Any characters you recognize belong to Laurell K. Hamilton or the members of this group. She does not authorize this work and I am not making any money from it. It is purely for personal entertainment. I should also mention I have Elijah’s permission to include his character in my series. J Sorry it’s once again taken so long to get another chapter out but I had to wait to hear back from him on the story. So special thanks to Lija even in absence for helping me with this.

This is rated PG-13 for now.

 

If you need to read the first parts or back story on Lija/Maggie’s relationship it can be found in on the Fiction page of my website. http://www.geocities.com/margaret_mary69/fic

 

Hugs,
Maggie

 

The Long Overdue Surprise: 4/?

 

Back in Ireland, Maggie and Elijah finally agreed they couldn’t stay in bed for her entire visit. So they decided to go for a picnic. They packed up the picnic basket, put the leash on Butterscotch and were out the door into the afternoon sun. It was a warm spring day with the sunlight dancing through the leaves of the trees as they wandered down the path. Maggie could hear the trickle of water in the distance as she followed her lover further away from the cottage.

 

Walking down the well-worn path the druid steered his young love off to the right and follow a shorter path down a slight hill to a small creek. Laying out a blanket on still young grass, they sat and started to unpack their basket. He unclipped the pup’s leash so that energetic canine could explore. The young doctor looked at Lija, concerned.

 

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. His breed needs to run and explore.” He reassured her.

 

"I know he needs the exercise but are you sure there isn't anything around that might hurt him?" Sighing she realized her Tore wouldn't put her puppy in harm’s way and grinned apologetically at him. "Okay I guess since we kept him cooped up in the cottage so long, he needs the change."  She giggled as Scottie made a game of chasing his tail for a minute before giving up to explore the nearby vegetation. Looking out at the creek running by, the young woman smiled. "It's so beautiful here. I can see why you love it."

 

"It is.” Taking her hand the druid told her, “It would be more so if you were here.” He held up his free hand. “I know, sorry.” Watching the pup check out the creek, trying not to get his feet wet the young man sighed, “I can't believe it's been three days already. I'm dreading the day that you have to leave. Wonder if I could find a spell to stop time?” Grinning as he saw the look on his lover’s face he quickly added, “Only for a few years. I promise.”

 

Blushing at the compliment she sighed. "Some days I really wish you could Lija. I would like nothing better than get lost in our own little world. I've missed you so much and not just what we've been catching up on the past few days." She grinned teasingly then turned serious as she reached out with her free hand to run it across his lips, "I miss your smile, your laugh, your ability to make me believe I can do anything. I just miss... you." Shaking her head before he could say anything she added, "Yes I know I have responsibilities waiting for me in St Louis and I have to go back. I just wish I didn't feel so lost and alone there at times without you."

 

Kissing her fingertips, the druid confessed. “I miss just standing looking out at the sunset with you in my arms. Sometimes I dream of those times in my suite when we were first getting a feel for one another, but we can't relive the past, can we?”  Hearing a shuffle behind them, he turned to see Butterscotch nosing around in the basket.  “Guess we'd better eat some of this while there is any.” He picked up the pup who a piece of ham hanging from his mouth. Grinning the man set him aside.

 

Smiling at the puppy, the doctor shook her head at his antics before turning back to her lover. “No we can't go back as much as we might wish it.  I miss those sunsets as well. I always felt safe in your arms.” Reaching into the basket she grabbed one of the sandwiches that the dog didn’t get and pulled it out. “You know we are going to have to make an appearance at the main house at some point or they are going to think I kidnapped you my Druid.”

 

Chuckling, he told her. “Well Jillian would skin me if I didn't bring you up and the others no doubt would like to meet you as well. Are you ready to take on my other family?  I need you to feel comfortable. I know you're used to weres and vamps but you also know that Killian is very different from the others.”

 

Maggie swallowed her bite of sandwich then took a drink. “Yeah we wouldn’t want you skinned...though what form would she catch you in to skin you?” She grinned mischievously. “Just kidding. Yes I would hope I'm used to weres by now.”  Leaning over she kissed his cheek. “As for the vamps...well I'm getting better. At least Asher has become a friend. I know Killian is different though. I felt it the first time I met him, even if I was a bit worried about my Druid at the time. He felt familiar. I think I would be more comfortable if I met them than worrying if we're going to run into them when we're out and about. So I guess I am ready to meet them…” Biting her lip she added, “assuming they are ready to meet me.”

