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 

 

This is rated PG for now but that will severely change if my muses get their way. *evil grin* 

 

Oh this hasn’t been beta’d so please keep that in mind.

 

Hugs,

Maggie

 

The Long Overdue Surprise

 

It had been a long day in the office. It seemed no matter what I tried to do to catch up on paperwork, the pile never got any shorter.  Sighing I set down my calendar and pulled out the tourist guide of Ireland I had hidden in my desk. I wanted to go so bad I could taste it but it wasn’t particularly my fascination with the land that had me ready to bolt. Elijah, my druid lover was over there right now. He had been there far longer than either of us had imagined he’d be gone.

 

I had been trying to find a good time to plan a trip to visit him. We had been discussing it for months in fact. It just seemed that something kept popping up that interfered with the plans. We wanted, no more than that, needed some time together.  We were connected souls on many levels and the physical separation was trying on both of us psychically. All the phone calls and dream walks in the world couldn’t make up for the lack of physical contact. I needed to see he was okay, to be held in his arms and tell him how much I loved him.

 

Shaking my head I looked again at my calendar. I realized no time was going to be perfect for planning a trip. There was always some fire around here to be put out. If it wasn’t the hospital, it was Jean Claude and the Lair. Don’t even get me started on the happenings at Haven. They didn’t bear thinking on at the moment.

 

Grinning, I realized if no time was perfect, there was no time like the present. I started to pick up the phone to call Lija. My gaze caught the flower vase on the corner of my desk still full of roses he had sent to me, another one of his surprises. Maybe it was time the druid got a surprise for a change. Picking up the phone, I dialed the hospital secretary. “Hey Janice, this is Dr Rhodes. I need you to clear my schedule for at least the next two weeks. Something has come up. Don’t reschedule anyone until you hear back from me. I’m not quite sure how long this project is going to last.”

 

She sounded a bit curious but apparently knew better than to ask too many questions where I was concerned. She agreed to take care of everything on the hospital end. I headed out of the office and back to Haven. Oddly it was quiet when I got home. Maybe everyone had gone for an afternoon hike or perhaps they had errands of their own to run. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t looking a gift horse in the mouth. It would be much easier to pack without a dozen wereleopards stopping to me to ask for explanations every five minutes. I headed up the stairs to the master bedroom and was greeted by the yelping of an adorable tan golden retriever jumping at the gate that kept him secure in the master bathroom. We were still working on training so he wasn’t allowed out when nobody was home. He was another surprise that Lija sent me and truth to be told, I would have taken him to the hospital with me to do rounds if I wasn’t worried about violating any more hospital regulations than I already routinely ignored.

 

Picking up the puppy, I planted a planted a kiss on his head then held him close allowing him to lick my cheek to his heart’s content for a moment. Laughing I finally pulled him away from my face as I sat down on the bed, letting him sit on the blanket beside me. “You’re gonna lick my face off if you don’t stop.”

 

Picking up the phone, I made my next phone call from memory.  I recognized the Irish lilt of the voice that answered. “Dead Druids. Can I help you?”

 

“I really hope you can Liam.” I grinned.

 

“Maggie. It’s good to hear from you. No more trouble with the local Master I trust. What can I do for you lass?”

 

“I’ve decided I am desperately in need of a vacation. Someplace that might be relaxing yet rejuvenating. Any suggestions?”  I asked innocently.

 

“I’ve always found Ireland to be just the remedy for those needs. Might you be needing some help with your travel plans?”

 

I giggled. “You know I do. How long would it take to make arrangements to fly over? I want to surprise Lija if I can.”

 

“The jet is fueled and waiting for you. We have a pilot on stand by. He will need a few hours to log his flight plans and do pre-flight checks. Let’s see. It’s two pm. How does seven tonight sound?”

”You’re kidding! I’m not sure I can be ready to leave that early. I haven’t even started packing and I need to get a few presents for Lija to surprise him with.”

He cut me off. “Lass you are the only surprise he’ll need but I am sure you’ll have help waiting for you if want to set up something special for him when you get there. Just pack what clothes you want to take with you. How about ten pm for a flight time? Do you need anything else.”

I thought about it for a minute and decided that should give me enough time. Looking down at Butterscotch trying to jump into my lap, I had one last thought. “Ten sounds good. Liam do you think it would be okay if I brought a new little friend along with me?”

 

He laughed. “I’ll make sure the pilot gets a nice comfortable carrier for your puppy. Have a good trip.”

 

I thanked him and hung up. Picking up Butterscotch, I turned him to face me. “Well what ya think? You ready for a trip.” He licked my nose as I laughed. “I’ll take that as yes. We better get packing.”

