’s ring around her finger. “Don’t tell me how I know this, but I gave you that ring. I know this ring. I know it in my heart and my soul. And God save me, you are the woman I’ve always known I would be with.”

Eva’s heart fluttered like a gazillion flashing lights. He
did
know her. “A-and the baby?”

He let out a wee chuckle. “I only wish I’d been dreaming about the time of conception all my life.”

Heat burned her cheeks while she tore her gaze away. “I know the responsibility is too much to ask of any man.”

“The wee one needs a father.” He brought her ringed finger to his lips and kissed the Celtic knot. “Is it safe to travel in your condition?”

Eva nodded. “The doctor said I should be all right this early.”

“Well,” he said, running his pointer finger around the ring. “I don’t think you should walk the red carpet alone.”

The fluttering stopped. “But I cannot possibly miss it.”

Stroking his chin, his eyebrows shot up. “Look. I have some leave coming.” His eyes turned hopeful. “I’d like to go with you.”

She drew a hand over her mouth. “You’re serious?”

He nodded. “My heart is telling me yes.”

“And your head?”

He thumped his temple. “My guess is that it’ll catch up—you said Walter Tennant gave you the medallion?”

“Yes.”

After he stood, Bill removed the leather thong from around her neck. “I think we should return this to the professor.” He pulled her up into his arms. “I don’t want you going anywhere that’s not in this century,
mon amour
.”

Oh yes. Oh yes, yes, yes
. “I like the way you think.” Eva let her hands slide around to Bill’s back. Her body molded to his, forming that perfect fit—the one she craved. “Sh-should I buy you a ticket to Los Angeles?”

He nuzzled into her neck. “Can you postpone for a day? Give me a chance to apply for leave…then I’ll pay for my own ticket.”

“Okay.” She closed her eyes and swooned into him. “No problem cutting it short. They gave me a couple days to account for jet lag.”

“Excellent.”

He captured her mouth, his eyelids fluttering closed. With slow swirls of his tongue, he allowed her to savor him, grow to know the modern man—a great warrior she had loved in another time and now would love again.

Taking in a deep inhale, Bill lightly rested his forehead against hers. “Och, I canna believe how much ye feel like home, lass.”

One year later

After typing “the end”, Eva sat back and regarded those two words with a long sigh. This manuscript was late to her publisher, but having a baby at home took so much time—even with a nanny.

The past year had been one of reflection, filled with new beginnings but not without its share of trepidation. The medallion was safely locked away in Professor Tennant’s safe and miraculously Bill had stayed by her side through everything. The best part? He’d picked her up and had taken her to every single Lamaze class. He’d been in London when Eva went into labor, but by the time wee Lachlan decided he was ready to come into the world, Bill had arrived and was holding her hand.

God bless him. God bless them both.

The second miracle of the year, of course, came with Lachlan, a healthy bairn with chestnut hair and blue eyes just like his father.
And just like Bill
. Since the wee lad had been born, whenever Bill hadn’t been away on Special Ops business, he’d spent every weekend with Eva and Lachlan. Eva had chosen the bairn’s name as a tribute to a young orphan who’d befriended Robbie Boyd, a brave young archer who never had the chance to make his mark on the history books. Eva swore over the lad’s grave that she would make sure the world heard his tale. And now she had the honor of naming William Wallace’s son for the brave boy.

Things were almost perfect. Too often she longed for the days on Eynhallow when she and William walked along the shore holding hands and talking about important matters like Robert the Bruce and King Edward of England.

But she had a new life now. A rich life. One that she could share with her son and a modern William Wallace—yet another man who could make her heart soar with the eagles.

The doorbell to Eva’s townhouse rang.

“I’ll get it,” called Cora, the nanny.

Eva clicked “save” on her computer as Bill’s deep voice cut through the corridor. “Good evening, Cora. Would you mind staying late with Lachlan? I’ve a dinner planned with Eva.”

“Late?” The nanny didn’t sound too certain.

“I’ll pay you double.”

Eva checked her calendar. She didn’t have anything marked for the evening. What was Bill up to?

“Very well,” Cora agreed. “Who could resist such an offer?”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

Eva poked her head out her office door. “What’s this? You’re keeping my nanny late?”

Wearing his dress uniform, Bill stood a bit taller and flashed a wide grin. Dear Lord, every time Eva saw that smile, she melted. He could ask her to fly to the moon and she’d probably agree. “I made reservations…ah…” He looked like a lad trying to hold in a secret he didn’t want to keep. Striding forward, he took her hands. “I’ve some news and the only person I want to share it with is you.”

“Sounds intriguing. I just finished the last chapter of my manuscript—so I suppose I have reason to celebrate too. Where are you taking me?”

“Torwood.”

She looked sideways. “Just the two of us?”

“Aye.”

Arching one eyebrow, she looked him from head to kilt. Oh, how well he wore that kilt. “What are you up to?”

