Dec 1, 2025
I think I may have written one of my favourite Sihtric moments. He's all - Hey! Do you know how much I love my wife?
Everyone is like...yeah we know.
Sihtric is all - but did you know that she really really loves me? Huh? Did ya?
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I think I may have written one of my favourite Sihtric moments. He's all - Hey! Do you know how much I love my wife?
Everyone is like...yeah we know.
Sihtric is all - but did you know that she really really loves me? Huh? Did ya?
Okay, so I’m replying about this assignment for one of my classes, and it got me thinking:
It’s around Christmas, and Mary, the mother of Jesus - she was told she would bear God’s son by the angel Gabriel. She just blindly went along with it, blindly following an angel’s guidance as a young teenager.
In my honest opinion, that’s pretty effed up.
Why would she follow that plan, possibly already knowing what she’d be going through in the next nine months?
I have never been through pregnancy (and hopefully I never will; I was a preemie and I don’t want to risk having any child of mine going through what I went through as a newborn), and I know I probably have no right to say things like this, since I’m a Pagan, and not a Christian (not anymore).
But am I the only one who thinks it’s seriously effed up that Mary pretty much blindly went into a pregnancy at such a young age, regardless of being “chosen”?
Christmas Conundrum
Even though they weren’t biologically related, you wouldn’t know it from the way they acted. They were pretty similar in a lot of ways. When it came to getting what they wanted from the boys they had in their sights, there was no stopping them. For Blair, she had her sights set on her stepbrother’s fake but not really boyfriend, Diego. From the moment he walk through the door, she knew he had to have him between her legs. She’d been dropping subtle hints and leads but, after she caught them fucking and saw just how animalistic he got when he fucked, she was turning up the heat. She found the boy in the living room and figured this was as good a time as any. “So, Diego, how’re you liking Christmas With The Cavanaughs? Is it everything you thought it would be and more?”
“So...What would you like for Christmas?” Timaeus asked her, after failing at coming up with any ideas of his own.
@compassionatedestiny
WIP Wednesday
Another week, another tag game! Please share your last sentence; or, if you don’t have one, share a plot bunny or idea! (OR sketch for your artwork!)
A little snippet from Christmas Conundrum
“It's Christmas Day, come on. At least leave the cottage.” “I don't want to. I am fine staying here, I may even pack and change my flight to tomorrow. I could be back home before New Year's and...” “Effie, you know that you don't want to leave here tomorrow.” “You're leaving here tomorrow.” “For my honeymoon.” Sihtric rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “So? I want to go home.”
Tagging (no pressure whatsoever): @mrsalwayswrite @stardustrider @sihtricsafin @thelettersfromnoone @legitalicat @alexagirlie @theplumsoldier @adsagsona @alicedopey @gearhead66 @lykomama @ladyinred2248 @foxyanon @leftoversl1ce @lord-aldhelm @thenameswinterfics @geekandbooknerd @zaldritzosrose @gemini-mama @velvetvowsandvikingdreams @witchezandwonderz @persephones-journey @aneurins-barnard @volklana @js-tlk-art @grlwtskulltattoo @kingslionheart @sorcerousundries @deandoesthingstome @ms-oswald @holy3cake @marauders-make-me-cry @eiriniko @tharros-auris-black-asimi @irixhye @narilwrites @paula-in-dreamland @prithee-make-way @witchthewriter @phoebezu @sorceress-of-stories
Christmas Conundrum - One Year Later
Genre: Fan Fiction (The Last Kingdom)
Pairing: Finan/OFC
Warnings: Sexual References
Rating: M
Length: Multi
Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.
A/N: Thank You! Thank You for all of the love that you have shown this. It was so much fun to write and I have enjoyed spending time with Finan and Effie. They were such a treat to explore and I am so happy to see others enjoyed them as much as I do.
