A Love Out of Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Love

 

Out

 

Of

 

Time

 

 

By Katie Swinford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Memory of Victoria Richards

 

and for my friend Elizabeth who got me reading scottish romances. There was a time when I was reading little else. If not for her I would likely have never come up with this idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prologue

 

Marissa Roberts woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. She hadn't gone back for six years. She placed her hands on her pregnant belly. Suddenly she heard her husband wake up beside her.

 

“Are you alright?” He asked tiredly.

 

“Yeah. Just a bad dream.” She lied.

 

“Alright. Go back to bed now alright. The pregnancy is wearing you out.” He suggested before lying down again. He was quickly asleep soon, but she stayed awake thinking about meeting her first love again.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

Seventeen Years Later

 

Catherine Roberts was zoning out again in Chemistry. Her pen in one hand and the other propping her head up.

 

“Miss Roberts what is the answer?” Mrs. Richardson, the chemistry teacher, asked. Catherine looked up at the board feeling quite bored herself.

 

“25 Grams of HCl?” She guessed. The teacher nodded. Then the bell rand and they were out for the day, and for spring break. She was excited. She was going to Scotland for a week. Her mother had begged her father for as far back as she could remember to go there. They would even be staying in an old keep of a scottish warlord.

 

“Hey Cat you want a ride home?” Her best guys friend Nicolas (Nick) asked walking up to her.

 

“Sure. Meet you at the car?” She asked.

 

“Yeah. Elizabeth and I wanted to snatch you for a few minutes before you leave.” He said. She loved her two best friends. Surprisingly the relationship between the three of them hadn't changed when Nick and Elizabeth had started dating. Five minutes later she was in the back of Nick's convertible driving home. When they pulled into her driveway they threw a little box at her.

 

“Open it.” Elizabeth said with a smile. When she did she found a memory card and a bracelet.

 

“We knew you'd need another for all your pictures.” Nick said.

 

“I put the beads on new elastic.” Elizabeth said as Catherine fingered the bracelet. It was a string of wooden beads covered in worn blue paint. She had given it to Elizabeth in first grade.

 

“I love you guys.” Catherine said as she slipped the bracelet onto her right arm and slipped the memory card into her pocket before hugging each of them. Then she went inside to do some last minute packing. 10 minutes later her dad got home and they left. They sat in the airport for half an hour waiting for their flight. They boarded their flight and Catherine settled in for the approximately 9 hour flight. She fell asleep and was woken up by her mother when dinner was being served. They set the food and cup of coke on their fold won tables.

 

“So mom why did you want to come back to Scotland so much?” Catherine asked.

 

“I just have missed it. I studied abroad for a year in college.” She said simply.

 

“Back before she became a european history major.” Her dad said. Her mother smiled and took her father's hand.

 

“That's right.” Her mother said. Catherine put on the airplane headphones and mumbled about her parents getting a room. When they landed a few hours later she grabbed her carry on. She waited for her parents to catch up in the hallway. Then they all went to get the rest of their luggage before catching a cab to drive them to “the keep” as her mother called it. When they got there her mother was half smiling half crying.

 

“Mom are you alright?” She asked.

 

“I'm fine. Just memories.” Her mother said.

 

“Let's go inside.” Her father suggested. Catherine got her own room. It was huge with a fire place and old fashioned four poster bed. She changed into pajamas and crawled into bed. The next morning she woke up and went downstairs to find her parents. Her father told her her mother was still asleep.

 

“Can I just go exploring?” She asked.

 

“Don't go far.” He said. She promised that she'd stay close. She ran upstairs to grab her camera in case she saw something interesting. Then she walked around the grounds. She did so for a few hours before she went back to her room for a nap. She fell asleep quickly. Still tired from jet lag. A little while later she forced herself awake startled. The blankets hadn't been woolen had they? The room looked different somehow. Newer almost. She thought that she must just be over reacting and she slopped down on the bed when the door suddenly opened and in came a guy around her own age. He was really tall and muscular with long hair. Wearing a kilt. His hair was blond and his eyes were the same color green as hers.

 

“Holy crap!' She yelled, bolting out of the bed. “Who are you?” She demanded as she noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt.

 

“Who are you?” He countered. He had a definite Scottish accent.

 

“Get out!” She yelled.

 

“How dare you order me around?” He said.

 

“I am staying here.” She said.

 

“I don't believe you. I would have been told. Even if you were a guest here you shouldn't be in my room.” He said trying to grab her arm.

