Skye's Poppies

Present Day

Skye let the sea wind whip the tears from her face. Her eyes closed as she tried to go back to a time when she was truly happy. Try as she might the emotion evaded her. The only thing popping into her mind was Connor’s face, laughing. Skye snapped her eyes open. She could not linger there, Connor was off limits, all men were. Seamus should be the only man occupying those sort of thoughts. She could not let her mind linger there either. Tonight she had smiled too much while she was tending to the bar. She got off light with just some bruises to her side. Seamus had left for Edinburgh right after, much to her relief. The less her husband was home, the more content Skye was. He’d be in the city for at least a week, he hated driving and usually only drove an hour and half to Lairg to catch the train. Even though the train took two to three hours longer than driving.

A splash and a bark shook Skye out of her thoughts and she laughed as Baisd pranced around in the ocean waves. Bheulach licked at her hands, his dark eyes shinning in the moonlight. The breeze changed and Skye felt a storm approaching, she knew she did not grow up near the sea. She must have lived somewhere where storms were just as likely to rage, she could always feel them coming. A quick whistle came from her lips, as she turned and made her way up the staircase in the cliff. Baisd bounded up beside her as the three of them, the lost girl and her two Gordon Setters, made their way home.

She had just poured herself a cup of tea and sat at the fire when the sky opened up and thunder clapped. Bheulach laid his head in her lap, while Baisd sat next to her. Baisd stayed alert and stared at the front door, always on duty.

“He’s not coming home tonight, Baisd, you can relax. Tonight just the sky is angry.” Skye said to her protector, petting his head. She had just taken another sip from her tea cup when a knock rang out and Baisd jumped up and bounded to the door. Skye put her teacup on the coffee table, got up, and smoothed her skirts. Opening the door she let out a surprised “oh” finding a soaked through Connor MacKay standing outside of it.

“Evening, Mrs. Reid. I was out for a walk along the cliffs when the rain came from nowhere. Could I bother you for a cup of tea while I dry off and wait for the storm to pass?”

“It’s no bother Mr. MacKay, please come in and get dry.”

Connor took off his wet boots and coat, and shook his head throwing water over the mat and door. Baisd came up to him for a scratch, tongue lolling out and tail wagging.

“You are worse than Baisd and Bheulach, Mr. MacKay. You are also the only man they like.” Skye said with a smirk setting a tea cup down on the table.

“What about Seamus?”

“They growl at him and don’t let him near. They stay outside or in the guest room when he’s home.”

“Dogs are good judges of characters, I’ve noticed.”

“Or they are over protective, and you have a feminine look.” Skye said, still smirking as she set a plate of biscuits in front of him. Even as she said it she knew he was right. Connor may not be broad shouldered and muscled like her husband, but there was no doubting he was a man. Skye’s stomach fluttered as she took in his smile that made his blue-green eyes sparkle.

Ignoring her jab Connor changed the subject, his mouth full of biscuits. “Where is Seamus tonight? I know I would have a hard time leaving such a beautiful wife and splendid cook.”

Skye blushed at his compliments. “Didn’t your mother teach you any manners? Don’t talk with your mouth full.” Skye scolded with a smile before going on. “He has business in Edinburgh. As you know he has his hands in many pies.” Another peal of thunder rang out. “It looks like the rain isn’t going to stop tonight. I’ll get a set of Seamus’s clothes for you, and you can spend the night in our guest room. Plus it’s too late to be walking home, you could fall off a cliff.” Skye walked into the master bedroom, leaving Connor with Baisd and Bheulach. Abandoning his empty tea cup he got down on the ground to play tug of war with Baisd and his rope. Seeing Skye’s feet Connor let go, surprising Baisd who pulled too hard and knocked into Skye. Tripping over Bheulach, she landed on the floor and the clothes she’d been carrying fluttered over her. Connor rushed over grabbing her waist to help her up.

“Ow, oh, Mr. MacKay, I’m fine, please let go.” Skye said getting up one hand holding her side. Connor picked up the clothes eying Skye’s hand on her side.

“Thanks for the room Mrs. Reid. You know if you’re ever in trouble, I’m here. Everyone in town has fallen for you this past year. No one wants to see you hurt or leave.” Connor said from the doorway of the guest room.

“I love this town too, Mr. MacKay. I have no intention of leaving. Have a goodnight.” Skye said going into her room, shutting the door after Baisd and Bheulach. Connor stood for an extra minute staring at her closed door.

