He mentally kicked himself for being so close-mouthed. Surely, he must have mentioned something about his plans.
“Well?” she prodded. “Knowing how you always plan everything, I can’t imagine you coming back to Innisbraw without knowing what you’ll do once we get here.”
“In other words, I haven’t talked when I should have?” He wound a piece of her hair around his finger.
“If there’s owt to say.”
“You’re certain I haven’t told you? No’ a single word?”
She shook her head.
He placed his empty mug on the bench. “Sorry about that. I’ve been on my own so many years I forget I have someone to share things with.” He rubbed his cheek against hers and took a deep breath. “This is all up in the air right now because there are so many unknowns, but when we come back, I’d like to build Innisbraw a rescue boat and start a rescue service, then open a boat-building business.”
She gazed at him, eyes wide. “You’ve been planning all of this and you’ve never shared it with me?”
Och, he was in trouble now. “That’s why I radioed your faither. Asked him to bring me books, lots of books on boatbuilding. I do remember telling you I like to build things.”
“You mentioned it once.”
“Only once?”
“Once.”
Deep trouble. He’d better start explaining or he’d soon be in it over his head. “I helped build the orphanage director’s house the year I graduated from high school. His lad had a lumber mill and taught me a lot. Learned how to raise walls, frame and sash windows, install plumbing, and shingle a roof. Even made some furniture.”
“My Air Forces group commander made furniture?”
“Nothing fancy, only tables and such.” His stomach cramped at her intense stare. “It’ll be a lot of work, doing things I’ve never done before, and you’re going to have to help me plan our home someday.”
She chewed on her lower lip. “I should be angry,” she said, voice so low he strained to hear. “But I’ve known for months how hard it is for you to share your thoughts.”
Her smile made him giddy with relief.
“Your idea sounds wonderful. Think of all the souls that could be saved, no’ to mention the lads you could bring back to Innisbraw to help build the boats.” She grabbed him, her kiss so exuberant his blood raced fast as a P-47 fighter coming out of a loop.
***
The days passed too quickly. Rob tried using a pair of crutches from the infirmary storeroom but his first attempt proved disappointing. Even with the crutches extended as far as they would go, they were a poor fit.
“I’ll contact Faither and ask him to send longer ones.”
“If they make them. This is ridiculous. I’m only a bit over six-five, no’ seven feet tall.”
“You have to remember to use each leg like you would in walking. Don’t swing both legs together.” Maggie stared into the distance. “Mebbe twa walking sticks would be better.”
“If they make them long enough.”
She burst into tears.
He’d expected a wee smile, not tears.
“What did I say, Maggie? I wasn’t making light of your suggestion. Sounds guid to me.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I just hate to see owt hold you back.”
He hobbled over to a chair, dropped the crutches on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “’Tis you going away from me these past days. Can you tell me what has you in a fash?”
“I ... I can’t say it.”
He buried his face in her hair. No time to be at a loss for words. “It’s almost time for you to report and I’m no’ fit for duty.”
She nodded.
He kissed her cheeks and forehead. “Och, lass, you break my heart with your tears. Do you think I’m looking forward to ...” His voice faltered. “To seeing you sail off without me?”
Give me the words, Faither. I’m at a loss to say what I feel.
The knot of anxiety strangling his throat dissolved as quickly as a snowflake on a bairn’s tongue. “It won’t be long. If I keep working hard—and you know I will—it’ll only be a few weeks at most before I catch you up in London.”
She rested her cheek against his chest. “It hurts so badly to see how hard you’ve worked, how far you’ve come, and know I won’t be here to see you take your first steps on your own.”
“You may no’ be here to see it, but you’ll know when I do.” He propped a finger beneath her chin and raised her face, his kiss gentle. “’Twill be your luve inside me holding me up.”
“Och, Rob, I’m going to miss you so much sometimes I can’t breathe just thinking about it.”