 

“I have to be going mental.” She said running her fingers through her hair. “Wake up.” She commanded herself slapping her face then pinching her arm. She opened her eyes and he was still there.

 

“Are you finished with the hysterics?” He asked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Sebastian didn't know what to do. He had been going up to his room to get something and had found a woman there. The moment he saw her he lost his train of thought completely. She had on pants and a tunic or some sort. Her brown hair which had some blonde in it was disheveled from sleep and she had green eyes the color of emeralds. He at first thought she was an angel.

 

“You didn't answer my question. Who are you?” She asked again.

 

“Sebastian Teague. Now tell me who you are.” He said.

 

“Catherine Roberts.” She said with a smile as she held her hand out to him.

 

“Nice to meet you.” He said as he kissed her hand.

 

“Suck up.” She mumbled to herself.

 

“What was that?” He inquired.

 

“Nothing.” She said with a smile.

 

*****

 

Catherine thought she must still be dreaming as the guy pulled her out into the hallway.

 

“We will have to figure out what is going on or take you back to your room.” He said. She pulled her arm out of his grip and placed her hands on her hips.

 

“I don't know who you think you are, but you are way out of line. First you scare the hell out of me then you don't believe me when I tell you the truth.” She said.

 

“Listen to me. My father owned this land and he just died in battle. I am laird here now and I will decide what is out of line and what is not.” He said sternly. He then grabbed her arm again.

 

“I am sorry to hear he died, but if you are some reanactor you are taking this way to far.” She said.

 

He obviously must have thought she must be crazy and he decided no to say anything that would possibly alarm her. Then she pulled her arm away again she he started to loose patience. He did not have time for this. So he slung her over his shoulder and walked down a hallway and knocked on a door. A girl a few years younger then she was opened the door.

 

“Alice put her in something decent.” Her ordered as he set her down. She smacked him across the face and the girl just stood there shocked.

 

“How dare you?” She screamed at him angrily.

 

“Sebastian what is going on?” The girl asked sounding frightened.

 

“I'll explain later.” He said before looking back at Catherine. “What do you mean how dare I? I was being generous and having my sister lend you a dress, and you hit me?” He yelled.

 

“Oh!” She exclaimed.

 

“Exactly. Now will you cooperate?” He asked. She just nodded and he lightly pushed her towards the door. The girl ushered her inside and told Sebastian that she would bring her down to the great hall before closing the door.

 

“So what happened?” She asked as she looked at Catherine.

 

“I don't know exactly.” She admitted as the girl instructed her to remove her clothes. Catherine hesitated. She didn't know this girl. The girl was pulling a dress out of a cupboard.

 

“It's alright.” She said as the girl handed her the dress and motioned to a screen in the corner. Catherine decided to cooperate and stepped behind the screen and changed. When she came out the girl parted her hair down the center and put it in a long braid down her back. Then the girl took her hand and lead her downstairs to a room where Sebastian stood waiting.

 

“Much better.” He said with a smile. Then the door opened and a man about her mom's age walked in. He looked remarkably like her dad.

 

“Sebastian who is this? One of the servants told me you argued with someone.” The man asked.

 

“Well I see introductions are in order. Alice. Alaric this is Catherine Roberts.” He began.

 

“Did you say Robert?” The man asked as he walked over to her. “Is Marissa Roberts a relative of yours?” He demanded.

 

“Yes.” She answered hesitantly. “She is my mother.”

 

“Uncle Alaric what are you doing?” Sebastian asked.

 

“Her mother was my first and only love boy.” He said before turning to Catherine again. “How is she?” He asked.

 

“She is good.” She said.

 

“How old are you lass?” He asked more gently.

 

“Seventeen.” She answered.

 

“So she's married?” The man asked sounding sad.

 

“Yes. To my father. Why do you ask?” She asked.

 

“Never mind. I am sorry that was impolite of me. I just haven't had news of her in years. Excuse me for a minute.” He said before stepping out.

 

“What was that about?” Alice asked. Catherine just shrugged.

 

“Well till he gets back Alice this is Catherine. Catherine this is my sister Alice.” Sebastian told her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Suddenly Catherine was woken up by a knock at the door. She sat up and was back in her own bed at the keep. She got out of bed and noticed she was still in the dress from the dream.

 

“Oh my God! Oh my God!” She said to herself.

 

“Are you alright?” Her mother called.

 

“Yeah. You just woke me up.” She called.

