~ Most Cherished Dreams ~
by D
Disclaimer: See Part 1
Chapter XI
Hannah rushed to the spot where Donovan had been standing, frantically searching the empty space, knowing in her soul that Donovan was gone, but needing to confirm it anyway. She pushed the glass door aside, nearly breaking the glass with the force of her shove.
Hannah stumbled out the door and fell down the steps, scraping her knees and the palms of her hands. She never noticed the blood that seeped out or the tears that slid soundlessly down her face. She ran around the house then out toward the beach. She noted that there was only a single set of footprints leading up the path, and fell to her knees in agony.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" came the agonized scream and Hannah dropped her head to her knees as sobs wracked her frame. The keening of her soul was sharp and swift, and she sat in the sand for an indefinite amount of time just breathing, focusing her energy on regaining rational thought.
"Okay, I need to get to the cottage. She has to be at the cottage," she muttered to herself, sitting up and scrubbing her eyes with her hands. "Ow!"
Hannah turned her hands over to look at her palms. "Well," she mumbled. "At least I did a good job while I was at it." She moved to stand and hissed at the pain that lanced through her knees. "Jumping Jesus Christ, that hurts!" She winced again as she ran her hands through her hair. "Okay Hannah... think. First let's get cleaned up, and then we'll take a walk to the cottage. She'll be at the cottage."
Satisfied with her train of thought, Hannah eased back into the house and went straight to the bathroom. She groaned when she saw the amount of damage that had been done to the silk trousers she wore, as well as the shredded skin beneath them.
She shucked her clothes and stepped into the shower, taking care to insure that her hands and knees were well cleaned before she shut off the water. She made sure they were no longer bleeding, then slipped into a bathing suit and sarong. Hannah grimaced at the pull in her knees, but walked down the steps and to the beach. She hesitated, worrying about the single set of prints in the sand, then turned her feet and her attention to the east and Donovan's cottage.
She couldn't run, but she walked as swiftly as she could manage... until there was a burn in her legs and a lack of air in her lungs. She made it to the path and stood for a moment, trying to catch her breath. Something wasn't right.
"C'mon Reilly... suck it up and go find her."
Talking to herself out loud seemed to bolster her courage enough to move her down the path towards the cottage. What confronted her when she got there made her heart shatter.
The cottage had reverted to its original state... that is to say it had become the uninhabited, in-need-of-repair shell that Hannah had stumbled across her first day on the island. A hand flew to Hannah's mouth to contain the sob that wanted to rip from her throat.
Hannah continued her trek up the slick steps and into the deserted house. The furniture was cloaked once more and dust was thick in the air. She instinctively looked to the wall, but the picture that had been there both times before was... destroyed. The two women had been literally cut out of the scene and the sky had been painted an ominous, stormy black.
"DONOVAN!!!!" Knowing it was pointless, but needing to try anyway. Silence greeted her, and she moved to sit on the cold, mossy steps. She ran her hands through messy blonde hair and thought. I need to find a way to reverse this.
She closed the door firmly behind her and walked slowly down the path. She paid careful attention to her steps on the way home, and as she reached her own porch, another piece of the puzzle fell into place. There was no cold spot. It must be the doorway, and it's not open anymore.
Hannah would have cried, the pain was so biting, but she put it aside for later. She was a woman on a mission, and she had work to do.
************
Donovan kept her eyes closed, content to let the world stop spinning at such a frantic pace. When she finally did manage to open them slightly, she was surprised to find herself laid out flat on the ground. The last thing she remembered was... "HANNAH!"
She tried to stand and promptly fell back onto her butt. Donovan sat there for a long moment with her eyes closed trying to regain her equilibrium. All right, let me try this again. She opened her eyes and glanced around slowly. The glen she was in was familiar, and at the same time, not.
Donovan stood up very gradually, not wanting a repeat of her first performance. She took a deep breath, satisfied that the world wasn't going to tilt and throw her off again. Then she took a determined look at her surroundings.
It was the rock formation that made her freeze in her inspection. Wait just a goddamn minute. What the bloody hell?? Where the hell is Hannah's house?
Donovan walked down to the beach noting the single set of footprints leading to the pathway that she stood on. Then she turned and made her way back to the glen, hoping that she'd just imagined the missing house.
She sighed in frustration when the house remained gone, and then reached for her head as a slicing pain ripped through it. Oh God, not again was her last thought before the darkness claimed her.
************
Hannah hesitated at the threshold of Jack's house, squaring her shoulders before she stepped back in. The journal and her diary still sat on the counter, a stark reminder of the reality of her unexplainably bizarre situation. She took two steps into the kitchen then hissed in pain.
"GODDAMNIT!" she screamed to the world at large, furious at herself and the circumstances she now found herself in. She reached down and wiped gently at the gash on her foot, removing the splinter of glass. Hannah grabbed a paper towel and wiped at the trickle of blood, then hobbled to the bathroom. She washed the cut and bandaged it, then stopped in her room to retrieve her sandals before slowly returning to the kitchen to clean up the mess with grim determination.
When she was finished, she snatched the diary and journal from the counter and dropped onto the couch gracelessly. She sat still for several minutes, tears welling in her eyes and her hand covering her mouth while she concentrated on breathing. Finally she opened the journal and began a methodical search for the information she needed.
It was the ringing of the phone that brought her out of her meticulous study, and that was the first time Hannah noticed the lateness of the hour. It was nearly sunset and she rubbed her eyes, which were stinging from the forced strain they suffered under as she focused hard on each and every word, hoping what she needed would jump in front of her. Only when she heard Jack's voice over the answering machine did she make a move to grab the phone.
"Hi, Hannah! It's just me chec...."
"Jack?" Hannah's strained whisper alerted him to her state of mind more than anything else could have.
"Hannah? Hannah, honey... what's wrong?"
He could hear her breathing as she tried to regain control of her voice. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, and cursed the fact that they were an hour's flight apart. Jack spoke slowly and calmly into the receiver, helping Hannah to focus on his voice.
"Hannah, breathe now. Slowly. In and out... that's it... in and out. Good girl. Relax and listen to my voice and just breathe." He noted the gradual change in her respiration and decided to continue to talk, hoping it would relax her enough to share whatever had upset her so greatly.
"Hey, guess what? I may be home sooner than I thought. Something happened about an hour ago and the weather patterns seem to be returning to their normal routine. I need to monitor it for a few more days, but if things stay like they are, I may be able to come home in for...."
"Jack?" Hannah said still whispering. "Jack, I need you to come home now. Please?"
Jack heard the plea in her voice and his heart broke. There had only been twice in her life that she had ever expressed a need that great, and he could not deny it now any more than he had either of the other times she'd asked anything of him.
"I'll make arrangements, Hannah. I'll be there sometime shortly after dark."
"Thank you, Jack. I'll be waiting at the field for you."
He would have protested, even knowing the futility of his words, but she hung up before he could speak again. He muttered incoherently to himself instead, flinging his bag on the bed and beginning to repack his clothes.
************
As soon as she hung up the phone, Hannah grabbed the journal and diary and set them near the door. She would study them in the village while she waited for Jack to arrive. Then she walked to her room to get dressed.
It didn't take long, and Hannah was ready to go. Just as she came into the living room, the phone rang again. She thought briefly of ignoring it and leaving, then decided she could wait the thirty seconds to see if it was Jack.
"Hi, Hannah! It's Katie again, if you're there?"
The happiness in her voice made Hannah both joyful and agonized all at the same time, and she was suddenly overwhelmed with a desire to speak to the best friend she'd ever had. With a shaking hand, Hannah brought the receiver to her ear.
"Hi, Katie! How's married life treating you?" She smiled when she said it, picturing her friend's face as she got married, but she could feel the tears pooling in her eyes. And she knew by the intake of breath she heard on the other end of the phone that Katie could hear them in her voice.
"Better than single life is you it sounds like. Hannah, what's wrong?"
"Oh Katie... I lost her. She's gone and I may not get her back."
"Whoa, whoa, hon. Slow down and take it easy. Can we start this at the beginning so I know what page we're on? Now who's gone and where did she go?"
"Donovan. I found my Blue Eyes, Katie, and her name is Donovan."
"Blue Eyes?"
"I found where I belong, Katie, and the one I am meant to be with. Donovan is the woman of my dreams."
"That's wonderful, Hannah. I am so happy for you. When do I get to meet her?"
Now the tears flowed in earnest. "Oh Katie!" It was all she could manage. There was just no way for her to explain this, and it made her frustrated and aggravated. More than anything, it hurt beyond words.
"Hannah? I want you to listen to me, okay?" Katie waited until she heard Hannah's breathing become hiccups and knew that she had Hannah's undivided attention. "If Donovan is the one you have been waiting for... if she is the one who makes you fit, then you will find her again. I promise you."
Without her conscious permission, Hannah felt a smile cross her face. She and Katie never made promises they did not intend to keep. "Oh you do, huh?"
"Yep, I sure do," with absolute certainty.
"And how do you know?"
Katie hesitated, not sure she should share, then shrugged her shoulders. It was the truth, and she and Hannah had always tried to be honest with one another. "Because it's meant to be, hon."
"You sound so sure."
"I am. Trust me on this Hannah. One day, hopefully very soon, you will be introducing me to this dream woman of yours, and I'll get to have a little heart-to-heart talk with her."
Now Hannah chuckled shakily. "Uh oh... why don't I like the sound of that?"
"Maybe because Jack and I have quite a screening process for any perspective suitors."
"Perspective suitors?!? Screening process?!?"
"Uh huh. You remember the inquisition you and Daddy and the boys put Frank through?"
"Oh boy."
"Yeah, it is fixing to come back and bite you in the ass."
"Oh boy."
"Uh huh," Katie said again, giggling. "And you get all of us plus Jack and Frank. Donovan is doomed!"
Inexplicably, Katie's firm belief that she would get the chance to grill Donovan lightened Hannah's heart and restored her faith in possibilities. Katie heard the change in her reply.
"I don't think so. She can handle you all with ease... oh, Katie, she has the cutest lilt when she speaks. Not quite a brogue, but not British. I can't wait for you to meet her. I just...." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I just have to find her again."
"You will, Hannah. I promised, didn't I?" Without giving Hannah an opportunity to speak, Katie continued, "Besides, I want to see her see you in this dress."
"How? When? But...."
Now Katie laughed out loud. "Mama left me a message after you called her."
"Waitaminute... she called you on your honeymoon??"
"Oh yeah... this was news that couldn't wait. Frank actually thought it was funny, especially when he found out WHY she was calling."
"Oh my God... what did she tell you exactly??"
"She said that you had finally asked for the dress you had made for the masked ball several years ago."
"Ooookay. And that meant what exactly?"
"It means that we will soon be making Donovan run the gauntlet. Now listen," Katie rushed on. "Frank and I will be coming to the Pirates' Ball. So I will see you in a few days, hon. Gotta run."
"But... but... how... but…?" But Hannah was sputtering to a dial tone and she finally gave up and hung up the phone with an exasperated laugh. "I'll have to have a word or ten with her when they get here. I'm pretty sure I never said...." Hannah's thoughts trailed off, but her spirits were considerably lighter as she picked up the books and headed out the door.
************
She managed to make it to town without incident, and happily parked near the tiny restaurant. Merry saw her approach and came out to greet her.
"Hello, Hannah! I thought we might see you this evening. Papa just got a call from Jack asking him to light the field for a night landing. We don't do those very often."
There was nothing in her tone to indicate her curiosity, but Hannah could feel the interest in the eyes that met hers.
"Yes, whatever he was working on cleared up, so he said he would come back."
Merry looked closely at Hannah in the waning daylight. Her eyes were shadowed, and Merry wondered what had happened to bring such sorrow to eyes which only a few days ago had been bright with anticipation. She reached out and took Hannah's hand.
"Will you join us for supper? We will make sure you are on hand to greet Jack upon his return." She saw Hannah's hesitation. "Please. I would like you to meet my children."
Hannah noted the older woman's earnest expression and relented. It wasn't like she could do a lot before Jack got here, and she nodded her acceptance. "I'd like that very much."
"Good, come with me. It should be just about ready."
Dinner was quite pleasant, and Hannah was charmed by Merry's family. She had twins who were just a year shy of Hannah's own age, and the daughter was married and expecting her first child. The son was on a vacation from his work on Bermuda. He was bashful in his flirting with Hannah, but she was quick to make him see that she was unavailable. He grumbled a little about his luck, which caused a bit of good-natured teasing and laughing. But when Jacob stood and headed to the door, things settled quickly and they all moved to go to the landing strip.
Hannah was a little overwhelmed. She'd hoped to greet Jack privately, but didn't know how to politely refuse their company. When they saw the choppers lights across the broad ocean, Merry motioned to her children and they bade Hannah goodbye and moved back towards town. Hannah looked after them questioningly. As the sound of rotors grew louder, Merry stepped up beside Hannah.
"I got the distinct impression you needed to greet your uncle privately. We just didn't want you to have to wait alone."
Hannah was touched by the gesture and the thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Merry. I appreciate it... all of it."
"You are welcome. We will see you in a day or two hopefully."
Jacob waited beside her until the helicopter touched down, then with a pat on her arm and a wave to Jack he followed his family back to town.
Jack stepped from the copter and ducked away from the blades until he reached Hannah's side. With a glance at her face, he took her in his arms and hugged her with all his considerable strength. He pulled back far enough to plant a kiss on her cheek and then leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"Let's go home, honey. We'll talk there."
Hannah nodded, taking a great deal of comfort from his mere presence. She knew if anyone could help her find a solution to her current dilemma, Jack could. That coupled with Katie's promise made her heart just a little lighter.
