Celtic Remnants

Celtic Remnants by Deborah O'Toole is a powerful novel of enduring love and betrayal set in the political turbulence of Ireland, glamour of London and wilds of Scotland.

Christmas Excerpt from Chapter Seventeen

Christmas 1992

Pikestaff Lodge

Daviot, Scotland

 

CHRISTMAS MORNING CAME with a flourish of bright sunlight, which only lasted a short time. It was quickly replaced with a fast deluge of dark clouds and heavy snow.

David awoke in his bed feeling refreshed, remembering the previous day. His room was a few doors away from Ava, but he had gone to bed without seeing her again. She had fallen asleep shortly after dinner, and although he kept peeking in on her, she never awakened. Bart teased his friend: “She’ll be there in the morning, Davey. She needs rest to recover. Ava is not about to sprout wings and disappear again, heaven forbid.”

Instead, David spent the better part of the evening in the company of his daughter. Bart, Tim and Siobhan joined them as well, although Sophie begged off to her room. David sensed Sophie felt the need to return to her prayers on a daily basis, but did not want to dampen the mood of the group by saying so.

Bart and Siobhan eyed each another warily for the remainder of the evening, while Tim sat morosely by the fireplace, smoking cigarettes and drinking endless cups of coffee. David coaxed Chee into playing a game of chess after he placed the board on a small table by Tim. In typical fashion, Tim offered comments as he saw fit, especially when David lost a game to Chee.

“The Irish win every time,” Tim had quipped as Chee clapped her hands together in delight. “The sooner you realize it, the better I’m thinking it’ll be, Locksley.”

David smiled in his bed as he remembered the evening. Chee was vibrant and happy, and seemed to enjoy herself. She offered to help him put away the chess board, and then proffered her hand in a good night shake.

He rose from his bed, thinking: “I can’t wait until her handshake turns into a big hug.” Dressing quickly in a knit-sweater and a pair of jeans, he slipped on black canvas shoes and decided to go downstairs. He glanced at his wristwatch, noting it was six o’clock.

He went directly to the kitchen and flipped on the coffee maker. The house felt cold, so he went into the drawing room to light a fire in the grate. He looked over at the Christmas tree in the corner and shook his head. They arrived at Pikestaff on such short notice the only tree he could find was located in Daviot Wood, which he felled with Tim’s help yesterday afternoon. There was no time to decorate the tree or adorn it with lights, so it stood alone and naked.

He lit the fire in the grate, touching a long match to paper spills to ignite three wood logs. He walked over to the tree and noticed there were plenty of presents underneath, which amazed him. Who had time to shop for gifts? Sophie and Siobhan had gone into the village the day before and returned with several packages, but David had no clue as to their contents. He felt himself flush a deep red: he had no presents for anyone, but in all truth there had been no time prepare. What could he possibly give Ava or Chee, anyway? He didn’t know Chee well enough to be familiar with her preferences. Did she like toys? Games? Books?

“Penny for your thoughts,” he heard Ava’s voice from the doorway. He swung around to look at her.

His eyes widened when he saw Ava leaning against the frame of the door, one hand gripping the outer edge. Despite her pale complexion, she had managed to dress herself in a pair of beige sweat pants and a dark blue sweater. Her long hair was combed and free, and her eyes were alert and bright. She seemed to be mocking him with her gaze, with one eyebrow characteristically raised in question.

He flew to her side. “What are you doing out of bed? You shouldn’t be moving around. How in the hell did you get down the stairs?”

“Very carefully,” she replied dryly. “Didn’t you hear me? Were you so lost in your own thoughts you didn’t notice the thumping sounds I made hopping down on one leg?”

He touched her arm. “Bart will kill you. Let me carry you to a chair.”

She laughed. “You’ll seize any excuse to get me into your arms, won’t you?”

Ignoring her comment, he bent slightly and lifted her carefully yet effortlessly into his arms. Her hands circled around his neck. She moaned as he moved toward the chair by the fireplace.

“Am I hurting you?” he asked.

“It’s just the movement,” she said softly. “It jars my hip, but I’m okay.”

When she spoke, her breath fanned his cheek. He felt his heart flutter. She molded against him as he carried her, and he could feel the slightness of her frame. A surge of protectiveness came over David, and he marveled at it. He never thought of Ava as vulnerable or in need of help, but she was both of those things right now. He came to a stop in front of the chair, still holding her in his arms. He looked into her eyes. She returned his stare, their faces merely an inch apart.

