Page 62 of A Promise Through Time

“I remember seeing ye at Breaghacraig. Ye were there when the witch was causing trouble for the MacKenzies.”

“So was Maggie,” Dylan said. “Although she was in disguise most of the time. I’m guessing you’re hungry.”

“Yes. We’ll take whatever you’ve got.”

Dylan went to the bar and got a bottle of wine and two glasses for them. “You can enjoy this while I get the food together for you.” He poured them each a glass and set the bottle on the table.

“Thanks,” Tina said.

“I’ll be right back.”

Donal stood, going to the window and staring out. “What was that?” he asked.

Tina joined him. “Oh, that’s a car.”

“There were no horses pulling it,” he noted. “There’s another.”

“You’ll see lots of those. It’s how people get around.”

He turned from the window, “I like my horse.” He was so focused on what was outside the window he hadn’t realized how close Tina was standing. She was even smiling at him. He could reach out and pull her closer, but he knew he shouldn’t.

“People still ride horses, but only for fun. Cars are much faster.”

He cocked an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes in disbelief.

“It’s true!” she said. “Come on let’s enjoy the wine.”

They sat back at the table, but Donal’s attention was diverted by everything that moved out on the sidewalk and in the street.

“This must be unbelievable to you. If Elena is doing better tomorrow we could try to sneak out for an hour. Maybe we can go for a walk and see some of the things you’re fascinated by.”

“You’d do that? I didnae think ye wished to be with me.”

“Donal, I’m trying to get over the lying. I know I’m being too hard on you. It’s just that I’ve been lied to so many times. Old habits die hard in my case.”

“Do ye believe I’m sorry?” His eyes pleaded with her for understanding. He didn’t know how many times or ways he’d have to apologize, but he’d keep doing it forever if necessary.

“I do. My fear comes from not knowing if you’ll do it again.”

She was being honest with him and she deserved an honest answer, but he felt it might be better to simply tell her what she needed to hear. “I won’t.”

“You will. We all do.” He couldn’t read her. She was looking at him with a certain sadness. He wanted nothing more than to be the man she wanted him to be.

“Even ye?”

“Yes, even me.”

“Tina, I want to be yer man. I want a life with ye. That is the truth of what is in me heart.” He was bearing his soul to her, but was unsure if he was making any progress.

He could see she wasn’t sure how to respond to him. She was afraid. Afraid to give him her heart. “Let’s get through dinner first. One step at a time.”

“Does it mean yer willing to give me another chance?”

“Dinner first,” she said.

***

Dylan brought them plates filled with foods she was familiar with. Chicken, potatoes, gravy and veggies. “Mmmm…You have no idea how good this looks to me.”