Chapter 15

She was grateful she had her notes to distract her. Once she was settled in her room again with her notebook and pencils, she was able to get her mind off the fluttering in her stomach by dedicating herself to writing as detailed an account as she could of the rather dramatic interaction that theyd had with Colins family that morning. She tried to record what had been said verbatim, as much as she could remember, and she fought to keep a sense of clinical detachment in the notes, despite the frustration she could feel pulsing in her head when she thought back to how dismissive Mary had been of the child, how cruelly and callously she spoke of him.

At least one thing was clear now — she had her work cut out for her, here. Because with someone like Mary in his life, Colin was going to be in danger until something — or someone — changed their mind about him.

It was frustrating that she hadnt been able to meet him yet. She was almost convinced that autism was behind what was being reported about the baby, but she was still being forced to rely on second and third-hand accounts of his behavior, and that was no basis for a diagnosis, not all on its own. It was going to be hard enough to convince people of the existence of autism in the first place… she had to make sure that her argument was ironclad. And that meant, ideally, spending some real time with the baby, checking that his symptoms really were in line with an autism diagnosis.

After that… well, after that she could only hope like hell that the rest of Edwards family would learn about the condition with as much curiosity and patience as he had. That gave her hope, at least. If one medieval Scotsman could listen and learn from her, then there was hope for the rest of them.

So it was with cautious optimism that she headed up to the roof later that afternoon, when the sun had begun to descend toward the horizon and the light was taking on that burnished orange cast photographers loved so much. Just as Edward had guessed, the sky had remained clear of clouds and rain, at least for the time being… and when she emerged onto the roof of the castle, she heard herself gasp in pure shock and delight at the view from up here. Now she knew why her friends had been so insistent that she get a look at the area from up here… all thoughts of Edward forgotten, she hastened to the edge of the battlements and leaned out over the wall, gazing down at the Loch below her and the forest beyond. The water stretched out for what seemed like miles and miles, and a pleasant shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the night shed climbed out of its depths and onto the shore. Why, she could even see the road shed followed around the Loch to the Keep… if she looked closely enough, maybe shed even find the patch of reeds where shed first spied the Kelpie, lying in wait to ensnare unwary travelers…

Beautiful view, isnt it?

She started at the sound of Edwards voice, turning with a smile already spreading across her face to see him standing by the door. He had a basket looped over one arm and a thick woolen blanket bundled under the other, and she felt that strange fluttering in her stomach start up again. This really was beginning to feel like a date… which was a strange thought for Ivy to entertain, all things considered. She couldnt remember the last time shed actually been on a date. It must have been college… that was the only time shed had even a modicum of spare time to spend socializing, and even then, shed always had a lingering sense that she was wasting her time when she went out with guys.

She didnt feel that way now, though. Not when she watched Edward carefully setting up the blanket, ensuring that every part of it lay smoothly before he invited her to join him.

Its nothing exciting, he warned her as he opened the basket. Just whatever I could thieve from the kitchen before Maeve could chase me out with a wooden spoon.

Ivy giggled. Shed met the tall, kindly elder matriarch of Clan Grant a few times — she was Mary Gilroys age or thereabouts, but two women could not have been any more unlike otherwise. The image of her chasing the calm, level-headed Edward out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon in hand kept her giggles going as the feast was laid out before her. It was an eclectic combination, but she wouldnt have traded it for anything.

So, the Gilroys, she said finally, almost reluctant to bring up the subject when the early evening air was so pleasant and the peace and quiet up here so calming. That was… certainly something, this morning. I hope you were able to get some rest after all that.

Edward chuckled wryly… but there was real worry in his eyes. Brians mother Mary isnt usually like that, he said softly. Shes always been… sweet, I suppose is the word Id use. A little nervous sometimes — always very protective of Brian when we were kids, not that it stopped him getting into trouble — but Ive never seen that side of her. He gestured vaguely downwards, in the direction that the Gilroys chamber lay. And poor Anna and Brian…

Anna in particular seems overwhelmed, Ivy agreed, her heart filling with compassion for the young mother. I cant imagine what shes going through. I wish I couldve talked with her alone for a few minutes. She, at least, seemed to want to spend time with the baby…

Brian too, Edward said, frowning. The conversations weve had… strange habits or not, he does genuinely love his son. Thats part of why all of this has been so hard on him, I suspect. But offloading the poor child on a nursemaid all day…

Ivy sighed. Its not ideal for anyone concerned. New parents need a break sometimes, of course, but if theyre just sending the poor boy away to avoid coming to terms with who he is, then… Something occurred to her, and she tilted her head, glancing sidelong at Edward. That being said, there might be an opportunity here.

Whats that?

I have a feeling that the family didnt want strangers getting too close a look at Colin. If Id turned up on their doorstep asking to see him, theyd have sent me away. But maybe the nursemaids looking after him would feel differently about a newcomer to the Keep trying to make herself useful?

An excellent idea! Edwards face lit up. You can get a proper look at the child at last — put some of this uncertainty to rest.

I dont love the idea of doing it without his parents permission, she admitted, frowning a little. Its not a good way to start this journey. But none of this is really an ideal situation, is it? I cant keep clinging to all the rules of my old life. For one thing, I never had to rule out literal magic in my old life. She sighed, rubbing her forehead… and then, to her surprise, she felt a sudden warmth around her shoulders. As natural as anything, Edward had put an arm around her, drawing her into his side. His body was warm against hers, and she felt herself melting into the embrace. Shed never been much of a physical contact person, but there was something about Edward that made her feel quite differently.

I trust that youll do the right thing, Ivy, he said, and she tried to listen to his words instead of letting herself be distracted by the vibrations of his voice in his broad chest where she was leaning against him. The right thing for Colin, for his family, and for all of us.

But no pressure, right? she said faintly, trying not to laugh.

Edward huffed his amusement, and she felt his arm tighten around her in a reassuring squeeze. Then she looked up at him, caught off-guard by how close his face was to hers, by how blue his eyes were this close. And before she could second-guess herself, she closed that short distance between them, brushed her lips against his in a kiss that for a moment felt almost casual. Her heart was thumping hard in her chest but somehow, she didnt feel the usual adrenaline or anxiety that came with this kind of situation… only the fluttering in her stomach, deep down, as Edwards lips caught hers and his arm tightened around her shoulder, drawing her gently in as the kiss deepened.

She wasnt sure how long they were there on the rooftop, disturbed only by the distant sound of the waters of the Loch against the shores and the drumming of their own heartbeats. But when Edward finally drew back from her after one final, lingering kiss, she realized with a start that she could barely make out his features in the gathering gloom… and that the chill of the night had well and truly drawn in around them.

Oh, she said faintly, resisting the urge to reach up and touch her lips as though to make sure that this had all actually happened. Edward tilted his head slightly, and despite the gloom, she could see a warmth and a tenderness in his eyes that made her chest glow.

Oh?

We missed the sunset, she pointed out, gesturing to the darkening sky above them.

Edwards soft smile widened into a grin. Thats a shame. Well simply have to come back tomorrow.