Free Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Page A

to Gavin about Quinn helped him handle things peacefully," Tomas said.
     
"Dearie me, but she preaches to all of us, ye know." Gunna covered the dough biscuits in the oven pan and carried them to the fireplace.
     
"That's not true. I merely give a wee bit of advice when it's needed." Serena clenched her fists at her side and pretended to glare at the sweet woman she thought of as a grandmother. "What can I do to help?"
     
"Ye can pour that pitcher of water over my hands outside. They need washing." Gunna headed for the door.
     
"And when ye finish that, ye can set the table. I think the rabbit stew is about done," Mother said.
     
Serena grabbed the soap and pitcher and followed Gunna out. A nip in the air made her shiver without her cloak. The skyline looked like a dark gray canvas with sparkling jewels. It was rare that clouds didn't congregate above them, hiding the stars.
     
"I think Father Tomas is verra lonely," Gunna said as Serena poured water over her hands. She lathered the soap and scrubbed the dough off with expert force. "I wonder if he ever regrets giving his vows to the church, especially after the way they treated him—sending him here."
     
"Well, I'm glad they sent him here. He's one of the best things that ever happened to our village." Serena said. "Although, I'm sorry he now has a speech problem when he's nervous and that's why he lost his other church."
     
"Loneliness has it's own grief." Gunna's voice faded as she paused. Serena knew she was thinking of her own dear husband, dead two years before Serena's birth.
     
"Let's not dwell on the past." Serena laid a hand on her shoulder. "Mither and Tomas are waiting."
     
"Aye, that they are."
     
To Serena's relief, Gunna's tone brightened in an instant. Serena disliked it when Gunna became distressed. It was like her own heart wept with her. Serena ushered her inside. "Warm yer hands by the fire, Gunna. It's cold out."
     
Gunna hobbled over to the fire.
     
Serena allowed her gaze to stray to Gunna's bulky form, her gray bun such a familiar and dear sight. The back of Serena's throat stung with the realization that Gunna was getting on in years and might not be with them much longer. Serena's heart swelled and tightened.
     
"Hurry, Serena. I've already flipped the bread cakes for Gunna," Mither said.
     
Launching into action, Serena dismissed her wayward thoughts. "I ran into Gavin MacKenzie and his men at the castle." Serena left out the part about actually running into Gavin and landing on his toes. She set out the wooden bowls and spoons, while her mother filled them with stew.
     
"Father Tomas, I'm sorry but water is all we have to offer." Gunna poured water into the cups.
     
"Ye know perfectly well that is fine by me." He rubbed his belly. "I feel blessed the three of ye took pity on me and let me have a wee bit of that delicious stew I've been smelling for the past hour."
     
Serena handed Tomas a warm bread cake. "And we enjoy the entertaining conversation."
     
"Oh, dearie me!" Gunna gasped, setting down the water. "Look what I've gone and done." She set the cup she had spilt upright. Water soaked the wood and leaked through the cracks onto the dirt floor.
     
"Don't worry, Gunna." Serena grabbed a nearby towel hanging on a wall peg and mopped up the access water. "I'll take care of it."
     
"I canna see like I used to." Gunna wrung her hands together and side-stepped from one foot to the other.
     
"Come, Gunna. Ye need to rest awhile. Ye've been up on yer feet far too long." Mother pulled out a chair and gestured to it.
     
Sighing, Gunna settled in the seat. She shook her head in disbelief. "I didn't used to be so awkward." She looked at Tomas. "I'm afraid I'm more of a bother than a help these days."
     
"There comes a time to be served. Ye've spent all yer years serving these two. Let them return the favor. It'll make them feel good," Tomas said.
     
"I agree with Tomas." Mother poured more water in Gunna's cup.
     
Serena sat