 

I set him down on the floor and pulled the suitcases out. It was summer but the nights might be chilly so I tried to pack a variety of things. I made special care to put a few outfits I knew Lija loved seeing me wear in the bag. I wasn’t too worried about forgetting something. I knew my druid could buy me anything I forgot, but I at least wanted to have the things I needed for a proper surprise reunion. Of course that didn’t require much in the way of clothes, I thought with a wicked grin. Still, this was his surprise. I didn’t want him to have worry about anything for a good long while.

 

A few hours later, the bags were packed and put in the limo. Yes, a limo had arrived shortly before sundown. I was informed that a friend that didn’t want me to miss my flight arranged it. I owed Liam a big hug next time I saw him. It hadn’t occurred to me what I would do with my car when I left. I didn’t want to leave it at the private airfield and make it obvious to everyone that I was out of town. Since my run in with Jean Claude during Luna’s absence, I had become rather protective of my privacy. 

 

I had changed into a purple catsuit with a metallic silver button down blouse left open as a jacket. It served two purposes. It was something I was very comfortable in and in the event I ran into Lija before the surprise was sprung, it showed off my curves nicely. Butterscotch had been fed and taken out to play in the yard for a while so he would take care of any necessities before we left. Nobody had come home in the mean time. I thought about leaving a note for the gang but like I said, I was rather protective of my privacy. If Luna thought it about for a minute, she would know where I had gone, with or without our connection. We’d talked about my need for a vacation several times since her return. Maybe I would call her from the plane.

 

Scooping up my puppy, I grabbed my purse and locked the front door, setting the security code. The chauffer made sure we were comfortable in the back of the limo. I told him that I needed to make a stop in the Blood quarter at Guilty Pleasures on the way to the airstrip. He gave me an odd look but nodded his agreement as he closed the door. Soon we were headed down the winding roads from Haven into town.  Butterscotch nodded off in my lap and I knew I should do the same. It had been a long day getting everything together.  I was too excited about my trip not to mention worried about the final details to sleep. Maybe I’d be able to sleep once I was airborne.

 

As we entered the heart of the city, I watched the street lights go by absently, thinking about Lija. Now that I was actually on my way, I was a bit nervous. We hadn’t seen each other in so long. Sure we’d talked on the phone and shared dreams but would he still feel the same when he saw me face to face. Was I sure this surprise was something he wanted? I shook my head at my doubts. If he loved me half as much as I loved him it was what he’d want and I was pretty sure that was a safe bet. Liam wouldn’t be going to so much trouble to help me get there if he hadn’t heard from Killian or someone that my druid was missing me too. The Tore had been excited when we’d discussed him showing me around his other home over there. I smiled to myself as I realized what I had been doing. I wasn’t going to let my fear of being around a lot of people, not to mention another Master Vampire, in a strange land keep my away from My Love. We needed this too much for me to fall prey to old fears.

 

Lost in thought, I didn’t realize we had come to a stop until the Chauffer opened the car door. I thought about leaving Butterscotch in the car but didn’t want him to wake up alone. When I started moving to get out he woke up anyway so I carried him with me as I walked up the front steps.

 

I smiled at the bouncer as I neared the door. I did my best to ignore the crowded line that no doubt was shooting daggers at me. “Hi Buzz. Is Asher in tonight? Does he have company?”

 

The young looking man smiled back at me, showing a bit of fang. “Nice date.” When I just stared he chuckled. “Yes Asher is in his office the last I heard. Jean Claude hasn’t been in tonight. I’ll send word you’re on your way back?”

I nodded as he stepped aside to allow me access to the door.  I entered front foyer and headed into the heart of the dimly lit club. I made my way along the bar at the far side of the room toward the backstage door.  The crowd was strangely silent as I crept along, which meant someone had their interest onstage. Looking up, I saw it was one of the vampires… what was his name again… something poetic. Oh yeah, he was Byron. Shaking my head at what passes for entertainment in some circles, I walked through the curtains that marked the backstage entrance and headed down the hall.

 

A dressing room door opened as I neared, revealing a scantly clad blonde with a cocky grin. He reached out to pet Butterscotch, looked me up and down then whistled. “Damn Maggie. If I knew that’s what was hiding behind that lab coat, I would have gladly volunteered to be your puppy.” 

 

I lifted Scotty up closer to rub my chin on his head affectionately then grinned back at the stripper. “But Jason, I wanted a PUPPY not a HOUND DOG.”

 

He clutched his chest, feigning shock. “You mortally wound my ego with such reckless abandon.”

 

I shook my head at his theatrics. “I’m sure there a lot of women just on the other side of that stage door behind me eager to stroke…. Your ego.”

 

There was laugh behind him as Nathaniel came walking up. “She’s right and you’re on in two minutes Jase. You might wanna get in position for your intro.”

”Damn, duty calls. Catch ya later Maggie.” He called out heading toward the stage area.

 

“Only if I run really slow wolf boy.” I called back, barely able to keep the giggles out of my voice.