 

“Oh I'll let you go back to sleep again.” Her mother called through the door. She lay back down on the bed and just lay there, When the clock on the bedside table read 11 o'clock she went to sleep after changing into pajamas. She had heard sleeping at the new time zone was the easiest way to adjust. Once asleep her was comfortable. Then she suddenly felt someone lying beside her and sat up. In the dark she could barely see the guy from earlier asleep. She scooted as far over on the bed as she could.

 

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Think Cat. What are you going to do?” She said to herself. Then she decided this was just a dream. How else could she explain waking up next to a hot scottish guy. Then she just laid down away from him. When she woke up a few hours later he was still asleep. In the early morning light she could see him clearer. In her sleep she had cuddled up against him. Suddenly she realized he wasn't wearing anything and she bolted out of the bed which woke him up.

 

*****

 

“What in God's name is going on?” Sebastian demanded as he sat up. Then he saw her. The girl from the day before. Hair tossled in trousers again and an odd blouse with thin straps. One of which was hanging on her upper arm revealing part of one of her breasts until she pulled it up. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I don't know, but I do know you aren't wearing any clothes and I was … Oh my God.” She said in shock.

 

“You were what?” He asked rubbing his eyes.

 

“I was sleeping by you.” She admitted. He laughed amused by the image in his head. He shrugged.

 

“So? This shocked you I can tell.” He said. Then he started to get out of bed. She quickly turned around.

 

*****

 

Catherine turned away in a way that she assumed must look shy to him. She had turned away quickly, but she still saw a large amount of his body. She wondered if the man had any part of him that wasn't muscle. She could hear him walking around in the room behind her.

 

“Put some clothes on for the love of God.” She said. Then she heard him laugh as he was doing something.

 

“You can turn back around.” He told her after a minute or two longer. When she did he was right behind her dressed in his kilt again. “You have some explaining to do.” He said.

 

“About what?” She asked trying to think straight.

 

“You disappeared. You were there talking with us, then suddenly you vanished. Both me and Alice saw it.” He explained.

 

“I honestly don't know.” She admitted.

 

“Well tell me what happened to you?” He prodded.

 

“I just woke up in my bed in my time.” She said as the truth sunk in. “Sebastian what year is it?” She asked.

 

“It is the year 1122.” He said sounding confused.

 

“We have a problem. I am from 2010.” She told him.

 

“Surely you jest.” He replied. She shook her head.

 

“How else do you explain me being dressed like this? I mean this is obviously not accurate for here.” She pointed out as the motioned to her pajamas. He just shrugged. “Wait. You're uncle. We can ask him. He dated my mom after all.” She said. He looked confused.

 

“What do we have to loose?” She asked.

 

“I personally think you are mental.” He said. She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Besides you could not go to him. You are not dressed properly. Alaric is training. You would distract all the men. Especially dressed like that.” He said.

 

“Do you see any other clothes for me to wear?” She demanded.

 

“Let me see what I can do.” He offered before stepping out. A while later he came back in carrying something. “Lucky for you Alice enjoys making gowns.” He said as he handed the bundle he held to her then leaned against the wall.

 

“Thank you.” She said. He just stood there watching her. “Can you turn around?” She asked. He just smiled, but did do what she asked. She took off her tank top and pajama pants and put on the dress. It was to tight on the top and she had to rearrange the fit of it. “Alright. You can turn around.” She said.

 

*****

 

When Sebastian did turn around the sight of her took his breath away. He breasts were peaking out of the top of the bodice which was skin tight. Then the skirt hung loosely around her legs.

 

“What do you think?” She asked.

 

“You're beautiful.” He said. She blushed, but thanked him all the same. “Well do you still want to go see Alaric?” He asked. She nodded and he took her arm and led her outside towards here a group of men were gathered. Sebastian just walked over to Alaric and pulled him aside.

 

*****

 

“I see you're back.” Alaric said to her when he saw her.

 

“Actually I wanted to ask you some things.” She admitted.

 

“Go right ahead.” Alaric told her.

 

“What do you remember from your time with my mother?” She asked. Alaric replied with a laugh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

“Well mainly only seeing her every few days. She would sometimes appear and vanish without any warning. Then once I told her how I felt about her she came more. Then one day she didn't come at all.” Alaric told her.

 

“How did you meet her?” She asked.

 

“She just showed up one day. I guess you could say she swept me off my feet.” He joked.

 

“Did she ever mention time travel?” She asked.

 

“Quite often actually.” Alaric admitted.

 

“And did you believe her?” Catherine asked.