Skye leaned against the closed door, trying to get Connor MacKay’s smile out of her head. Images passed in her head of the first time she saw him. It had been her first week at the pub, still learning the regular drinks and faces. She had mistaken his scotch preferences, giving him the well brand instead of the mid-shelf brand he usually got. Unless he was celebrating something. Then he bought a round for the bar, and he only wanted the top shelf. He had politely corrected her with his handsome smile. He continued smiling at her until he caught sight of her wedding band. His eyes darkened before a reluctant smile came back, except this time it didn’t reach his eyes. He had made her nervous as his eyes followed her the rest of the night. She would be lying if he had not caught her eye, too. Seamus may not be the most handsome man in her eyes, but he was her husband. Skye knew most women envied her for having such a rich and handsome man, but they did not know Seamus’ personality. She hoped Connor would find someone who deserved his love and kindness. She did not know what she had done to deserve a man like Seamus.

Skye stopped her daydreaming as she heard the door close. She stepped out to grab the ice packs from the freezer. Preparing for bed in the bathroom she winced while getting out of her dress. Looking at her side in the mirror, the bruises were starting show angry and purple. She gingerly touched it trying to feel through, she didn’t think ribs were broken. The last time she broke one the pain was constant and much worse. Small tears fell from her eyes, blinking them away she placed the towel wrapped pack to her side. A wet nose pressed against her leg. Bheulach whimpered up at her his big eyes looking mournful.

“I’m okay buddy, it’s not too bad.” Skye murmured rubbing his head with her free hand. She walked into her bedroom heading for her dresser. Suddenly a hand grabbed her arm as another pulled the ice pack from her side.

Connor stared at the closed door with longing and concern for a minute before turning into the guest room. Laying down he tried to put his mind off the woman in the other room. He heard her back out in the kitchen and peeked out his door. Seeing her take an ice pack out of the freezer he stepped out of his room going over to hers. Baisd watched him, then looked to the side. Connor came closer debating what he was doing. Skye was married, and even then he shouldn’t be trying to go into any women’s room without her permission. Her face as got up off the floor popped into his head, the pain and sadness, it was gone so fast back to her normal smile that never reached her eyes. A whimper came from the room, followed by Skye’s voice.

“It’s okay, buddy, it’s not too bad.”

Connor made his decision walking into Skye’s room. He saw her coming out of the bathroom in her underwear, but it was the hand holding an ice pack to her side that caught his attention. Without thinking Connor grabbed her, firmly but without hurting her, then pulled the ice pack away from her side.

“Who did this to you.” Connor asked, he could feel his anger growing as he took in the large angry purple bruises.

“It’s improper for any man to come into a woman’s bedroom without her permission. I’m not even dressed, Mr. MacKay, get out!” Skye said reaching for the ice pack in his hand.

“I am not in the habit of coming into people’s rooms uninvited, but I felt something was wrong. I was right. You’re hurt, you could have broken ribs. I should take you to the ER.” Connor said placing the ice pack back on her side, but not moving away.

“Mr. MacKay, please get out of my room. If it wasn’t so dangerous out I would insist you leave. As it stands, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my own bumps and bruises. Also Seamus has our car, so there’s no way to get to the ER.” Skye said trying to pull away from Connor’s hold. Connor saw the fear in her eyes as she looked towards the door. He moved the hand on her arm to her face, making her look him in the eyes.

“Skye, please. What is going on? Let me help.” Staring into her face this close was a problem. He could not stop his eyes from traveling to her lips, wondering what it would feel like to kiss her. Seamus did not deserve her.

“Mr. MacKay. This familiarity is not welcome, while I appreciate your concern, I am just fine.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Reid. I just hate to see you in trouble. Like I said everyone in this town has fallen for you, everyone. If someone is hurting you, I want to help. You don’t deserve anything but the best.” Connor said letting go and taking a few steps back from Skye. A small thud sounded as the ice pack fell from Skye’s side. She started to bend down to pick it up but stopped, cried out and clutched her side. Tears started to come again. Keeping her head looking at the floor she made her way to the dresser to pull out her pajamas.

Connor went and picked up the ice pack, but following Skye’s every move. Concern lined his face. Setting the ice pack on the dresser he stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Thinking he looked around the kitchen and living room. Seeing a land line on a small desk he picked it up and called his best friend, Aonghas.

“Hello, if you’re selling something, go to hell.”

“Hey Aonghas, it’s me, Connor.”

“Oh sorry, mate, didn’t recognize the number.”

“Yeah I’m at Seamus Reid’s place, got caught in the storm. Mrs. Reid was kind enough to lend me some dry clothes and the guest bed.”

“And you just accidentally ended up near her place?”

