Chapter Thirty-Eight

Back in the dressing room of the Matchmaker Café, Irene took her time changing from the thirteenth-century gown to her twenty-first-century clothes. Their return to the twenty-first century was anti-climactic. All they had to do was walk through a door. There was a little discomfort. A flash of light, blinding cold, and, of course, mist, but all she kept thinking the whole time was that she didn’t want to leave.

Irene draped the gown over her arm. It was heavy, inhibited movement, and was impractical, but it represented the new awareness she’d learned about herself and those she loved. No one was perfect, and that was okay. She’d spent her life on the fast track, moving from one perceived crisis to the next. There was an old cliché that advised people to “take time to smell the roses.” She hadn’t known there were roses to smell. The enchantment of Stirling Castle had forced her to slow down and examine her life.

She touched her mother’s locket and whispered her gratitude. She felt as though a weight had been lifted from her heart, allowing the sunshine to rush in.

From across the room, Lady Roselyn smiled in her direction. She finished talking with Julia and crossed toward Irene. Lady Roselyn had also changed into modern clothes, but she still managed to look regal. “It’s hard to let go,” she said when she reached Irene.

“I’m sure you hear that often.”

Lady Roselyn’s mouth pulled into a thin smile as she accepted Irene’s gown. “Not often enough. Some people are not ready to accept love. Some, like Julia, and Grant, need a nudge to recognize their friendship has bloomed into something more. The most difficult to reach are those who either have unrealistic expectations or who don’t feel they are worthy of a great love. My sisters and I welcome the challenges that come our way. Matchmaking is our calling, and we believe there is a match for everyone.” She draped Irene’s gown over the arm of a chair nestled beside a table, and reached for something on the seat. “You are one of those who will take the spirit of this place with you always. We have a gift for you.” Lady Roselyn produced a large box, wrapped in plaid paper and decorated with snowflakes cut out of silver foil. Inside was a Christmas mug, a canister of hot cocoa, and a container of chocolate sprinkles. “So you’ll never forget us. Now, off with you. You have a man waiting.”

****

Outside Stirling Castle, Christmas bells chimed in the distance. Along the curb was a bank of taxicabs. They stood in rows like polished black domino pieces, all shiny and new. The storm had passed, and the sky was clear and studded with stars. The light reflected off the snow as though it were coated with the dust from thousands of diamonds.

Participants from the matchmaker tour were headed toward the taxis. The men who’d caused so much trouble were being escorted to a police car. Irene knew they’d been given two choices. One, an overnight stay in the local jail, or two, try to explain where they’d really been and risk a permanent stay in padded cells.

Julia, holding hands with Grant, waved to Irene and blew her a kiss goodbye before climbing into a taxi.

Members from the other tour began filing out of the café, as well. The family made up of the mother, son, and father who’d been so obsessed with their cell phones before the tour, now walked together hand in hand. The tour leader’s group followed closely behind him like ducklings waddling after their mother. They were talking over the top of each other in their excitement to share their experiences. Many were holding hands, a few had their arms entwined, and in between the chattering laughter and smiles they paused to kiss their partners or hug their children. They may not have shared the matchmaker tour experience, but the sisters were right: Stirling Castle had woven its own brand of Christmas magic around all who entered.

“It’s hard to let go.”

Logan’s voice was so much a part of her that she recognized it at once. She put her tote bag containing her mother’s diary over her shoulder and slipped her hand in his. “I don’t want to leave either.”

He drew her into a warm kiss and whispered, “We’ll be back for our honeymoon. I didn’t think I’d ever find what my parents have. I was actually resigned. Then I met you.”

Her heart filled with joy, and somewhere she heard bells ringing. “I feel exactly the same.”

Still holding her hand, he hailed a taxi. “There’s William. He’s right on time.”

Hands intertwined, they headed toward the last remaining cab. As they drew nearer, she wondered if she should bring up his parents. To no one’s surprise, Ann and Sean had asked the sisters if they could remain in the enchanted time of Stirling Castle. The sisters had said yes. But what must Logan be feeling?

He paused a few feet from the taxi. “You can ask.”

“How did you know…?” When he smiled in response, she said, “Your parents looked very happy.”

His expression seemed lit by an inner peace as he smiled. “They are the happiest I’ve seen them in a long time. They’re like teenagers experiencing their first love, only knowing it’s more than a crush: it’s the forever-after kind. My parents are exactly where they want to be…and so am I.”

The door to the taxi opened, and out popped the jolly driver who’d driven Irene to the castle. So much had happened that it felt as though days had passed instead of hours.

“You’re right on time, William,” Logan said.

William tipped his hat and winked at Irene. “I see the matchmaker tour worked out after all.” Not waiting for an answer, William opened the passenger door. “Where would you two like to go?”

“Surprise us.”