************
They took ten minutes once they got back to Jack's house to change into comfortable clothes and start some coffee before they sat down together on the couch. Hannah set the journal and her diary on the table and focused her attention on her hands. Jack's brows rose when he noticed what the two books actually were, and after waiting a moment for Hannah's attention, he reached over and covered her hands with his own.
"Are you ready to tell me all about it, Hannah?"
Hannah sat in silent contemplation, carefully considering how to start this conversation. Finally she took a deep breath and stood to pace. "Uncle Jack, do you know why I decided to be a writer?"
Jack looked stunned... not understanding where this was coming from. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, hoping she would give him a clue or get to the point. He hated the feeling of complete confusion he was currently saddled with.
Hannah smiled sadly and began her story. "When I was a child, just five years old, you gave me a diary. Do you remember?" she asked, gesturing to the thick book on the table. He nodded slowly.
"Yeah. You were always writing, always making picture with your words, even then. It seemed like a good idea at the time."
"Oh, uncle. It was the best gift you could have given me. It was part of a major turning point for me."
"You had a turning point in your life when you were five??"
"The very first dream I clearly remember I had at the age of five. It was when I found Blue Eyes, and it was where I met my imaginary playmate."
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow you."
Hannah sighed loudly and ran her fingers through her hair. "No I guess you couldn't. I'm not being really clear." She sat down facing him and looked Jack in the eyes. "When I was five, I began to have two dreams on a regular basis. One dream showed me blue eyes, and for the longest time, the entire focus of the dream was those eyes. For years they watched over me, made me feel loved, protected and special."
"The other dream was different. I found a playmate. She was... she was so much fun. We ran and played, climbed trees... just did kid stuff. You know what I mean." Jack nodded again. "It was so much fun I wanted to write everything down. They were the basis for some of my first stories."
"But I thought your stories were about you and Katie?" Jack was getting more confused.
Hannah nodded and smiled sympathetically. "The published ones are. No one has seen the others. They were just too private."
"Okay," Jack sighed. "I can understand that. So why are we talking about it?" It wasn't asked maliciously, but things weren't getting any clearer.
"Because I found her. I found my Blue Eyes, and she and my childhood dream playmate are one in the same."
"She's real? But that's great, isn't it??"
"It would be, if we weren't separated by time," Hannah said despondently.
"Excuse me?"
Hannah scrubbed her face again and looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Jack, you gotta level with me. I need to know what you were looking for out here. I have to know everything." She held up a hand. "Please, Jack. I don't think I have very much time. I know that you and Daddy were following a phenomenon that involved someone named Donovan, and I know some of the things she was involved in. But I need to know everything. It's imperative."
Now Jack ran his hands through his own very short hair and blew out a breath. "That important, huh? All right... you're gonna fill me in on just what exactly has happened. Then I will tell you about the journal stories."
Hannah bit her lip and nodded. "All right. Let's get the coffee. This is gonna take a while."
************
"Donovan and I grew up together in our dreams. From the time I was five until Daddy died, she was a playmate. I didn't know she was the same Blue Eyes that kept me company in my other dreams. I never saw her that closely, and we never spoke." Hannah chuckled. "We did laugh a lot, though."
"Meanwhile, Blue Eyes was a prominent part of my other dreams. Her eyes were all I saw of her, and they were kind and thoughtful and warm. It was a very long time before I knew she was a woman." Hannah blushed. "I fell in love with her, even though I knew she was just a dream. I couldn't help it. We fit."
"She is the reason you never showed interest in anyone?"
"Yeah. No one could compare to what we had... even in our dreams."
"Okay, so what happened to change things?" Finally Jack felt like he was getting a focused picture of what was going on.
Hannah took a sip of coffee and scrubbed her hands through her hair. "The first time it changed in college." She blushed furiously. "Donovan and I... um, well that is when I realized she was a woman." The statement was almost whispered. Jack flushed at the implication and swallowed hard.
"Ahem, well... then what?"
"Our encounters progressed and they started happening more and more often, and I was always faithful to record them in my diary. When I found the journal, things started to click for me a little. I mean... the bits I've gotten to read, well, every sighting that has been noted corresponds to a date in my diary. And the few pieces of the old journal seem to tie in too."
"Can you give me an example?"
Hannah leaned over and grabbed the books searching carefully for the records she needed. "Here... you see this entry?"
Jack moved over to sit beside her, and paled slightly when he realized the event she has chosen. "This was Mike's final trip... the last account he made of his journey here."
"Yes, it is. Now look at this," she said calmly, but her nervousness was betrayed by her shaking hands. "This is from the journal also, but it is dated September 1851. And it is written in the same hand that other entries were signed 'Donovan Scott'."
"Okay," Jack said with a nod.
"Finally we have my diary, and if you will look at these entries. I saw the eyes in June, when Daddy left to come here, I saw them in August when he let you know the Warrior Maiden was in the area, and I saw them again in September. And the look she gave me then made me believe she KNEW that the Michael she rescued belonged to me somehow."
"Okay," Jack said again slowly. "Sooooo...."
"I know that she is from the past Jack, but she is part of my future, and I need to find a way to get back to her."
"Hannah, I'm not really sure what you're asking me, or what you want me to do."
"First I want you to understand that I believe that Donovan and I and whatever the weird weather patterns are that you are studying are all linked together. Then I am going to tell you what happened to me while you were gone."
He nodded and got up to refill their cups. Hannah took a deep breath and started her story.
"There is a house down the beach to the east about a mile from it. Do you know the one I am talking about?"
"Yeah. Nice solid construction, needs a little work. The locals keep a respectful distance since it belonged to their pirate savior, Don..."
"Donovan Scott. I know. My first day here, I went exploring, and I stumbled across it. I found it intriguing and I took a closer look. The door was unlocked, so I didn't think it was really trespassing, especially since it was obviously abandoned." She swallowed. "It was amazing, particularly considering the apparent age of the cottage."
"Like?"
"Well, like the odd bathing room, and what I think was a crude water closet. Um, a primer pump in the kitchen, and a sink unlike anything I have ever seen. There were dust covers over antique furniture, and the whole place smelled of age and neglect."
"Gotcha. I've never ventured over there, and I forgot to tell you about the local custom. Sorry."
Hannah smiled brightly. "I'm not, because I needed find it. You see, the next day you were called to Bermuda and things started happening. I had a visitor that night, but it was dark, and I couldn't see clearly who it was. So the next day, I decided to take a walk and see if I could find my mysterious visitor."
"Oh, honey... even here, that could have been dangerous." Jack was appalled by his niece's lack of discretion.
"No, Uncle Jack. Despite the incredible nature of the truth that I was facing, I knew I was in no danger. I had found Donovan in my dreams the night before, and I was going forward to find my future."
"What happened?"
"I found her, Uncle Jack. I found her in the cottage which had been completely restored, and it was the year 1855, though I didn't know that then. I was just overwhelmed that my dream had finally become a reality. Reality was so much better than my dreams had ever been."
"What happened when you realized that you were in the past and not the present?"
Hannah chuckled. "Initially I passed out. My mind just shut down until I put the pieces together and they started to fit. Then Donovan took me around and I was so comfortable there, Jack. It felt like coming home."
"So what went wrong?"
"Yesterday morning, Donovan came here." Hannah drew a shaky breath. "Everything was all right. I mean we sat out on the porch for a while, and then I came in to get us some lemonade." Jack's eyes lit in comprehension, but since she wasn't looking at him, he let her continue. "I was careless and Donovan came in to check on me...."
"And when she crossed the threshold she disappeared?"
"Yes, but it is worse."
"How so?"
"She didn't seem to have any difficulty crossing to this time, though no one else was able to do so. Her cabin boy Harold tried unwittingly and failed. And I had no problems crossing to hers until now."
"You can't get back?"
"No." She clenched and unclenched her hands reflexively. "I went back to the cottage this morning, and it has changed again. Not only is it neglected and in need of repair again, the picture over the mantle has changed. And it is scary. I don't like the message I am getting from it."
Jack watched as the goosebumps rose over Hannah's arms. "Did you get to the part in the journal about Michael's illness? Where it tells what we think happened?"
She shook her blonde head, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't think so. I'm not sure. I... I know I read something about the barrier and closing the door, but I can't find it now," she growled in utter frustration.
"Okay, one more thing. When she crossed over the previous two times did you notice anything? Did she cross the threshold then?"
"Um," Hannah thought aloud while raking her hands through her disheveled hair. "Yeah, every time someone tried to cross, I lost power." She crinkled her brow. "Even when Harold only *tried* to cross, the electricity went bonkers." For the first time in a while, she looked directly at Jack. "Is that important?"
"It could be. It could definitely be something we could use. What about Donovan? Did she ever cross the threshold before that moment?"
"No. The first time she stayed on the beach, and the second she sat on the patio looking at the furniture. I think she found it fascinating."
Jack laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised... most people do."
Hannah grinned then sobered quickly. "Do you think we can find her Jack? Or at least open the door for me to get back to her? I can't be without her... not like this. Not knowing what happened or where she is or... God, Jack. Tell me we can fix this."
"I think you have discovered enough on your own. Let me tell you what I know, and then you can tell me if we can fix this."
Chapter XII
"Several generations ago now... back I-don't-know-how-many-greats removed, we had a grandfather who was a young merchant captain out in these waters. It was his letters that my grandfather found about fifty years ago that spurred our research." Jack paused and ran his hands over his short hair. "We've got a few inconsistencies, but for the most part everything we've researched seems to be playing out.
"I'm not sure I follow you, Uncle Jack," Hannah said quietly.
"Well, first and foremost there is Donovan's disappearance. What triggered it? We know she was able to cross to some extent, so did an overload of technological exposure close the door? And the flowers Harold left? They should have been dust." Jack blew out a breath. "Let me tell you the background and then we can worry about this. I'm getting way ahead of myself."
"It seems that our ancestor, Maxwell Reilly, was something of a rogue when he was young. He figured to make a pile of money as a merchant. On his very first run to the Caribbean he learned that honesty would work best."
Hannah almost smiled. "What happened?" having a very rough idea what the answer was going to be.
"He ran into a female pirate captain named Donovan Scott." This got a genuine smile from Hannah. "Max was quick to realize she would make a much better friend than enemy, and they formed a friendship of sorts. They talked occasionally, and he made friends with some of her crew. Eventually he had enough of her story to be intrigued, and he wrote it down."
"Then about fifty years ago, my grandfather, who was recently retired from the Navy, decided to go through all the things that were stored in his attic."
"Waitaminute, Uncle Jack. You mean to tell me someone had already sorted through all that stuff it took us days to go through??" Hannah's voice was incredulous with disbelief. Jack had to laugh out loud at the expression on her face. He snagged his coffee cup, then grimaced as a lukewarm swallow slid down his throat.
"Ew. I need a refill. You?"
"No, thanks. Water would be good though."
Jack stood and walked over to the bar, reaching into the fridge for Hannah's water before pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee. He began fixing his coffee to taste and looked back to Hannah. "To answer your question, no. The very first trunk he opened had Maxwell's letters about Donovan. Granddad decided right then this was a mystery he wanted to solve."
"What mystery?"
"The mystery of Green Eyes."
Hannah's mouth dropped open and the very green eyes spoken of widened perceptibly. "Excuse me?" The question came out as a garbled whisper.
"Exactly," Jack agreed as he resumed his seat. "Your eyes are a family trait, and Maxwell had brilliant green eyes just like yours. Max caught her studying him one day and he asked her about it. In a rare moment of private disclosure, Donovan told him a bit about the green eyes that were such a part of her dreams. She didn't reveal much, but it was enough to intrigue him, and he kept a record of her for years after that. Donovan never invited inquiry about it again, almost as though she regretted revealing herself to him. But he found other methods for obtaining information."
"Why would he? What made him obsess over her like that?"
"It wasn't her, as much as it was her story. Just like for Granddad... Donovan the person was secondary to Donovan the story."
Hannah rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes. "I'm getting a headache," she mumbled.
Jack patted her back. "It really is a lot easier than it sounds. Donovan was out here following her dreams, looking for the eyes that held the other half of her soul. That is what they... what we *all* found so intriguing. The story was so beautiful, and it seemed to call to us. So we followed where it led, which was to this island."
"There's more to this, isn't there?" Hannah asked plaintively. Her heart hurt, and it was becoming harder to maintain the focus she'd determined to have. Right now she just wanted to fall into her dreams and find Donovan. Maybe they could figure out how to fix what happened.
"Oh there's lots more. We just have to sort through what we have so we can fix this." He paused a moment and rose, extending his hand to her in invitation. "C'mon. I think reading Maxwell's letters may clear this up for you somewhat. I know it all makes a lot more sense to me now having heard your story, though Donovan's appearance here and subsequent disappearance is a somewhat unexpected development."
"As long as we end up together."
Jack clasped Hannah's hand tightly. "You will, Hannah. We'll find a way to make it happen."
He led Hannah into his office and seated her in his big desk chair before turning to the wall. He pressed a panel that slid aside to reveal a small safe. A twist, turn and spin later, the steel door swung open and Jack reached in to draw out a small bundle. He turned and handed the letters to Hannah.
"These are the letters that Maxwell's wife Abigail kept that had to do with Donovan. According to Granddad, they were separate from the other letters he wrote to her." He looked at her slumped shoulders and tired eyes. "Why don't you take these to your room, honey? You look exhausted. We can continue this in the morning."
She looked ready to refuse, then a tear wended its way down her face. "I am, Uncle Jack. This day has been such a roller coaster ride for me. I cannot begin to tell you."
"I can only imagine. My mind is still trying to wrap itself around the facts, and I'm not nearly as personally involved as you are. I think though, that we can figure a way out of it, because you're right about one thing... you are meant to be together."