He tilted his head and kissed her, desire for her overcoming common sense and knowledge of her possible anger. The second his lips touched hers, a thousand memories came flooding back to him, hidden and denied for twelve long years. It was as if he had never left her; kissing her was like coming home, and it thrilled him to his core. He parted her lips with his own, and began to explore her mouth. He closed his eyes naturally, although part of him knew he did so from fear of reprisal and her accusing stare.

But Ava wasn’t shocked or angered by David’s actions. She admitted to herself that she wanted him to kiss her. She responded in kind, placing her hands on the back of his head to pull his face closer to her. She felt like a starving woman finally being offered a feast. Ava drank of David and relished in him, having denied herself for so long, yet she cursed her weakness and then felt awe in one fell swoop.

He could sense Ava was losing her breath. Regretfully he stopped kissing her, but did not relinquish his hold on her. He was not about to let her go now.

Ava looked at him through sleepy eyes. When she spoke, her voice came as a whisper: “Are you happy now, David Lancaster?”

David chuckled as he lowered Ava into the chair. He was careful to ease her down gently. She let go of him slowly, still looking up at him. “You always manage to twist the truth,” he said with humor. “Am I happy now? I didn’t seem to notice your loud protests over the matter.”

“You took me by surprise,” she insisted, but her eyes were dancing.

“You had plenty of time to stop me,” he declared.

She lowered her eyes, suddenly feeling very shy. “I know.”

David regarded her warmly, his entire body flushed with heat. “Would you care for a cup of coffee?” he asked.

She glanced at him, a tentative smile on her face. “I’d love a cup. Remember, I only take cream.”

“Yes, I know.” He bent over and kissed her quickly on the mouth. “Sit tight and I’ll be right back.”

She raised her eyebrow at him. “I don’t think I’ll be running any races today,” she told him sardonically. “Unless it’s a one-legged arse-kicking contest.”

He laughed. “You’d win hands down, my dear.”

“Or arse-down,” Ava muttered as David left the room to fetch coffee.

She leaned back into the chair, noticing its high-back and wide armrests. It was an antique, of course. Even in their far-flung vacation homes, the Lancaster’s only had the best. Her eyes roved around the room. She smiled as she saw the Christmas tree. Chee had told her about the tree yesterday, that it had no decoration but stood proud all by itself. Chee liked the tree as it was, declaring it was “as pure as God made it.”

Ava looked at the four tall windows in the room, all of which were covered by sheer curtains with heavy damask shades of dark burgundy. One of the shades was partially open, where she saw snowfall careening against the window pane. The light from the fireplace illuminated the room with a warm glow, reflecting off the table lamps and oak walls in the room. The furniture was old and overstuffed, but seemingly of good quality. It was quiet and peaceful, and for a change Ava felt her instinctive wariness diminish a notch. She closed her eyes and laid her head against the chair’s backrest.

When she awakened that morning and decided to go downstairs no matter the effort, she hoped David would be there alone. And he was. She was perplexed by her softening regard for her former nemesis. Ava had been so angry with David for so long, but he had pulled through this time by bringing her and Tim to safety. Seeing David again had chipped away at her deep-seated anger. She was fed up with being in a rage over him. It was debilitating, and a waste of time. She knew she could say it was for Chee’s sake, but it wasn’t the only reason. Ava had buried her feelings for David so deeply they resurfaced only because she was forced to be near him by rote of circumstance.

The tranquility of Pikestaff Lodge made Ava languid, as did the knowledge David would never betray her to the authorities. One nagging worry in the back of her mind was the possibility locals from Daviot Village might be roused to suspicion, but the lads on the “fringe” were keeping an eye on things. Ava made a mental note to somehow recompense Mike Creed and Jeff Mullen for their time at Daviot during the holidays.

“I’d give more than a penny for your thoughts,” David said softly as he stood before her, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.

Ava took the cup gratefully. “Thank you.” She sipped the brew and smiled. “Actually, I was thinking how peaceful it is here. The solitude is lovely, and the snow falling on Christmas morning is just perfect.”

He pulled over a large footstool from near the fireplace, placing it next to her. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her if he could come to her room tonight, but he held himself in check. “Let the day bring what it may,” he thought, scolding himself. “If I rush things now, she’s apt to get nervous. You need to calm down, Locksley. Let events transpire naturally.”

