Liam sunk slowly to the grass, guiding Erin's limp body with him, laying her cradled across his lap. Gently he brushed some stray tendrils of golden honey hair from her face, letting it cascade behind her. Ashlynn knelt down next to him with tears glistening in her eyes.

"What's wrong with her?" Ashlynn asked him with tear streaked cheeks and fear swirling in ocean blue orbs.

"She'll be fine, lass," he answered softly. "Connor, take Ashlynn and get some water, please." Connor nodded, gently clasping Ashlynn by the hand and hurried off back toward the keep.

Kennedy had been heading over once he saw Erin speaking with Liam. Breaking into a sprint the rest of the way, Kennedy saw her faint. He boiled with jealousy at the sight of Erin in Liam's arms.

He gets everything!

"I'll take her back to the keep, Liam. She needs to rest more," Kennedy offered. He needed to get her away from Liam.

"No need, Kennedy. Go see to the men's training. I'll stay here." The tone in Liam's response left no room for further arguing. Kennedy stormed off muttering curses under his breath that Liam didn't hear.

Liam stared at Erin's peaceful face. He noticed the freckles across her nose, her subtle breathing, dark, thick eyelashes fanned out from her closed eyes. She was stubborn and feisty but he was entranced. No one dared to so boldly challenge him except for...

No! Stop!

Gently and slowly he stroked a wavy tendril of hair that lay cascading behind her. He had never seen hair that color before, like roasted chestnuts sparkling gold under the sun's rays. So many tones of honey, gold and even copper. It was so silky yet thick.

Connor and Ashlynn came running up with two waterskins. Quickly Connor handed one to Liam.

"Hold this one, Father, for her to drink from once she wakes," Connor instructed with confidence. Liam nodded at his son, smiling softly in pride at the maturing leadership Connor showed. It quickly turned to shock, however, when Connor poured some water directly onto Erin's face causing her to immediately wake up and cough. Liam tightened his hold to steady her, raising Erin to a sitting up position.

Erin coughed and sputtered for a moment as Ashlynn cheered. "Yay, Mommy! You're awake now! Great job!"

Nothing could have stopped the smirk and chuckle at her daughter's cheers. It was then that Erin realized she was in Liam's tight embrace with an open hand resting on his very firm, toned chest.

Oh my...

Her cheerful smile faded quickly, cheeks blushing fiercely as hazel eyes went wide. Liam tried unsuccessfully to hide a smirk at her expression. Connor lamely attempted to hide his laugh with a cough. Erin narrowed her eyes into a stern glare aimed at Liam yet neither of them moved.

"Is it a tradition in 15th century Ireland to openly embrace a woman in public or merely a habit unique to you?" Erin quipped, quirking a sassy eyebrow. Trying to squirm out of Liam's arms, she failed because his hold tightened. She exhaled in frustration, lips pressing to a thin line.

Liam grinned at her as he answered, "Only when they willingly fall into my arms, lass." He chuckled then added, "You fainted and it was either catch you or let you fall and bonk your head again. The latter was not an option."

His large hands slid down the curve of her side to her waist, steadying her before Liam stood assisting Erin to rise as well. Their eyes locked, hazel onto forest green ceasing and fading out everything around them. Liam's hands lingered on her waist, Erin's flattened hands resting on his biceps.

Liam had never seen such vibrant eyes. Golden brown swirled with grass green. Erin silently had mutual feelings observing his jade green ones speckled with gold on one iris. Erin couldn't help but notice Liam's handsome features. Strong, stubble covered jaw veiled by a beard, broad shoulders, muscular build and those eyes. Unexpectedly, she even found herself wanting very much to run her fingers through his dark, ginger locks curious if they were as silky as they appeared but they were restricted into a short ponytail. It seemed as if time stood still yet it was only a few seconds as the sparks flew between them.

Connor's eyes flicked back and forth between the two adults, a smirk steadily spreading across his lips. The chemistry was noticeably palpable and amusing even for Connor. He knew his father had deeply loved his mother but had watched Liam brood for most of his young life. Connor wanted more than anything for his father to be happy again like when he was a child. Ashlynn had scampered a few yards away to chase a butterfly, unaware of what was happening between her mom and Liam in this moment.

This will be fun, Connor thought to himself.

"Well, in that case..." Erin blinked, releasing her hold to straighten her dress. "Thank you."