 

“I didn't have any reason not to.” He said simply. “So what is going on between you two?”

 

“Nothing.” Catherine said while at the same time Sebastian said something else.

 

“I woke up to her leaping out of my bed.” He said with a smile. Catherine face palmed.

 

“Oh well that is interesting.” Alaric admitted.

 

“Sebastian just shut you mouth. Please.” She ordered. Both of the men laughed. That is until she turned away and started walking away from them.

 

“Oh come back lass.” Alaric called after her. Sebastian didn't say a word and just caught up with her and grabbed her around the waist.

 

“And where do you think you're going?” He inquired.

 

“I don't know. Maybe I will go see Alice.” She admitted.

 

“Good. You'll be out of danger.” He said. She really wanted to tell him off, but she resisted the urge.

 

“Will you let go of me now?” She asked. He laughed, but did let go of her.

 

“Don't get lost.” He advised her before turning around and walking over to the other men. As she started walking away she heard one of the men whistle. She decided to torment Sebastian so she turned around and blew a kiss to the soldiers. “Concentrate.” Sebastian scolded even though he had to admit she was distracting him too.

 

A few hours later she was just lying on the bed in Sebastian's room when he suddenly walked in. She heard him take a deep breath before speaking.

 

“What you are doing?” He inquired.

 

“Just relaxing.” She said simply as she looked up at him.

 

*****

 

All Sebastian could think was why he had to be in this situation. A beautiful woman just lying around there in his bed. He thanked God that he had so much self control. Otherwise he would be pulling her into his arms. She sat up and fixed her hair as he fought the urge to kiss the hell out of her.

 

“How did training go?” She asked. She sounded like a wife, but God help him if she wasn't the worst possible temptation he had ever seen.

 

“It went well.” He said not knowing what else to say.

 

“Can I tell you something?” She asked. He could only nod. “You would be pretty damn sexy if you cut your hair a bit.” She said with a smile. He couldn't resist smiling.

 

“Is that so?” He asked as he actually contemplated what she said. She walked over to him.

 

“Yeah. Just a few inches.” She said as she hopped off the bed and came over to him. “Let people actually see your face.” She said as she swept some hair back from his forehead. Then he was sure by accident her hands rested on his neck and he couldn't help himself. He kissed her. He swore that if she did not respond that he would stop, but she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him right back as she pushed herself up against him.

 

*****

 

While he was kissing her Catherine only had one coherent thought. “Did this guys have any down sides?” The only ones she could think of was that he needed a haircut. Then she felt his tongue in her mouth and all hope of coherent thought was lost. When he started kissing down her neck she sighed with pleasure. When she felt his hang on the neckline of her dress she mentally freaked out while at the same time her body contradicted her by arching against his hand. Suddenly he stepped back and let go of her. She spoke first.

 

“Wow. That was the best first kiss I ever had.” She admitted. He nodded in agreement.

 

“Should I apologize?” He asked.

 

“Apologize? For what?” She asked.

 

“Being forward.” He said simply.

 

“If you try I will walk out.” She threatened. He just smiled.

 

“You have to be mental.” He accused good naturedly.

 

“No. I think and would hope that I am perfectly sane.” She said before kissing him again. After a minute or two he pulled away.

 

“Now I know you're crazy.” He teased.

 

“Oh just shut up.” She said before pulling him down for a kiss. All they could think was that they had to be in heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

For the next few days they were room mates. On the third nite she got a song stuck in her head while getting ready for bed. Sebastian was out of the room so she started dancing. Suddenly the door opened and she turned around.

 

“What were you doing?” He asked amused from a short distance away.

 

“Dancing.” She said with a smile. He looked doubtful. “Come here. I'll show you.” She offered. He didn't move. “Oh don't be a wuss.” She challenged. Then she walked across the room and grabbed his hand and pulled him to the center of the room. She turned around and put his hands on her hips and started dancing again. He pulled her against him in an attempt to obviously stop her, but she just kept going.

 

“Catherine for the love of God stop!” He said. She turned around in his arms to face him.

 

“Are you alright?” She asked.

 

“That is a stupid question.” He said as he pulled her tighter against him. She twined her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Catherine unless you want to be flat on your back on that bed in the next 30 seconds I suggest you stop tempting me.” He whispered in her ear a few minutes later.

 

“Oh I am just so scared.” She said mockingly.

 

“You asked for it.” He said before picking her up and tossing her on the bed. Then he climbed in next to her. She was still in her gown and so she had to pull the skirt up around her knees as she straddled him. Sebastian thought that at that moment she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen without a doubt.