 

The leopard stripper still in the hallway laughed again as he came closer and put out a hand for my puppy to sniff, looking a bit unsure of his reception. I encouraged him to say hello, handing the dog over into his arms then petting Scottie so he’d know he was safe. “No worries Nathaniel. Butterscotch lives at Haven. He’s used to the scent of big cats. He’ll be okay.”

 

The young man grinned as he gently petted the pooch. “Cool! Is he your new pet?” When I nodded he explained, “I have my own pet too now, a goldfish.”

 

“A cat with a pet fish?”

He laughed, “It’s a long story and Asher’s waiting. He sent me to make sure you made it back okay.” 

 

He escorted me to down the hallway to Asher’s door then handed Butterscotch back to me. “Thanks for introducing me to your new friend. I’d offer to keep him company while you’re in there but I have to get dressed for my routine.”

 

A voice from the doorway assured the young man, “Don’t worry Mon Chat, Butterscotch is Mon Ami as well.”

I turned to see Asher reaching out to scratch my puppy behind his ears. His was wearing a dark tailored suit, possibly Armani though identifying designer labels was not my forte. He looked very sharp in the suit but something seemed a bit different than it had the last time I had to come by the club on business a few months ago. I reached out with my extra senses to try to figure it out. He seemed calmer, more at ease. Maybe it was just me that was more comfortable and I was projecting it onto him. He had been visiting Haven off and on since Luna’s rescue. It was only when he turned to lead me into the room that I realized his hair was tied back away from his face. He was letting me see the scarred half of his face without concern. Yep, I wasn’t the only one that was a bit more comfortable.

 

He moved to lean against his desk, motioning me to the chair directly in front of him. I sat down as he reached out to take Butterscotch, letting the puppy lick his face as he petted him, chuckling softly at the dog’s excitement. Scottie certainly was an attention lover.  I was more surprised than I could say. I wasn’t sure which surprised me more, the fact that my puppy knew and trusted the vampire or how gentle and caring Asher was being to the little guy. Smiling I realized neither should really surprise me. Asher had become a welcome guest at Haven and I could certainly understand how those who weren’t always sure of their reception with humans tended to have an affinity for animals. Dogs don’t care what you look like or how big your bank account is, just how big your heart is. They need love and that was obviously something the man before me could share. Maybe someone should give Asher a pet for Christmas, or when was his birthday? I’d have to see if I could find out when I got back. 

 

First things first, I needed to get Asher’s agreement to handle Jean Claude’s reaction to my visit to Dublin. “Well I can see Scottie certainly knows how to pick good friends. Aren’t you worried he’s going to mess up your suit though?”

 

Asher laughed, “Non. I enjoy his company and I can always blame Jason for leaving dog hairs on me, can’t I?” He grinned mischievously. I giggled at that. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit though? Guilty Pleasures is a bit too close to the heart of Jean’s empire for this to be a purely social visit.”

 

I blushed. “That obvious huh? I did actually need to talk to you. Remember when I mentioned that I might be taking a trip to Ireland sometime soon?”

 

“Ah, I see. Your heart has finally out-ruled your head and you are making those plans.” He set Butterscotch down on the floor. The puppy wandered around to investigate the room.

 

“Yeah, I finally realized that there are always going to be things here that need my attention so I am going to focus on what I need.”

 

The blonde man nodded. “I understand. Jean Claude is not going to be happy about it though. Killian is a powerful Master. Allowing you to visit him unescorted could be seen as a sign of weakness, that you are no longer one of Jean Claude’s people.”

 

I couldn’t help it. I growled.  “I’m not going to visit Killian. I am going to see Elijah. I feel like a piece of my heart is missing with us apart for so long. I need to spend some time with him.”

 

“I understand what the reality is but you have to understand how it appears. Perhaps, given a week or two, I can convince Jean Claude to come up with a plausible reason for you to visit.”

I shook my head. “No, I’ve waited long enough. I am leaving tonight.”

”Tonight! Mon Dieu, how do you expect me to handle this with no warning?”

 

“I warned you weeks ago that I needed time off. It’s not my fault that you didn’t make preparations.” As I stopped to take a breath, I heard whining at my feet. I looked down to see Butterscotch trying to climb into my lap. I reached down to pick him up and pet him. I think it comforted me as much as him. I felt calmer as I looked back at the man before me. “Asher I understand this puts you in a tight spot. But can’t you say I just went on vacation or a personal emergency came up and be vague? I can guarantee it will be difficult to trace my flight.  What would you do if was only an ocean and some irrelevant vampire politics that was keeping you from being reunited with Julianne?”

 

He sighed sadly and brushed his hand along my cheek. “I’d be on the first flight out of here. I’ll fix things with Jean Claude.”

 

Squealing I stood up to hug him, sandwiching Scottie between us in the process. “Thank you Asher. I owe you big time! I promise I’ll find a way to make it up.”