“I feel the same way. But we’re twa of the lucky ones. We’re no’ facing months or even years of separation like so many.”
“But every day away from you will seem like a month.”
“It will that, but we’ll get through this as long as you don’t close me out now.” He parted her hair and kissed her neck. “You’re mine, Maggie, and nowt will ever change that. You’re part of my soul.”
He slept poorly that night. He’d been selfish, thinking only of how he would feel when she left. It was time to pray for the Lord to ease her pain.
***
John sent extensions to bolt onto the crutches, enabling Rob to walk around the inside of the infirmary, exploring places he’d never seen: X-ray, pharmacy, operating and examining rooms. “I had no idea this place was so complete. John has a verra nice infirmary set up here.”
“That’s why I’ve been able to treat minor wounds and illnesses, though I’ve been verra careful no’ to bring in anybody with an infectious disease.”
“Always watching out for me, my Maggie.” Rob’s gaze swept the operating room. “Do you really think John will give up all he has and come back here to open the infirmary?”
“Perhaps, but he’s put it off so long, I’m no longer certain he’ll ever retire.”
“Someday, I’m hoping there will be enough folk here to bring in a grocery store.”
“That would be wonderful. Our folk get so tired of having to send to Oban for everything they can’t grow or make themselves.”
He led the way into the large foyer. “Why don’t we have a fire in the fireplace the night and sit together on the couch?”
“That would be grand if you can get up when the time comes.”
Maggie put the record on the radiogram and they sat close together, as the nostalgic words to Vera Lynn’s songs renewed their hopes for the future.
***
Maggie was excited about something, but refused to tell Rob. Only that Angus would be bringing him something after breakfast.
The crofter arrived as they were having tea and coffee on the entry. He waved at Maggie and made a circle with his index finger and thumb.
“Guid, he’s got it,” she said to Rob. “Sit here and close your eyes. Promise no’ to peek.”
He closed his eyes, heard the cart drive off. A few moments later, hot air tingled his hand and a whimper sounded.
“You can open your eyes now.”
A plump, furry pup, long tail wagging wildly, stared up into his face, pale blue eyes begging for attention.
“This is Shep. He’s your new friend to keep you company on your walks when I’m gone.”
He picked up the wiggling pup and buried his face in the soft fur, tears filling his eyes when the soft tongue slavered his chin. “Shep.” He ran his fingers through the pup’s soft coat. “Och, lass, how did you know my first Shep was an Australian shepherd?”
“I didn’t, but I’m delighted to hear it.”
“I’ve no’ seen a sheep dog like him on Innisbraw. They’ve all been black and white.”
“Those are border collies. Angus used to breed them, but he bought two Australian shepherds from a man in Oban several years ago and breeds them exclusively now. He had a new litter and this wee lad needed a home. Unlike his littermates who all had
bobbed tails, he was whelped with a long tail and in order to get a decent price, Angus would have to dock it. Shep’s too fine a dog for that.”
“My first Shep had a long tail, too.” Rob held the pup close, chuckling when its tongue covered his face with wet licks, leaving behind the warm scent of milky innocence. “’Tis the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“I’m glad you like him. He certainly likes you.”
***
Rob worked the crutches hard, practicing going up and down the steps of the entry, Maggie next to him in case he faltered. After a few attempts he managed them alone. By Thursday, he was confident he could go almost anywhere without falling.
That afternoon, he waited, Shep at his side, while Angus drove Maggie around the island so she could say good-bye to all her friends. When she returned, face streaked with dried tears, he held her in his arms, whispering words of comfort.
CHAPTER 41
John arrived at 1700 on Friday evening. Maggie went down to the dock to meet him while Rob waited on the entry.
In thirteen hours, Maggie would sail away on the Sea Rouk. He stared, unseeing, out at the sea, unable to imagine surviving without her innate sweetness, her warmth, and her gentle encouragement when pains shot down the sides of his legs from all the walking. His heart felt leaden, bones hollow. Without Maggie, there could be no joy, no laughter, no true meaning to life.