 

“Do you find me attractive?” She asked.

 

“Do you really have to ask that question?” He asked before rolling over on top of her. His hand slid up under her skirt to rest on her thigh as he kissed her. She pulled her mouth away.

 

“Do you really want to do this?” She asked. He could obviously tell that she was nervous.

 

“Catherine if you don't want to do this just say so. I would never force myself upon you.” He said even though she knew he wanted her.

 

“I just think we should wait.” She said. “Will you just hold me?” She asked looking up at him. He nodded and sat up, pulling her into his lap.

 

*****

 

When she fell asleep Sebastian laid her down on the bed, covered her, and gave her a quick kiss before walking over to the fire place. He just starred at the flames until he became tired. Then he started to go to bed, but thought Catherine would be more comfortable if she changed so he lightly shook her awake.

 

“Don't you want to change?” He asked. She nodded tiredly, but crawled out of his arms and started changing right there in front of him. He couldn't help but stare. God she was beautiful. She put on her odd tunic type garment that ended at her hips and crawled back into bed and cuddled up against him. He could tell this was going to be a long night for him. He fell asleep a few hours later.

 

*****

 

Catherine woke up to banging on her door. She sat straight up in bed and knew she was in her own time again. She knew this for certain because she was alone.

 

“Catherine honey are you up yet?” Her mother called.

 

“Yeah. Come on in.” She said. Then the door opened and her mother came in.

 

“Did I wake you up?” Her mother asked. Catherine nodded and yawned.

 

“Actually mom I have a question for you.” She said.

 

“Shoot.” Her mom said as she sat down on the bed.

 

“Did you ever know a guy named Alaric Teague?” She asked. Her mother's face grew pale.

 

“Where did you hear that name?” Her mom asked. Catherine told her everything. Her mother really didn't like the part about her sharing a room with a guy, but listened anyway.

 

“So I want to know if it was just one hell of a realistic dream or reality?” She asked. She knew she would be distraught if it turned out that Sebastian was just a dream.

 

“It's real alright. Don't tell your father this, but the reason I first started dating him was that he reminded me of Alaric. Before I had you I was pregnant before, but I miscarried. That is why Alaric probably asked your age.” Her mother explained.

 

“How do we travel? I mean what triggers it?” She asked.

 

“I honestly don't know sweetheart. I know a lot of the times I traveled was when I fell asleep thinking of him though.” Her mother admitted. I traveled a lot more after Alaric gave me this one necklace, but I lost it there years ago.

 

“I don't know what to do mom. I think I may love him.” She confessed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

It had been weeks since Sebastian had last seen her. Everyday that he woke up without her he missed her more. He was coming into the keep from training when he heard someone running.

 

“Sebastian!” He heard her voice say right before he felt someone smash into him and throw their arms around him. “God I've missed you. I've been trying to get back for days.” She said. Then he saw her looking at him.

 

“Catherine you're back?” He asked in shock.

 

“I'm back.” She confirmed as the truth sank in. Then he swept her up in his arms and carried her upstairs. “What are you doing?” She asked.

 

“Giving us some privacy.” He said. Then they reached the door and Catherine pulled it open. Once inside Sebastian kicked the door shut and put her down in front of him before pulling her again him. “Where have you been?”

 

“I've been in my own time. I missed you so much.” She said.

 

“Catherine when I woke up and couldn't find you I thought you had just left. Then everyone said you never left the room. So I just thought you'd be back in a few days, but then days turned into weeks and I was afraid that I'd done something wrong.” He said. She took his face in her hands.

 

“You didn't do anything wrong. I just couldn't figure out how to come back.” She promised him.

 

“I love you.” She admitted.

 

“I love you too.” She said before kissing him. After a few minutes she started leading him over to the bed. He didn't fight. Once to the bed they broke the kiss just long enough for her to lie down on top of him. He hadn't noticed that she still wore the low cut gown form her last trip until she had to pull it up to straddle him like they had before. He let one hand slide up her leg to rest on her thigh while the other fumbled with the laces at the front of her gown. Eventually he just rolled on top of her.

 

“Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked. She whispered a yes. He then untied her bodice and started pulling the laces out of the holes they rested in. Then started kissing down her chest. She arched up against him. Then slid his hands into the opening of her bodice to make the opening wider.

 

“Sebastian have you done this before?” She asked breathlessly.

 

“Aye I have. I do know it will be painful for you the first time. I feel terrible that I have to hurt you.” He said running his fingers across her cheek.