"Your welcome," Liam replied after clearing his throat, reluctantly letting her go. "Now, before you fainted, we were discussing getting you home which...seems like quite the dilemma."

"Yes..." Erin replied quietly, her voice trailing off as her fingers went again to play with her necklace. It was a habit when she was nervous. "I'm afraid if I try to explain my suspicion, you will think I'm crazy."

"I promise to listen, lass," Liam assured her sincerely.

Erin sighed before replying slowly, "I...think somehow...we must have travelled...back in time." Liam blinked but didn't interrupt. "We are from the year 2018... Katherine told me we are currently in 1458..."

"How could that possibly happen?" Liam inquired, genuinely curious. This woman didn't seem crazy.

"I honestly have no idea! It's not like I have a Delorean..."

"A...what?" Now Liam was beginning to reconsider and think she was crazy but tried to hide the judgement.

"Nothing," Erin shook her head but she brightened as she had an epiphany. "I can prove it, though! Maybe...if my purse or teacher bag came with us! Where did you find us?"

"I'll go get Kennedy or Aedan, Father. They were part of the group that found Ashlynn," Connor offered.

"Get Aedan," Liam directed. "Kennedy is leading the training. Bring one more horse when you return."

Connor nodded and hurried toward the keep.

With Ashlynn now picking flowers, Erin and Liam fell into a comfortable silence as they both observed the happy girl. Liam couldn't help but glance at Erin, though. What he saw made him genuinely smile. She was grinning, absolutely glowing in pride as she watched her daughter. It warmed his heart because it was the same look of love and tenderness Kyla gave Connor and Orla. Erin fascinated him. He wanted, needed, to know more about her.

"So..." he started, suddenly feeling awkward and shy like a young boy. "Do you...have any family?"

Erin glance at him as she answered, "Just my mom. Otherwise, it's just Ashlynn and I."

Both eyebrows raised in brief shock. "Are you not married?" He flushed at his boldness but it was not a frequent occurrence for a woman to be a mother and be without a husband, unless met with a tragedy.

"Not anymore," she answered in confidence, no remorse or signs of grief but perhaps a tinge of bitterness. This puzzled Liam and pushed him to inquire further.

"Did he pass, Erin? Why are you without a husband?" He caught himself, afraid she would think him rude. "My apologies, I just..."

"No need for apologies, Liam," she turned toward him, gently placing her hand on his arm. "He is alive and well, unfortunately," she smirked as she answered but noted by Liam's furrowed brow that he did not understand her sarcasm. Right... this is a different time period. Divorce was a very uncommon thing. "Our marriage is dissolved. I divorced him several years ago after leaving with Ashlynn when she was a baby. She hasn't seen him in over four years."

Liam's mouth dropped open in shock. He had heard of this divorce phenomenon but only through rumors. To be raising a child alone, no matter the circumstances, was an honorable thing.

"You are a strong woman, Erin," he spoke softly to her, gaze returning to a giggling Ashlynn.

"I have to be, Liam," she replied in matched softness. "For her."

Erin's eyes went back toward Ashlynn who was back to giggling, persistently chasing another butterfly or perhaps the same one. Liam's attraction to this woman morphed into respect.

Changing the subject and returning the inquiries back to him, Erin asked lightly, "Where is your wife? I haven't met her. I'd like to meet the Lady of the house."

He had to be plainly honest with her as she had been with him. "My wife..." the words jammed in his throat. Erin turned back to him, her eyes giving a look of concern sensing what he was trying to say. "She passed from this world in childbirth," he finished softly, almost a whisper.

"Liam, I-" Erin began, stepping closer to him and reaching out but the sound of hooves interrupted their conversation. Connor and Aedan approached with a third horse already saddled for their next adventure. Ashlynn skipped back toward the conversing adults slipping her hand into Erin's.

Connor offered the reins of the third horsed to Liam from atop Char before turning toward Ashlynn. "Ready to get up?" Ashlynn grinned. She scurried over to him, lifting her arms so Connor could hoist her up, easily setting her in front of him on the saddle.

Erin looked puzzled at the remaining two men, her eyes noticing only two horses. "Do I not get a horse?"

Liam rubbed and patted his horse's neck as he replied, "I only asked for one assuming you'd be alright riding with myself or Aedan here."

Aedan nodded, smiling at Erin. "It's wonderful seeing you up and about, miss," he smiled warmly. "My wife Colleen is excited to meet you. She's been keeping an eye on Ashlynn when she's not with Connor. Your lass has been a great help with our new bundle. We are very grateful."

