Ronan stood at the edge of the grass for a long moment and when no one came for him, decided to spend what was left of his time with Ashley, inside.

He took her soft hand in his rough one, his guts clenching at the realization that this might be the last time he’d be able to do such a thing, and headed into the doors of the visitors center.

It was familiar, yet not.

He’d never walked this space before with a flesh and blood body; it felt different, as if the time before were a remembered dream.

As usual, Logan had gathered everyone around. “Now, I know ye’ve seen a lot in the last two days, but we’ve certainly saved the best for last. Culloden Moor is the site of the last ever battle on British soil. The battle of Culloden occurred here on April 16, 1746 and ended in a bloodied slaughter of the Jacobite rebellion, those who wanted to set the Stuarts back on the throne. The entire battle lasted all of forty minutes, and between 1,500 and 2,000 men died that day.”

Ronan bent his head.

“As to the ghosts here, on the anniversary of the battle every year, it is said that the anniversary ghosts, spectral soldiers who appear from thin air, are the fallen soldiers, said to rise again, and the cries of the wounded and the clinking of steel weapons can be heard.”

Regardless of the heavy weight in his stomach, Ronan snorted, a sound of derision. As if they even kept track of the days, let alone performed for the locals.

“There have also been reports of a tall man, his features drawn and weary, he wears a tartan and can be seen roaming the area. Whenever he is approached people have heard him murmuring the word defeated over and over again.”

Ronan scoffed and shook his head.

“There is also a tale of a woman who once lifted a plaid from off one of the grave mounds, and saw a wounded soldier underneath, dying and gasping his last.”

Ronan sighed. People truly believed such things?

“There are many people who have claimed to have felt cold spots, and drafts, and if you feel such a thing, know that you are in the presence of those who lived and died here all those years ago.

“Mmmphm.” That one might be true.

“Feel free to wander around, there is plenty to see, interactive videos, displays, and a 360-degree audio visual experience of the chaos of the battle. We’ll be getting back on the bus in an hour heading to the bed-and-breakfast.”

“As it is getting dark outside, you might want to head out that way so you can visit the battlefield, and perhaps get a feel for what a poor choice of ground Bonnie Prince Charlie chose for this last battle. After all, how were they to make use of the infamous Highland Charge with large patches of boggy swampland in the middle?”

Exactly!

“Take a look at the clan stones, the cairn. There’s a cottage, flags, and information markers giving you an idea of the placement of each force.”

Logan gestured into the visitors center. “I’m sorry to say that we don’t have more time here, as there is so much to see. Anyone staying over an extra few days, will definitely want to come back. In the meantime, enjoy! And I’ll see you at the bus in about fifty minutes.”

Ronan stood in stoic silence and, as everyone dispersed, Ashley fidgeted beside him. “Would you like to go and see the outside?”

He stood there, unresponsive for long moments, soaking in the feel of her hand, her presence, already aching at the loss of her, his insides hollow, empty.

For one blistering moment he considered running with her. Snatching her up in his arms and just …

His sanity slowly returned. How did one run from a witch? Anyway, Ashley wasn’t his. He’d simply been her protector for a short while, his time with her a gift, and one he’d cherish forever.

“Ronan?”

He finally drew in a long breath. Taking her pack up over his shoulder, he nodded. Best to just get this over with. “All right, mo chroi´. Lead the way.”

* * *

Mo chroi´?

Ashley tried to memorize the phrase, determined to look it up at the first opportunity. It had almost sounded like an endearment, and if so, she wanted to know for sure.

She still didn’t know what Ronan’s plans were after the tour officially ended tonight. He still hadn’t said a word to her and it was driving her crazy.

Which meant, that the time to do nothing had run out, and she needed to have a talk with him.

Maybe more kissing would be involved.

They headed outside to the field, where others were walking around, and even though it was getting darker it was still easy to see the stone markers and flags as they walked down the path.

Ashley stopped at the closest one. “It’s a shame we don’t have more time here. I guess I didn’t really know the story all that well. It’s incredibly sad. All those young men, slaughtered in an instant.”

Ronan’s breathing had escalated, and the hand that wasn’t holding hers clenched and unclenched.

“Are you all right?”

He chuckled at that, the sound humorless. “Aye, lass. Just remembering, that is all.”

Ashley looked around, found they were relatively alone, and considered the best way to ask Ronan to stay.

She should have done it earlier.

She shouldn’t have waited.

Now, he looked unsettled, anguished, almost as if he was grieving.

Her courage started to fail. Maybe she wanted too much from a man that she’d only met yesterday?

On the other hand, what if her happily-ever-after was right here for the taking, if she just had the guts to reach for it?

Love at first sight? If this wasn’t it, then it had never existed before in the history of the world.