 

“Just be gentle.” She said. And he was. He made love to her so gently that it hardly hurt. A few minutes later she was kissing him when they heard a door open.

 

“Oh my. I'm guessing this is Sebastian.” Her mother said. They both looked up and it took a moment for Catherine to realize what had happened. She pulled a blanket over them.

 

“Mom what did you need?” She asked.

 

“I was just coming to wake you up. I'll come back in a few minutes.” Her mom said before closing the door.

 

Oh my God. That was so embarrassing.” She said burrying her face against his chest.

 

“I would have to agree. Having your mother walk in while you are naked with your lover is quite embarrassing.” He said. Then she looked over at her clock and groaned.

 

“I have to get ready for school.” She said. “I don't wanna go to school today. I wanna stay home and spend time with you.”

 

“How long will you be gone?” He asked obviously amused.

 

“About 7 hours.” She admitted. Then she got up and got dressed before running downstairs and taking some of her dad's old clothes. “Here put these on. You'll look more normal.” Then she walked over to her desk and grabbed a pair of scissors. “Time for a hair cut.” She said. Then she trimmed his hair and she had to admit. He was sexier.

 

“How do I look?” He asked when they finished.

 

“Incredibly sexy.” She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then her cell phone rang. She reached over and put it on speaker. “Hello”

 

“Hey Chica we're comin to get you for school.” Elizabeth said.

 

“How close are you?” She asked trying not to laugh as Sebastian kissed down her neck.

 

“We're leaving the house now.” She said.

 

“Alright. I'll see you soon.” She said before hanging up. A few minutes later they heard a car door outside. “Sebastian stop. Elizabeth and Nick will be here in a second.” She said. Then the door opened and they both came in.

 

“So Cat how was... Who is this?” Elizabeth asked. Catherine looked over at her blushing.

 

“This is Sebastian. We met in Scotland. Sebastian these are my two best friends Elizabeth and Nick.” She said.

 

“Why weren't we told about him?” Elizabeth asked. “I mean look at him. He is like the epitemy of sexy. Even wearing your dad's old clothes.”

 

“Liz shut up.” She said.

 

“It's true. Seriously. I mean he is at least as sexy as Nick.” Elizabeth said.

 

“Liz I know he is sexy. Just please shut up.” Catherine pleaded as she finally let go of him. Elizabeth grabbed her arm and drug her out in the hallway.

 

“Cat be honest with me. Have you two done it?” Liz asked. Catherine blushed, but didn't reply. “Oh my God! You have heaven't you? How was it?” Catherine's hand flew to cover Elizabeth's mouth.

 

“Be quiet they'll hear you.” She said.

 

“Whatever. Just spill.” Elizabeth said more quietly.

 

“Like what? Yeah we did. It was great. What else is there to tell?” Catherine asked.

 

“I don't know. Just details.” Elizabeth said.

 

“As much as I love you. No. Not gonna happen.” Catherine said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Catherine was distracted all day knowing Sebastian was waiting for her at home. Nick and Elizabeth gave her a ride home and as soon as she came inside she was running to find Sebastian. She called out his name and he came out onto the stair landing and she rand into his arms.

 

“You're home.” He said pulling her close.

 

“Yes I am.” She said going up on her toes to kiss him.

 

“I think we need to talk.” He said taking her hands.

 

“What about?” She asked.

 

“Our future. I had a lot of time to think when you were gone. Will you marry me?” He asked.

 

“Marry you? I don't know what to say. I mean, I'm still in school.” She said in shock.

 

“I know it's a big step, but thinking about my future. I can't picture it without you in it.” He said.

 

“I want to marry you, but I don't know how my parents will react. Also I'd kinda like to finishe school first.” She said.

 

“We can wait if you want. As long as you need. As long as I get to marry you in the end.” He promised before kissing her forehead.

 

“How would this work though? I mean what time would be live in?” She asked.

 

“I don't care. You choose.” He said. Then he took her hand, placed something in it, and closed it. She opened her hand to find a necklace. It looked to be gold and had a mother of pearl top of a heart shaped locket.

 

“What is this?” She asked.

 

“That is a necklace that is given to the woman who agrees to marry a man in my family. I want you to wear it.” He said. She was in awe. She nodded before kissing him.

 

“I love you.” She said. “And yes I will marry you. I have a year of high school left. Then I will come to live with you.” She promised. He held her close and kissed her passionately. Then they heard a door open and footsteps coming downstairs.