 

He stepped back and scratched my puppy behind the ears one more time. “That smile might be worth the reaming Jean is sure to give me. Now go before I regain my senses.”

 

“Point taken.” I gave him one last hug and barreled out the door right into a mostly naked Jason.

 

“Where’s the fire or were you really scared of being chased by the big bad wolf?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

 

I playfully but gently pushed him away. After my last encounter with throwing Jason into a wall, I was amazed he would still speak to me. “You’re incorrigible. That must have been a quick routine you did…. Couldn’t keep their interest for long?” I raised an eyebrow.

 

He grinned. “There’s only so much of me to go around. Trust me, I left them begging for more.”

 

“I’m sure. Well speaking of leaving em begging for more, I have a date to make so I’m outta here. Try not to break too many hearts out there wolfman.” I winked at him and headed down the hallway for the door.

I heard him call out from behind me. “Yeah, well I’ll take two of whatever has put you in such a good mood. Does the absent Druid know about this date?”

 

I turned in the doorway and grinned at him. “Not yet but he will.” Laughing at his shocked expression, I headed through the crowd and out to the limo before Jason could catch me to ask me what I meant.

 

The chauffer smiled, apparently relieved to see me come out unscathed. “Everything all right Miss?”

 

“Yes, it’s perfect. Scottie and I are ready for our final stop.”

 

“Excellent. I’ll have you there in short order. Enjoy the ride.” He smiled politely as he closed the limo door.

 

I settling back in the seat, setting my companion down beside me. Everything was finally falling into place. I was almost afraid of how happy I was but I wasn’t going to let my doubts rule me again.

 

Butterscotch was trying to climb up the back of the seat to see out the window. He hadn’t gotten very far when the car came to a sudden stop causing him to fall back down on the seat. He stood up and barked once at the driver before turning to climb into my lap, standing on my arms to see out the side window. Smiling I realized I could learn something from my little friend. He didn’t let adversity stop him. He just acknowledged it then found a way around it.

 

The limo door opened, distracting me from my musings. The chauffer leaned in and smiled. “We’ve arrived at the airstrip Ma’am.”

 

I stepped out of the car to see a jet standing in front of me. Wow, when Liam said they had a private plane, I definitely didn’t have anything this massive in mind, especially for just me. A young man with short dark hair walked up to greet me. He wasn’t short but not as tall as Lija or even Noah, so I guess he was five ten if that.  He was wearing a dark blue suit minus the tie and was obviously trying to look more professional than he was. I barely resisted the urge to giggle when he tripped over a shoelace almost crashing into me. 

 

He quickly righted himself, and straightened his jacket before putting his hand out to shake. “Ms. Rhodes, I’m Jonathan Miller. I will be your attendant on the flight over. Corey.. ahem… the pilot is finishing his preflight checks. As soon as we get you and your puppy settled, we should be ready to go.” He turned to the chauffer, adding rather stiffly, “if you will transfer Ms Rhodes luggage to the plane, I’ll take over from there.” 

 

I stopped the chauffer to reach out and squeeze his hand, smiling warmly. “Thanks so much for making sure I got here safe.” Turning to my attendant, I knew my smile had lessened, “Johnny, why don’t you help him with the luggage. After all, it would be silly for him to make more than one trip when you’re here to take care of things.”

 

I winked at the chauffer who was fighting back a grin then turned toward the steps leading up to the plane. I carefully made my way up the stairs to the main cabin with Butterscotch safely in my arms and looked around. It was even more impressive from the inside. The interior was done in a combination of ivory and dark green. There were comfortable looking chairs at a table that seated four, something that looked like a sofa against one wall, a couple more chairs that appeared to capable of reclining a fair bit in the back and what appeared to be a giant TV screen along the front wall of the main cabin. Looking up, I noticed that it was a good thing that I wasn’t too tall. Judging from the distance, it looked barely over six feet. I guess someone as tall as Elijah had to duck when they came in here. Sometimes it’s good to be short, I grinned.

 

Walking back to the chairs, I sat down in one next to one of the windows with Butterscotch. Looking down, I saw that someone had strapped a dog carrier down near the chair. I pointed at it and told my small friend, “That’s where you have to go for take off and landing but you can stay right here with me til then. Maybe if I keep you close, neither one of us will get too nervous about this adventure.”

 

He licked my face in reply. I heard a muted thud of something landing followed by a curse from Jon. I couldn’t help laughing as I watched from the window as the chauffer made a beeline for the limo and drove off.  Jon came into the main cabin and gave me a nervous questioning look. Ah damn, he had to go and look all vulnerable and innocent. I always had been a sucker for someone in need of a friend.

 

I smiled. “Sorry. Just laughing at puppy antics.” I winked. “Butterscotch here has never been on a private jet before. Neither have I. We were just checking things out.”

 

He smiled back. “Cool… I mean very well Miss. I’ll get this closed up,” he explained pointing at the stairs we had come up on, “and let the pilot know we’re ready to go.”