Catch Up Here
One Year Later
A fluffy blanket of snow covered the ground as Effie walked up the lane from Rowan Cottage to the main house, boots crunching rhythmically on the frozen ground. Finan had gone up several hours ago to help go over some plans for Christmas, he wanted – needed – everything to be perfect this year. After his first year as owner of Woodrest Estate, he couldn't afford another disaster at Christmas. Effie inhaled the fresh, chilled air, cresting the top of the small hill as the house came into view. Decorated with fir boughs, a million lights, wreathes, and several giant Christmas trees outside she smiled at the sight.
Inside there would be six Christmas trees, in the main hall, two in the sitting room, one in the small parlour, three in the room used for former clan meetings which was now used for weddings and other major life events that people wished to celebrate, and a rather robust tree in the formal dinning room. Fake fir boughs would line the doors, the stairs, the rails, and every mantle in the house. Lights, wreathes, and the odd tartan bow would adorn the rest of the house.
Kicking the snow off of her boots as she slipped into a side door, which brought her into the seasonal kitchen, Effie was greeted by the smell of mince pies and short bread cookies. Eilidh had been diligent in making sure the newest baker was perfecting her carefully guarded recipes. No sign of Finan, Effie smiled and waved to the young man pulling a tray of pies from the oven passing through to the hall.
Peeking into the office, she should have known. Pacing back and forth, phone in hand as he spoke to whomever was on the other end, Finan ran his hand through his dark hair. Pausing to look out the window into the back garden, he grunted and nodded. Effie leaned against the door, watching him stand back to, oblivious to her presence.
Finan was cheating, sneaking around, and Effie had just caught him in the act! She knew it!
Before Christmas, Finan had been working on getting a paper together about the Importance of Historical Estates in Modern Europe. Effie wasn't entirely sure what it entailed, but never the less, the long hours and hard work deserved a reward and possibly a short holiday where she could have Finan to herself and not have him exhausted from research. When they got back to London, he was free to lock himself in the office once again until it was published, but while they were here – no working. Either of them.
Effie had held her end of the deal. She'd informed her students that she would be unavailable until the third week of January. Tapping her hand against her thigh, Effie rolled her eyes as Finan continued to talk on the phone, blathering on about some estate in Northern Ireland. Turning he gave her a stressed smile, his overly bushy beard nearly hiding his entire face. God that thing needed to be trimmed.
“I love you” mouthing the words to Effie, Finan blew her a kiss and pointed to the phone, shaking his head. Holding up his hand to indicate five more minutes. Countering by holding up both hands, Effie indicated he had ten minutes before she needed him off the phone and out of the office until after the holidays.
Finan nodded.
Effie blew him a kiss before disappearing from the door.
Somewhere in this house, Effie knew she would find Aldhelm and possibly Aethelflaed. When asked to spend another Christmas on the estate, her cousin had been apprehensive. All of their friends and family had been. So much that Effie's mother had declined in favour of her plans to spend the holidays in the Bahamas. Who was Effie to argue with that? After last Christmas it was a miracle that she and Finan had even bothered to return.
A second Christmas at Woodrest had been slightly daunting, but Effie and Finan agreed, it needed a redemption.
Effie hummed the tune to White Christmas as she walked through the halls of the 18th century home. In less than an hour all of their friends would be here, waiting currently for Uhtred and Gisela. Uhtred had worked until this morning, when they were able to get a flight, and then drive the hour and a half to the estate. Gisela had sent a text to say they'd safely landed and looked forward to seeing everybody.
As if they hadn't saw one another less than a week ago.
Sihtric and Ealhswith were in Juniper Cottage, set to arrive at the main house when Effie sent them a text.
Osferth had taken up residence in Aspen, although he was unsure of why. Rowan was the smallest cottage and he was the only single person. Finan had insisted that he and Effie liked Rowan too much to give it up.
Greer and Erik would be set up in Spruce.
Aldhelm, Aethelflaed, and Aelfwynn were assigned to Pine, because it had the best view of the sky. How else was Aelfwynn going to watch for Father Christmas?
Uhtred, hesitantly, agreed to Birch. He had never stayed on the property at Woodrest, favouring the small inn down in the village. This time Gisela had accepted without consulting her husband. He would live.