She sipped her coffee again. “Did you call your family?”

He made a show of rolling his eyes heavenward. “I telephoned Amber Court and spoke with my father. He wasn’t too pleased, but that’s where I left it. I told him I wouldn’t be coming home for the so-called festivities. He made a bit of a ruckus, but here I am so no worries.”

“What about Bart’s father?” She wanted to know. “Is he upset?”

“Bart called him and broke the news. Guildford is a good egg. He knows he’ll see Bart before the holiday season is over, so he didn’t complain much.”

“What in bloody hell are you doing out of bed?” Bart bellowed from the doorway of the drawing room, startling both David and Ava.

He stepped into the room, advancing on them. He was dressed in blue-print pajama bottoms and a white tee-shirt. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were bleary, the lower half of his jaw darkened with beard growth. He was barefoot as well, forcing David to smother a laugh. It was unlike Bart to parade around in such a manner. He was usually dressed to the nines with not a hair out of place, even when he adorned casual garb.

“I feel better,” Ava defended herself. “I made it down the stairs quite well, thank you. Bart, this is Christmas morning. I wasn’t about to hold court from my bed like one of your bloody queens.”

Bart came to a stop in front of her chair. He still appeared disgruntled as he felt her forehead, took her pulse and looked at her eyes, holding one of her hands all the while. Ava accepted his ministrations calmly. Finally, he let go of her hand.

“Your color is better,” he admitted, surprised. “How is the pain?”

“Still there, but better than yesterday,” Ava replied, finishing her coffee and handing the cup to David. “I tell you, I feel fine. I won’t try and do too much today. I’ll just stay downstairs while Chee opens her gifts, maybe have a bit of breakfast, and then I’ll go back to bed. I promise.”

Bart seemed appeased for the moment, so David spoke up: “I have to ask. Why are you looking so out of sorts, my friend?”

Bart flushed slightly. “I didn’t sleep well. I kept tossing and turning. I could hear Siobhan and Sophie talking in the room next to mine.”

Ava chuckled. “You’re still soft on Siobhan, aren’t you Quantrill?”

“Not in the least,” Bart said quickly. “I simply couldn’t sleep over the noise.”

“My bloody hell,” Siobhan said cheerfully as she walked into the room. She came to stand next to Bart, glancing at him. “We quit talking at midnight because Sophie fell asleep. How do you account for the other five hours?”

Ava started to laugh as Siobhan ribbed Bart. David allowed himself to watch the friendly interplay, warmth filling his heart. The scene reminded him of the old days when they spent the summer in Monasterboice so many years ago. Only now all four of them were older and hopefully wiser. There was a glimmer of sanguinity in David’s mind that somehow Bart and Siobhan would get back together. There was nothing keeping them apart, no ugly history and certainly no recriminations.

“Unlike Ava and me,” David thought with a quiet sigh. “We have so much baggage, and so much to get through.”

 

* * *

 

CHEE WAS DELIGHTED Christmas morning. Despite the oddness of the circumstances, she couldn’t remember when she’d had a better time with her mother, Siobhan, Sophie and Uncle Tim. It had nothing to do with gifts. It had to do with being family and enjoying the closeness of it. In Chee’s case, she knew the peace and tranquility could be shattered at a moment’s notice and her mother would be gone again.

Chee also felt surprising warmth toward David Locksley. She was prepared to dislike him - he was a sasanach, after all - but he was helping her mother, which alone made him shine bright in her eyes. He was awfully nice in general and very good looking. Chee was simply unable to resist David’s charm.

The Egan family, along with Tim, Bart and David gathered in the drawing room at Pikestaff Lodge midmorning on Christmas day. The snow continued to fall heavily, so David added several more logs to the fire. Ava remained in her seat by the hearth, while Chee snuggled around her feet with a thick, multicolored comforter.

“Who gets to open a present first?” Tim asked, looking at Chee as he spoke.

She laughed. “Well, since I’m the only kid here, I suppose that would be me.”

David chuckled at Chee’s remark. She sounded so much like Ava, wording comments in the same cryptic vein without realizing it. It was uncanny, but fascinating. David remained seated on the footstool near Ava, next to Chee. Bart couldn’t resist taking a few photographs with the instant camera he purchased in Daviot Village the day before.

