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Arlana's eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck, wondering what her family would think. Her eyes sparkled when he winked.
"What did I miss?" Lachlan grinned, his dimpled smile teasing Arlana's heart.
Not waiting for an invitation, he sat beside Arlana. Reaching for her cup, he drank deeply from Arlana's milkshake, well aware of her blushing cheeks, the quickening of her pulse. Winking again, he entwined his fingers with hers beneath the table cloth before she pulled her hand away.
Setting down the drink he turned to Mark, "Sorry I'm late, I took a wrong turn."
"Oh no worries, we just got here ourselves. We looked everywhere for Arlana but you know how it is, no one can keep to a schedule around here," he glared at his wife.
"You know, I'm done," Sheila snapped, "I came on this trip to see my mother and that is what I am going to do. I'm just going to check into the hotel first then be on my way so don't worry, you don't have to look at me."
The situation was more than just a little awkward.
"I'll go with you," Arlana offered, but Sheila shot her down, "No, it's fine. Stay with the kids, I'll be back in a few minutes."
"She's been like this the whole trip," Amber rolled her eyes as soon as Sheila crossed the street. "I thought she would put on a show once you came, but I guess not," she spoke low for her aunt's ears only.
"Don't worry Sweetie," Arlana assured her, "I lived through it too so I know it isn't easy. There's no need to be embarrassed."
She and Lachlan shared a look, reading each other's thoughts. She was glad, at that moment, that he was there.
Sheila returned, key fobs in her hand. "
So we girls will be in one room and you guys will be in the other. They are king-sized beds in both rooms."
Josiah thanked her, "It's okay, we can rent our own rooms."
"No, no, It's our treat," Mark spoke up, "but we get up early for Bible Time." He looked directly at Josiah, "I read this little book and then the Scriptures from the King James Version and expand on it."
Josiah nodded, glancing at Arlana who leaned against Lachlan's arm, her face visibly ashen. Josiah frowned wondering if this was what Lachlan had warned him about, realizing he should have questioned Lachlan farther last night.
It had been years since she had to sit through Bible Time and now that she knew the truth, the thought was nauseating
Sheila didn't notice, "Oh here are the boys now!" she waved Arlana's brothers over. "They were able to get the afternoon off work."
She took a moment, introducing the two men at the table.
Josiah stood, shaking their hands.
Jared glared his eyes daggers.
Lachlan didn't miss a beat. Josiah had far more to worry about than him. If he was going to go through with this wedding, it was clear it would be an uphill battle. Arlana's family was making it incredibly clear Josiah wasn't a welcome addition.
"I'm Lachlan," he grinned, "It's good to finally meet you," his voice a deep, rolling lilt, "When do I get to meet your Gran?"
Sheila couldn't hide her smile, "I'm heading over there now. Would you like to come with me? I know she will just love you!"
She looked up at Lachlan who towered over her as he held out his hand for Arlana.
Arlana looked over at Josiah, ignoring Lachlan's outstretched hand. She would not humiliate her husband in front of her family.
Josiah smiled as she reached for him, ignoring her family's scowls.
If they couldn't push Arlana and Lachlan together, they'd have to get Josiah to convert. Mark fingered the worn devotional in his breast pocket, ready to prepare for tomorrow's gathering around the Bible. Josiah needed to know where he stood in this family and what he and his people had done two thousand years ago.
****
THERE WERE TOO MANY of them, so Sheila decided it was best if everyone stayed back at the hotel except for Arlana, Aziel, Amber and Lachlan. Then, realizing it would be too obvious if she showed her favouritism, she begrudgingly invited Josiah to join them. It would be interesting to see if her mother confirmed her choice of the Scotsman.
Granny was sitting outside in the yard watching the birds in the feeder when they signed in.
"Sheila!" Granny smiled holding her hand out to her daughter, then she saw Aziel and turned to him with arms wide open, "I'm holding open my arms for you Aziel!" She remembered him by name.
Aziel didn't have to be asked twice, running to her side, but hugging her gently, aware even at his age of how fragile she was.
Sheila smiled at Lachlan, motioning him forward, "Mom, I'd like you to meet Arlana's friend, Lachlan."
Granny looked past him.
"You've come back to see me," she held out her hand to Josiah.
Sheila frowned, realizing they'd already met.
"No Mom, I wanted you to meet Lachlan. He is British too. I remember you used to tell me that you are British..." She sought to find common ground between them, redirecting her elderly mother's focus.
"Aye," Lachlan pulled a chair up beside Granny. "I'm from Scotland, and you?"
"I'm British," she frowned at a distant memory, "My husband liked French women but I was British."
The memory of her husband's faithlessness still inflicted great pain.
Arlana couldn't help but realize how decisions made can inflict pain for decades. Stepping closer to her husband, slipping her hand under his arm.
Josiah noticed, but kept silent.
"Come sit close to me," Granny motioned Arlana over, laying her frail hand upon Arlana's womb. "The baby will be here soon. My grandchild?"
"Yes, Granny, your great-grandchild." Arlana held Josiah's hand, "Our baby," indicating Josiah was the father.
She was a little surprised that Granny hadn't noticed her condition on their first visit.
Granny nodded, "You'll have to bring him so I can hold him. You will won't you?"
"Of course," Josiah agreed with a tender expression in his eyes, "We'd also love to have you at our wedding," he spoke the truth.
Sheila frowned, "I don't think Mom would be able to handle going out, but I'll talk to Debbie about it. When were you planning on having it?"
They hadn't discussed a date. They hadn't discussed anything really. Josiah ran his hand through his hair. It wasn't that simple. Arlana's conversion before the birth was a priority. The wedding would have to come after when her time of uncleanliness was passed. It was too complicated to explain right now and other than Debbie and Granny, he knew his presence was less than welcome.
"Soon," he answered, but wasn't sure at all.
Sheila watched the range of emotions pass over his face coupled with his hesitation to answer the question.
"I need to discuss this with Debbie. She has full care of my mother and would know best if she can attend or not."
Granny seemed satisfied with the answer, watching a Blue Jay swoop down onto the feeder.
"I'm so happy you came," she sighed.