Free A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two by Cali MacKay Page A

was engaged to another lad, aye?”
    “Was my father local, then? When did she become pregnant?” She needed information she didn’t already have.
    “No, he wasn’t from around here, that I was aware of. She’d been away at university when it happened, so I can only assume it was a lad she’d met during her studies, though he could easily be from anywhere. She left for the states as soon as she could-would have been about four months pregnant with ye.” Anne let out a deep breath. “I know ye want to know yer father, but I’m afraid there’s little to point the way. Bit of a wild goose chase.”
    Rowan’s mind raced through the possibilities. She could see her mother, young and independent, walking across campus to class, a handsome guy at her side. They wouldn’t be living in a vacuum. “Someone must know-even if it’s no more than who she was hanging out with. I know she lived on campus-she’d let that slip one day. Maybe her roommate met him-or perhaps he called. Did she ever mention her roommate’s name?”
    “I’m sure she did on more than one occasion, though I’m afraid my memory is failing me after all these years.” She put a gentle hand on Rowan’s arm. “I’m so sorry I’m not being much help.”
    “I know it’s been ages since it happened, and I appreciate you trying to help. And now that I know it happened while she was in college, I’m hoping I can track down a few more leads. I can’t thank you enough-already, it’s far more than I had to start with.” Once more, Angus and his family were there to help her. She couldn’t imagine trying to do it all on her own, and having this connection to her mom was priceless. “I truly appreciate everything you and your family have done for me. I couldn’t have made the move here without Angus.”
    Though it wasn’t a lot to go on, Rowan at least knew her next step would be tracking down the people who knew her mother while she was in school. Teachers, advisors, friends, and most importantly, her mom’s roommate. It finally felt like she was getting somewhere with her search, even if she was still a long way from finding her father.
    Anne pulled her from her thoughts. “Yer mother was like the sister I never had, and I hope ye know, ye’re like family. I would do anything I could to keep ye safe and see ye happy.”
    Anne’s words struck at her very heart, filling it with hope. It was as if she was no longer alone in her quest. She’d tried her best to manage on her own, tried to stay strong. For the first time since her mother’s death, she felt someone lighten her load and walk by her side. And it wasn’t just Anne, but Angus. Feeling like she could finally take a moment to exhale-like she could dare hope to find her father-she let loose all she’d been holding back and let her tears come as Anne held her close in a motherly embrace.
    She managed to get a hold of herself before long, not wanting to be an emotional mess. She swiped at her eyes with a smile and a laugh. “I think I needed that.”
    “Och, we all need a cry from time to time, and I suspect ye’d been holding that one in for far too long.” She got to her feet and pulled out the pie, setting it aside to cool. “Now, give us a hand getting dinner to the table. I’m sure the lads are feeling like they’ve gone days without being fed-ne’er mind that they eat from morn until night, and barely stop long enough to take a breath.”
    ***
    “That was… amazing . My compliments.” Rowan sat back in her seat, unable to eat another bite and in a damn good mood. From the pork loin wrapped in bacon and filled with onion and apple stuffing, to the apple pie topped with fresh cream , and everything in between, each bite had been a burst of flavor.
    “I’m glad to hear ye enjoyed it.” Anne got to her feet to clear the dishes, but Angus put a hand on her arm.
    “Sit, Ma. I’ll take care of it.” He got to his feet and Rowan joined him. Together with just a trip or