Hannah stood with the letters in one hand and let Jack's strong embrace envelop her. "Thanks, Uncle Jack. That means everything to me. She means everything to me." She squeezed his neck. "Though you are pretty special too."
Jack chuckled, trying to keep the tears out of his voice. "Oh you sweet talker, you. You could turn a man's head with that kind of flattery." He gently herded her out the door and into her room. "Get some rest. We'll talk more tomorrow."
Hannah nodded and shut the door. She placed the bundle on the nightstand and pulled the covers down, then went into the bathroom. It didn't take long, and she stepped back into her room and dropped her clothes before crawling into the bed and picking up the letters. She looked at them hesitantly, then took a deep breath and untied the ribbon, opening the missive on top.
My Dearest Abigail, (it read)
Hannah skimmed the letter until she reached the name she was searching for. She read the short paragraph twice.
Captain Scott is a much better ally than enemy. I have ne'er seen a pirate the likes of which she is. I will have to learn more about her.
Hannah looked through the remainder of the note, but that was the only reference to Donovan. So she put it aside and moved on to the next letter.
Angel Abigail, (it read)
I have asked 'round about the sigil. I have never seen one quite like it. The crossed swords are not unusual, though the blue field is uncommon among pirates and privateers. What sets this flag apart are the green eyes that seem to stare from above the swords... eyes that I see when I look in the shaving glass.
I canna find an explanation for the similarity to mine own... yet, but I will. Meanwhile, I have learned that honest men respect this flag, and rogues justly fear it. The ship Ice Maiden makes her own justice.
Hannah continued reading, but found nothing else relating to Donovan and she picked up the next letter in the stack. This one went on a bit before she found Donovan's name. She noted to herself that she should take a little more interest in her heritage, and decided to be less dispassionate about it when Donovan was by her side again. Until then, history could be damned. Her breath caught when she found Donovan's name.
I have finally been invited aboard the Ice Maiden by the infamous Captain Scott, and she is nothing like I expected her to be. She is a clean ship with a sharp crew and an outstanding Captain.
I am more than a bit confused. I am almost sure there is a British Navy ship by a similar name. But she has a male captain and a regulation crew. Stranger, I canna seem to find out anything about that ship, while this one is legendary. Too much coincidence to my thinking.
"How long did it take you, Maxwell? How long before you realized they were one and the same?" Hannah muttered, blushing when she realized she'd only made the connection when Donovan explained it to her. She put the letter down and reached for the next envelope in the stack. This one was surprisingly longer and it made her sit up and take notice when she found Donovan's name.
Darling Abigail, (it read)
The most unusual thing happened today, and I feel the need to write it down before I forget any of the details.
We were in the islands again, and happened on a melee that ended with a merchant ship being taught some manners by pirates. It was of course the Ice Maiden and her infamous crew. We managed to help, believe it or not, and when 'twas over the natives invited us and the Maiden's crew to the island for a celebration.
Bear with me, dearest... this is going to be quite long, but I feel it needs be told in its entirety.
The boys and I were happy to accept. It has been a rough sailing as you know from my previous notes to you. We were looking forward to a bit of time on dry land, and I figure the same could be said of the Maiden's crew. I dunno who crossed Poseidon this voyage, but I have na seen him this angry in a while.
The natives were very kind, and offered us great hospitality, though I noted well that we were treated as honored guests while the Maiden's crew was welcomed as well-loved family.
It was still daylight when we arrived, and were told that the revelry would begin at sundown. As the Captain, I was invited to join Captain Scott and the village headman, Debendra, for dinner and conversation.
Debendra and his wife, who everyone refers to as Mama, fussed over Donovan, and having seen the haggardness in her appearance, I can certainly understand why. Mama clucked over her like a hen with a chick, and the Captain surrendered to her ministrations willingly.
For a bit, they seemed to have forgotten my presence, and I was content to watch and listen. There were a few vague references to green eyes and I noted more than one glance in my direction. Mama especially seemed insistent, but Donovan was adamant in her refusal.
Debendra engaged me in conversation, but it was clear that his attention was split, and his heart was with Donovan and Mama. When the pirate finally closed her eyes and Mama made her way to us, his attention focused on me and our talk turned toward more general topics.
When there was a break in our conversation, Mama took my chin in her hand and stared at my eyes. AT them, Abby, not into them. Almost as thought they were an answer to a question only she knew.
"MAMA!" Debendra exclaimed as he came back from the kitchen and she moved away from me. But I did wonder what she was looking for.
They offered me a room to clean up and rest, and I was glad to do so. And before I knew it, it was time for us to join the celebration. This is where it got... odd.
We went down to the meeting house where both crews and the village were gathered. Debendra said a few words and the crowd cheered, then Donovan and I were seated on either side of the headman so the feasting could begin.
Mr. Merryweather (I never did find out the man's Christian name) is Captain Scott's first mate, and he was seated to my left. We swapped several sea stories, as sailors are wont to do, but I noted that he kept looking at my eyes strangely. We were cups into our rum, and it finally bothered me enough to ask.
He wouldn't answer himself, but told me if I wanted to know I'd have to ask the Cap'n. Well, I was drunk enough to ask, and surprisingly, she was drunk enough to answer.
"Your eyes, Captain, have haunted my dreams for years. But they were not your eyes."
Abby love, I don't know what that means, but one day... one day I will find the truth. She didn't say more, and her eyes made it clear she wouldn't. Meanwhile, I have learned not to drink so much rum.
Much love to you, dearest.
Max
Hannah set the letter aside and moved the rest of the letters to her nightstand. She placed the already read letters beside them, and turned off the light. With a sigh, she snuggled down into the cover, closing her eyes to keep the tears at bay.
"Oh Donovan," she whispered, "Please let me find you. I need you to be in my dreams tonight. I love you." Then she fell asleep, escaping to their sanctuary.
************
Donovan felt her equilibrium settle around her after what seemed like forever. She opened her eyes and looked around, realizing she was not where she'd been when she'd lost consciousness. A sound caught her attention, and she sat up, hissing at the pain that ripped through her skull. She clutched at her head and closed her eyes again, slumping back onto the bed she was laying in. Donovan winced when Mama placed a hand on her head.
"Donovan?" Mama spoke melodiously, almost as though she knew that anything else would hurt. "Donovan, do you remember how you got here? Do you know what happened, or where Hannah went?"
At the mention of Hannah's name, Donovan flinched, her head throbbing in time with the beat of her heart.
Mama felt the twitch beneath her fingers, and she moved away to retrieve the cup she'd prepared when Debendra had walked in the door with Donovan cradled in his arms. The last time that had happened, Donovan had been out for days, and Mama had feared for the Captain's life.
Now she walked back to the bedside, and spoke quietly again. "Donovan, I need to get this medicine inside you. Can you sit up on your own, or do you need some help?"
For a long moment, she wondered whether or not she was going to get a response, then the blue eyes blinked open, and Donovan reached a shaky hand out for the mixture. She lifted the cup to her lips, and drank steadily until the concoction was gone. "Thank you, Mama," she said before closing her eyes and giving herself over to the healing properties of the herbs and sleep.
************
It was three long days and nights of vigils for Mama and Debendra before Donovan finally shook loose of the illness that held her in its grasp. A sigh of relief was heard through the entire household when her sleep was broken.
"How long?" Donovan croaked, squinting into the murky darkness. The windows had been covered by heavy blankets, and the air in the room was oppressive.
Mama reached a hand over and felt for fever, relieved when she found none. She smoothed the dark hair back from the high forehead, and reached a cup up to Donovan's parched lips. Donovan took several small sips before easing the cup away and dropping back down drained.
"Three days," Mama replied. "How do you feel?"
"Exhausted, like I still need to sleep."
"You probably do. Your body has spent the last three days at war with itself."
Without warning, Donovan shot up then fell back down. "Oh my God!! Hannah!!"
"She has not been round, Donovan," Mama said, trying to hide the anger she felt directed at the small blonde woman. Having witnessed their interaction herself, she could not believe Hannah would be so unfeeling, but she was not going to lie to Donovan either. Surprisingly, Donovan did not show any shock at the revelation.
"She can't, Mama. She was taken from me." Not knowing how else to explain the reality of what had happened, Donovan closed her eyes. Mama misunderstood the gesture and patted her shoulder.
"Rest now, my friend. We will speak more later." But Donovan was already asleep, and searching her dreams.
************
Hannah was frantic. For three nights she had sought Donovan out, and for three nights Donovan could not be found. Jack was growing more and more worried by her pale, drawn features and shadowed eyes.
They had spent their days researching every bit of information they had, and had become convinced that the secret to the dilemma lay in Donovan's belief of Hannah's story. Although Hannah knew that Donovan's *heart* accepted her across time and space, she was sure the logical woman's mind was having far more difficulty with the concept, even if she didn't voice her fears aloud.
Hannah wanted to be angry, but couldn't find it in her heart to be mad at Donovan for not understanding just what differences lay between them because of the time distinction. Even she'd been somewhat overwhelmed by the reality of finding herself in the past, and she'd had an opportunity to study it and knew it had been reality at one point. The future was an unknown, and Donovan had no idea what life was like there.
So Hannah was desperate to find Donovan to explain what was going on.
Jack, meanwhile, had been keeping a close eye on the weather. He was sure now the odd disturbances were directly related to Donovan's appearances. In the three days since her abrupt departure from the present timeline, the weather had reverted to its normal patterns. But by mid-morning of the fourth day....
"Hannah," Jack said, trying to keep the hopeful excitement out of his voice. "Why don't you go lay down? You look exhausted," he added, putting a tender hand on her shoulder and guiding her in the direction of her room.
Hannah scrubbed a hand across her eyes and ran it through her hair, mussing it up nicely. Jack wanted to smile at the sight she made, reminding him very much in that moment of the five-year-old niece she'd once been. But it was an agitated twenty-five year old woman who stood before him now, and he could feel she was nearing the end of her rope.
"C'mon," he urged her again. "Who knows? You may find Donovan this time, but if not, you still need the rest. I'm getting worried about you, honey."
She wanted to argue and she wanted to cry. Instead, she dropped her head to his shoulder, and let him comfort her for a long moment. Then she sighed and nodded.
"I am tired, and it couldn't hurt. Will you wake me in a couple hours?"
Jack was fairly certain she'd kill him when he woke her in a couple hours if what he suspected was true really was the truth, so he hedged his bets. "I will check on you in a couple hours. If you are awake or restless, I will get you up. How's that?"
She looked up at him then, wondering what was going on in his mind, but his eyes didn't reveal anything except for honest concern. Her shoulders slumped. "That's fine. I don't actually expect to sleep anyway."
Hannah let Jack walk her the short distance to her bedroom, then turned and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Uncle Jack."
"What for, Little Hannah?"
"Caring."
He didn't answer, but gave her a hug, then gently pushed her through the open door of her bedroom. Without another word, he closed it behind her, and moved back to the kitchen to finish making his iced tea.
************
Hannah regarded the closed door with a raised eyebrow then shook her head. Jack had always been a good friend, and he had been like a rock for her sanity the last few days. She would have to think of something incredibly sweet to do for him in return. She yawned. But not right now. Right now, she just wanted to curl into that warm, comfortable bed and sleep... something she hadn't been able to manage much of since Donovan had vanished.
She wondered if that might be part of the reason she couldn't find her, but put the questions aside. They weren't going to help much at this point, and she was so tired right now her body ached.
Hannah slipped out of her clothes, and slid between the cool sheets with an exclamation akin to relief. Within moments, she was out like a light.
************
Donovan looked around, recognizing the familiar glade, and noticing she was quite alone. Her head dropped, and she moved over to the outcropping that overlooked the water to wait.
************
When Hannah opened her eyes, she saw that she was in their private hideaway, and she breathed in the fresh air with happiness. She looked around, seeing the broad shoulders of her lover slumped in despondency as she sat on the rocks watching the water trickle lightly beneath her perch.
Hannah couldn't help the tiny cry of joy that escaped her lips at seeing Donovan, and the dark head whipped around at the unexpected, though very welcome sound.
Donovan jumped to the ground and began running, even as Hannah began to run towards her. Observing that Hannah was coming to meet her, she stopped and braced herself for the impact of their reunion. With arms wide open, they met and hugged tightly, their momentum taking them to the ground.
No words were necessary as their bodies melded into one another, then Hannah drew back just enough to look into the blue eyes she loved. Still silent, she leaned down, and captured the lips of the woman beneath her, and long minutes passed as their mouths became reacquainted.
Finally, breathless and gasping for air, they separated enough to lie forehead to forehead breathing one another's air. Donovan rolled them over so that she lay to one side, but still on top of Hannah with their legs tangled together.
"Oh Angel!" she whispered, before claiming Hannah's lips for her own again. Hannah wrapped her hands in the thick dark hair that was shielding her and reveled in the explosion of feeling she felt emanating from both herself and Donovan.
When they pulled back again, Donovan rolled over onto her back, and pulled Hannah onto her body, elating in the weight of Hannah's body pressed into her own. Hannah rested her head just above Donovan's heart, and sighed in contentment as the regular rhythm beat a timely march in her ear.
"God, I missed you, Donovan! I was frantic to find you, but you weren't here," said with just the faintest hint of hurt and reproach.
Donovan traced Hannah's features lightly with a strong hand and the green eyes closed under the tender ministrations. "I know. I'm sorry. I was three days fighting off an illness. This is the first natural sleep I've had since you were taken from me."
Hannah grasped the hand and brought it to her lips, kissing each fingertip, and lightly licking Donovan's thumb. She smiled at the swiftly indrawn breath.
"Actually, I may have some answers to all that. But it's kinda complicated."
Donovan gave her a crooked grin. "Of course it is... we're involved in it." She tightened her hold around Hannah's body. "But it will wait for a little while longer. Right now, I just want to hold you."