Since relocating to London eight weeks after New Year's, Effie had been spending more and more time getting to know Finan's friends, and even more time with Ealhswith and Aldhelm. It had been the best decision. It had been the only logical decision! Moving her business meant that she could work with her students online, while finding new ones for in-person tutoring. Finan had encouraged her to put herself out there and talk to the University, they were constantly looking for English tutors.
Wandering through the house, Effie poked her head in and out of rooms looking for any sign of people. The problem with a house this large was that people could spread out a bit too much. Effie found the charm in the old house, despite never having spent a single night inside, she had come to adore it when she was here. Hearing Aelfwynn's distinct giggles, Effie smiled and followed the sound into the drawing room. A lovely room overlooking the back garden with a fantastic blend of modern and traditional. Finan's ex-mother-in-law had designed the room before her passing.
Gradually updating the rooms from the previous owners, Finan was particular that this room never change. Effie was okay with that. Sitting on the window bench with a book, Aldhelm was reading to Aelfwynn, cuddling with a stuffed bear, she snuggled against him. Effie stood just inside the door listening as her cousin enthusiastically read the story of a llama who was seeking a Christmas gift for their mama. Giggling as Aldhelm attempted to do the voices, Effie watched as Aelfwynn began to giggle as well.
“Excuse me, but I am trying to read.” Aldhelm teased his laughing audience. “Have some respect.”
“Sorry. Continue.” Effie winked at the little girl, encouraging Aldhelm to continue.
Finishing the story, Aldhelm passed the book to Aelfwynn, telling her to go ahead and play. Not to go too far, because they would need to meet everybody else in just a few short minutes. Rolling her eyes, Aelfwynn picked up another book, flipping through the pages without a care in the world. Gazing between the book and the world outside, the snow creating a dazzling backdrop.
Straightening himself, Aldhelm joined Effie. No doubt she had caught Finan working and wanted to talk with somebody to pass the time. Perhaps, if he asked the right questions, Aldhelm could discover what all of this sneaking around was for. Effie and Finan were not that good at hiding their anticipation, despite what they thought. The previous evening, gathered in Pine Cottage, Aldhelm and Aethelflaed, Sihtric and Ealhswith, Greer and Erik had tried to put their heads together. Working out why they had been summoned back to Woodrest.
Osferth had been insistent that there wasn't any sort of conspiracy, although he felt something was off about this.
“Busy morning?” Aldhelm asked
“No more than usual. I slept in.” Effie offered. “And you? Are you guys settling in okay?”
“We are as settled as can be.” Aldhelm nodded. “Eff, do you want to tell us why we're here or?”
“You'll find out, soon enough.” she smiled wide and shrugged. “I don't understand.” Effie placed her hand on her hip, head tilted to the side.
“You don't understand what?” Aldhelm stood beside her, gaze turned upwards trying to see what it was his cousin as looking at. Perhaps the sun gleaming through the stain glass? Maybe it was the painting of the woman on the noble looking black horse? Oh god, he hoped it wasn't the mistletoe they were under, no way.
Nope! Aldhelm was not kissing his cousin!
“How it's been a whole year, already.” Effie turned to look at him, catching sight of the mistletoe, she wrinkled her nose and moved away quickly. “It doesn't seem that long and in some ways, it seems to have been forever.”
“A lot can happen in a year.” Nodding, Aldhelm breathed a visible sigh of relief as Effie took a step away from him. “Especially when you're in love.” he sang out the love teasingly.
“Well, you should know.” Winking, Effie shoved him in the shoulder. “You know, I think Aelfwynn has been good for you. She loosens ya up.”
Aldhelm rolled his eyes, a smirk crossing his face. He had become exceptionally fond of the little girl and fast. It was hard not to like the tornado of blonde hair and big eyes, like her mother's. “Yes, well, it is hard not to be loosened up when you spend most of the day chasing after a six year old, who just wants to pet every dog she sees and still believes that Father Christmas is the greatest man alive.”
“Is he not?” Effie feigned her best confused expression.
“It's debatable.” Aldhelm shrugged, glancing toward the main hall when he heard Uhtred shouting as if he were here to attack the place. The man could never sneak up on anybody, a certainty, with the way he bellowed.