 

“Asher I trust where you're concerned and since wolf is Jillian’s animal to call, I'd try my best to stay out of that form.” Grinning he pulled her over into his arms for a deep kiss.

 

Relishing the kiss, the doctor ran her fingers through his hair just enjoying the closeness. Sighing she curled up in his arms, laying her head on his shoulder. “Hmm… No wolf form....” Giggling she realized he’d kissed her senseless. It took her a minute to remember what else they were talking about. “Oh yeah, meeting your other family. I trust YOU where I'm concerned so if you think they'll be okay with me that's good enough for me.”  Running her fingers absently over his arm in a pattern, she added.  “I know they are important to you. I just want to make a good impression on them.” She grinned up at him suddenly. “Don't want them to think I slipped something funny in your water in St Louis or something.”

 

Laughing, the were told the woman, “No Doc, you won me on your wiles alone.” Sighing he confessed. “You know I want you to be comfortable here. If I shouldn't get back to St. Louis, I'd want you to feel like you could come here. I...” Looking out the corner of his eye he saw the pup has gotten up the nerve to stick a paw in the water. “One day I'll be back in St. Louis. Right now there are things Killian needs me for. But if I can't make it back for some reason...if something happens to me... Noah knows what to do.” Quickly changing the subject before she could voice an objection.  “How's the Hellcat? Are you going to call her? And please tell me that her little Army hasn't wrecked Haven.”

 

Maggie looked at the young man curiously for his comments about Noah and not coming back.  “Well I want you with me but I know Killian needs you. I'd like to be able to come back as long as that was okay with them here. Nothing is going to happen you to you. We're connected… remember. What does the toy soldier know to do anyway besides give orders?” Pouting at his silent refusal to explain she eventually sighed, conceding defeat. “I don’t know how Luna is. I left a quick message when you were in the shower telling her not to worry but I'm not sure I want to actually talk to her. If what she's trying to send through our mental link is any indication, I think she would shatter my eardrums over the phone.  No the ahem, kids haven’t wrecked Haven when last I heard... though with us both away who knows.” She grinned impishly trying to lighten the suddenly serious mood.

 

“Well you don't have to call if you don't wish to.” He told his love.

 

The puppy's ears perked up and he came scampering back to them, lying as close to Maggie as he could. A deer came out of the brush. Maggie and Lija went still and watched the doe head to the creek for a drink. Butterscotch being brave began to growl and yip. The little guy took off after the doe as she sprang across the water. Butterscotch went in after the doe, only to end up floundering in the water. Maggie squealed, jumping up to rescue the dog.  The were grabbed her pulling her back down and went himself. The creeks water was cold. He waded in and grabbed the pup planting him back on shore. Getting out the man slipped, ending up sinking into the water. Maggie was giggling again. So when she offered her hand to help him out of the water, he pulled her in.

 

The young woman screeched as she fell into the water. She held onto Lija's hand for dear life, trying to get her footing. “Oh you are so gonna get it my Tore.” Slipping again she added. “Just as soon as I can stand on my own here.” Butterscotch stood on the shore, shaking his coat to lose the water then barked at the pair’s antics as he paced back and forth along the shore. “See, Scottie agrees with me.” She let go of her love’s hand and reached down to scoop some water to splash him with. “Looks like you missed a few spots.”  The doctor was so busy splashing she lost my footing again and fell onto her rump in the creek sputtering as water got in her mouth.

Grinning the druid picked her up and carried her to shore. “Sorry Doc, just couldn't resist. Let's go back to the cottage and warm up.” Setting the woman on her feet the man started to pack up things as she clipped the leash on the pup.

 

As Maggie reached down to put the leash on, Scottie jumped up and licked her nose. “Gee thanks. Hope it tasted good.”  Looking over at Lija, packing the food up, she shook my head.  “I shouldn't have found your predicament so humorous.” She shivered suddenly as a breeze hit her wet clothes, “but that water was cold.”

 

Looking over at her, the man grinned. “Oh don't worry Doc, I'll warm ya up.” Finishing packing he put the blanket around her shoulders and took her free hand. “Come on I'll get you out of those wet clothes.”

 

Smiling his love moved closer as they headed up the path. “I just bet you will....” Looking over at him suddenly, she asked, “Hey, was that the plan all along?”

 

“No I really hadn't planned it. But damn it worked out just great.” Lija laughed as Maggie punched his shoulder and they headed back to the warmth of their private get away.