Hannah's only answer was to tighten her hold.
************
They lay together at for the longest time, still entwined together tightly and enjoying the peace and contentment of simply being together again. Hannah squeezed Donovan's middle, smiling at the warm hug that enfolded her for long minutes.
"I could get used to this, ya know," Donovan's husky voice filled her hearing. "Lying here with you in my arms. I like the way this feels."
Hannah sighed. "So do I. But we have a lot to talk about if we want to make it a reality."
Donovan half rose so she could look into Hannah's eyes. "Have you changed your mind? Do you not want this anymore?" She didn't really believe it, not with the greeting they'd shared and the peace that surrounded them, but she was a little bewildered by Hannah's words and tone. Her confusion showed plainly in her eyes.
"You know better, Donovan," Hannah replied reaching up and bringing Donovan's lips down to meet her own. She spent some moments reassuring the Captain of just exactly how she felt, and pulled back only when she felt Donovan's hands begin to wander. "If you never believe anything else, never, ever doubt the way I feel for you. That's not gonna change. Ya got it?"
Donovan's heart leapt at the fierce love she saw reflecting from the green eyes she cherished. She nipped at Hannah's nose. "I understand, Angel."
Hannah chuckled. "I will continue to remind you of that." She slipped off Donovan's body and knelt beside her. The she riffled her fingers through the long dark locks. "I love you, Donovan Scott, and I plan on spending our lifetimes showing you that on a minute by minute basis."
Donovan's eyes widened and she sat up, cupping Hannah's face in her hand. "I love you, Hannah Reilly. Marry me."
Hannah reached her own hands to tangle in Donavan's hair, urging her lips closer. "Yes," she whispered. "Oh, Donovan, yes!" Then their lips met, and the world faded from their reality for a very long space of time.
************
"Ya know, "Donovan stated as she trailed her hands up and down Hannah's back. "We are not getting much talking done." She watched as goose bumps followed the path that her hand took.
"No, we're not," Hannah sighed, "and we need to if we are ever going to get to have a life together outside our dreams."
"What do you mean, beloved?"
Hannah rolled up and stood, reaching down a hand to help Donovan stand. "C'mon. Let's go sit on the outcropping and talk."
Donovan allowed herself to be pulled up, then she held tightly to Hannah's hand, wondering what obstacles lay ahead of them.
Chapter XIII
"Donovan, do you remember the other day when we went to the Maiden?" Hannah asked when they were seated side by side. They were facing each other and holding hands, and green eyes looked directly into blue as Hannah spoke.
Donovan nodded slowly. "When you mentioned the twi... twi...."
"The twilight zone, yes... exactly. Do you remember what I told you about myself?"
"Yes, you said you were from the future. That you had not been born yet."
"Did you believe me, Donovan?"
Donovan nodded, but averted her eyes. Hannah gently grasped her chin and brought their eyes level again. "Donovan," Hannah asked again softly. "Did you believe me?"
"My heart knows you are not lying to me Hannah, but my mind cannot seem to wrap itself around that truth. I cannot understand how you can be here with me if you have not been born."
"Well, that is the root of our problem."
"What do you mean?"
Hannah sighed. This was the hard part. "Jack and I have spent the last three days researching ... geez, everything. The door worked for us because we were ignorant of the time difference between our two lives. We didn't realize we were from diverse lifetimes."
"Until you crossed the threshold and saw the ship." Donovan's brow crinkled. "But that did not close the door, because we crossed back through to your time."
"Right, but it was easier for me to accept being in your time because it has already existed for me. I have read and studied history, and I know about the things that exist in your world."
"I see," Donovan drawled thoughtfully. "So once my mind was presented with actual evidence of the truth...."
"It shut down, effectively closing the door between us."
Donovan was silent for a time after that contemplating the bitter truth of Hannah's words. "I am sorry, Angel. I never meant...."
"Shh, love. Hush. I know you didn't. It's really not an easy thing to comprehend, and getting hit in the face with it, so to speak.... You say you've been ill." Hannah waited for Donovan nod affirmatively. "Does this illness resemble in anyway the illness you had when you found Michael, my father?"
Donovan's gaze turned introspective, and she cast her mind back. Finally she looked squarely at Hannah. "It is almost precisely the same thing. My head hurt so badly, and according to Mama, I was in and out of consciousness for nearly a week. I don't remember much." She shook her head. "How are we gonna get around this?"
Hannah pressed her hands together and lifted them to her lips. "I still need to do some more research, but maybe educating you about the future slowly is something we could try. I don't think it is me making you sick... maybe it is being hit so hard by the radical changes of the future."
"That makes sense. It cannot hurt to try, because I am not going to let anything come between us, especially not my own doubts of what the future really is."
"You don't seem to have a problem being *in* the future... just a problem with the future itself. Am I making any sense at all here?"
Donovan chuckled. "Yes, love. You're making perfect sense to me. Shall we get started on my education?"
"Sure. Let's start with something easy, like plumbing. You already have a rudimentary understanding of that."
************
Sometime later, Hannah leaned back and watched the smile draw across Donovan's expressive features. "That is astounding. So I really am on the right track then. I just need to... mmph?" A dark brow rose into an equally dark hairline.
"You just need to shut up and kiss me. We can worry more about the future later. I want a little now time, now please."
Blue eyes twinkled rakishly, and Hannah felt a wet tongue glide across her palm. She jerked her hand away reflexively and Donovan wiggled her eyebrows. "I am happy to oblige, Beloved." And without warning, Hannah found herself covered in six feet of sexy sea captain. "Is this a better now?" Donovan purred. Hannah just pulled the taller woman into herself and began to kiss her senseless.
************
She awoke with a smile on her face, then punched the pillow. "Dammit! We were just getting to the good stuff!" Hannah turned her head and looked at the clock. Surprisingly, two hours of real time had passed for her, and she wondered what had wakened her. Then a knock sounded on her door, and realized what had brought her back from the lands of dreams.
With a growl, Hannah flung the cover back, and crawled from the bed, snatching up her robe and throwing it on. She opened the door and scowled at Jack.
"Yeeeeesssss?" she said with exaggerated sweetness. The fire in her eyes made him take a step back.
"I just thought you should know that the odd weather pattern seems to be back, and a storm seems to be brewing. I was just wondering, um... that is... I thought maybe... uh well...." He scratched his head thoughtfully. "I don't suppose you, um... found Donovan, did you?"
She actually growled at him this time, and it was followed by a crash of thunder that seemed more than a little coincidental. Jack studied her a bit more closely, and noticed beyond her sleep tousled look, she had a twinkle in her eyes and lightly swollen lips. He grinned nervously and backed away another step.
"Ya know," he said, backing further away. "I think this will wait til later." He made shooing motions with his hands. "Why don't you just go back to bed and I'll... whoa!!"
He got his arms up to catch her just as she jumped at him, and he held her in a firm hug for a very long minute.
"I am so happy for you, little girl," he whispered into her hair as he felt the wet warmth of tears against his neck.
"Thank you, Uncle Jack," she said in return. "I can't tell you what all your help means to me... what it could mean to *us*."
"I've got a real good idea, honey." He slowly released her and gently shoved her towards her door. "Why don't you just get back in there and see if you can get some more sleep? It looks like the storm and the weather pattern may be here to stay for a while. I'll just go... do... something."
Hannah gave Jack an all-out dazzling grin and kissed his cheek. "I love you, Uncle Jack."
"I love you too, Little Hannah," he replied as he closed the door behind her and went back into his study to resume his work. He had a feeling his research might be necessary now more than ever.
************
Hannah actually took a couple minutes to use the bathroom, splashing water on her face, running a comb through her hair and brushing her teeth. She knew it didn't make a difference in the dreamscape, but it made her feel better taking the time to do it. Then she climbed back into the bed, curling herself around a pillow and closing her eyes. She wondered if she could will herself to sleep faster, not even realizing when she dozed off.
When she awakened this time, Hannah found herself wrapped snuggly next to a warm, breathing body, and she kissed the shoulder beneath her lips contentedly. Then she closed her eyes again firmly, luxuriating in the total satisfaction she found in simply being with Donovan.
The third time she opened her eyes, she found her head pillowed in Donovan's lap, and the pirate captain was gently stroking her hair. Hannah stretched and purred like a relaxed, happy kitten, and she felt the belly at her cheek bounce slightly at Donovan's soundless laughter.
"I like waking up here, in your arms. Was I asleep long?"
"Minutes, as far as I can tell. I do like waking up to find you in my arms or me in yours, as the case may be," Donovan smiled down at her, remembering Hannah's body wrapped around hers.
"That's good," Hannah said, "because it's going to be a rest-of-our-lives kinda thing."
"You think we can get past the time difference, then?"
Hannah looked at Donovan with a serious, quizzical gaze. "Do you want to?"
"With my whole heart and soul," Donovan answered with equal sincerity.
"Then we will. When I awaken in my time, I'll try the portal and see if it works. If not, we will meet here and work on it until we get the breakthrough we need."
The dark head nodded, and they sat in silence for a bit, each lost in their private thoughts. Donovan continued her light stroking, and Hannah was lost in a comfortable half doze when the Captain spoke.
"You know, I have studied a bit of science. It is exciting to know that so much of what I have read about is not only possible, but very successful. It is almost like living another dream."
"It's no dream, love. It's real, and we are going to make it possible for you to understand and believe."
Donovan grinned.
************
When Hannah awoke again, she was alone in her bed and groaned. Their knowledge of the truth made things a little more difficult to manage. Knowing that Donovan was waiting out there for here, alive and real, just in another time... Hannah rubbed her throbbing temples. It gave her a headache if she thought about it too long. She smiled. She didn't need to think about it. She simply had to make their being together a reality. Piece of cake, right?
Hannah swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up, scratching her hands through her hair, then rubbing her face. She looked at her clock, doing a double take when she saw it was late afternoon. Hannah rose and walked to the window, realizing that the storm outside made it seem later than it actually was.
She paused to watch it for a long minute, noting the beauty and majesty the fury created. She wondered if her separation from Donovan had anything to do with the ferocity she was witnessing, and made a mental note to talk to Jack about it. Then she walked into the bathroom, and shut the door.
************
Jack was sitting at his desk, much as he had been since early afternoon. The storm's intensity seemed to be linked to Donovan's reconnection to Hannah. He decided it needed more study, and wondered how Hannah would feel about sharing the dates of her dream rendezvous with Donovan from her diary. He decided it would do no harm to ask, and put a note on his monitor to ask her when she woke up.
He heard the shower running, and moved into the kitchen to begin preparing supper. He had a feeling Hannah would need to talk about a few things at least. He knew he sure had some questions.
Jack smiled when Hannah crossed the threshold into the living area. There was a sparkle in her eye and a bounce in her step that had been missing.
"You've got the answer," he said calming, continuing to chop the vegetables in front of him. She took up a knife and bumped him slightly, until he was sharing cutting board space.
"I think we were right. If we can educate her to the future, she should be able to cross the portal again without incident."
"Do you have enough time? The ball is only a few days off, and historically, the Warrior Maiden leaves for Britain right after the party is over."
Hannah lifted a bite of celery to her lips, adding a little cream cheese to it and chewing thoughtfully. "I have to believe we do, Uncle Jack. I think I only need to convince her of enough to open the portal. Once that happens, we'll have plenty of time."
Jack looked at her seriously, considering her words. "You're going with her," he said flatly. "If you get the portal opened, you're going to go back in time with her."
Hannah returned his gaze evenly. "Yes, I am. And when she has learned enough, accepted enough, we will come back here."
Jack smiled with sad understanding reflected in his eyes. He knew the likelihood of that happening was nil, and he would be losing his niece to a fate decreed long before her birth. Still, he knew from her expression that Donovan was what she needed, so he nodded his agreement. "I believe you, little Hannah. If anyone can make it happen, you can."
She grinned at him enthusiastically. "*We* can, Uncle Jack. I never would have gotten this far without your help."
He dropped the chopped vegetables into the skillet, turning the heat down and stirring as her faced her direction again. "Would you be willing to return the favor... help me with my research a little?"
Hannah wiped her hands on a towel and crossed to the fridge to fix them each a drink. "Sure, Uncle Jack. What can I do for you?"
"Could you list the dates of your dream meetings with Donovan? I think they coincide with some of the more spectacular storms we've had here. I know her presence in this timeline makes the weather go wonky. I just think ya'll's, um... reunions and separations affect it in another way all together."
Hannah blushed slightly and nodded. "Sure. Let me go get my diary."
************
They sat down to dinner with Jack's notes and Hannah's diary between them making comparisons. There wasn't much conversation except to point out similarities and slight differences between dates and occurrences.
"It's almost like there is a lag," Jack commented absently.
"Time for the portal to open and close, perhaps?"
"Very possible." Jack looked directly at Hannah now. "Are you going to try to see her tonight? In her real time, I mean."
Hannah nodded. "I've been waiting for the storm to clear," she said, regarding the clearing skies that reflected back to her in the setting sun. "I think our encounter earlier may have been enough to open the door."
"And if it wasn't?"
She shrugged. "If it wasn't, we'll try again. I'm not giving her up, Uncle Jack."
He smiled at the fire in her eyes and voice. "I am proud of you, Hannah," he said unexpectedly. "Never forget that, okay?"
She looked at him quizzically, then stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. She planted a kiss on his relatively unlined face. "I won't, Uncle Jack. I'm pretty proud of you too."
************
"Donovan, are you sure about this?" Mama asked again. The Captain had wakened from her rest with the color in her face restored and her spirits high. Mama secretly wondered if perhaps the illness had gotten to Donovan and given her a touch of madness. It was the only explanation she could find for Donovan's odd behavior.