“The three of you make quite a picture,” Bart muttered in David’s ear as he handed him one of the instant pictures. David glanced down at the photograph. It depicted Ava in her chair, a light throw draped over her knees, with Chee at her feet and her head on Ava’s knees. Ava’s right hand rested atop Chee’s head lightly, with her other hand poised on the chair’s arm rest. David sat next to them on the footstool, his head turned slightly toward Ava as he gazed at her.

David nudged Ava and handed her the picture. She looked at it briefly. Then she met his eyes, where he saw slight tears forming. Despite her uncharacteristic show of emotion, he still could not read her or even attempt to guess what she was really thinking, but knew she was touched by the photograph.

Chee was opening the present from her mother. She chortled with glee when she finally saw it. She raised a leather jacket out of a box and held it up for all to see. “I’ve wanted one of these for ages,” Chee exclaimed happily. “Mummy said I was too young, but this is just my size.” She jumped to her feet and kissed Ava on the cheek. “Oh, thank you Mummy. I’ll treasure it.”

Ava regarded her daughter’s shining eyes and broke into a grin. Chee was supremely happy, and it stirred her soul. “You nagged me long enough,” Ava told her playfully. “Tim finally talked me into getting the jacket for you in London last autumn. He said he’d heard enough of your begging, too.”

Chee giggled. “Whatever works, I always say.”

Tim came over and put his arm around Chee’s shoulder. “You’re just like your mother,” he said, pretending to be stern. “What in God’s name will we be doing with two of you?”

“Love us twice as much,” Chee responded, hugging Tim around the waist.

“And that I already do,” Tim said softly.

The remainder of the gift-opening progressed rather quickly. It was unspoken among all that the holiday event and get-together was precipitated by unusual circumstances, with no one having time to shop properly for presents. Nonetheless, Ava was speechless when she opened the gift Chee made for her. It was a homemade book constructed from stiff cardboard paper, covered in needlepoint. The stitching depicted the Holy Trinity of Ireland, bathed in a milky green background. The contents of the book were in Chee’s own handwriting, and related the history of Ireland as she saw it. The cover title was also stitched, and read: My History of Éire by Shenachie Maura Egan, 1992. Given with love to my mother, Ava.

Sophie spoke up from her place by the Christmas tree. “Chee worked on her book project for almost a year,” she said proudly. “She insisted on doing everything herself.”

Ava was stunned as she held the priceless gift in her hand, deeply moved by Chee’s devotion. Then she set the book down on her lap and held out her arms to her daughter. Chee wrapped herself in the embrace.

Even David felt the hot seep of tears in his eyes as he looked at mother and daughter. Any doubts he may have had about Chee’s happiness and well-being were completely erased in that moment.

 

* * *

 

THE DAY WAS long for Ava. She spent most of her time downstairs with Chee and David. Bart kept a close eye on her, chastising her if she attempted to move around too much. He thought it unwise she was up and about in the first place. Drawing out the day was pushing it.

By early evening, Ava was drooping and asked to be helped to her room. David volunteered, holding her elbow as she rose from the chair. When it was obvious Ava was in a lot of pain by the wince on her face and the quickening paleness of her complexion, David bent over and lifted her gently into his arms. By instinct, Ava wrapped her arms around his neck for safety. The closeness startled both of them, although each did well to hide it.

“I’ll come, too,” Chee said, following David from the drawing room.

Bart spoke from his place by the Christmas tree, where he was sitting on a small settee with Siobhan. “I’ll be up momentarily to check on you, Ava. Please make sure she’s comfortable, Davey, and I’ll be right behind you.”

“I can manage,” David said over his shoulder.

Bart sighed, trying to be patient. “I also have to change the dressing on her wound. Would you like to take care of that, too?”

“I’ll see you in a few minutes,” David replied irritably. “I’ll have her tucked in and ready.”

“I thought so,” Bart chuckled.

Ava was only half-listening to the repartee between David and Bart. She laid her head on David’s shoulder, feeling quite drowsy. The rhythm of his walking was slow and gentle, and for the first time in many years she felt safe. In the space of a few weeks she had placed her entire life in his hands. She trusted him.

