Page 53 of The Blacksmith’s Wish

She tilted her face toward the sun, closing her eyes for a brief moment while its warmth kissed her skin. Careful not to jostle the eggs nestled safely inside the deep pockets of her apron, she made her way from the henhouse.

A familiar snort drew her attention. Merlin stood at the far end of the paddock, ears twitching as its dark eyes settled, not on her, but upon the bright orange carrots clutched in her hand.

“Oh, nay. These are nae for ye,” she murmured. As though accepting her words as a challenge, the crafty beast ambled toward the gate.

Deftly, the crafty mule grasped the wooden latch between its teeth, lifted and pushed. He let out a grunt of satisfaction when the gate swung open. The mule trotted proudly into the yard as if it had simply remembered an important appointment.

Effie’s mouth fell open. “Ye impossible creature!”

Calum had spent the better part of an afternoon installing that new latch, declaring with enormous confidence that it was “mule-proof.” She couldn’t wait to tell him otherwise.

The animal nudged her shoulder with surprising gentleness, its soft muzzle searching patiently for its reward. Only when she offered one of the carrots did it stop, taking it so delicately from her fingers that she almost laughed.

“I ken exactly why ye’re behaving so sweetly,” she said over the loud crunching. “Ye think once I marry Gowan I’ll leave ye behind.” The mule merely continued chewing, entirely unconcerned.

Effie scratched behind its velvety ear. “Well, ye’re mistaken, beastie.” Her voice softened. “I could never leave ye. Ye’ve been me faithful companion too long.” The mule leaned harder against her shoulder. “Ye’re mine forever.”

“I’ve always wished to hear those words.” Calum’s voice carried across the yard, startling her.

She turned to find him leaning casually against the fence, though the sadness in his smile betrayed the ease of his posture. A pang of guilt touched her heart. He had hidden his disappointment well these past weeks.

She crossed to him with an affectionate smile. “Ye’ll always be one of me dearest friends, Calum.”

His gaze drifted toward the ground. “I’ve been fortunate to have ye beside me all these years.”

Walking to him, she reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “Listen to me.”

When he finally met her gaze, she smiled with quiet certainty. “Ye are a good man. A truly great man.”

“I believe someday ye’ll understand why it was never meant to be us.” She brushed his hand reassuringly. “And when that day comes…when the woman meant for ye walks into yer life…I’ll rejoice louder than anyone.”

For a long moment he simply studied her. Then his shoulders relaxed. “I’ve been trying verra hard to be happy for ye.”

She laughed softly. “I noticed.”

“And every time I see ye…” He shook his head with a fond smile. “Ye look happier than I’ve ever seen.”

“I am.”

He smiled then and this time it reached his eyes. “I cannae begrudge a man when he’s earned it by making ye so blissful.”

His expression turned thoughtful. “Gowan loves ye fiercely.”

Tears pricked unexpectedly behind her eyes. “He does.”

“And I’ve never seen anyone look at him the way ye do.” He offered her a playful nudge with his shoulder. “I suppose I’ll forgive him for stealing the prettiest lass in Tokavaig.”

He wrapped her in a brief embrace. “I truly am happy for ye, Effie.”

She hugged him tightly. “Thank ye.”

“And if Gowan ever makes ye cry…”

She raised an eyebrow.

“…I’ll help ye hide the body.”

A surprised laugh burst from her lips. “I shall remember that.”