Janet laid her fork down and clasped Bonny’s hand between her own. “You’re both upset, pet. It’s natural, but you were in such danger. He’s thankful to have you alive.”
“I know, and I believe God will heal us. I want to adopt, but he insists we’re not ready. It’s a huge shift from single college professor to a sheep farmer’s wife and soon-to-be pastor’s wife. One of my biggest frustrations is Bronwyn’s touch in every room. You remember how Kieran made a shrine of their bedroom before he created ours from two others and turned theirs into a guest room. I live in another woman’s home. Of course, I love the MacDonell memorabilia. They’re my family now too. But …”
“A woman wants her own home. What changes would you make?”
Bonny relaxed against the back of the booth with her friend’s patient understanding. “Simple things. I wouldn’t change the library or foyer. They make Stonehaven Farm the MacDonell family home. I appreciate Bronnie’s talent, and keeping some of her art would honor her memory, but I want to replace her blues with my own reds, golds, and browns. We brought back some paintings of New Mexico scenery from our honeymoon. They’d make me feel more at home.”
“You settled the concerns over the house in your premarital counseling.”
“We did. He even set aside the money. First, Kieran needed to recover, and then I got pregnant and sick. My forced inactivity makes the rainy-day depression worse. I miss dry, sunny, New Mexico weather, and sitting around makes me think about unfinished projects. A lonely farm is a lot different than teaching in town, enjoying the newness of Scotland, and falling in love.”
Janet’s lips curved in a smile. “I warned you there were big changes ahead. Kieran’s love for New Mexico doesn’t surprise me. Dry, sunny weather is as much a novelty to us as rain is to you. You say you’re a desert rat, and it takes time to grow webs between your toes like a duck.”
Bonny’s phone vibrated, and she slid it from her purse. “Yes, love, we’re finished. Meet us at The Stables. We’ll walk around a little.”
“Look at you, the entire salad eaten and bread too.” Janet laid her napkin on the table and signaled the waiter. “Talk to him. Kieran will do anything, even redecorate the house, to make you happy. Let’s get together again soon. The four of us can meet in Spean Bridge for dinner now and then. Give him time to get used to the idea of adoption. He'll come around.”
“I’m more relaxed after lunch with you than at any time in weeks. I didn’t plan to walk around with Kieran, but you lifted a huge burden from my shoulders. Keep us in your prayers. We still have a long recovery ahead, and we haven’t learned how to be Mr. and Mrs. MacDonell yet. It’s not easy to let go of the past. You’ll find out for yourself.”
They paid the bill and Janet held the door. “I’m sure we will. Graeme doesn’t realize the baggage Sean’s infidelity and verbal abuse left behind. There’s no one more patient and loving than Kieran, unless it’s Graeme. Now go enjoy the sunshine and your husband.”
***
One look in the mirror revealed new color in Bonny’s cheeks and a renewed sparkle in her eyes, in spite of feeling tired and sore from their outing. Two hours of alone time had relaxed them both. If only it would last.
She changed clothes, still savoring the sweetness of the afternoon when Hamish summoned them into the library. He and Kieran refused to discuss their appointment with the solicitor until they could talk to everyone together.
“Sheep in a thunderstorm aren’t more nervous than we’ve been waiting to hear about your appointment. Why must you explain in person?” Maggie glared at Kieran and Hamish as Eleanor handed around the ever-necessary tea.
“It’s him.” Kieran met Bonny’s eyes, jaw muscles working, hands fisted tight. She pried his fingers apart and took his hand. “Gavin Gunn not only wants our land, he kept me from the hospital when you needed me.”
“How can you be certain, lad? You only caught a glimpse before he skelped you.” Bonny laughed at the Angus’ use of the Scot’s word for the blow to Kieran’s head. She loved the tall, sinewy man, who reminded her of the weather-beaten and twisted cedars and piñons of New Mexico.
“Ach, I wouldn’t forget such a bampot. Lachlan Menzies called Gunn’s solicitor in Inverness, Rory McDuffie, who believes Gunn has a legitimate claim to the land. He has no doubt he’d cause a stramash if crossed. I’d sooner strangle the man than deal with him.” Kieran’s face grew redder with every word. “There’s more, and it will hurt you, Bonny. He went on a rant, says my American wife doesn’t belong here, and our children will be mongrels, unfit to inherit. Of course, he doesn’t know we can’t have children. But I’m concerned about you.”
Heart pounding, she pulled her hand away and met his stormy eyes. “You mean he’d try to hurt me?”
“We’re all in danger. You must stop thinking about adoption until it’s safe.”
“That’s an excuse, Kieran. You don’t want to adopt. And it’s not only me who needs to think.” Her throat tightened with emotion, giving her voice a strangled quality. “Did he describe this man?”
“Adoption?” Maggie’s brows knitted together over stormy blue eyes.
Kieran glared at his mother and reached for Bonny’s hand but she tucked it under her leg. “Love, you’re not strong enough yet, and now’s not the time to discuss it. Gunn doesn’t have a phone and gave McDuffie no clue when he’d return. Apparently, he lives off the grid, in the far north of Caithness. His description fits what I remember. He speaks English but prefers the Gaelic. Claimed he’d be back when he returns to Inverness but didn’t indicate when. This could be more complicated than it first appeared.”
Hamish swallowed half a scone covered with blackberry jam and nodded his approval toward Eleanor. “Mr. Menzies looked the deed over and assured us it’s legal.”
“They’ll set a court date, but with no way to notify Gunn, he might not show up.” Kieran gulped the last drop of tea, his cup clattering on the saucer. “Ach, he might not accept a rulin’ of the court. We won’t borrow trouble, but it’s best to prepare for anythin’. Angus, describe him to the farmhands and tell them to watch for suspicious people or activity, especially near Greenfield.”
Bonny looked around, emotions roiling like storm clouds over the loch. The lovely room, a serene haven of fine woodwork, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and latticed windows of ancient glass provided a scenic view of the loch and pastures. Had the long-ago conversations about the deed and Brighde taken place beneath the carved clan crest above the great fireplace? “Kieran, if Gunn claims Greenfield, how did he find you in the Laddie Wood?”
“He either followed me or hid there since it’s wooded. He knew who I was.” He chewed the last bite of his scone with such gusto, it might have been Gunn himself.
“Calm down. You’ll have a headache.” Maggie stood.
“She’s right, love. Don’t let your anger consume you.” Kieran’s tone disturbed Bonny. He still suffered severe headaches and her concern outweighed her frustration. She moved her hand to his cheek, savoring the rough whiskers and strong, square jaw, thankful for his determination and strength. “You’ll make yourself worse. He won’t blend in if he shows up on the farm.”