Mary Robb - Down the Rabbit Hole

She accepted his hand and slid from the car to see a plump, gray-haired woman standing in the doorway, smiling in welcome.

Instead of merely leading the way, he dropped an arm around her shoulders, and she felt the warmth of his touch all the way to her toes. “It’s time you say hello to old Maura. She’s been on pins and needles ever since she learned you were on your way.”

She paused to look up into his eyes. “Tell me the truth. Is this really happening? Or is it more magic?”

His smile was quick and easy. “Who can say what is real and what is magic? Instant attraction? Love at first sight? How to explain them? Many have tried. But only those who’ve experienced it can know for certain.” He paused before adding, “This much I know, Bethany. You and I are real. And I do believe we’re both ready to accept whatever . . . magic the Fates decree.”

Beth looked around at the ancient castle, the beautifully tended gardens, the little chapel, with its cherubs and stone markers standing guard over the graves of Colin’s ancestors.

Though this was her first trip to Scotland, she knew this place intimately. And whether she had lived here in ancient times, or it had all been a strange dream brought on by a fall, she knew, without a doubt, that her lonely heart had, at long last, found its home.