Her room was cool and dark when Chee flung open the door. David walked in, while Chee hurried over to the bed stand and flipped on the lamp. A dim glow flooded the room as David set Ava down on the bed gently. With obvious reluctance, she released her hold from around his neck and laid her head back onto the pillows. The relief was instant as she felt some of the pain in her hip subside.

“I’ll build a fire in the grate,” David said, looking down at her. She met his eyes, and smiled tremulously. “Thank you,” she responded simply.

David walked over to the fireplace, while Chee began to fuss over her mother. “Let me take off your slippers,” she said, tugging them from Ava’s feet carefully. “I’ll cover you up once Bart is done.”

“Thank you, darlin,” Ava said, regarding her daughter warmly. “This is quite nice, you know. You clucking over your old Mum.”

“It’s my turn,” Chee teased her mother as she straightened out the bedspread. “Are you comfortable?”

Ava nodded. “Yes, love.”

David began a fire in the grate. As he stood up to join Chee and Ava at the bed, Bart walked in.

“How are you feeling now, Ava?” Bart asked as he reached the bed. “I’m sure today has worn you out.”

“I’m just tired, and a bit sore,” she replied as Bart took her wrist and felt her pulse. “Otherwise I’m fine.”

“You overdid it,” Bart said, but only with mild disapproval. He knew the day had done wonders for Ava emotionally, so he was not about to lecture her.

“I know, doc,” she sniped at him, but with a wide grin. “You’re like an old woman in her dotage, you know?”

“I agree,” David said as he came to the foot of the bed to watch. Chee was sitting on the end of the bed, glancing up at him with a smile in her face.

Bart looked to Chee and David. “Can the two of you go and gaze out the window for a few minutes? I need to change Ava’s dressing.”

Chee grabbed David’s hand. “Come on. The sooner he’s done, the sooner we can sit and talk with Mummy.”

Ava noticed Chee’s physical reach for David, but it did not surprise her. She had witnessed her daughter’s affection for David all afternoon, and it was obvious she was developing a fondness for him. It warmed Ava, but scared her at the same time. She did not want Chee becoming too attached to David. It would only make it harder when it came time to leave.

David followed Chee to the window, where they stood looking out. Chee did not let go of his hand, but he didn’t mind. The snow was falling lighter, and dusk was beginning to settle over Pikestaff Lodge.

Bart lifted Ava’s gown and removed the dressing on her hip carefully. He looked it over, wiping it gently with a damp cloth. Ava grunted in pain as it was tender to the touch, but the look on Bart’s face told her he was happy.

“It looks good,” he murmured. “No sign of infection, and very little seepage.”

“Thank God,” she whispered. “How much longer will I have to be cooped up here?”

As Bart was bent over her, he glanced quickly in the direction of David and Chee by the window. “What’s your hurry now, Ava?” he whispered. “Are you so anxious to get away from David?” It was a point of discussion Bart had wanted to broach with Ava, even before coming to Daviot. She somehow sensed it, allowing the conversation to follow its course.

She was silent for a moment, as if she wasn’t going to answer him. Then she replied, her voice so low Bart had to lean closer to hear her. “This little reunion hasn’t changed anything. I still have to do what I have to do. Did you think a few days in David’s company would change my mind?”

“Not exactly,” Bart admitted.

“Besides, even if I did change my mind, it wouldn’t magically erase the fact I’m wanted by the police.”

“True.”

“Nothing has really changed, Bart,” she said softly as he changed her bandage. “It will never be different as long as conditions exist as they are. And I don’t see it transforming for the better any time soon.”

“I’ve no time to get into your politics, Ava,” he said as he drew down her gown. “I’m not sure if I even understand what drives you, but I appreciate the time you’ve given David with Chee, even if she doesn’t know who he really is. David will never forget what you have given him, however briefly.”

“It’s better this way,” she insisted, keeping her voice low. “Trust me. Our lives are so different, and mine is definitely complicated.”

“It’s a life of your own making,” Bart muttered, avoiding her eyes. Then he continued flatly: “I’ll leave the three of you.”

“Thank you,” Ava replied gratefully.

To David and Chee, Bart said: “The wound looks good. Visit for a while, but don’t keep Ava up too long. She needs her rest.”

David and Chee returned to the foot of the bed as Bart left the room. Ava smiled from her pillows. “Visit for a bit, won’t you?”

Chee needed no further encouragement. She sat on the bed next to Ava. David took the chair next to the bed. He faced Ava, crossing his legs at the ankle in front of him.