"Yes, Mama," Donovan answered patiently with just a touch of humor in her voice. "I am sure. I need to get home so I will be there when Hannah comes back."
"I do not understand, but I can see this makes you happy."
"It does, Mama. It does very much. And I promise, if we can, we will come back and explain it all to you later."
Mama nodded, accepting that. "You are still coming to the ball, yes? The celebration is in two days."
Donovan smiled rakishly. "Yes ma'am. It is tradition, you know, and I think Hannah is looking forward to it. She has sent for a special costume for the masquerade."
Mama smiled at Donovan's enthusiasm. She hoped Donovan was correct in her reasoning for Hannah's absence. She had really liked the young writer, and knew without doubt that Donovan's future was tied to Hannah. She just wished she understood why Hannah had disappeared when Donovan had needed her the most.
"Have you seen it?" Mama picked up the thread with no outward indication of the thoughts that were running through her mind.
"No. It had not arrived when we got separated."
"No peeking, then," Mama said, shaking a finger in her direction with a smile. "You know the rules, Captain."
Donovan shook her head. She knew the rules, and so far, she had chosen no one by the unmasking. She'd been hoping to escort Hannah, but maybe this way would be better. It would settle the rumors and the speculation once and for all.
"I know, but I will be with her at the unmasking."
"You are so sure then?"
"Yes."
"Good," was all Mama said as Donovan stepped out the door.
************
Debendra made sure Donavan got back to her cottage safely, then Donovan shooed him out of the house. She was anxious to take a look at her bathing room to see if she could incorporate some the knowledge Hannah had imparted earlier. Strangely, since meeting with Hannah in their dreams, Donovan felt no residual sickness.
She smiled, reliving the time they had spent simply holding one another. That intimacy was something she found she craved more than she'd ever thought possible, and she hadn't realized it until it was nearly taken away from her forever. Donovan shivered suddenly at the agony the mere thought left in her heart.
She sat down, staring at the painting of herself and Hannah and trying to catch her breath. She wished Hannah had not asked Donovan to wait for her to try the portal first. She had an impulsive, overwhelming need have Hannah here and in her arms.
Donovan stretched out on the couch, closing her eyes and wishing for Hannah's presence.
************
Hannah stood for a moment at the end of the path watching as the sun slipped beneath the horizon. Then she took a deep breath and turned her steps towards Donovan's cottage.
She didn't feel the coolness she had come to associate with the portal, and her heart sank. Still, she continued on her way to the bungalow.
Hannah turned into the pathway, and felt her spirits pick up when she saw the building was once again in good repair. She made her way up the steps and rapped lightly on the door before pushing it open and stepping across the threshold.
She looked around and noted with satisfaction that the room had been restored, and the painting was back to its original design.
"Donovan? Donovan?" Hannah called out as she entered the kitchen. Her heart dropped again as she made a quick tour of the house and realized that she had not crossed into Donovan's time, but she was encouraged by the state of her surroundings. Things were looking up, and that was a good sign.
She traversed the small space back to the couch and lay down, hoping to find Donovan waiting for her in their dreams.
************
Donovan opened her eyes at the light stroking of her face. She smiled when she saw Hannah, and pulled her down for a welcoming kiss. They were slightly breathless when they separated, and Hannah withdrew just enough to rub noses with Donovan.
"It did not work, did it?" Donovan asked softly, seeing tears pool in Hannah's eyes. Hannah bit her lip and shook her head negatively.
"Not completely," she answered quietly, "but we have made progress. The cottage has been restored in my time to resemble what it is like in yours. Maybe you should try it. Since the door closed on your side, you might have to be the one that has to step through first to reopen it."
Donovan nodded thoughtfully. "In a peculiar way, that makes perfect sense. Shall I try it now or...?"
"That is up to you, love. I am here in the cottage in my time."
"Very well. Let me wake up and see if I can cross the barrier." Hannah leaned down and brushed Donovan's lips with her own before the dreamscape began to fade.
************
Donovan woke with a smile on her face, relishing the lingering scent of Hannah she could still smell from the dreamscape. She stretched a bit and rose from the couch, running her fingers through her hair to order it somewhat. Then she stepped out the door, and headed down the beach.
This was the tricky part, Donovan mused as she walked steadily and with purpose. She had to cross the barrier and then return to the cottage where she would hopefully find Hannah waiting. The question was would they be in Hannah's time or Donovan's.
The Captain shook her head. Circular thinking like that could give her a serious migraine. She decided to just go with what she knew, and hope for the best otherwise.
About halfway between the cottage and Jack's place, she felt the familiar, welcome chill. With a brief grin and a triumphant look, she turned and headed back to her bungalow at a run.
Donovan slowed as she reached the path, uncertainty clenching her guts almost painfully. She wanted so badly for this to have worked that she could almost taste it on the back of her tongue. Hesitatingly, she took the stone steps and gradually eased the door open.
She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath then stepped across the threshold.
************
Hannah twitched at the tickling sensation on her nose and swatted at it half heartedly in hopes it would go away. She rolled over towards the back of the couch mumbling incoherently. The tickly feeling followed, only it transferred its attentions to her now exposed ear. The warm air caused her to shiver, but the nip caused her eyes to pop open.
Hannah swung around swiftly, nearly clocking Donovan in the face with her head. Donovan snapped upright, keeping her hands lightly on Hannah's shoulders. Hannah looked hard at her, then gently raised her own hands to tenderly trace the planes of the now flesh and blood face before her.
"It..." she squeaked, then stopped to clear her throat. "It worked?" she whispered, not needing an answer as she continued to touch Donovan, but getting one just the same.
"It worked," Donovan grinned, leaning down to kiss Hannah again. She could very easily get used to this, and knew without a doubt that she coveted the feeling for eternity.
Hannah responded enthusiastically, wrapping her hands in Donovan's dark hair and pulling her closer still. After a long moment, she released Donovan's lips but not her head and she touched their foreheads together. "Let's not lose this anymore," she instructed softly. "The dreamscape is nice, but it so pales in comparison to the real thing."
"I concur, Angel. What is our next step?"
Hannah loosened her hold with one hand and leaned back slightly to scratch her jaw. "I think we should try a practical test."
"Such as?"
"Tomorrow, I'd like to take you inside Jack's house. Wait..." she added holding up a hand to forestall the argument she could see coming. "A controlled test... one where I control what you see." She chuckled at Donovan's raised eyebrow. "Trust me."
"I do," Donovan answered immediately. "Implicitly."
Hannah kissed Donovan on the end of her nose. "Good, because I do you too."
Donovan got up and lit the few candles in the room and they sat for some time cuddling and just basking in one another's company. Finally, Hannah looked up at Donovan's profile from where her head rested on the Captain's shoulder and sighed. "I don't want to, but I need to get back. There are some preparations I need to make before tomorrow."
Donovan brushed a kiss on Hannah's forehead and sighed, releasing her and standing beside her. "I will walk you home."
"Only partway," Hannah cautioned. "I haven't explained everything yet, and I don't want to take any chances on losing you through that doorway again."
Donovan nodded her acceptance. "Very well." She took Hannah's hand, and the two made their way up the beach back to Jack's place.
Just before they reached the pathway, Hannah turned and Donovan took her in her arms. "I love you, Hannah. I will see you tomorrow."
Hannah wound her arms around Donovan's neck and lowered her lips down to meet Hannah's own. "I love you, Donovan, and you will see me in our dreams."
Donovan captured Hannah's lips, and they took long minutes to leisurely explore one another. When they separated, breathing sporadically, Donovan smiled, and gently pushed away from Hannah. "Good night, Beloved."
Hannah walked backwards slowly away from Donovan. "Happy dreams, my love," she said before turning and making her way up the darkened pathway. Donovan watched until she passed from view, then spun on her heel and raced for home. She had a lot to look forward to.
Chapter XIV
Hannah awoke refreshed with a smile on her face. She and Donovan had spent the night cuddled together sleeping for the most part. It was a rather peculiar phenomenon. Since they had finally met one another face to face, it seemed easier to actually sleep together. Not that they couldn't do other things as well, as they still did. But it was comforting to finally have the peace of sleeping in one another's arms, knowing that reality couldn't take them away from each other. Hannah was confident that today would bring about Donovan's bodily return to her.
She got up and went to the kitchen, surprised to see Jack inside instead of out for his morning swim. He chuckled when he saw her... for two reasons. The first is she reminded him very much of the wild-haired, wide-eyed little niece he recalled fondly. The second was the look of sheer confusion as she tried to figure out why he was there. It was apparent she wasn't quite awake yet.
"Uncle Jack?"
"Haven't looked out the window this morning, hmm, Hannah?"
Hannah took a minute to process his words before glance around and noting for the first time just how dark it was outside. She continued to gaze outside for a moment longer before her eyes widened in realization.
"Wow! That's quite a storm! Where'd it come from? And isn't it pretty sudden?"
"There's a story there. You want some coffee before I tell it?"
Hannah extended her arm, vein up, indication her need for a direct injection. Jack laughed again, and handed her a double sized mug.
"Here," he said putting an arm around her shoulders and leading her to the couch. "I think you need to be sitting for this, even with that double espresso in your cup.
He let Hannah take several sips as they both stared out the glass doors into the fury of the storm. Finally, she ran her hands through her hair and set her cup on the table and turned towards him. "Okay, Uncle Jack. I think I am almost coherent now. What's the scoop?"
"You want the facts first or just the theory?" he asked, scrubbing his own short hair.
"Facts first, then theory. I wanna see if you're thinking what I am."
"All right," Jack said, and rose from his place on the couch to pace. "The fact is that a lot of the weird weather patterns around here are directly related to Donovan's comings and goings. By everything I have been able to piece together, the storms come when she crosses into our time."
"So you think she has crossed again?" Hannah asked hopefully.
Jack shook his head, hating to see the slumped shoulders and dulled eyes his response garnered. "No, not this time. This storm is different, both in origin and intensity. Were I to hazard a guess, I would say that she is trying to open the door."
"This storm is stronger, fiercer than most she has caused, isn't it?" Jack nodded an affirmative. "Do you have a theory on why?" He nodded again, but still didn't speak. "Would you care to share?" a little curtly. Jack started as though coming out of deep thought.
"Sorry. Got to thinking there. I think the difference is that she actually has to open the door this time. She has to accept on faith that crossing the boundary means crossing out of her world and into the relative unknown of yours. It's a huge step."
"I'm not sure I follow you, Uncle Jack."
He rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair before sighing. "Let me see if I can explain it a little more clearly. When you and Donovan crossed over before, it was no problem, because you were neither one aware that there was a big time difference between you. Even when you realized that she was from the past, it was easier for you to accept because you have read and studied the past and can believe what your senses are telling you about the reality of that time and place."
"I know all of that Uncle Jack. What does that have to do with the storm, the portal, and Donovan getting back to me??" Hannah's frustration came through her tone of voice plainly.
"Donovan is fully cognizant of the portal and the time barrier between the two of you now. I think the storm is her struggle to allow the truth of her knowledge to become her reality. She has faith in you. She just needs to believe in herself and cross over."
Hannah's eye widened in understanding. "I need to go," and she was out the door without shoes, a shower or an umbrella.
She made it down the path and partway down the beach before she slowed. "What am I doing?" she asked herself out loud. "She has to come to me. It is the only way this will work. I have to go prepare things for her arrival, 'cause I know she will make it back to me." She looked around at the storm and raised her voice. "You hear me, Donovan?? I believe in you!!"
Then she turned and ran back to Jack's without a backwards glance.
************
Donovan woke with a start, the ferocity of the storm outside her windows a perfect reflection of the turmoil that stirred in her mind. She understood what Hannah had said, and even accepted the fact that it was true, but getting her mind wrapped around it was something all together different. It gave her a terrible headache every time she tried to imagine existing more than a hundred years into her own future.
She shook her head violently to try and clear all conscious thought from her mind, and rose to start the water heating. She wanted a warm bath and a cup of hot tea before she walked down the beach to find Hannah.
************
Hannah pushed her sodden hair out of her eyes as she carefully mounted the step. Jack handed her a towel without a word and waited for her to drop the cloth around her shoulders before putting a mug of something steaming into her hands.
She sipped the sweet coffee gratefully, soaked to the bone by her recent excursion through the rain, and thoroughly chilled by the air that was on in the house.
"Quick trip," Jack commented.
"Yeah, it occurred to me that I can't do anything except believe in her. She has to get here on her own."
"Uh huh."
"So, in the meantime, after my shower, I'm going to prepare things here for her introduction to my world."
"You're so certain she will overcome her own disbelief then?" Jack asked, knowing that speaking it aloud would help Hannah confirm it in her own mind.
"Y... y...yes!" she answered vehemently, then clamped her jaws together to keep her teeth from chattering. She shivered and sneezed.
"All right. That's just about enough of that. This is no time for you to get sick, young lady," Jack said sternly. Let's go get you into a hot shower."
Hannah nodded. "S... s...sounds like a p...plan. Even if...f...f it t...t...takes he...her a d...day or t...two, I wa...wanna b...be r...read... ready f...for her."
By this time they were in the bathroom, and Jack turned on the water to warm it up. "You get undressed and get in that shower, honey. Then we'll see what we can do to make things ready for Donovan. I'll be in the office if you need anything." Then he closed the door behind him without another word.
Hannah stepped into the warmth of the shower and sighed in relief.
************
The next two days there were furious storms and Hannah was grateful to Jack for both his help and support. They worked feverishly to hide as much of the modernity of the house as they could manage. Jack built cabinet doors to hide the television and the refrigerator. Hannah put away all the lamps and small appliances.
She knew there was nothing she could do about the glass or the plumbing, though she was glad that Jack's window treatments were a cotton material, and his furniture tended towards wood and leather, much like Donovan's did.