“Hush it. Look can you come over here, she’s hurt but wont let me look at it. I wanted to take her to ER, but she said there’s no car here. Seamus apparently had business in Edinburgh.”

“Sure thing. Give me fifteen, I’ll be there.”

“Thanks.”

Skye was in bed trying to ignore the pain and sleep when she saw the headlights shine through her curtains. Shortly, voices came from the front room. Gingerly Skye got out of bed and walked out into her kitchen. Connor stood by the front door with Aonghas, the local vet.

“What’s going on?” Skye asked wrapping her arms around her waist as a cold breeze came through the open front door.

“I called Aonghas to come over so we could get you to the ER.” Connor replied.

“You’ve overstepped your bounds more than once tonight Mr. MacKay. Now that you have a way home, I suggest you go with Aonghas. Alone.” Skye said sternly. She turned around and walked back into her room shutting the door behind her.

In her room the tears threatened again as she made her way back into bed. The door opened and Skye sat up, watching Connor come into her room.

“Mr. MacKay...”

“Stop. Mrs. Reid. I am not too concerned with your feelings on the matter. Aonghas and I are taking you to the hospital, right now. If you don’t come with I’ll carry you out to the car.” Connor cut in.

Skye pursed her lips and got out of bed. “Let me change into something presentable and then I’ll be out.” Walking towards the dresser Connor stopped her.

“No. They’ll just put you in a hospital gown anyways, it’s better to not over do it. Grab a coat and we’ll go.”

Skye looked at Connor, sighed and nodded. Together they walked back int the front room. Grabbing her coat she followed the two men out to Aonghas’s truck he’d left running. Connor helped her in, careful of her side. Connor climbed into the back of the cab as Aonghas go into the driver’s seat.

The rough muddy roads jostled the car, Skye held in the cries of pain as more than once her side was bumped into the car door. A few minutes later they were on the paved highway towards town. No one talked until they pulled up under the ER awning. Connor got out and helped Skye out.

“I’m gonna go park, Connor. You got her?” Aonghas asked as Connor went to shut the door.

“Yes, thanks for everything.”

Aonghas gave Connor a smirk as he looked at Connor’s arm still around Skye. “Anything for Mrs. Reid.”

Connor gave Aonghas a glare and dropped his arm. Skye just stared at the sidewalk as Connor shut the door and Aonghas drove off.

“This way Mrs. Reid. Let’s get you checked in.” Connor turned and walked through the automatic doors. Skye followed close behind him, surprising him as she latched both hands around his elbow. Looking down at her face all he saw was pure terror as she took in the ER waiting room.

“Not a fan of hospitals?” Connor asked making his way to the check-in counter. Skye did not answer, just looked backed down at the ground.

“How can I help you two today?” The lady at the desk asked.

“My friend here might have some broken ribs. Just wanted to have a doctor look at it to be sure.”

“Of course, sir. If you could just fill out these forms we’ll get you seen as soon as possible. There’s been a couple accidents so the doctors are a bit busy tonight.”

“Thank you for your honesty, we’ll wait.” Connor took the clipboard and pen and steered Skye to a couple open chairs. Sitting down Connor tires to hands over the pen and clipboard. Skye doesn’t make a move and Connor starts filling in what he knows. Skye grips his shirt sleeve as an ambulance pulls up and a stretcher is rushed through.

“You really don’t like hospitals do you?” Connor says looking over at her. Skye still does not say anything, just stares around here, and tightening her grip on Connor’s arm. Connor disengages himself from Skye’s arm goes up and gives the sheet back to the lady.

“She isn’t really talking I filled it out the best I could.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Sitting back down Skye immediately grabbed his arm again, Connor takes her hands in the hand opposite her while he rubs her back soothingly.

“It’ll be just fine, the doctors aren’t going to hurt you, they’re just going to take an x-ray. Maybe tape up your ribs if you need it. Probably give you something for the pain.” At the mention of pain killers Skye’s eyes widen and she shakes here head. “Or not. It’s common practice for doctors to give people morphine or similar with injuries like yours. I can tell them you don’t want narcotics?” Skye nodded. “What about no-narcotic pain killers? Are those okay?” Giving him a confused look Connor goes on. “ There are pain killers out there that don’t affect people the same way narcotics do.”

“Will I go to sleep?” Skye asks very softly.

“No. Is that what you are afraid of? Going to sleep?”

Skye just looks at the floor. Connor looks at her for a minute then leans back in his chair. Some time passes and Skye relaxes a little. Leaning back she rests her head on Connor’s shoulder, closing her eyes. Wrapping his arm around her he smiles and enjoys having her close. While they wait memories flash into his head of the first time he met Skye, her first night at the pub.