Shep leaned against his leg and whined.
He reached for the pup and buried his face in the soft blue-merle coat. “Och, Faither, help me make this easier for her.”
John and Maggie were both subdued when they arrived, though the doctor praised Rob as he watched him maneuver on the crutches. The books he had requested were on Malcolm’s boat and would be delivered to the infirmary later that night.
When John patted Shep and congratulated Maggie on her choice, she didn’t reply. Her blue eyes were dark as the sea at gloaming.
They ate a somber supper. Rob picked at his food, but Maggie didn’t chide. She ate little. John retired to the cottage immediately after Maggie finished washing the dishes.
Rob pulled her outside to the bench and took her into his lap. “We have the night,” he whispered. “Let’s make the most of it.”
***
Maggie looked into his eyes, her heart echoing the grief in his hazel eyes. How could she leave him? How could she live without his strong arms around her, his deep voice speaking to her soul? This was the man God prepared for her. Her thoughts tumbled as joy battled sorrow. She traced the dimples beside his lips with her fingertip, tears blurring her sight.
He laced his fingers through hers. “We have memories to make,” he said, voice thick. “Memories to carry us through the lonely nights. Help me make them, please.”
She closed her eyes and raised her lips.
Their kiss tender, then urgent as they sought to savor every second, every minute of their last night together. They clung so closely together, their heartbeats blended into one.
“I luve you, my Maggie. I luve you as I’ll always luve you, completely and forever.”
“Och, Rob.” She choked up. “You’re my reason for living, for breathing. If I luved you any more, I’d surely die from the joy of it.”
“Let’s sit on the sofa the night. I want to hold you and feel your body against mine. I want to kiss your lips and your throat. I want to taste you ’til there is no other taste in my mouth but your sweetness.”
“But ’twill hurt your back, sitting so long.”
“I’ve spent the past three months sitting.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “But I’m afraid you’ll have to help me to my feet. My knees are so weak, I’ll never make it on my own.”
She tried to smile. Couldn’t. “Then, who’s to help me? My knees are no stronger than yours.”
They struggled to their feet. He caught her hand and rested it on his before taking up the other crutch. “There’s no reason to change into our night-clothes, but unpin your hair, please.”
She brushed her lips across his. “I’ll hurry.”
He ordered Shep to lie down on the rug, added peat to the fireplace, pulled back the black-out curtains, and opened the window, before sitting on the sofa, staring into the glowing fire.
The ambient light from the evening sky poured into the room, softening corners, casting delicate shadows across the walls as she glided into the room. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her back, tendrils flittering in the breeze from the open window. She sat beside him, cuddling close.
***
He pulled the knitted blanket over her, burying his face in the hollow of her throat. “Tell me the Selkie tale again, please. I need to hear all they went through, but especially the guid ending.”
She laced her fingers through his. “There once was a verra beautiful seal, who lived in the deep sea.” Her tears dripped onto his face when she reached the last sentence. “So, the Selkie and her crofter were merrit, had many bairns, and lived on their wee island in the sea, forever and ever and ever.”
“Forever and ever and ever,” he whispered. “That’s what I needed to hear.”
They didn’t sleep. They kissed, embraced, and talked about all they would do together once the war was over. There were long silences when they expressed their love only with their eyes.
When dawn swept the shadows into corners, he said, “I’m going down to the dock to see you off. I’ve already asked Flora to have Angus pick us up.”
“The pier and dock are rough with spaces between the boards. Are you certain you should?”
“I have to be there.” He nuzzled her chin. “To remind you this is where we’ll make our home together.”
“I’ll get ready and start your coffee while you shave and dress.”
His hands shook as he buttoned his uniform shirt and fastened his tie. He propped his feet on a chair and pulled on his khaki socks and dress boots before straightening the lapels of his blouse. “Come, Shep.”