 

He did as he said then came back to see if I needed anything. I told him no thinking Scottie and I would have some quiet time to relax. Unfortunately Jon had decided that since this was my first time on the jet he would give me the grand overview of its features. I followed him as far as the fact that it was Gulfstream G550 Private Jet, designed for comfort as well as an extended flight range, but then he lost me. He started telling about all the specifications of the thing and how many were in use. I swear I heard him say there was a Rolls Royce engine in the thing but maybe I had nodded off at that point.

 

Thankfully, Corey came back to tell us that he was ready to take off if we were and we should get strapped him. Scottie was asleep so I carefully set him in the carrier and closed it up then put my own seatbelt on. Jon thankfully had to go sit up front with Corey for the takeoff. It wasn’t long until we were airborne.

 

Jon came back to ask me if I needed anything and told me it would be about a ten hour flight. I told him all I needed was some sleep so he let me be. I took Scottie, who had woken up during take off out of the carrier and let him lay in my lap. We put the seat back and soon both of us were drifting off. I didn’t know what my puppy dreamed about but my dreams all centered on the handsome man I intended to surprise in Dublin.

 

I awoke to find Jon kneeling on the floor, giving Scottie a bowl of water and a few table scraps. I thought about scolding him on spoiling my puppy, but then I guess Butterscotch deserved a luxury or two on his first intercontinental flight.

 

The young man noticed me watching him and stood up. “Did I wake you Ma’am?”

 

I yawned. “For the last time, it’s Maggie and no you didn’t.  How long was I asleep?”

 

“About 9 hours. We should be landing in Dublin in another forty-five minutes or so. I thought I’d take care of Butterscotch for you, before he had to go back on the carrier for the landing. Would you like anything?”

 

I nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate it and yes, some orange juice if you have it and something to nibble. I think I skipped dinner last night.” I rubbed my head, trying to chase the fog from it. “Must have been a bit distracted. Anyway, a piece of toast or something will be fine.”

 

“I’ll see what I can find.” He winked and headed off to what I guessed was a preparation area behind the main cabin.

 

I opened the shade on my window while I was waiting to check out the view. We were still pretty high up but I could see fields of green and what I supposed were houses of some kind dotting the landscape below. It looked like a beautiful day out there.

 

Jon came back a short time later with the juice, scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and what looked like grilled potatoes. Surely he couldn’t have cooked all this food that fast. I shook my head in disbelief and decided I didn’t want to know the mysteries of airline food since I was going to be eating it. Taking a bite, it was surprisingly good or else I was just too hungry to know the difference.

 

I was barely finished with my breakfast when Jon came back to tell me that Corey was ready to land. I made sure Butterscotch was securely placed in his carrier with a little coaxing. Seemed he wasn’t quite through investigating the cabin area. Once he was safely nestled in his seat, I got buckled into mine and waited to land.

 

Once we were safely on the ground, I unbuckled my seatbelt and got up to stretch. It was around noon local time but as far as my body was concerned it was still Six am.

 

Jon came out of the cockpit with Corey who asked me “Are you ready for your first real view of Ireland?”

 

“Hold on til I retrieve my retriever,” I giggled, getting Butterscotch out of his carrier. “That is not the question you gentlemen should be asking.”

At their puzzled look, I grinned and told them, “The question is, is Ireland ready for ME?”

 

“I certainly hope so. If not they are in for one hell of a ride.” Corey winked at me.

 

“Speaking of rides,” I started. “Thank you both for making my trip over here so smooth and comfortable.”

 

“It was our pleasure.” Jon told me as he helped me down the steps from the cabin to landing strip below.

 

I stepped away from the jet, getting my first whiff of fresh air after landing.  We were on a short airstrip separated by a small field from the main runways of the Dublin airport, which was much larger than I would have expected in the distance.  Jon came up behind me, carrying my luggage and followed my gaze.

 

He smiled, “Dublin does have the largest airport in Ireland. We brought you to the private strip so you wouldn’t have to go through customs though. Killian has a standing arrangement with the authorities that he takes responsibility for his guests.”

 

I nodded in understanding and followed him to a sleek blue Rolls Royce parked nearby. Butterscotch and I were watching him put the luggage in the car when we heard a car door open. I barely had time to turn before we were drawn into a hug tight enough to elicit a bark from the puppy being squished between us.

 

I heard an older woman’s laugh before she released me and stepped back. The woman standing before me appeared to be in her late fifties. She was a couple inches shorter than me with grayish brown hair and hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle with glee.  It was only after she introduced herself as Mary that I was able to place her. She was Killian’s head cook and housekeeper. Lija had told me more than once about the woman’s incredible cooking and even more wonderful heart. I knew he as well as Conor had relished her maternal fussiness though neither one of them would have ever admitted to it. Thoughts of the departed Elfman gave me a twinge of guilt that I was coming to hear to see Lija and would most likely see Conor’s family when he couldn’t be here himself. It also reminded me I hadn’t called Luna yet to tell her where I was. Sighing, I realized with the time difference, I should probably wait until later to call. It was getting close to my night loving hellcat sister’s bedtime after all.