 

“Cat I'm home.” Her mom called to her up the stairs.

 

“Ok mom. We'll be down in a second.” She called back before turning to Sebastian again. “Are you ready to tell my parents?” She asked. He laughed.

 

“You don't think they'll object to the marriage do you?”

 

“No. I don't think they will object. Now help me clasp this necklace.” She said turning around and holding it up so he could close the clasp. Then they walked downstairs to the kitchen where her mother was. “Mom we have something to tell you.”

 

“Alright what is it?” She asked giving them her full attention.

 

“Don't flip out, but Sebastian asked me to marry him. And I said yes.” Catherine said.

 

“Well that's wonderful I guess, but have you two really thought this through? I mean you are just so young too be getting married. And you do still have another year of school left.” Her mother pointed out.

 

“We thought of that. We agreed that I'll finish school then go to live with him.” She said.

 

“I know I should have asked permission first, but it happened quite suddenly.” Sebastian said.

 

“It's alright. I'm fine with it. I mean I almost did the same thing with your uncle. Only I was in college at the time. I don't know how your father will react though.” Her mother said. This last part addressed to Catherine.

 

“Who knows. Dad can be pretty un-predictable.” She said.

 

*****

 

When her father arrived home a few hours later they had him sit down in the living room before they told him .

 

“I don't know what I think about this. I mean you hardly know this boy and you're agreeing to marry him?” He asked.

 

“Daddy please be reasonable. It's hard to understand, but Sebastian and I are in love. It is hard to explain.” She said.

 

“I figure it would be. I mean you seemed so bored and distracted in Scotland. Then we come home and this guy comes out of no where. Then you go get engaged. What is wrong with you?” He asked.

 

“Nothing is wrong with me. I fell in love. Just like you and mom did in college.” She said. Her mother put a hand on her dad's shoulder.

 

“Alex I need to tell you something.” She said. Then she went on to explain how she and Catherine could travel back in time and how she had fallen in love with Alaric then changed her major to european history.

 

“You have to be kidding me. That is ridiculous.” He said.

 

“It's not ridiculous. After all I am here.” Sebastian said.

 

 

Chapter 8

A little over a year later.

 

The day school was out for the summer she could hardly wait. In a few days she could Graduate. Only unlike most girls her age she wan't going on to a college, but to a help run a medieval Scotland married to the man of her dreams.

 

“Don't you want to apply for at least one college?” The counselor had asked surprised.

 

“No my future is pretty well completely planned out.” She had replied.

 

“And what is your plan may I ask?”

 

“I'm getting married.” She had replied wistfully. The school had then called her parents convinced she needed a reality check. They had only said that she was happily engaged and would be married shortly after graduation. She had only smiled and went on with her life. The morning she was to graduate she woke up and went through the motions of getting ready. Then it hit her. The next day she was getting married. They hadn't seen each other since her spring break because her parents had told her she needed to concentrate on school.

 

“Catherine it's time to go.” Her mother called up bringing her back to reality. She came downstairs after clasping the necklace Sebastian had given her. She sat through graduation in a daze. She walked up and received her diploma with very little if any thought. After everything her dad pulled her into a big hug.

 

“You did it kiddo. You graduated.” He said.

 

“Yeah. It's kinda hard to believe.” She said right before Elizabeth nearly tackled her giving her a hug.

 

“We've graduated! Can you believe it?” Elizabeth said as Nick walked over to them.

 

“Hardly.” Catherine said laughing as Nick hugged them both and her mom was asking for a picture. Nick picked one of them up with each arm as they all laughed. “I'm gonna miss you guys.” She said when Nick put them back down.

 

“We'll miss you too.” Elizabeth said.

 

“Yeah, but you'll always be our Cat.” Nick said. “And we got you something so you'll never forget us.”

 

“Wait for the party Nick” Elizabeth scolded. “So Cat are you nervous about the wedding.”

 

“No wedding talk please. Not today. Today is about all of us. Now just my wedding.” Catherine said.

 

“Cat come on. You haven't told us a single thing you have planned. And since we can't come we want to at least be able to visualize it.” Elizabeth said.

 

“I told you. I don't know. I gave full decorating rights to Alice.” Catherine said.

 

“All three of you hush. Today is celebrating you guys' graduation. Besides you all can interrogate her at the party.” Her mother said. They had a triple party since they had all been best friends since1st grade when Nick moved there. She was relieved when it was over and she printed off the picture of her, Liz, and Nick and tucking it into the bodice of her gown before relaxing and drifting off to sleep happily dreaming of Sebastian.

