Chapter 12

"What"s all this, then?" Cam"s deep voice cut through the air.

Jen looked over her shoulder from where she sat upon Mist. She was cantering around the corral, putting Mist "through her paces", as Hamish called it. She smiled broadly and waved to Cam.

"Lass, pay attention to what you be doing," Hamish called, then looked at Cam. "She be getting good at this for learnin" so late."

"Aye," Cam said with a nod. "I should have suggested you teach her when she arrived, Hamish. Glad you took it upon yourself to do so."

"'Twas the lass who requested to learn, chief. Jest glad she came to me instead of one of the young lads who"d have been remiss in teachin" her proper."

Jennifer reined Mist in as she drew closer to where the two stood by the fencing. "I couldn"t ask for a better teacher in Hamish. Soon, I"ll be giving you a run for your money across the moors." She grinned.

Cam looked at her curiously at her turn of phrase. "You wish to bet against me in a horse race?" he asked.

Jennifer laughed. "Maybe one day, but not yet. I"ve got more training to do."

"You"re a natural, lass. Riding suits you, and I"ve enjoyed every moment of teaching you," Hamish put in.

Cam clapped Hamish on the back, grinning. "You"ve done well, Hamish. I trust you with Jennifer"s training. Just remember, she"s precious to me." His gaze connected with Jen"s, and she felt heat rise in her cheeks.

"Aye. She"s in good hands, chief, I promise you."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the stables, Jennifer couldn"t help but feel grateful for the unexpected friendships she had found in Cam and Hamish.

The next day, Jennifer felt excitement and nervousness course through her veins. She had eagerly accepted Cam"s invitation to ride with him, and now, clad in a dress that nipped in at her waist but had a full skirt, she made her way to the stables.

Her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of Cam, waiting with his majestic horse by his side. He flashed her a charming smile, his eyes dancing with a hint of mischief. "You"re looking positively radiant this mornin"," he remarked playfully.

Blushing slightly, Jen replied, "Well, I thought it only fair to match the grandeur of the occasion. I wouldn"t want to disappoint." She headed for Mist, saddled her quickly, and then checked that it was secure.

Cam"s laughter filled the air, echoing through the peaceful morning. "You could never disappoint, lass. Now, let"s mount up and set off on our adventure."

Cam took the lead, his horse gracefully navigating the winding path that led the way down the hill from the fort. Jen followed closely behind, her gaze alternating between the breathtaking scenery and the captivating man in front of her.

As they ventured deeper into the Scottish landscape, they passed moors full of vibrant wildflowers and dense forests. Cam broke the silence, drawing Jennifer"s attention to the picturesque loch that stretched out before them.

"You see that island yonder?" Cam pointed with pride. "That"s where the wise woman resides. I havenae forgotten my promise to take you to see her, lass."

Jennifer"s heart skipped a beat as excitement flooded her before the realization sank in. Meeting the wise woman could potentially lead her back to her own time and far away from the captivating world she had come to love.

Reluctantly, a few hours later, they turned their horses back toward the fort, their journey drawing to a close. The rhythmic sound of hoofbeats filled the air as they rode in sync, a silent understanding shared between them. Each passing moment brought them closer to the fort, and Jen felt a bit bittersweet. They dismounted and led their horses back to the stables; a sense of quiet determination filled her as she set about untacking Mist and grooming her. "Thank you for the ride; I love seeing more of this place."

"'Tis my pleasure, lass." Cam smiled at her over the back of her horse. "We"ll have to make this a morning ritual."

Jen smiled in return, "I"d really like that."

A month passed swiftly,filled with morning rides, rigorous training, shared laughter, and tender moments that wove an unbreakable bond between Jen and Cam. Jennifer found herself torn between a sense of accomplishment and the daunting trip they"d planned to visit the wise woman. She worried that the woman would send her home, and she wasn"t sure she was ready to go. She supposed she needed to know one way or another if it was even possible.

Reluctantly, Jennifer approached Cam, her heart heavy.

"What is it, lass? You look worried."

Jen shrugged. "I am a bit, Cam. I know I need to meet this woman to see if she knows how I arrived here and how I am to get back, but…"

Cam drew her close and whispered, "I know you need answers, lass, but I hope that no matter what Aine has to say, you choose to stay here with me."

Jennifer felt a surge of conflicting emotions welling inside her. She was drawn to Cam, captivated by his strength, kindness, and the way he made her feel at home in this foreign land. But she couldn"t deny the tug of her own time, the life she had left behind, and the longing to find her true place in the world. She offered him a half-hearted smile. "I admit, I am torn. Part of me wants to go back to my world."

"I can understand that, love. I will support your decision no matter what you decide." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and then smiled. "That doesnae mean that I won"t try to persuade you to stay."