But here, with the markers representing the dead and buried, and Ronan so obviously distressed, it probably wasn’t the best time to discuss a possible future.

They turned and walked for a while, stopping at grave markers as the light slowly diminished behind the mountains.

The fact that Ronan still clung to her hand, gave her hope that whatever this was, it wasn’t about them.

It was getting dark enough, that there wasn’t much to see, and she was about to suggest they turn back, when something flared to life out in the field.

Ashley stopped to stare, and was startled to realize it was a girl, her dark dress shining around the bottom, almost to the point of resembling a green fire.

A costume? So cool!

Excited, she pointed. “Look at that!” Even as she said it, she realized he was already gazing out over the field his expression remote, unsurprised.

He turned to her, reached for her other hand, and held them both in his as he stared down into her eyes. “I am to go now, lass.” He seemed to choke the words out, and then he swallowed with difficulty. “Tis been a pleasure to meet you. More pleasure than I can ever say. I’ll not forget your beauty, humor, or intelligence. Thank ye for letting me keep ye safe. ”

He was saying goodbye to her?

Regardless of the gallant, gentlemanly words, she felt sick, distressed, and shocked.

Someone called out, and she looked at the girl in the field, now beckoning.

“Do you know her?” she choked out the words.

He nodded. “Tis Soni, the witch I told ye of.”

He kissed first one hand, and then the other, and then released her. He stood staring, a dangerous glint in his eyes, breathing with a tautly contained intensity that made it seem like something dreadful was about to happen. He reached out with stunning quickness, grabbed her shoulders, and pulled her in for a quick, hard kiss, his fingers digging into her.

She gasped when he released her, and then he was walking away, the warmth of his hands and mouth fading, leaving her cold and confused.

Pressing her fingers to her lips she watched him cross the grass and head toward the girl. Did he think that was it? Did he think that was the end of the line, and without so much as a by-your-leave, he was out of her life as quickly as he’d entered?

She followed, stepping onto the grass and running to catch up. “Ronan? What are you doing?”

At that, he stopped, and turned around to look at her. “I’m sorry, lass. I wasnae thinking straight.”

He was right about that!

He lifted her pack from off his shoulder, and she realized he thought she was chasing him down to get the backpack.

With a sigh of frustration, she took it from him and placed a hand on his arm. “Thank you, but what I was trying to say was —”

She glanced at the girl, now standing in a crowd of men, and forgot what she was going to say.

She realized she was gaping, and closed her mouth. “Where in the world —”

It suddenly occurred to her that while the witch looked solid, flesh and blood, the men behind her did … not.

There must’ve been at least 40 of them, some clearly outlined to the point that she could see they were dressed in full Highland Regalia, others were so wispy that they seemed to fade in and out of existence.

She was gaping again, as chills raced up her spine. “Ronan … do you see them?”

He glanced over at the girl, at the ghosts, and nodded. “Aye, lass, my brothers-in-arms, as I told ye.”

“But … but …”

“Come.” He took her hand and pulled her forward, a relief, because she didn’t think she’d be able to move on her own.

Soni beckoned them. “Doonae be shy, come close.”

Ashley gasped in air. Those were ghosts, those were actual ghosts.

For a moment, sanity returned, and she tried to figure out how they were doing this, because surely it must be a trick, a laser show, or … something.

But in a flash, she knew that everything Ronan had told her about himself was true.

When he’d talked about the moor, he’d meant Culloden Moor. He’d said they’d been out here for hundreds of years. Trapped, unable to leave. The witch had sent him to her. The thought of him here, in such a state, wrenched at her heart and she clung to his hand with both of hers.

They quickly reached the girl. She was beautiful, dressed in a black dress and cape, the green from around her skirt gone. But it wasn’t the girl who kept her attention, it was the men behind her.

As she stared at them, they stared back at her, looking between her and Ronan, an assortment of expressions on their faces, some of them amazed, others sad, still others suspicious.

The girl chuckled, the sound charming and infectious as she turned to the men behind her. “Off with ye now then, laddies.” She made shooing motions with her hands. “I’ve some business to conduct with the lady.”

Ashley heard them grumbling, as determined, they walked across the moor, disappearing one by one, until they were all gone.

She finally turned her attention to the girl. “What just happened?”

“Just a bit of excitement about Ronan walking up with a lady. Twas to be expected.” The girl clasped her hands in front of her. “Well, how did he do?”

Ashley’s thoughts raced. Maybe they were special-effects. The visitors center had seemed well-thought-out, with all the newest bells and whistles in terms of the movie theater, and explanations of the weapons, and… oh, who was she kidding! She’d come on this ghost tour, hoping to see a ghost, and she had, she’d seen a lot of them, fallen in love with one, and that was her story and she was sticking to it!