They decided to keep the study locked so Donovan couldn't stumble into technology her mind was not ready to understand. Hannah planned to introduce her to life in the twenty-first century very slowly, because being without her was just not acceptable. She had no intention of allowing another separation like this one again if it were in her power to prevent it.
The third evening of storms found Jack and Hannah sitting together in the living room staring silently at the fire. They'd finished up their preparations earlier that morning, and there was still no sign of Donovan. In fact, the storm had grown exponentially with each passing hour to the point that Hannah feared they were sitting in the middle of a stationary hurricane. She mentioned the possibility to Jack.
"I dunno, Hannah. I wonder if my presence here is making it harder for her and her frustration is making itself known in the storm. I'm gonna try something. Tomorrow morning, I'm gonna go into town. Maybe that will clear the way for her to make it through the door."
"You think it will help, Uncle Jack?"
"I think it can't hurt at this point. We only have three days until the Pirate's Ball. I am almost certain she crosses then, but I think for her to be able to function in our time, she has got to be able to control her destiny as it were. She has to consciously be able to cross back and forth like you did."
"And you think your being here hinders that somehow?"
"I think the fewer obstacles in her way the better, at least until she gets a handle on things."
"What if she can't, Uncle Jack? What if she can't cross the barrier? I haven't seen her in my dreams the last two nights."
Jack sat thoughtfully for a time after that. "It could very well be she is afraid of failure, Hannah, and doesn't want to see you until she can overcome what she perceives as her own breakdown in belief. It could be that she is just so exhausted mentally trying to overcome this barrier that she is sleeping too deeply to hear you. Whatever the reason, you have to decide whether or not you are willing to give everything up to be with her if she cannot come to you."
"I am, Uncle Jack. I told her I was. But she has to open the door."
Jack opened his mouth to say something, then stopped and patted her thigh. "Well, we'll try this tomorrow, and see if it makes a difference. At the very least, I will get ice cream out of it." His eyes twinkled and he was glad to see the responding twinkle in hers. It had been a few days.
She chuckled. "Uh huh. I shoulda known there was a motive behind that."
"You betcha," he replied lightly. "And if you are good, I may even bring home some for you and Donovan to share."
"Introducing Donovan to the delights of ice cream, hmm? I think I could learn to enjoy that rather quickly," Hannah said saucily, though she couldn't stop the blush that ran up her face.
Jack laughed, though he couldn't hide his blush either. "And on that note... I am going to bed." He stood then leaned down and kissed Hannah on the cheek. "Goodnight, little Hannah. Happy dreams."
"Goodnight, Uncle Jack."
She banked the fire, and went to her own room, hoping beyond hope to find Donovan in her dreams.
************
"Donovan?"
"Hannah?" Donovan looked around in the darkness. "Hannah, Beloved, where are you?"
"I'm right here with you Donovan. Listen to the sound of my voice. Can you see me?"
"No. It is so dark here. I cannot see anything. I feel like I have lost you... like I am all alone."
The absolute despair in Donovan's voice made Hannah want to cry, but she steeled her resolve and focused her entire being on believing in Donovan... believing in *them*.
"You're not all alone, love. I'm right here with you, just like I have always been. You just need to believe, Donovan. I won't let anything happen to you. You have to have faith in me... in us."
Donovan's dream self closed her eyes, and she focused solely on the sound of Hannah's voice. Hannah continued speaking in soft even tones until Donovan felt herself relaxing into Hannah's warm embrace. When welcoming solid arms closed around her, Donovan opened her eyes to see Hannah's smiling face looking back at her.
Without speaking, she tilted her head up and captured the ardent lips just above hers. For a long moment, she simply reveled in the sensation of them being together once more. Then she pulled away and lifted a hand to tenderly trace Hannah's features. Hannah's eyes fluttered closed involuntarily and she just let herself feel.
Finally, Donovan wove her fingers into blonde locks and she pulled Hannah's lips down to a mere hairsbreadth of her own. "I missed you. I am sorry I...."
"Shh," Hannah whispered, covering Donovan's soft lips with her fingertips. "It's all right, Donovan. I know it's hard." She removed her fingers and planted a kiss on Donovan's mouth, then pulled back before Donovan could deepen it.
"I want you to try something tomorrow." She waited until the dark head nodded a tentative agreement. "I want you not to worry about crossing the barrier or opening the portal or stepping into the future, okay? I want you to focus solely on coming home to me. I want you to picture us together in the same time and place. Can you do that?"
Donovan thought seriously about Hannah's request, and about how much sense it really made. "I can do that, if you will do something for me."
"Anything, love. You know that."
"Focus all your thoughts on me. Give me a path to follow that will lead my heart to yours."
"It's already there, Donovan. You just have to follow it home."
Donovan smiled. "I love you, you know."
"I know. I love you, too. Now rest and I will see you in the morning."
************
Hannah woke to the sounds of birds and the glint of sunshine in her eyes. She smiled when she realized the storm had finally passed and she jumped out of bed. It boded well for the day.
She took a quick shower and dressed in a native sarong and halter top. She felt confident that she would bring Donovan into her world today.
Hannah opened the house wide and let the summer breeze blow through, enjoying the tang of the sea she could smell. She grabbed two apples and two bananas, and she made her way down the steps and on the path towards the beach with a bounce in her walk. She could hardly contain the happiness she felt. Her optimism was bubbling over this morning. She could believe enough for them both.
When she got to the end of the path, her breath caught. There just to the east of the opening stood Donovan, digging her toe in the sand for all the world like a five-year-old caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Hannah for her part, simply squealed with delight, and launched herself into Donovan's unsuspecting but very willing arms.
Hannah leaned down and kissed Donovan thoroughly who proceeded to spin them around when they broke for air. Hannah laughed out loud at Donovan's exuberance. "I know you could do it, love. I knew you'd make it today!"
Donovan gently deposited Hannah back on the sand and cupped her face tenderly in her hands. "That faith is why I made it, Angel. Never stop believing in me... in us."
"Oh, I think you can count on that, sweetheart. I'm in this for the long haul." She bent down to retrieve the fruit she'd dropped upon seeing Donovan standing there waiting for her, and missed the look of utter adoration that passed over Donovan's face. "Here," Hannah added. "Breakfast."
Donovan accepted the fruit and dropped into the sand, content to sit with Hannah forever. Hannah sat down a little more carefully, not wanting sand in the wrong places, especially this early in the morning. She and Donovan had a lot of lost time to make up for, and there was just so much she needed to bring Donovan up to speed on concerning the modern world. She shook her head to clear it. She could get depressed just thinking about it if she let herself think too hard. She would do what she could with the time she had and work from there. She couldn't believe a little bitty thing like time would keep them apart as hard as they'd struggled to find one another across it.
Donovan had been gazing out at the horizon much as Hannah had been until she heard the blonde woman muttering to herself. With an amused quirk of lips, she turned her head and asked softly, "Something you would like to share, or should I guess why you are mumbling under your breath and shaking your head at me?"
Hannah blushed prettily and Donovan laughed out loud. Hannah lightly slapped a linen covered leg.
"Be nice to me, Cap'n."
"Or what?" came the teasing reply. "What is a comely little wench like you going to do to the likes of me? Hmm?"
Hannah reached out and grabbed Donovan by a very sensitive part of her anatomy, causing the Captain to gasp in surprised pleasure. Using said anatomical leverage, Hannah pulled Donovan closer to her til their lips were just touching and she could easily see the darkening of desire in the blue orbs so close to hers. She grinned evilly.
"I won't do a damned thing, Cap'n. Just keep that in mind." She released the nipple she'd been pinching, and gently pushed Donovan away from her. She stood and brushed the sand off her butt. "You coming?"
Donovan had fallen onto her back trying to catch her breath from the fire Hannah had started with a mere touch. She looked up and saw the very devil peeking back at her from Hannah's green eyes and leapt to her feet. She caught Hannah round the waist and started an assault on her neck that ended with a bright purple mark on Hannah's pulse point. She allowed Hannah to guide her head up until their lips met for a long moment.
"Damn, woman! What I let you do to me. What you do to me whether I let you or not," Donovan growled in frustration. "You are so lucky I love you."
"Oh, Donovan. That I've always known. No one is as lucky as I am."
Donovan had no answer to make except to kiss Hannah again, gently pouring forth the love she felt until Hannah felt herself surrounded by that love.
"I love you too, Donovan," she said as they parted. "Now, let me introduce you to my world." She took a silk blindfold from the halter top where she'd tucked it next to her breast. Donovan's eyebrow went up, but she didn't comment on the blush that covered Hannah's features so vividly.
She reached up, then changed her mind. "Kneel for me, sweetheart."
Donovan complied, and Hannah secured the blindfold around Donovan's face, ensuring she couldn't see anything. Hannah walked around to stand in front of Donovan, and took the large hand in her smaller one.
"C'mon, love. Trust me to get you home safely."
"I do, Hannah."
************
It was slow going as Hannah was extra vigilant to ensure that Donovan didn't misstep or trip on anything. Once they were inside the house, Hannah led Donovan into the bathroom. Donovan already had rudimentary knowledge of plumbing, so she figured she would be safe enough starting there. She seated Donovan on the edge of the Jacuzzi tub since that put them almost on an even level, then she removed the blindfold and held her breath.
Donovan kept her eyes closed when the blindfold slipped off, allowing her other senses to adjust to her new surroundings. Her nose twitched as it was assaulted by numerous scents she was unable to readily identify. Her ears heard silence, then something beyond it. There was an odd echo she didn't recognize, and she sat still with her eyes closed a moment longer. The soft touch of Hannah's hand on her arm made her smile, and the concern she radiated made her grin even wider.
"Donovan?"
Donovan knew no harm would befall here with Hannah there, and she slowly blinked her eyes open. She allowed herself to focus on Hannah until her breathing slowed and she felt calm return. She hadn't realized how scared she was of disappearing again until she felt her heart rate physically slow.
Hannah slowly ran her hands up and down Donovan's arms until she felt the pulse underneath her fingertips slow and steady.
"You all right there, love?"
Donovan nodded. "Yes. I was just afraid...." She stopped, unable to articulate further, but knowing Hannah would understand.
"I know, baby. So was I. I'm glad you're still here with me."
"Myself as well."
Slowly, Donovan took her eyes off of Hannah's and permitted herself to look around the room more thoroughly. The first thing she noticed was a huge mirror whose clarity she'd never seen equaled before in all of her travels. She turned Hannah gently around to face it and pulled the smaller woman's body into hers, wrapping her arms around Hannah's middle and resting her chin on Hannah's shoulder.
They gazed at each other in the glass for what seemed like ever before Donovan whispered, "Wow!"
Hannah lightly squeezed the arms embracing her. "We make a beautiful couple, don't we?"
For answer, Donovan stood and brought Hannah with her, then shuffled them to the vanity so she could reach out and touch the smooth surface. Donovan brought her hand back to Hannah's face, and watched Hannah's reactions in the mirror. She smiled when Hannah closed her eyes to enjoy the sensations. Donovan leaned down and blew lightly in Hannah's ear, smiling at the trail of goosebumps that popped up.
"Yes," she finally answered. "We make a very beautiful couple."
Slowly Hannah opened her eyes and smiled. "Glad you think so."
"I do. I have never seen myself so clearly. How do they do that?" Donovan released Hannah to creep around to the side of the mirror and try to see the back. Hannah laughed and pulled her away from the glass.
"I don't know, love. We just buy it that way."
Donovan looked back at her amazed. "Astounding. What wonderful craftsmanship."
Hannah didn't know how to respond to this enthusiasm for a mirror so she simply nodded her agreement and took Donovan's hand. She reseated her on the ledge of the Jacuzzi and stepped back to the center of the room. Donovan waited patiently for Hannah to speak.
"I thought we'd begin your initiation into the twenty-first century here, since you already have more than a basic understanding of modern plumbing. It has a toilet," pointing as she went around the room. "A bathtub," not bothering to explain what a Jacuzzi was just yet. "A shower and the vanity area with two sinks. There is hot and cold running water and electricity, which you've read about." Donovan's head nodded, her eyes wide with wonder and excitement.
"We're not going to get into the electricity and stuff today, so please don't touch these," Hannah asked, indicating the switches on the walls, but if you want to look around in here and see how things work, please feel free. I'll answer any questions I can, though I will tell you that my plumbing knowledge is nil."
Donovan was up like a shot wandering around the room several times just looking. She glanced back at Hannah, who nodded. "It's okay to touch, Donovan. I know you want to understand how it works."
Donovan's smile was big enough to light up the room, and reminded Hannah of a child who'd been granted their greatest Christmas wish.
For hours they stayed in the bathroom while Donovan investigated every nook and cranny to see how things worked. Finally she leaned back with a satisfied smile.
"I think I can do this. I think I can make some of this work at the cottage."
Hannah smiled, especially when Donovan cupped her face. "Thank you, Hannah," Donovan whispered. "Thank you for taking a chance with me and for showing me all this."
"It was my pleasure, love, though I have to say I have never seen anyone get so excited about plumbing before."
Donovan chuckled. "Well, it validates some ideas I have had. And it gives me hope, because I have been in your world for a while and nothing has happened to send me home."
Just at that moment there was a knock on the bathroom door. Hannah had heard Jack come back from town, and wondered how long it would be before his curiosity overcame his good manners. He'd lasted a lot longer than she'd expected, and she had to smile now at the timid knock.
Hannah looked at Donovan, whose head had snapped up at the first sound. Donovan turned her eyes to Hannah, the question in them clear.
"It is my Uncle Jack. He has been pivotal in helping me, and he wants to meet you."
Big blue eyes went round, and Donovan swallowed hard, but nodded gamely. It was only fair after all. Hannah was going home to meet her folks, even though Donovan wasn't sure she was ready for her Mother.