Erin liked Aedan immediately, smiling up at him. "I'm excited to meet Colleen and glad to hear Ashlynn hasn't been a burden. Thank you for caring for her while I wasn't well. Thank you Connor, as well," she added, smiling at the young man who obviously enjoyed being around Ashlynn. He was a natural brother figure.

Timidly, Erin twirled her necklace, "I think...I'll ride with you, Liam, if that's alright?"

"That's fine, lass," Liam replied neutrally, turning to pat his horse while his lips curved, grinning like a fool in silent celebration.

He'd be lying if Liam declared he wasn't looking forward to this ride or not secretly hoping Erin would choose to ride with him. He mounted with impressive, swift confident elegance then reached his hand out to guide Erin up. Liam couldn't help but notice once Erin was nestled in front of him that she fit very well in that spot. Soft curves leaning against his chest, her hand on top of his around her waist, the aroma of lavender filling his nostrils. Something tugged indomitably at the ice encasing his heart again.

"Aedan, lead the way," Liam called, clicking his tongue and kicking the horse to start moving. Aedan nodded doing the same, Connor and Ashlynn following immediately after.

****

The adults in the small band rode in silence for awhile. Connor pointed out different species of trees and flowers to Ashlynn who listened intently. Erin couldn't help but stare in awe at the beauty around her. A small smile stretched across her face as she surveyed the passing landscape loving all the pure, fresh green.

One of Liam's arms had been laced around her waist the entire time, holding her securely but not possessively to him. Erin simply relaxed in his hold, leaning against his strong torso, heat radiating into her muscles. She could feel his breathing and heartbeat against her back. It seemed quicker than normal, yet strong and steady.

Aedan had cast a glance toward Liam several times, noting his friends body language. Not uncomfortable but nervous. There was a glimmer in his old friend's eyes that hadn't been there in quite awhile. Connor had briefly mentioned the exchange when they rode back to Liam with the horses now wildly curious to see this for himself. Ashlynn called it "having the warmies". Aedan smirked as he returned his attention back forward, realizing they were almost there.

A perfectly cool breeze blew around them from the ocean, hinting a reminder that winter was coming soon. That same breeze blew Erin's loose locks up billowing around her face, sending her scent up into Liam's nose. He breathed it in deeply and sighed. Wonderful.

"We are here, Liam," Aedan called, breaking Liam from his private reverie. They all came to a stop and dismounted. "Ashlynn made it to the road but we found Erin on the grass in that grove of trees down that hill a ways." He explained, leading the group on foot down through the tall grass. It came to Ashlynn's waists so Erin scooped up Ashlynn, placing the giggling girl on her hip.

"You made it all the way to the road to get help?" Erin asked. Ashlynn grinned with pride and nodded. "I'm so proud of you being so brave."

Erin pressed her forehead against her daughters before kissing her button nose. Ashlynn threw her arms around Erin's neck and hugged her tightly, firmly holding on as they walked. Liam, once again, was in awe of this woman and the special bond with her daughter. The ice around his heart had begun to chip away.

Finally they reached the grove of trees and Erin put Ashlynn back down in the grass. "My teacher bag is black with an apple on the front," she directed. Everyone cast their eyes down toward the ground actively scanning the area, spreading out to cover more ground.

Connor picked up a square canvas satchel and called out, "I think I found it!" The rest ran over and Erin grinned to confirm. "I am a teacher. What is your superpower?" Connor read off the bag.

Erin retrieved the bag and knelt in the soft grass while grinning at him. "Have you had to deal with 20 or more whiny, grumpy kids from 8:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon? They aren't all puppies and rainbows like Ashlynn. Even she has her grump-a-lump moments."

Ashlynn winked at Connor with a clicking of her mouth which made the three men break out into a rumble of laughter.

One item at a time, Erin emptied out her bag: gel hand sanitizer, a travel size packet of kleenex, her lesson plan book, grade book, colored pencils, crayons, gel pens, blackline master examples of future art projects, a stack of art projects held in a paper clip then finally what she was looking for.

"Ah-ha! My cell phone and iPod!" She declared triumphantly. "This is the proof I need to show that we really are from the future!"

****

Made it home safe!  I'm exhausted and still have church orchestra practice tonight...  So here is the next chapter!

Enjoy!

<3