 

Greetings aside, I found out that Mary had learned of my plan to surprise Lija from Liam and decided to volunteer her help. She told Jon and Corey to stay in town for the day so Lija wouldn’t get wind of a flight having come in and we were off in the Rolls with a driver.

 

Mary and I decided to do our shopping for my private surprise party in Dublin. She had called the house and found out from Jillian that Elijah was safely distracted helping Killian with some business and would not be making any visits to town today. Mary told me she had already stocked the kitchen of the cottage, so all I needed to worry about was whatever special things I’d like to make my surprise complete.

 

The first stop was a candle shop. Fresh lilacs might be hard to find in this part of the world, but a few well-placed lilac candles should give my love a hint of who was waiting for him. Besides, I explained to Mary that cuddling with Lija by candlelight was one of my favorite things to do.

 

“Favorite things? Does it rank in the top five list?” She asked impishly.

 

“It ranks in the top ten. The top five list isn’t fit for you to hear.” I blushed as she laughed, following me out the door with our purchases.

 

Our driver was by the car, watching Scottie. We had grabbed the leash out of my bags so he could let the puppy exercise a bit while we shopped. I was headed toward the car when I noticed a lingerie shop a few doors down.

 

“Mary, I see something I want to check out, I’ll catch up in a few minutes.”

”I can go with you dear.”

I shook my head. “Nope, this qualifies as a ‘you don’t want to know’ purchase.”

 

She looked past me to the shop I was heading for and grinned. “Very well. I’ll meet you at the flower shop across the way there. Anything in particular you want?”

 

“You’re a doll Mary. Roses, lots of roses and something to arrange them with,” I called out as I headed into the shop.

 

Walking into the shop, silk and lace garments soon surrounded me.  My eye automatically went to the rack of purple garments but I stopped myself. This purchase wasn’t for me. It was for Lija…what would he like to see me in… more to the point what was most likely to have him so anxious to remove that he’d have to buy my a new one, I thought giggling.

 

With the help of a kind sale girl, three combinations later I found an outfit that even I was impressed in how I looked in. I had them carefully wrap my purchases so nobody would be tempted to try for a sneak preview and headed out the door. I started toward the flower shop then thought better of it. I had our driver open up the trunk and carefully placed my newest acquisition in my overnight bag for safekeeping.

 

Mary was coming across the street with a saleslady in tow. They both had their hands full of wrapped flowers. I took Scottie and the driver moved to help the women get the flowers into the car.

 

Mary stopped to show me what she had found. “Lots of roses with some heather to arrange them with dear.”

 

I leaned over to smell the fragrant blooms. “They are beautiful but don’t you think this is a bit much?” I asked looking from her bundle to the other woman’s.

 

“Nonsense. You and Elijah deserve a proper reunion with all the best. Knowing how much good seeing you is going to do the boy has everyone from Killian on down willing to pitch in for anything you want, I assure you.”

 

I couldn’t help laughing at the undertone of frustration in her last statement. “Has my druid been a tad bit grumpy of late?”

 

She nodded, “You could say that. He gets upset over the strangest things too. Just last week he came into the kitchen like he was hunting some scent. I thought maybe he smelled the scones I had in the oven but no. He searched the room, ending up at the kitchen sink. Picked up my new bottle of hand soap I had just bought, sniffed it, slammed it down on the counter and growled. Then he just turned around left. It was the strangest thing.”

Biting my lip I asked, “It wasn’t by any chance lilac scented was it?”

”Yes I thought I’d try something different. How did you know?”

I shook my head. “Lucky guess.”

 

She grinned, “Those candles you picked out were all lilac weren’t they?”

 

“You are far too clever for me, Mary. Is there a chocolate shop nearby?”

 

She told me there was one the next street over. We decided to walk since it was still a nice day. I handed Butterscotch back to our driver and promised I’d be back soon.

 

In the chocolate store, we found a nice assortment of truffles including some with Baileys that I just had to take along with some fresh strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. We stopped in the deli next door where I grabbed a couple loafs of fresh baked baguettes, some cheeses and cold cuts. I asked Mary about a winery but she assured me she had Lija’s favorite wine chilling and the bar was as well stocked as the kitchen.

 

I laughed, “Okay I guess you’re saying I should quit trying to find more things to buy for my Tore and actually head off to meet him, huh?”

 

She patted my arm “You’re quick. You’ll fit in well around here.”

 

Smiling, I followed her back to the car where we barely managed to get the rest of purchases stowed away. Getting in, I pulled Butterscotch up into my lap as Mary climbed in on the other side and we were off.