When he entered the kitchen, Maggie set the coffee pot on the stove, uniform in perfect order, hair in a proper bun. She looked at him, eyes widening in surprise. “Why are you wearing your uniform?”
“To remind you what I’ll look like when we meet again. Either here or London, look for the American colonel with the biggest grin you’ve ever seen.”
Her smile lasted only until tears flooded her eyes. “As if I could ever forget.” She put Shep’s breakfast bowl on the floor before slipping into Rob’s embrace.
Steps sounded from the hall. John appeared in the doorway, face bleak. “I was going to make tea.”
“The water’s on,” Maggie said.
“Angus will take us down to the dock,” Rob said. “He’ll be here at 0540.”
“I’ve things to do in my office. Call me out when the tea’s steeped, will you, lass?”
The coffee perked. She moved it to a cooler spot on the stove.
They ignored the teakettle’s whistle until the water boiled over and sizzled on the hot stovetop.
Her smile looked strained as she poured the boiling water into the teapot. “It will have to steep a while.” She raised her lips to his.
The coffee was strong and tea even stronger when they remembered it. She poured a cup of tea and a mug of coffee. He didn’t want the coffee, but sipped it while she went to the office to fetch her father.
John entered the kitchen, head ducked in apology. “I heard Angus arrive as I was coming through the hall.”
Time passed too quickly. Rob closed his eyes took a deep breath. “Bags all packed?”
“I did it yesterday while you were having your wash-up.”
John took several sips before putting his cup in the jaw box. “We don’t want to keep Angus waiting.”
Rob fought to control his trembling voice. “If you’ll fetch Maggie’s bags from her room, we’ll go oot to the cairt. We’ll take Shep. He hasn’t been oot yet.”
***
John sat on the f
ront bench with Angus. Rob and Maggie rode in the back, their hands laced together, Shep curled into a ball at Rob’s side.
“Write to me,” Maggie said, “every day. Your letters needn’t be long. Just tell me what you’re doing, of your progress, please.”
“I will, every day. And you, also. I want to know every thought that passes through your bonnie head.”
“I’ll write. Every day.”
They neared Elspeth’s cottage. She stood on her entry, hand raised. “Godspeed,” she called.
Maggie blew her a kiss and waved.
Time flew.
When they reached the pier, Angus unloaded Maggie’s bags. She buttoned her cape against the early morning chill and climbed down. Rob lowered his crutches and slid from the cart.
“I’ll take your bags, lass,” John said. He lifted Shep to the ground before grabbing both bags and striding off.
Rob clasped her hand. “Only our bodies will be apart. Nowt can ever separate our hearts.”
Her eyes brimmed with tears. “Only our bodies,” she whispered.
They made their way up the pier to the dock where Malcolm and John waited.
Malcolm clapped Rob on the shoulder. “Coming along well, I see.”
“Aye. Just no’ well enough.”
“Find a way to let us know when you arrive in London.” John hugged Maggie. “Telephone my office if you have to, and they’ll radio us you’re there.”
She kissed his cheek. “I will, Faither.”
“I’ll be on the path with Angus, lad.”
Rob stroked Maggie’s cheek. “Take care. Always go to the nearest bomb shelter the minute the siren sounds.”
Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she threw herself into his arms. He clasped her against his chest, fighting for breath. His kiss was fierce, body shaking. When she stepped away, he almost fell over. He had to pull himself together for her sake. He squeezed her hand. “Only a few weeks, Maggie, we can do it.”
“We can do it.” A sob escaped her. She walked up the boarding plank, stepped aboard the Sea Rouk, and turned, tears streaming.
He stepped forward, swallowing his tears, and raised his hand. “Remember, only a ... a few weeks.”
She nodded.
Sim cast off the lines. Malcolm pulled in the plank. A moment later, the engine coughed and throbbed to life.
The boat pulled away.
Maggie stood like a statue, arm high.