He pulled her key from his sporran and held it up. “You’ll see.”

She swiped it from his hand. “You took that from my dressing table.”

“I borrowed it. Forgive me?” His pleading blue eyes could make any woman turn into a mushy pile of gush, but Eva wasn’t about to let him get off too easily.

“Not sure.” The key to the castle was hers and no one else’s. He should have asked first. She gave him a practiced stern look. “This had better be good.”

“We’ll be home by ten,” Bill said as he ushered Eva out the door.

The trip to Torwood didn’t take long and soon they were in Eva’s chamber up on the fourth floor.

The table sported two formal settings, a candle and on one plate, a red rose. A waiter stood beside it in a tuxedo with a white towel draped over one arm. He pulled a bottle of champagne from the bucket. “Would you like champagne now, sir?”

Bill held the chair for Eva. “Yes, thank you.”

“This looks lovely.” Eva picked up the rose and held it to her nose. “But you’re killing me here. What’s this big news?”

The waiter showed Bill the label, and he motioned for him to pour. “That will be all for now.”

“When would you like the first course?” the man asked.

“Give us fifteen minutes.”

“What’s on the menu?” Eva asked.

The waiter bowed. “Seven courses, compliments of Her Majesty.”

Bill leaned forward. “I don’t even know what we’re eating—but I’ve no doubt it will be exquisite.”

Eva watched in amazement while the waiter took his leave. “The queen? You cannot possibly keep this from me any longer.”

Bill held up his glass. “First I’d like to make a toast. To us.”

A butterfly flitted in her stomach. “To us.”

He set his glass down. “I can’t tell you everything about my work, but I can say my squadron and I have made enormous strides toward assuring world peace.”

“But you said you weren’t doing anything dangerous.”

His eyebrows slanted downward. “I think I said I wasn’t doing anything that would get me killed.”

“But your work is dangerous?”
Oh God, no. Please not again.

“I mostly gather intelligence—occasional danger, but nothing like riding into battle with a sword strapped to my back.”

“Nothing that will get you killed?”

He crossed his heart. “Promise.”

Releasing a deep breath, Eva reached for her glass. “So you’ve made a major breakthrough?”

“We’ve prevented our enemies from gaining nuclear weapons.” He took a sip of champagne while Eva cogitated the news.

“You’re serious? Oh heavens, that
is
big.”

“And I will be knighted by the Queen in London, two months hence.”

Eva gasped. “A knighthood? Congratulations!” She clapped her hands. “Please let me be the first to call you Sir Bill.”

Chuckling, he slipped out of his chair and kneeled in front of her. “But I want you to go to London with me.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I am over the moon excited for you.” In a blink, Eva recalled the last time she’d been to London—her visit to the dank tower, and worse, the trial. She shuddered.
Seven hundred years have passed. It’s time to get over it.

Bill didn’t seem to notice her reaction. Digging his hand in his sporran, his eyes twinkled with the candlelight. “When I am knighted, it is my greatest wish for you to attend not as my girlfriend, but as my
wife
.”

She clapped a hand over her mouth as he pulled out a black velvet box and opened it. Inside was a platinum ring in the same design as the one she still wore—the one Bill remembered, but that William had given her. The difference? This one had an enormous diamond in the center.

“I don’t expect this to replace that one.” He nodded to her hand—to William’s ring. “I hope you will always wear it too. But this ring—well, I’d be honored if you would wear it on your left finger. From the first time I set eyes on you, I knew you were the only woman in the world for me. I want to make Lachlan my son. I want to see you pregnant with
our
child and I want to love you until I take my last breath.”

Her hands trembling, Eva removed William’s ring for the first time and put it on her right finger. After losing William, she never thought she could love anyone again—but this man who kneeled before her
was
William Wallace—Bill was her William as only he could be in this century. “Yes,” she said with conviction. This was right. Joining with Bill would make her whole again. “I will marry you. And you’d best promise me you will have a long life. Because my heart cannot endure another loss,
not ever
.”

A tear slid from her eye and splashed the back of her hand as Bill slid on the beautiful ring. The perfect ring to pledge his love.

“I promise to care for you for the rest of my life.”

Eva held up her hand. “It’s beautiful.” Tears now streamed from both eyes. “You’re beautiful.”

Wrapping her in his arms, he stood and together they twirled across the floor. “You’ve made me happier than any man in Scotland.”

“And I’m ever so happy to be with you. I love you.”

“I’ve always loved you,
mon amour
.”

When the waiter opened the door, they were joined in an embrace, kissing like teenagers. “Shall I come back, sir?”

“No.” Bill grinned, staring into Eva’s eyes. “My lady needs her sustenance, for our celebrations this evening will be strenuous, indeed.”

“I like the way you think.” Eva kissed his cheek then rose to her toes, pressing her lips to his ear. “I want a girl this time.”

The End