Jennifer"s heart quickened as she smiled back. The chance to seek answers about her time travel was thrilling and daunting, but the thought of leaving Cam even for a brief moment sent a pang of sadness through her.

"Come, let us be on our way," he said, helping her to mount Mist.

Jen settled herself in the saddle and tightened her grip on the reins to steady herself.

As they reached the shore of the loch, a sense of tranquility enveloped them. A carved rowboat awaited them, gently rocking against the gentle ripples of the water. They dismounted and tied their horses to a hitching post, and then Cam helped Jennifer step into the boat, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

The sun passed behind some clouds as they pushed away from the shore, the rowboat slicing through the calm waves. Jennifer stole glances at Cam, his strong arms guiding the boat with ease as they began the journey across the loch.

The sky grew darker, and the wind picked up, causing Jen to look up. She could see storm clouds moving in fast, faster than she"d ever seen them move. As the wind grew stronger, the waters began to revolt, tossing the little rowboat from side to side.

Cam"s reassuring voice broke through her thoughts. "Hang on, lass. Looks like a storm is brewing," he called over the roaring wind.

Jennifer nodded and gripped the sides of the boat tightly. "Is it safe to be out here when it"s like this?" she asked. She looked up at the angry sky, and then across the water toward the small island. They were only halfway across.

"Aye, we"ll be all right, lass. Jest hold tight and donnae fall in," he shouted as his muscles worked to move the oars through the water.

Splashes of rain began to fall in big splatters. Slowly at first, but the closer they got to the isle, the faster it began to fall. Jen felt like the sky was crying, the thunder angry bursts of temper at the thought of her leaving. The storm mirrored the turmoil within Jennifer"s soul as if nature shared her struggle.

Jen watched Cam fight tirelessly against the tempestuous waters, his muscles straining with each stroke of the oars. Jen continued to cling to the boat, her fingers gripping the edges as she battled against the raging storm to keep her seat. Falling in was not an option, not because she didn"t know how to swim, but because this water was icy cold and in the dress she wore, it would be dangerous to even try.

Exhausted and drenched, they finally reached the island. Through the downpour, Jen noticed a small cottage some distance from the beach they"d landed on. Cam got out and dragged the boat with her in it up onto the beach, and then held out a hand for her. Grateful, Jen grasped his hand, and he hauled her onto shore where they collapsed on the rocks to catch their breath.

The rain seemed to grow even harsher as they sat there with their chests heaving. Jen"s gaze met Cam"s, and she saw worry, longing, and what she thought might be love in his eyes. She realized that she didn"t want to let go of the possibilities that lay between them.

"We need to find some shelter," Cam said, his strong arms holding her tight, protecting her from as much of the weather as he could.

"Can we make it to the cottage?" Jen glanced toward the stone building she"d seen from the boat, but it seemed farther away than she"d first thought. Somehow, the rain seemed even heavier and the sky darker where the cottage lay.

"Let"s head for that copse of trees at the edge of the beach. Once the weather lets up, we can head for the cottage," he spoke into her ear, so she"d hear him over the raging wind.

Lightning struck the water, and Jen screamed in surprise. It had felt so close.

"We need to get away from the water, lass. Come." He urged her to her feet and together, they ran for the trees.

The small band of trees wasn't much cover from the weather, but there was a little bit of grass where they could sit close and use the canopy of leaves to shield them from the worst of the rain. Jen was exhausted. Her legs were weary, and she felt like she"d just finished a ten-round fight in the octagon. Her eyes didn"t want to stay open, and as she put her head on Cam"s chest, she began to drift off.

She dreamed of being in a televised pay-per-view UFC-sanctioned fight with Mackenzie Dern. Their skills were pretty compatible, considering they were both masters of Brazilian jujitsu and MMA. She could hear the roar of the crowd as she made her way to the octagon, her team hyping her as she entered. Then Mackenzie entered, and the crowd went wild as the former number one UFC International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation champion entered the ring. Jen was determined to beat her and show she was the best.

Her gaze went out over the crowd and a face stood out. It was Cam. Her hands dropped to her sides, the octagon melted away. Mackenzie disappeared, and so did the audience, her team, and everyone and everything except for him. His broad shoulders, his piercing eyes, his warrior"s heart… it was all there, and he was reaching for her, calling her home. Looking around, she could see she was standing on the moors, with Fort Donald standing regally on the hill and her handsome Scottish clan chief waiting for her. Her heart swelled with love.

Jen took a step toward him, but then stopped and looked back. She could see the modern world behind her, her dreams of fighting in the UFC, of being a champion… it was all there if she turned away from the love that stood before her. She looked back at Cam, who was beseeching her to join him. She could tell he needed her, but she was torn. She didn"t know what to do. She was caught between two vastly different worlds, and she didn"t know which way to go.