Hannah patted Donovan's leg. "It's okay, honey. He will like you for my sake, and then he will like you for yours." She smiled mischievously. "Besides, he brought us ice cream."
Donovan smiled at that pronouncement. She'd had ice cream once a very long time ago, and remembered it fondly. She wondered if it would live up to her memories, and then promptly forgot to wonder as Jack crossed the threshold and into the bathroom.
************
The ice cream was really good and Donovan savored every single bite. Jack was kind and didn't interrupt her enjoyment with questions. Instead, the three sat back as comfortably as they could manage in the bathroom and ate their ice cream in peace.
When they were done, Hannah excused herself to take the utensils back to the kitchen. She knew Jack wanted a word with Donovan, and the look she and Donovan had shared conveyed that the Captain was eager to get it over with.
So she took her time and rinsed things off before making her way back into the bathroom. The two of them were in a deep discussion, having bonded over, of all things, plumbing. Jack was giving Donovan some pointers on adjustments she could make to be able to use some of the conveniences he had in his home with things that were available in her time.
Hannah just stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips shaking her head. She chuckled and Donovan rose and pulled her into the room. Then talk turned more personal.
"I promised Hannah she could be here when I grilled you, Donovan." Donovan nodded her head as though she'd expected this. Jack smiled at them both, easily seeing the love between them, then he focused his attention back on Donavan.
"I would like to know your intentions towards my niece, Donovan, and your feelings for her. She is all the family I have left and I want to know if you can be trusted to protect something so precious."
"Uncle Jack!" Hannah didn't know if she was more embarrassed or upset. Donovan twined their fingers together and patted her arm gently.
"It is all right, Angel. He has every right. And the truth is, I would be just as harsh were I in his shoes." She turned her attention back to Jack.
"It is my intention to love, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do us part." Hannah's eyes grew wide as she recognized the marriage vows that Donovan was repeating, and she almost missed the rest of what Donovan had to say.
"As for what I feel for her... I cannot tell you Jack. There are not words in my vocabulary to cover what it is that I feel. I love her, certainly with all that I am and all that I have, but even that does not begin to cover what she is to me or what I feel for her."
Jack nodded his understanding and opened his arms to Donovan. "Welcome to the family, my dear."
She smiled and accepted his hug, then turned and pulled Hannah into the embrace as well. The talk turned to other things.
************
As darkness came, Donovan rose and readied herself to go back to the cottage. Jack gave her another brief hug. "I look forward to the day you can stay without fear of being sent away from us."
Donovan looked at Hannah and nodded. "Myself as well, Jack. I will hope for it to be one day very soon." Hannah blushed and Donovan grinned. "My blindfold, madam. I must make my way home until tomorrow."
Jack's eyes grew round as he saw Hannah reach into her halter top for it, and he quickly scooted out of the room. Donovan simply snatched it and greedily sucked in the scent, watching Hannah's blush deepen further with a smile. She handed it back and seated herself on the tub ledge, waiting patiently for Hannah to tie it around her eyes. A loud, low rumble startled her, and she pulled back.
Hannah chuckled. "We forgot to eat. I'm kinda hungry."
As if on cue, Donovan's stomach growled. "It seems I am as well."
Hannah nodded. "I'll see if I can find us something to snack on during the walk back." She retied the blindfold and led Donovan through the house. She seated her on the porch with the command, "Wait here." Then Hannah went back into the house and grabbed some fruit from the counter. Then she went back out through the glass door and took Donovan's hand, not releasing it until they were off the path and on the beach headed toward the cottage. Then she untied the blindfold and pulled Donovan down to sit beside her in almost the exact spot they'd shared breakfast in.
"Today was a good day, huh?"
Donovan nodded, taking a huge bite of her pear. "Yes it was, but my days are always good when we are together. Tomorrow will be better, because it brings us one step closer to being together without fear of time separating us,"
They sat together quietly then, sharing their fruit and watching the sun sink below the horizon. Finally it grew fully dark and Donovan stood, reaching a hand out to help Hannah stand.
"I need to go, but I will see you in our dreams?"
Hannah nodded. "Absolutely, love." She pulled Donovan's head to her for an extended kiss. "I love you, Donovan."
"And I love you, Hannah. Always."
They kissed again before reluctantly parting, and Donovan began walking backwards towards her cottage. Hannah watched until she was out of sight, then turned and went back into Jack's house. It had been a good day, but she was exhausted. She was looking forward to sharing her dreams with Donovan in their safe haven.
Chapter XV
"Hannah?" Donovan looked around the bathroom, wondering why her dreams had brought her into Hannah's world. She recognized everything easily now, and smiled as she thought of the improvements she could make on her own bathing room at the cottage. She wished she could figure out a way to have hot running water, but....
The bathroom door opened and Hannah stepped through, a puzzled look on her face. She smiled when she saw Donovan standing there, then walked straight into her arms and gave her a hug.
"Donovan? What are we doing here?"
The Captain shrugged broad shoulders, absorbing the hug greedily. Though they now had personal contact, she had long ago learned to treasure these moments with Hannah and she did so now with relish.
"I do not know, Hannah. I was hoping you could tell me."
Hannah took Donovan's hand and led her back to the edge of the Jacuzzi, seating her before standing between Donovan's slightly parted legs. She rested her forearms on Donovan's shoulders and loosely clasped her hands together behind the strong neck. Then Hannah leaned down and touched her forehead to Donovan's.
"I can give you my theory." The dark head nodded and Hannah continued speaking. "I think our minds are probably on overload. There is so much for me to show you... so much you need to learn before you can truly come into my world. Our dreams are just a reflection of that."
Donovan laid her head down on Hannah's chest, hungrily soaking in the scent and warmth that surrounded her. "Will you be offended if I do not want the necessity of reality to intrude on our dreams?"
Hannah withdrew slightly... just enough so she could gaze into Donovan's eyes. "I'm not sure I understand what you are asking, Donovan."
The Captain released a sigh. "I know I have a lot to understand about your world, and I do not begrudge spending any time spent learning it together. But I have spent years cherishing the rare time we have together here, and even though we are obviously able to connect here more often since we... well, since we have actually physically met.... I just do not want to give it up."
"I understand, Donovan. This is our special private place."
Donovan nodded her head vehemently. "Yes, I want it to stay that way."
Hannah smiled. It was one of the few times Donovan had reminded her of a petulant five-year-old child. She had to acknowledge the truth of the words though. She herself resented greatly that reality was choosing to intrude on the one place she had always found an escape.
"Close your eyes, Donovan. Close your eyes and picture us in the meadow. Picture us in the meadow by that tree... you know the one...." Hannah closed her eyes as well and imagined.
"Listen to the stream trickle. Do you hear it? And the breeze... can you smell the salt tang?"
Donovan actually felt the breeze blow across her skin and sighed in contentment. She was glad to be in love with a writer, especially a writer who could paint such vivid pictures with her words. Donovan kept her eyes closed, listening with satisfaction to the portrait Hannah was bringing to life in her mind.
Finally Hannah leaned down and whispered in Donovan's ear. "Open your eyes, love."
Donovan did so slowly, blinking rapidly as sunlight greeted her gaze. She found herself at the base of the old oak with Hannah wrapped comfortably in her arms. She looked down into smiling green eyes.
"Thank you," she said, her voice soft and sincere.
"It was my pleasure, love. We have plenty of time, and this is our sanctuary. We can work on your education while we travel to your home. I promised to meet your folks, right?" Donovan nodded. "And it is quite a long voyage home and back again, correct?" Donovan nodded again. "So we will save our work for some of our waking hours and our dreams for us. Agreed?"
Donovan didn't nod this time, but leaned down and captured a pair of willing lips in a passionate kiss for her answer.
Hannah broke away breathless and patted the chest beneath her for good measure. "I'll take that as a yes," she added smiling. Then she rested her head back over Donovan's heartbeat and let the sound carry her into a deep peaceful oblivion. Donovan listened to the steady rise and fall of Hannah's breathing, feeling her own slow to match it before she too, surrendered to sleep.
************
Donovan woke refreshed, though slightly disoriented. She was in her own bed wrapped tightly around a pillow that until she has awakened had felt like Hannah to her. She frowned slightly, looking forward to the day when she could wake up with the real thing in her arms regularly.
Donavan stood and moved to the bathroom, noting with a critical eye all the things she wanted to do with the space now that she had the knowledge to do so. She wondered though if she'd be able to find anything equivalent in her own time to do what she wanted to do.
She took care of her morning business, and set the tepid water to filling the bathtub, then she crossed into the kitchen to stoke the fire to heat the water for her tea. She and Hannah had agreed that Hannah would try to cross through the portal this morning. so she had time to prepare at her leisure.
A knock on her door startled her and she frowned. It was just past sunrise, and only an extreme emergency would bring a member of her crew to the cottage, especially at this time of day. Donovan ran her fingers through her unruly hair and walked to the door, opening it without preamble.
Then she wished sincerely she'd looked first.
Hannah stood in front of her, her face freshly scrubbed clean and her hair still wet from its washing. She wore a red sarong and halter that had a delicate floral pattern woven into it. Donovan smiled in appreciation, then frowned at her own rumpled appearance.
"I did not expect you quite so early," she muttered not moving away from the door. She was embarrassed at being caught unawares and the feeling made her a little off balance and testy.
The smile slid from Hannah's face as Donovan made no move to welcome her inside. "I'm sorry, Donovan. I woke up early and was just so anxious to get to you that I didn't stop to consider that you might not be ready for me to be here." She backed up a pace. "I'll, um... I'll just go and...."
She didn't get to finish as Donovan caught her by the arm and pulled Hannah into her. "No. I am sorry, Hannah. I...." She ran her free hand through her wild hair. "I always want you here with me. I just hoped to look a little more presentable before you got here is all."
Hannah tipped her head back, and wrapped her hands around Donovan's neck. "Donovan, sweetheart. I don't expect you to be perfectly groomed all the time. Hell, when I first saw you, you were all hot and sweaty from working on the roof as I recall." The timbre of her voice deepened and her eyes took on a darker color. "I found it quite sexy, actually."
A dark brow rose. "You did?"
"Uh huh." She gently urged Donovan's head forward. "And I think you're pretty cute all sleep rumpled."
Donovan rested both hands on Hannah's hips, and drew them together with a smile. "You do?"
Hannah nodded again. "Uh huh. Donovan, love is not just about moonlight and roses, candlelight, picnics and walks on the beach. Love is morning breath and messy hair and dirty dishes and laundry. Love is sharing your everyday lives, good and bad, and wanting to be together anyway."
"I know, and I know you love me... I just wanted...."
Hannah kissed Donovan firmly. "I know. You go get cleaned up and primp, and I'll fix us some tea. How does that sound?"
"That sounds... HEY! British sea captains do not primp!"
"No, but I'll bet Donovan Scott the woman does now, doesn't she?" Donovan dropped her head and blushed, mumbling something unintelligible under her breath. "I though so. G'wan now. You'll feel better, and I really need a cup of tea this morning."
Donovan clasped Hannah's hand in her larger one and led her into the cottage. She walked Hannah to the kitchen and seated her.
"Water should be boiling in a few minutes. The tea leaves are here," removing them from the cabinet, "and the mugs are...." She stopped speaking when Hannah took her hand and walked her toward the bathroom door.
"Take your bath, Donovan. I can find what I need to fix us tea."
Donovan chuckled. "You just want free reign in the kitchen. Don't think I can...."
Suddenly it occurred to Donovan that her bath water had been running for quite some time. "Damnation!!" she exclaimed before rushing into the bathroom to shut the water off. She skidded to a halt, turning off the water just before it crested over the lip of the tub. "Dissinfrattinmudderblippin...." she muttered, knowing she'd have to empty the tub somewhat before being able to actually use it.
Hannah's eyebrows rose at the first epithet, and she slowly followed Donovan into the room, watching with a smile as the other woman stopped the running water just in time. She absolutely did not expect Donovan to peel her shirt of before reaching a hand carefully down to loosen the plug. She stood staring, trying to remember to breathe as the muscles in Donovan's back rippled with every movement of her body.
Hannah choked back a cry, causing Donovan to half-turn towards her to see where the sound came from. She felt a rakish grin form as she saw the look of unveiled desire settle in Hannah's eyes. She turned so her back was once again towards the blonde woman.
"Do you like what you see Hannah?" The Captain was well aware of the deepening of her voice and the fire in the green eyes on her back was burning a hole through her. She didn't hear Hannah's footsteps as she crossed the room, but she felt her presence even before warm hands landed on her shoulders. Donovan unconsciously leaned back into the firm touch.
"I love what I see, Donovan," burring directly into the brunette's ear and making a pleasant tingle run the length of her spine. "I thought I already made that clear this morning." She absently rubbed her hands along the bare skin of Donovan's back and arms, relishing the silky texture under her fingertips.
"You did," Donovan managed to growl through clenched teeth. It was taking all she could do not to simply turn around and....
Hannah leaned down and kissed the juncture of her neck and shoulders. "Get your bath, love," she whispered. "I'll be in the kitchen when you get done."
Donovan didn't see the agonized look on Hannah's face as the smaller woman pulled away from her. She merely sat with unfocused eyes staring at the slowly draining water trying to regain her equilibrium. "My God, that woman is going to kill me one day, but what a way to die."
She grinned fiercely then, feeling cherished and surrounded by Hannah's love. No one had ever made her feel as cared for as Hannah did with her words or her touch, and the look in her eyes.... Donovan sincerely believed Hannah had the most expressive eyes she had ever encountered, not knowing that her own did the very same thing to Hannah.
