I looked at the package. It was covered in what looked to be worn leather. As I stared down at it, I felt a strong pull toward the object—an urge to pick it up and hold it. Still, I hesitated. “Is this a gift from Nora?”
“Open it,” he repeated.
I carefully peeled away the edges of the leather, and my breath caught as I revealed what was within. It was a pendant, fashioned into the form of a Celtic cross. The metalwork was detailed, engraved with Celtic symbols, but what caught my eye was the large amber gemstone mounted in the center of the cross, nestled within a clawed setting.
I didn’t hesitate to reach out and pick it up, hefting its weight in my hand. It was clearly an antique. This close, I could see small provisional design flaws, confirming it was a handmade item. I couldn’t resist rubbing my thumb over the gemstone, noting the veins that harbored small imperfections. I was surprised to find the stone was warm, almost hot.
“This was Nora’s, wasn’t it? I remember seeing it on her once.”
His eyes narrowed. “Yes, the pendant has been in your family for generations. Nora wore it every day.”
It was such an odd comment that I paused, my gaze straying back to his. I didn’t miss his tense frame, the clenched fists at his sides. My skin whispered with a small warning.
I reached out to place the pendant back inside the leather, but he grabbed my arm. The contact was startling, and I was unprepared for the spark of energy that spasmed from that spot. I held my breath as he murmured softly, “Make no mistake that this is the most important artifact in your family’s possession, and now it is yours.”
I nodded, fixated on the charge traveling from his hand throughout my body. Could he feel the energy between us?
Gage dropped his hand, and the charge evaporated as if it had never been.
I swallowed, struggling to recall what I’d been about to ask him. “If this was a family heirloom, why did Nora hold on to it for so long? Why didn’t Nora pass it on to Dad when he left Scotland?”
His gaze was watchful. “She couldn’t. The pendant can only be passed down the female line.”
“Well, why didn’t she give it to my mother then?”
He paused as if considering his words carefully. “It was never destined for your mother because she was not born into the family line.”
The statement was like a bucket of cold water. Memories of Nora’s prejudice bloomed. Being the daughter of an orphan, I was also tainted by the same brush. Knowing how Nora had felt about my mother, how she’d felt about me, shattered the moment.
“I’m not sure how much you know about my relationship with my grandmother, but she disowned me from the family three years ago.” My voice was hard and brittle, but I didn’t apologize for my tone. It was best he knew the truth now. “She made it quite clear I was a stain on the family name. So, you see, whether her inheritance was intentional or not, I’m afraid you have wasted your time coming to see me. I don’t want it—any of it.”
I pushed the will and the pendant to his side of the counter, fighting the irrational urge to keep hold of the gemstone.
He didn’t make a move to take them; only watched me closely. “I can appreciate it’s been a shock, Miss MacKay. I suggest you take some time to consider what I’ve shared. We will talk again in a few days.”
I fought the flutter of unease in my stomach, and struggled to keep my voice firm. “No, I don’t need more time. Please distribute the estate between any parties you see fit.”
He considered me, and I willed myself not to waver under his intense scrutiny. After a moment, he reached out and took the papers, filing them inside his jacket. He made no move to reach for the gemstone. My gaze traveled pointedly to where it rested on the glass table.
Gage’s voice came again, firm and persuasive. “Keep the pendant. After all, it’s your family’s legacy, not a personal gift from Nora.”
I couldn’t explain the pull I held toward it. I wanted it. I bit my lip, indecision warring. But taking it would be a visual reminder of who I’d once been, and I wasn’t that person any longer. I was strong. “No.”
His jaw clenched, but he inclined his head before reaching out to place the pendant inside the folds of his jacket.
“I will give you some time to reconsider. I’ll be in touch within a few days.”
My mouth dropped. Had he been listening to one word I’d said? “I just told you—I don’t need more time. My mind is made up!” I took a breath, searching for inner calm. “Now, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I have an appointment with a client in a few minutes. So, if that’s all?”
I crossed my arms to prevent myself from waving him off. The movement caused his eyes to drop to my chest, and I felt my flesh goose pimple in response. It was the first spark of desire I’d felt since I left James. I didn’t like it.
I shifted on my feet, silently urging him to leave. His gaze traveled back to mine, and I felt a slow burn creep up my neck. I ignored it. The silence stretched uncomfortably as I waited. Just as I was about to fill it, he gave a small, knowing smirk, then turned on his heel and exited the shop.
As the door chimed behind him, I took a deep, calming breath, conscious that it was the first uninhibited one I’d taken since he’d walked in. Woodsmoke and something sharp like forged steel hit my senses. It lingered in the air, a talisman that his visit hadn’t been a figment of my imagination.
My stomach was in knots trying to manage all the old emotions he’d dredged up. The betrayal, the shame, but especially the anger. All directed at Nora, and how she’d treated me.
I lifted a hand to smooth my hair and paused, appalled to see it trembled. Was it true? Was Nora really dead?
I was two months shy of my eighteenth birthday when my parents died in a tragic car accident. They’d miscalculated a turn on a coastal road, their car plummeting over the edge of a cliff, into the sea below. After the news had been delivered, and the police realized I had no close family nearby, they’d told me I would be going into a state boarding school if no one turned up to take responsibility for me. Then, the doorbell rang, and I’d opened it to find Nora standing on my doorstep.
The family resemblance was too strong to be denied. She shared the same gray eyes as my father, the same eyes I had. We were of a similar height and stature, with a rounded jaw and small snub nose. Her hair was heavily tinged with silver, characteristic of her once blonde roots. Instead of my thick, unruly mane, hers was elegantly coiffured into a low bun at the nape of her neck. Recognition hit me as soon as I laid eyes on her. She was the only family I had left.
My cell phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Grabbing it from under the counter, I saw my best friend’s name flash on the display. I cast a furtive glance through the shop window, but I couldn’t see any pedestrians on the street outside.
I pushed accept. “Hi, Chloe. How’s the packing going?”
Chloe groaned. “It’s been an absolute nightmare, but I’m finally finished.” Then she squealed, “I can’t believe I’m leaving on Monday. I’m so excited!”
“I can’t either—it’s come around so fast! I wish I could go with you.”
“So do I, Bry, but I understand you need to finish your apprenticeship.”
“There’ll be another time for us to travel together. Besides, this is for you, Chloe—you deserve it! You worked so hard, and I’m proud of you for topping your architecture class.”
I was burning to tell her the news about Nora, but I recognized it was the worst thing I could do. News of Nora’s death, and the memories it would dredge up, would only cast a pall on the excitement of her impending trip.