 

*****

 

When she woke up she was in Sebastian's room only she was alone. This was highly unusual. Normally he was greeting her by waking her with kisses when she arrived. There weren't even any signs that he had been there recently. She walked out into the hall down to Alice's room after she put on one of her other gowns.

 

“Alice I'm here.” She said as she knocked. A moment later Alice opened the door.

 

“Catherine you're back.” The younger girl exclaimed hugging her.

 

“Yes I am. Where is Sebastian?” She asked.

 

“He's been away for weeks. I did get a message from him recently though that he should be back today.” Alice informed her.

 

“Where has he been?” Catherine asked confused by why he wasn't there.

 

“Just a little war. Nothing major. Not even anything to worry about.” Alice assured her with a smile.

 

“Just a war? He could be hurt.” Catherine said now worried for him. However before Alice could console her they heard a servant boy run in saying that the men were back and there were wounded. Catherine practically flew down the stairs and out the door of the keep. There entering the courtyard was Sebastian supported by Alaric and one of his men. She rand to him. “What happened?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

“He took an arrow to the thigh is what happened.” Alaric informed her.

 

“I'm fine.” Sebastian protested.

 

“And he practically killed himself pushing to get here for your wedding.” The other man said.

 

“Alex hush.” Sebastian ordered,

 

“Well do you want us to lie to the lass?” Alaric asked.

 

“Great. Just great. I come to get married and end up with an injured fiancee.” She said with a sigh.

 

“Better then a dead fiancee.” The man named Alex joked.

 

“True. Take him up to his room. I'll take a look at it.” She instructed. Then she followed them up to his room where they laid him on the bed before leaving.

 

“Really Catherine. I'm fine. I've had far worse.” He said as she untied the bloody bandage wrapped around his thigh.

 

“Sebastian be quiet. I'm not very good at nursing in the first place and especially not so with people distracting me.” She said as she examined his wound. She went to the wash stand and brought back water and soap which she cleaned it with.

 

“Catherine stop fussing over me. There are others who need attention more then I.” He said.

 

“Well I didn't see anyone else being helped into the courtyard.” She said. “Well it doesn't look lie it's infected. Which is good news. It is pretty deep though. It'll take time to heal properly.” She said looking up at him.

 

“I am not staying in this bed to rest so don't even say it. As soon as you re-bandage it we are going downstairs, finding the priest, and getting married.” He said.

 

“Oh no we are not. You need to keep off that leg.” She said sternly.

 

“Oh yes we are. I have waited long enough to make you my wife. We agreed we'd be married today and God help me we will be come hell or high water.” He said sounding irritated as she wrapped a clean piece of fabric over his wound. He then stood up, took her by the hand, and limped to the door.

 

“Sebastian at least let me change first. Alice has spent months make my gown. It would break her heart if I didn't wear it.” She insisted.

 

“A new gown for the wedding? Seems like a waste.” He said.

 

“It' s tradition where I come from. Besides I think you're going to love it.” She said.

 

*****

 

Sebastian smile. She seemed to excited. How could he deny her such a small thing as changing her gown.

 

“Fine you go change. I will wash up, go find the priest, and meet you in the great hall.” He said. She nodded and was off. Then minutes later when Catherine entered the great hall walking past his men towards him he couldn't help smiling. Her new gown was a plain pale brown, but what really made him smile was that across her shoulders and over her skirt she wore his plaid with pride. “You were right. I love it.” He said when she reached him.

 

“I hoped you would.” She whispered as the priest started the marriage ceremony. That night while they lay in bed she look up at him. “Are you happy you married me?” She asked.

 

“Yes I am. Personally I think I am the luckiest man on this earth. I don't know what I did, but whatever it is it must have been something extremely great because I think God never blessed a man more then he did when he put you in my life. He gave me my own personal angel. And I will cherish you until the day I die.” She said.

 

“Good, because I think that you are stuck with me. I don't know about being an angel though.” She said with a smile.

 

“Well you do have a little devil in you, but you wouldn't be perfect without it. And loving you wouldn't be nearly as fun if you didn't.” He teased.

 

“Funny because I think I could say the same about you.” She said as she rolled on top of him.

 

“Oh how I do love you lass.” He said before kissing her.

 

“And I love you. Even if our love is one out of time. We have each other now. That is what is important and it is enough.” She said against his lips.

 

“Forever and always my love. Forever and always.” He vowed.

 

The End