 

Mary explained as we left the city that Killian’s property was actually about an hour outside of Dublin near Dundalk. We could have gone there to do our shopping but she thought I might want to stretch my legs before the long drive after my all night flight.

 

As we drove down the long winding roads in the countryside, I tried to enjoy the beautiful scenery before me but my mind kept wandering back to what awaited me at my journey’s end. What if I had overdone the whole surprise thing? Maybe I should have warned him I was coming.

 

Shaking my head of those thoughts I turned to Mary and began asking her about what it was like running Killian’s household, how many people were around, and were there many faces to keep track of.  I asked how she had come to work for him and how long she had been a part of his household. It was after the last question that she reached out and grabbed my hand. She squeezed it, as if to distract me from my barrage of questions.

 

She reached out with her other hand and gently grabbed my chin to make sure I was looking at her. “Dear, all of your purchases are wonderful. I am sure that Lija will enjoy them. More than that, I can tell from the way he talks how very much he loves you. He is going to be so thrilled to see you it may take him a while to even notice anything else in the room.” She winked at me before letting go of my chin but kept my hand in hers. “From what I’ve seen today everyone else is going to love you too, assuming he ever lets you out of the cottage to meet anyone else. Now sit back and relax. We’ll be there soon.”

 

I took a deep breath and settled back in the seat, watching the rolling fields of green pass by. I must have nodded off because the next thing I knew, we were parked outside a quaint cottage. I looked up to see the driver already carrying my bags inside. Mary told him to put them in the master bedroom of the cottage. She was also out of the car, carrying what looked like the food and chocolates I had bought into the cottage.

 

I got out of the car and set Scottie down to run around the front a bit while I stretched myself. Calling out to Mary, I told her “You shouldn’t be doing that. You’ve helped enough.”

 

She came back to the door. “Nonsense. I have a feeling you needed the rest more than I did with the evening you have planned. When your little friend there gets settled down, come in and I’ll give you the grand tour.”

 

I stepped back to lean against the car and took in the view. The place was absolutely picture postcard perfect. It was a small but stylish cottage with beautiful stonework. It was one of those old cottages made when architecture mattered, before homes became standardized boxes to store people in and had a charm all it’s own.

 

There was a small flower garden surrounding a bay window on the far right of cottage. The air smelled fresh and clean, a mixture of grass and wildflowers assailing my senses. I could hear some sort of water in the distance so I headed over to the side of the cottage on the left. A small path led down to a gentle stream.

 

Turning around, I almost stepped on Scottie who was close at my heels. I picked him, asking, “What do you think? Should we check out the new digs?”

 

He licked my chin, which I took for a yes so we headed inside. Stepping inside the front door, I was awed by the beautiful woodwork that decorated the front room. There was a small fireplace against the side wall and what looked like a comfortable cushioned sitting area inside the bay window I had viewed from outside.

 

Seeing that other than an area rug in front of the fireplace, the floors were hard wood, I figured it was safe to set Scottie down to walk around. I wandered through the house, finding Mary in the kitchen. It was simple but very functional. It had obviously been updated with the modern conveniences not too long ago. She was putting the cold cuts and cheese in the fridge.

 

“Everything is put away until you need it. Would you like some help with the flowers and candles?”

I started to say no but she looked so eager to help. I found myself nodding instead. “That would be great. I need to unpack yet too.”

 

She said she’d work on getting the flowers trimmed for arrangement and sent me off to unpack. Butterscotch came wandering in to find me and proved to be an entertaining audience. It seemed he felt the need to inspect anything I opened. It didn’t take very long to put my things away as I hadn’t brought that much with me. I laid out my new lingerie purchase on the bed and headed down the hallway.

 

I found Mary in a large bathroom laying out some roses and heather around a large lilac candle on the counter top. She had already set a few candles around what appeared to be a large Jacuzzi bathtub. “I know I’m a hopeless romantic. Too much?”

I shook my head. “No, that’s exactly what I would have done too.”

 

She smiled warmly. “Good. I’ll go put this other bouquet in the bedroom for you.”

Remembering that my outfit was laid out on the bed, I grabbed it and a few candles from her. “I’ll take care of the bedroom. Why don’t you see about finishing up the living room? After all, that is the first thing he will see so I want it to be done up right.”

 

I’m not sure she bought the excuse but she did nod and headed down the hallway toward the front entry. I headed for the bedroom. I arranged the flowers on the vanity with a few smaller sprays on the nightstands on either side of the bed. I ended up going out to the kitchen to get more candles to put around the room. Looking at it, I decided it looked about as good as I was going to get it. I took a deep breath and stopped to pinch myself. It was still hard to believe I was really here.

 

I headed out into the living room to find Mary putting a spray of flowers on the mantle above the fireplace. Flowers and candles were scattered around the room, already giving off a fragrant scent.  She came walking toward me with one last bouquet. “Where should we put this one dear?”