She stripped quickly and stuck the plug back into the tub now that the water level had dropped sufficiently to allow her to sit down without sloshing water onto the floor. She picked up the soap and a wash cloth and began scrubbing vigorously. It occurred to her to wonder if Hannah would come in and wash her back, then decided not to tempt fate. Donovan was on sensory overload, and figured that much tactile contact from Hannah would send her self control spinning right off its axis.
She bathed hastily, grateful for the lovely cinnamon scent her mother had put into her soap. For all the differences she and her mother had, this was one of the few ways she still felt her mother's love for her.
Before she could slide into any maudlin thoughts, Donovan rose from the water and wrapped herself in a large towel and padded across the floor to her bedroom.
Hannah listened to the splashing coming from the other room as she investigated all the nooks and crannies of the kitchen. In addition to the tea leaves, Hannah had also found Donovan's small stash of eggs and some bread which she suspected Mama had made.
She set about hunting for a skillet which she found rather easily. The cutting board was a little more difficult, and she finally gave it up as a lost cause, choosing to cut on a plate instead. She found a knife, and winced when she cut herself testing it for sharpness.
"Shoulda known it'd be sharp," she muttered to herself, sticking her thumb in her mouth as she moved to the pump. She primed it and started pumping, jumping back a bit when the water gushed instead of flowed. She rinsed it in the water, surprised at its chill, then wrapped her thumb in the towel before dropping the tea leaves into the now boiling water.
It was much harder to function in a non-electric kitchen than she'd imagined it would be, she was discovering, and having her hand swathed in a towel only made it doubly so. She set the skillet on the stove and grabbed the eggs from the counter. Hannah broke them into a bowl and added salt, pepper and the smallest amount of water she could, then set about adding butter to the skillet.
It got hotter faster than she was ready for it to, and she jerked her hand from the handle that had gotten very hot. The butter browned to the point of burned and without warning caught fire. By this point, Hannah's frustration was such that she didn't know whether to freak, scream, cry, and without warning, the choice was taken away from her.
Donovan calmly crossed the threshold into the kitchen and took one look at the stove and another at Hannah's shell-shocked demeanor. She took a lid from where it hung, and covered the fire. Then she took a towel from the drawer beside the stove and moved the skillet to a cool spot on top of the iron surface. Then Donovan moved the tea to a spot beside the skillet before the tea boiled itself over.
Without a word, she took Hannah in her arms and gently eased her back into one of the two kitchen chairs, easing the towel away from Hannah's thumb. Donovan winced reflexively at the gash that was still sluggishly bleeding, then looked up into green eyes.
"Oh, Beloved. That has to hurt. Let me get some supplies to take care of that."
Donovan started to move, and found herself held in place by Hannah's strong grip. Donovan cupped Hannah's face and was shocked when Hannah latched on like she'd never let go, but she returned the hug in equal measure.
"All I wanted to do was fix a nice breakfast for the two of us," she whispered. "I didn't realize I was courting disaster by trying to cook eggs and toast."
Donovan kissed the blonde head and leaned back to look in Hannah's eyes. The forlorn expression on Hannah's face made Donovan smile sadly and she leaned forward and nipped Hannah's nose. Hannah giggled in reflex and Donovan's smile became happier, an expression that Hannah easily mimicked.
"I love you," Hannah said.
"And I love you," Donovan answered. "I appreciate your wanting to prepare breakfast, but I should have told you about the stove. It is somewhat particular."
"Well, that and I really don't have a clue what I am doing. It is so different from what I am used to."
"Is it really?"
"Yeah, the heat and the iron and... oh, just everything."
Donovan took Hannah's good hand in her own and led her back to the pump. "I will tell you what," she said as she began to run cold water over the sliced thumb, watching the bleeding slow. She guided Hannah into her bedroom and seated her on the bed before going into the linen closet and taking out her medical supplies. "Let me get you medicated and bandaged properly, then you can tell me more about the differences while we prepare breakfast together."
Hannah sneezed twice when Donovan dusted her cut with medicinal herbs, then sucked in a deep breath when they started to burn and sting. She bit her lip, waiting for Donovan to finish wrapping the cloth around her thumb.
"I should have warned you about the sharpness of the herbs, but that is what will help it heal quickly and properly. I am sorry for the pain they are causing you."
"Actually, it's not too bad once the initial sting goes away. It was just something of a shock."
Donovan smiled. "I know. I accidentally spilled too much into a cut once. It made me dance around the kitchen."
Hannah wiggled her eyebrows. "I'd pay good money to see that."
Donovan leaned forward and picked Hannah on the lips, before allowing her own lips to curl into a rakish grin. "Would you now?"
"Yep."
"Well, there will be dancing at the Pirate's Masquerade Ball tomorrow night. Will you dance with me then?"
"Every single dance if you'd like."
"I would like. And do not worry... I would be able to choose you out of a crowd of people in the dark anywhere."
"Could you really?"
"Yes, it is part of the legend."
"Legend?" Hannah was beginning to feel like an echo of sorts, but the conversation was making her curious. To say nothing of the tickling feeling it sent down her spine.
"Yes, and if you are very good, I will explain it all to you on our journey home. We are leaving directly after the unmasking."
"So quickly? I... I'm not...."
"Is it a problem, Hannah? We always leave after the ball. The tide is with us then, and it is the natives' way of giving us a farewell sendoff."
They walked into the kitchen and Donovan picked up the mostly cooled skillet and dumped the burned butter just outside the back door. Hannah picked up the offending knife again, and began to slice the bread onto the plate. It was awkward, and the bread ended up in several different shapes and thicknesses, but Donovan let her work without comment. She could see what helping out meant to Hannah, and she simply let her do what she felt she could.
Donovan cleaned up the skillet and placed it on a different spot on the stove, allowing it to heat more gradually. She added the butter and let it melt before toast the bread as evenly as she could manage. She added more butter, then rapidly stirred in the eggs. Soon, they were sitting down to a hot breakfast with tea that had been diluted with hot water.
"This is cozy," Hannah commented with a smile. "And you're a good cook."
"I do all right. Not enough to make my mother happy, but enough that I do not poison myself either."
"Tell me about your mother."
"You tell me the differences in cooking between your time and mine, and I will tell you about my mother," Donovan countered. She knew she needed to share a few truths about her mother with Hannah, but she didn't really want to bring that particular unpleasantness into her sanctuary.
Hannah read the hesitation in Donovan's eyes, and could see the latent pain that lurked behind that. She wondered what it was all about, but respected Donovan's need to reveal things in her own time. Besides, she knew Donovan was curious about the differences in their two worlds, and it was something she was going to need to understand. So Hannah nodded her acceptance of the deal, and began speaking.
************
"You mean to tell me you can control the fire... the temp-er-a-ture so perfectly that the fire never needs tending? Things do not burn?"
Hannah had been patiently trying to explain how an electric oven worked. She realized she'd started in the middle instead of at the beginning as far as Donovan's understanding of the concept went. So she decided a small science lesson was in order. She took Donovan's hand and led her to the study.
"Oh no... things still burn. Humans being what we are, we tend to be forgetful or careless. But they tend to burn less because of electricity."
Donovan walked to a shelf and pulled out a couple books. "I read about some experiments that were being done with that. Do you mean to tell me...?"
"I mean that we have a lot of catch-up learning to do for the century or so between us."
"Then let us get started. I want to understand everything."
************
It was almost dark before Hannah and Donovan stopped discussing electricity and its many varied uses. Donovan was absolutely fascinated to know and understand that many of the things she had read about and imagined being possible really were part of everyday life in Hannah's world.
"That is simply amazing, Hannah. Thank you for sharing all these things with me."
"You're welcome, Donovan. Even if I didn't think it was necessary, I think it would be fun to share this with you. You have a very keen intellect. We could probably have some great philosophical debates."
Donovan's eyes twinkled. "Oh, I think we can find time for one or two of those on our voyage home."
Hannah clasped Donovan's hand as they made their way back to the kitchen. "Then will you tell me about your mother?"
Donovan nodded solemnly. "Yes. It is not something I take a great deal of joy in discussing, but you deserve to know what you will be coming up against."
"That bad, huh?"
"Yes," came the stark reply. "My mother loves me, but she is not very happy with me or the way I have chosen to live my life. And I doubt she will contain her feelings because you are present." She didn't add that Hannah's presence was likely to make it worse, but it was the first thought that ran through Hannah's mind.
"Would it be better for you if I don't go home with you?" Hannah offered, though the though of being separated again was physically painful, and it took all Hannah could do to keep from doubling over at the suggestion.
Horrified blue eyes rose to meet green, and Hannah felt Donovan's pain as keenly as her own. "Please do not leave me alone again, Hannah. I could not bear the separation."
"Neither could I, love. I just thought...."
Long fingers covered Hannah's lips and she stopped speaking. "Do not think. Just stay with me. We can get through anything together."
Before Hannah could answer a rumbling growl echoed in the stillness. They looked at each other wide-eyed before looking down at their offending stomachs. When their eyes met again, they broke into chuckles.
"Guess we'd better feed the beasts, huh?" Hannah said.
"It certainly sounds like it, and then I will walk you home. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day."
"Yeah, it is. Will I see you at all before the ball?"
Donovan shook her dark head. "We are actually not supposed to see one another until then." She began pulling out foodstuff to fix them a simple dinner.
Hannah's brows scrunched up in thought. "You aren't escorting me then?" She paused. "Wait... this has something to do with the legend, doesn't it?"
Donovan nodded, but said nothing.
"You'll share all this with me on our trip home, won't you?" Hannah asked.
"Yes. Everything I know, I will tell you about."
"All right then. It's probably just as well." She moved to set the table while Donovan pushed the water forward to heat for tea. "I have a lot to do if we are sailing tomorrow night."
"Your clothes should be completed. I will pick them up from Satosh and have them stored on the ship until you arrived to take care of them. Is the anything special you would like to have brought aboard?" scrambling to think of things she could afford to add to their small space that would make Hannah more comfortable for the extended voyage home.
"Will I be sharing your quarters?"
"Yes. I think it is the wisest course of action. And I honestly want to keep you near me as much as possible."
"It won't cause you problems with your crew?"
"Not with most of them, and the few that might take issue with it, I can handle." Donovan blew out a breath as she moved dinner to the table. "Most of my crew are well aware that I was searching for something out here. The intuitive ones will understand I have found it."
Happiness welled up in Hannah's chest and blossomed across her face as they sat down to a quiet meal. The silence was warm and comfortable and Hannah realized she could enjoy a lifetime of silence if shared in Donovan's company.
After dinner, they cleaned the few dishes, and then headed out into the warm June night. The stars were out and the moon, what there was of it was bright enough to light their way back toward Jack's house.
"Donovan?" Hannah said softly so as not to disturb the peace of their surroundings.
"Hmm?" the Captain answered with a squeeze of the co-joined fingers. "What are you thinking, Angel?" taking in the perplexed look on Hannah's face.
"Tomorrow night, the lines here will be blurred won't they? Between past and present, I mean. I mean, people can cross from past to present and back, correct?"
"Not exactly. My crew and I have noticed that we seem to wander between two distinct sets of people. But no one else seems do that." She scrubbed her face with her free hand. "The parties are very similar. Held in the same place, with many of the same foods and amenities. Even the music is similarly done. But there are two distinct sets of people who never mingle, except with us."
"But you can actually interact with people from my time without danger of us shutting the portal door, correct?"
"Yes." Donovan paused and thought. "Why?"
Hannah smiled and pulled them to a stop just at the beginning of the pathway up to Jack's place. She put Donovan's hands on her waist and wrapped her own around Donovan's dark hair. "Because I know Katie is gonna want to grill you."
"Katie?"
"My very best friend growing up. She and I are the ones I wrote the Trudy and Evan stories about. She was supposed to get here earlier this week, but the storm kept she and her new husband Frank away. Jack was going to pick them up this afternoon and bring them over."
"Why does Katie want to grill me?" Hannah could hear the hesitation in Donovan's voice, as though she didn't quite understand what she was asking.
"It means she wants to interrogate you, love. She wants to ask you all sorts of questions to insure that you are right for me."
"Is that not Jack's place?" Not angrily, but honestly confused.
"Yes, but Katie feels it is her place as well. She is as close to a sister as I ever had, and we've looked out for each other since we were born, practically."
"Did you tell her about us?"
"Yes, but not for a very long time. Not until after we became dream lovers. She knew I was waiting for someone special though. She knew I was waiting for Blue Eyes."
Donovan smiled. "Very well. I will be sure to meet this Katie so she can... grill me. Now kiss me, and I will go and tend to work so that we will be prepared to cast off tomorrow night."
Hannah did so willingly, and the kiss went on for several long moments before they broke off and Donovan pulled Hannah in for a firm hug.
"I cannot tell you how excited I am about our coming voyage. For the first time, I look forward to going home, knowing that this time, you are going home with me. I do not leave you or the chance of finding you behind. Thank you for coming to me, Hannah Reilly. I love you with all my heart."
"Thank you for continuing to search for me, Donovan Scott. I love you beyond forever."
They kissed again, then Donovan reluctantly released Hannah and motioned her towards the path. "Go Beloved, before I simply sweep you up and carry you home with me."
Hannah hesitated. "Don't tempt me like that Donovan. I know I need to go inside and spend a bit of time with Katie, but you aren't making it easier."
"Go, Hannah... after tomorrow, we will have a lifetime together."
"And beyond, love." But the words were the impetus she needed to spur her on her way, and she turned and walked briskly up the path to Jack's place.
Donovan watched until she was out of sight, then turned and headed back down the beach at a jog. Her mind was already turning over the things she needed to do on the morrow, and she picked up her pace as happiness for the future bubbled over. This was one Pirate's Masquerade she was looking forward to attending.
Continued In Chapter XVI
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