“Lass? Did he keep ye safe?”

“Who? Ronan?” The question finally broke her out of her trance. “Yes, he did keep me safe.” She thought of the thief who’d stolen her purse with a knife, her ransacked room, about the syringe that had been stuck in his arm. If she’d been without him, she knew much worse could have happened. “Yes, he definitely kept me safe, and at great risk to himself. There is no one I’d rather have at my side. He’s wonderful, brave, strong, loyal, and fun. I’d trust him with my life. You sent him?”

“O’ course I did.”

“Thank you, Soni, is it?”

“Soni Muir, at your service.” The girl held out a hand, and Ashley slowly, hesitantly, reached forward to shake it.

She was relieved to find flesh and blood at the other end of the handshake. “I’m Ashley Martinez.”

She glanced up at Ronan, whose expression remained impassive as he seemed to look into the distance where the men, or rather, the ghosts had disappeared. Wanting to join them?

“About Ronan. If he works for you, maybe we could work out a deal? Say, I could hire him for an undetermined amount of time? Like forever?”

“Oh, no, lass. I’m sorry, but I promised him that if he did well, and he did, there’d be a prize awaiting him at the end of it. Perhaps ye’d like to hire one of the others?”

Another ghost? Ashley glanced at Ronan, to see his reaction to that suggestion. His fist opened and closed, his lips pressed tight together, his color heightened.

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid that just wouldn’t work for me. It has to be Ronan.”

She watched as his fist relaxed, but then he was staring at the ground, and he looked so sad that she thought for sure he wanted to stay with her. “Ronan, are you okay with this?”

“Lass?”

“Look, whatever you were before, you’re flesh and blood now. I’d like you to stay with me. I mean no pressure or anything, but I need you to know that.”

He swallowed. “I cannae.”

Hurt speared through her. “Because of your prize?” She wasn’t worth giving it up for? If that was the case, then he was going to have to say it so she wasn’t left wondering what had happened.

His head hung again. “I’m needed elsewhere.”

She was fighting for her future here and she knew it. Ronan was hers now. She felt it. “Maybe I need you too. Maybe you’re needed here.”

The young girl looked between them as the twilight turned to darkness, not adding anything, and giving Ashely hope that it was possible to keep him.

Pain was working its way through her, though she tried to hide it. Gulping, she nodded her head, tightened her backpack, and asked, “So, are you coming over to the B&B?”

“Nae, lass. I’m to stay here.”

Tears burned the back of her eyes, and she looked at the ground and nodded once more. “All right. All right.” She took a deep breath. “I guess I’ll just head into the visitors center and go find Monica and Garth.”

He wasn’t even looking at her when he said, “That would be for the best.”

She glared at him as her heart twisted and twisted, willing him to give her something to hope for. She swallowed, turned and walked a few feet away, then stopped.

She hadn’t wanted to chase him, had wanted the opposite, but something was off here. She could feel he wanted her. She just had to get him to admit it. Maybe if she told him how she felt first…

She turned around. “Ronan. There is something between us, it feels like it, at least to me. I … I know this is crazy, but I feel like I love you. And you’re tearing my heart out. If you don’t feel the same, then fine. I’m leaving. But I hope you know, this choice you’re making, could turn out to be one you regret forever. Maybe what we have could be worth more than the prize you value so much.”

She held her ground and watched to see what his reaction to her words would be.

The big lug just stood there, his head bowed, and he didn’t even look at her or give her the courtesy of saying anything in return.

“Did you know that it only takes 4 minutes to decide whether you like someone or not?” Without another word, she turned and walked away. She used to think that love didn’t last, but she was very afraid that wasn’t the case after all. Afraid this man was in her heart permanently and she’d never get over him.

Tears blinded her as she walked across the fragrant grass, spilling over before she’d even reached the path.

He hadn’t even asked for her phone number.

But then, she supposed, ghosts probably didn’t own phones.

* * *

Ronan’s insides clenched, an invisible fist tightening, twisting, making him crazed.

He didn’t watch her walk away. Couldn’t. He’d never forget the sight or feel of her and didn’t want her departure to be his last memory. It took everything in him not to turn and stride after her, to grab her up, hold her against his chest, and take back the pain he’d caused.

He tilted his head to look at familiar stars. It was that or scan for her in the distance, hoping for a last look as his heart shredded in his chest.

“Are ye all right?” Soni sounded genuinely concerned. The question struck him as absurd as he’d just hurt the most precious thing in his world. Soni was the one who’d placed Ashley in his path, thereby causing all of this destruction to her heart. To his. And yet she asked him such a question? “I will never be all right again.”