 

Looking around, “The living room looks perfect Mary. I’ll put those on the dining table.”

I took them from her and headed off to place them in the other room. After arranging them, I stepped back to look at the scene. The red of the roses contrasted the dark wood of the table nicely. I ran my hand along the beautiful wooden chairs that surrounded it.

 

Mary came up next to me. “Well what do you think?”

 

“It’s all so lovely Mary. It almost seems like too much. Are you sure…”

She gave me a hug. “Yes I’m sure everything is fine and Killian is very happy to loan you the use of his guest cottage. Now we are just a ways up the drive, far enough to give you privacy, no worries about that. But we’re close if you need anything. Just hit number One on memory on the speaker phone in the kitchen and it will patch you right through to the main house.” I bit my lip and she winked at me. “I usually answer the phone. Now let’s see. It’s just after five now. How long do you want me to give you before I send Lija down to check on the cottage?”

 

I thought about what I wanted to do, figured out how much time it would take then added twenty minutes to be safe. “How about Seven Thirty?”

 

She nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll get out of your way so you can get ready. There is a sandwich sitting on the counter in the other room. Eat it and have a nice glass of cold tea from the fridge before you start getting ready. I don’t want to hear from Lija that you were so nervous that you fainted on him.”

 

“Yes Ma’am,” I told her giving her another hug. I walked the older woman to the door with Scottie following close behind.  I watched her head off with the driver and let my puppy run around the front for a few minutes before I called for him to head inside.

 

After eating the sandwich, I headed off to the bedroom and grabbed my special lilac soaps and shampoo to do my hair. The Jacuzzi looked very inviting but I was afraid it would relax me too much and I would fall asleep. Luckily there was a small freestanding shower stall in the back corner of the bathroom. I stepped under the hot water and tried to focus on getting ready.  The hot water did help relieve some of the tension in my muscles and distract me from worrying about my druid for a few minutes at least.

 

I got out of the shower and dried off. I took time to put some mildly lilac lotion on then dried my hair. I put some spiral curls in, pulling my hair back from my face but leaving it cascading down the back. I put on some light make up then headed into the bedroom to get my new outfit. I first pulled on the stretchy but skintight royal blue lace teddy. It ended in a small frilled edge about two inches below my hips. The latticework of the lace was just separated enough to reveal quite a bit of skin. Still it did leave a bit to the imagination. It was just a tad more revealing than my usual fare.

 

I pulled on the matching royal blue silk robe and started to tie it around my waist. Looking in the mirror, I thought better of it. I wanted to surprise Lija. I would leave the robe open and let him get a hint of things to come. I grabbed a pair of high-heeled black pumps I intended to put on at the last minute and prayed Lija wouldn’t let me stay in them too long. I really didn’t want a sprained ankle but I was going for effect. I set them near the door and made sure I had picked everything up from my preparations. Taking one last look in the mirror, I was surprised by the beauty staring back at me. Either excitement or fear had allowed shards of silver to creep into my eyes, which looked a deeper blue perhaps picking up the color of the robe.

 

Looking over at the clock, I saw it was already a quarter after Seven. It was a good thing I had left some wiggle room. I grabbed a butane candle lighter I had gotten on our shopping trip and started heading through the rooms lighting all the candles.  Once that was done, it occurred to me that Scottie hadn’t been in to harass me in a few minutes. Wandering through the cottage, I finally found him in the kitchen. He had crawled into his large carrier and fallen asleep. Smiling, I turned off the kitchen light.

The sound of the phone ringing jarred me. I quickly picked it up. Mary was on the line, “Lija just headed out the door.  You’ve got about five minutes until he should show up.”

”What did you tell him to get him to head this way?”

”That I thought I saw someone down there earlier. Good luck.” With that she hung up.

 

I quickly went through the house, turning off the lights and then headed back to the bedroom to put the pumps on. I turned off the bedroom light and picked up a rose. Walking back down the hallway, I stood in the entryway to the living room, just barely in the shadows and waited.  It wasn’t long before I heard the front door opening.

 

I held my breath as my handsome Tore walked into the room. Even with the candles it was a bit dark. Still with my heightened sight from Luna’s last stunt, I could tell he was scanning the room, trying to place the scents assailing him. He was on guard but he still looked good enough to eat. Releasing the breath I was holding, I took in the scents of the room myself. I could barely stop myself from moving toward him as his scent reached me, surrounding, exciting, yet soothing my overwrought senses.

 

I shivered as I felt his gaze move to the entryway where I stood. Stepping out into the candlelight I grinned. “Are you looking for something?” I asked then stood there running the rose blossom along my lips.

 

He moved a few steps closer further into the light himself. The shock on his face gave way to a huge grin.

 

“Surprise!” I giggled as he moved toward me. Oh yeah, it was going to be an evening to remember.