He opened his hand revealing the tiny little bug. “Make a wish.”
Elena’s smile stretched across her face as she watched the yellow light flicker and sputter in Gabriel’s hand. Ever so carefully, Gabriel slipped the bug into Elena’s open palms.
“Did ye wish?” he asked.
“Aye,” she answered.
“Then set it free. That’s the only way yer wish will come true.”
Elena blew softly releasing the bug.
Gabriel blinked as the vision continued to burn in his mind. “Every wish ye’ve ever wanted, I’ll grant ye, all ye have to do is ask.”
* * *
Sunlight poured in through the sliver of the curtains sending a beam of light directly toward Gabriel. His eyes fluttered as the sleep drifted off him. Stretching, he looked about his room. Rising, he stretched to ease the slumber from his bones as his mind drifted directly to Elena. Today would be the first full day in her new home and while he wanted her to enjoy every moment of it, he couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take before she came to him.
Moving to the fireplace, he tossed another log on the dying embers. The rapping of knuckles on his door caused his heart to flutter.
Could it be?
Rushing to the door, he let his hope get the better of him. Pulling the door open, his shoulders dropped. “Jacob.”
“Good day, M’Laird, slept well? I didnae expect ye up so soon,” Jacob said as he stood in the doorway.
Gabriel’s dreams were restless and filled with Elena as they usually were. “What news do ye have for me?”
“The Lady remains asleep still,” Jacob answered.
“Aye, suppose she would be. New bed, new home. But I’m certain she’ll grow accustomed to it soon enough,” Gabriel said as he realized he wouldn’t be able to keep his distance from her knowing she was in the next room.
“Make ready my horse,” Gabriel said. “I’ll be out today.”
“And if Elena asks where it is ye’ve gone?” Jacob’s eyebrow rose as Gabriel’s mind continued to drift back to Elena. He knew if he laid eyes on her, he’d succumb to temptation.
“Tell her I’ve neglected the lower fields and the ones to the west and needed to see if we can begin planting for next year’s harvest.”
“Of course,” Jacob said, bowing. Gabriel closed the door and made himself ready. As he exited his room, he caught Elena at her door as well. The moment his eyes fell on her, his body tightened. He knew he could love her a for lifetime and still have it not be enough time with her. She looked elegant and radiant with her hair piled on top of her head.
Before she could say a word, Gabriel dropped his eyes and rushed to the steps, practically running down them to avoid her. He didn’t dare look back at her. Making a beeline for the door, he swore he heard a gasp slip from her lips. Outside, his horse was prepared and while he wished he could stay, he knew it would be best for him to leave.
Mounting his steed, he shoved off. The cool morning air caressed his skin as the sun drifted through the clouds and mist. The glen was always a magical place for him. It was the place he fell in love with her. Every time he rode through, he couldn’t help thinking of her. Passing by a twisted and perverted tree, manipulated by the weather with its branches unsnarled, Gabriel stopped. He slipped off the horse and drew it to the tree.
His chest tightened as he ran his fingertips over the bark. Closing his eyes, he let the memory engulf him.
“Right here,” he said, patting the tree. “I swear to love nay one else.”
“And what if our lives take different paths? What then?” Elena asked.
“I will ensure that your path will always cross mine,” he said as he slipped down beside her to rest on the mossy boulder at the tree’s base.
“Ye shouldnae make promises ye cannae keep,” she said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Gabriel drew his dirk from his belt and ran the blade across the palm of his hand. He rose and pressed his bloody palm to the trunk.
“As long as this tree remains, so will my love for ye, Elena. That is my oath to ye.”
Elena rose to her feet and shook her head. Her lips pursed into a tight line as she ripped a piece of her dress to bind his wound. “Daenae be foolish. Ye cannae make such promises to me.”
Gabriel reached for her and crushed his lips to hers. He felt her body swoon into him as their mouths collided. Slowly pulling away, Gabriel cupped his hand to mold her face. Ever so gently, he rubbed his thumb over her cheek while holding her gaze.