He knew he wouldn’t be.

“Oh.” She took a breath. “Well,” she said brightly. “On a positive note, Ashley thought ye did a great job, so now ye get your chance at Prince Charlie.”

The ghosts, back again, made approving noises; congratulating him, expressing admiration and respect.

Ronan nodded, keeping his teeth clenched so he wouldn’t denounce the plan that he’d wanted, that he’d agreed to, before he’d met Ashley.

But meeting her, having her with him, even for the short time they’d been together, had completely extinguished his desire for revenge against his nemesis.

It was insane. He’d nursed anger for centuries. He’d known Ashley but two days, yet all his fury, his desire for vengeance, had been pushed aside and replaced with her.

Only her.

He knew his duty, though it crushed him. He couldn’t let the men down, but in his heart he knew he’d change it if he could. But what use would she have for a man who did not keep his word?

But what if his brothers, the ones gone before, had already exacted all the retribution needed?

What if he found it was all for naught?

“What if I give it up?” Ronan said roughly through clenched teeth, feeling shame at the asking, but also hope in equal measure.

“What’s that? I didnae hear ye.”

“What if I choose not to take vengeance on Prince Charlie? Could I … spend more time instead with Ashley?” Because another minute, hour, day with her, would mean far more than the long-awaited revenge.

The men murmured amongst themselves, but surprisingly, did not malign him as a coward.

“The poor lass seemed fond of him.”

“Looked heartbroken, she did.”

“Twas a sad goodbye, indeed.”

“And for him to have found love at this late date — perhaps a bit more time wouldnae come amiss?”

“Aye, there’s plenty among us to exact revenge. If ye could see it in yer heart, lass? Twould be a fine thing for a fellow friend.”

The fist was back to clenching his stomach and he bowed his head to hide the tears wetting his eyes. He’d have expected their condemnation and derision, not help and concern.

He bit the inside of one cheek, striving for a semblance of control. Aye, they were a fine lot of lads, as braw and brave as a man could have as companions. He should have expected such aid.

“I’m sorry, laddie,” Soni’s voice filled with concern. “If ye’d saved her, and she ye, then perhaps …?”

Ronan’s head shot up, his entire attention focused upon Soni. “I did save her, and she me.”

“What do ye mean?”

“A man tried to rob her, perhaps kill her,” his words picked up speed, “and if not for me, she might be cold and lifeless now, moved on to her eternal reward.”

“What man?”

“A thief in Edinburgh. He cut her purse away and destroyed her room. As he didn’t get what he’d wanted, I believe he’d have attacked again but for my presence.”

He took another breath anxious to convince her. “Another man tried to drug or poison me as I carried her pack. Twould have been her if I’d not been there, that wrath turned in her direction.” He thought of the man who’d been in her home and his fists tightened, hardened. “She may be in danger still.”

The ghosts around him murmured their disgust and anger.

“And the poor lass left unprotected?”

“Such a tiny thing. What chance against a villain?”

“Och, aye, tisn’t right. She must have protection.”

Gratitude toward his brothers rose once more as Soni looked thoughtful, considering.

“Hmm,” she tapped a finger against her lips. “What of her? Ye say she saved ye as well?”

“She calmed my anger. She took it and drained it away as if it’d never been, filling my heart with herself instead. The way she talks, her laughter, the brilliance of her mind. Her silliness, her joy at being scared, the way she clings. All of it.”

As he spoke, he saw his brothers had gathered closer, yearning, awe, and wonder in their gazes.

Soni sighed, the sound sad. “I’m sorry, laddie. Yer time is up, and I commend ye for serving well. Tis time to go to yer reward.”

Hope fizzled as he heard the bus honk twice, and knew she was already aboard, soon to leave him forever.

He sank to his knees, bowed his head, and waited. He’d yearned for this moment for centuries, and yet instead of the joy he’d thought it would bring him, all he felt was devastation.

“Send me on my way then, if that’s to be the way of it. But I’ll bypass Prince Charlie if it’s all the same to ye. I’ve not the heart for it, and my brothers can do the job well.”

Aye, he’d go, his thoughts now filled with waiting for Ashley. When it was her time, would he see her again? Would she even remember him after a long life filled with living?

For himself, he’d memorized every feature, every quirk of personality. She was the most achingly beautiful, intelligent, talented female ever born. Her sweetness, the teasing tone when she spoke to him, the way she fit in his arms; all were branded into his memory.

A loud roaring noise had him gasping and he jerked his head up, glanced around frantically, his hands covering his ears as he took in the long white building before him, the cars and people milling about.

This was heaven?

Understanding quickly dawned.

Ah, so, it twas to be the other, then. His chance with Ashley truly lost forever.