“How long can we stay here, Mummy?” Chee asked. “I know you said through the Christmas holidays and New Year, but can’t we stay longer?”

Ava looked over at her daughter, the back of her head resting on the pillows. “I’m afraid not, love,” she stated, her voice soft but firm. “You need to go back to school, David has his work, and you know my schedule.”

Chee’s face fell. “Can we ever come back?”

“Maybe someday.”

“Just say the word,” David spoke up. “If ever you want to holiday at Pikestaff, or just spend a weekend, let me know. The place is deserted most of the year.”

“That would be fun,” Chee enthused. “Like in the summer, or even over Easter.” She looked at Ava. “Can we Mummy? Maybe David could come, too?”

“We’ll see,” Ava said, not willing to commit herself.

Chee sighed, looking down at her hands. She rested them on the bedcovers, smoothing down the rumples with one finger. After a few minutes of silence, she suddenly looked at David and asked: “What do you do for work, David? I mean, what’s your job in England?”

He was startled but recovered quickly. “I’m on the committee for the Museum of London,” he answered her. “I organize fundraisers and charity events to entice people to donate money to the museum. It’s to help with the upkeep of the place, and to acquire new art.”

Chee’s eyes widened. “Wow. That sounds fun. What do you do at the fundraisers?”

“We host dinners, receptions and cocktail parties. People pay large sums of money to attend, and the money raised goes back into the museum.”

Chee laughed. “That’s a funny way of doing things, if I may say so.”

“Oh? How?”

“Well, you have to buy the food for the dinners, right?” Chee asked, her eyes lively and twinkling.

“Yes.”

“Why not save the expense and just ask people outright for their money?” Chee wanted to know, realizing her logic was sensible.

David smiled. “I wish it was that simple. Human nature works a bit differently, Chee. People want to feel like they’re getting something for their money, for the most part, especially those who have a lot of it. So we put together the expensive-plate dinners, which draws folks in droves.” He saw Chee’s incredulous expression, so he continued: “The dinners are a small part of the whole process. Some restaurants donate their services and food for a bit of free advertising, so it all works out to benefit the museum in the long run.”

“Oh, that makes sense then,” Chee said, relieved. “I’ve wanted to join this group by the abbey that raises funds for homeless animals, but Sophie won’t let me. They wash people’s cars for two pounds. The money goes to the local shelter for abandoned or lost animals. Sophie says I have too much schoolwork, so I shouldn’t even consider the idea.”

Ava was quiet, listening to her daughter. She knew about Chee’s desire to join the group in Kylemore, but the reasons Sophie had given her for not joining weren’t completely true. Ava simply did not want Chee to become involved with clubs organized by other children. It was fact adults usually monitored the events, which might lead to awkward inquiries about Chee’s “mother,” such as her whereabouts. Ava did not want Chee to field uncomfortable questions. As careful as she was, one unguarded comment might cause problems and prompt other parents to dig deeper for answers. It simply could not be risked.

Chee yawned but tried to cover her mouth before Ava could see.

“You need to go to bed, love,” Ava said predictably, while Chee groaned in protest. “I have to get some sleep, too. It’s been a long day. Come on, give us a kiss good night.”

Chee leaned over and kissed her mother on the cheek. Ava reached for her hand. “It’s been a wonderful day, hasn’t it?” she asked her daughter. “I want to thank you again for the lovely present you gave me. It’s quite priceless, and I will treasure it always.”

“I’m so glad you like it,” Chee told her mother. “I wanted to give you something that would always remind you of me, and the history of our country.”

To herself, Ava thought: “As if I could ever forget our history. It’s why our lives are in such turmoil.” But out loud, she said: “I’ll never forget, Chee, I promise.”

Chee kissed her mother once more, and jumped off the bed lightly. She went over to David and curtsied in front of him mischievously. “Good night, David. Did I dip properly?”

He laughed, taking her hand. “Indeed you did.” Impulsively, he leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “Sweet dreams, Shenachie Egan.”

Chee hugged him quickly, and then fled from the room.

Ava laughed. “She’s embarrassed that she hugged you. Children are amazing, aye?”

He turned to face Ava, the smile gone from his face. She could see his eyes were damp with unshed tears and it stunned her. He was truly touched by Chee.

                David and Ava were finally alone, and he was not about to let time slip through his fingers again.