“I thought that we agreed, we were never coming back here.” Uhtred scowled, dragging the diaper bag over his shoulder as they walked into the main hall.
“That is what they said.” Gisela shrugged, cooing to the baby boy in her arms. A token of their last Christmas visit to Woodrest.
“Yes, well, they have said a lot of things.” Uhtred grumbled looking around the looming house. Nothing good ever happened here, okay, so that was a bit of a stretch. Sihtric and Ealhswith were still happily married, a little one on the way, maybe they were destined to be the only love true story?
“Stop complaining, it's only for Christmas. You know, you do tend to relax more when you are here.” Pointing out the one tiny benefit of being at Woodrest.
“I don't need to...”
“Uhtred, we heard you shouting half way across the estate.” Effie laughed walking up the hall, Aldhelm and Aelfwynn on her trail.
“How else would anybody hear me? This place is too big.” Uhtred smirked, kissing Effie's cheek, giving Aldhelm a nod and bending down to greet Aelfwynn. “Goodness, you're taller than when we saw you last week. Are you sure this is Wynnie?” He winked at Aldhelm.
“Well, she keeps telling us that she is still Wynnie, but I don't know.” Aldhelm laughed as the little girl huffed at the adults.
“It's me! I didn't grow that much, only a little.” Aelfwynn insisted, twirling her golden curls around her finger, she eagerly tried to get a look at young Uhtred.
Bending down to give the little girl a better look at the baby, Gisela smiled when she asked her if she'd written her letter to Santa yet. Aelfwynn, wide eyed, exclaimed that it had been sent weeks ago. How else was he to get just the right pony and get it ready for his sleigh?
“Who said that you could ask for a pony?” Aldhelm asked, trying not to let the little girl hear the worry in his tone. Gisela giggled and Effie bit back her laughter.
“Papa Alfred, he said that Father Christmas brought mummy a pony when she was my age.” Aelfwynn explained innocently.
“Oh, well then.” Aldhelm nodded, fear rising. He was certain that Aethelflaed had not packed a pony for this trip.
“Hey, Wynnie.” Effie grabbed her attention. “Can you run down to the kitchen and ask Brynn for a biscuit? I want to make sure they're okay for Christmas Eve and you would be the perfect taste tester.”
Eagerly rushing off to her new task, the blonde curls went streaking down the hall. Uhtred allowing his laughter to flow, joined by Effie. Aledhelm still in a state of shock.
“It seems Papa Alfred may have bought somebody a pony.” Uhtred poked Aldhelm in the ribs, trying to get a rise from the other man. “You know he spoils that kid.”
Pale and stunned, Aldhelm swallowed the lump in his throat. Hoping that Aelfwynn had asked for more than a pony. If they gathered on Christmas morning and there was no sign of a pony, this could become a very disastrous Christmas yet again. “I need to go find Aethelflaed.”
Quickly sending a text to Ealhswith, telling her that Uhtred and Gisela had arrived, Effie slid her phone back in her pocket. Sihtric and Ealhswith would bring Greer and Erik, along with Osferth up as well. This gave about fifteen minutes until everybody was gathered.
“I need to grab Finan, the others should be here soon. We're going to the study.”
Last spotting Finan in the office, Effie waved over her shoulder at Uhtred and Gisela, setting off to drag Finan away from his forbidden work. Watching her skip down the hall, Uhtred glanced at his wife, raising his brow. Gisela shrugged and shook her head. Whatever they had been up to, Finan and Effie were refusing to reveal their hand.
The office void of her Irishman, Effie frowned, finding Finan could be like looking for a needle in a haystack. If she were Finan, where would she wander off to...The kitchen! Ah ha! The smell of mince pies would be far too tempting for him to resist, especially if Finan thought he could get a taste before anybody else. Those little pies were one of his few vices, he waited all year for those things. On her way to the kitchen, Effie couldn't help the laughter, walking towards her with a half eaten pie in his hand Finan grinned like a little boy on Christmas day. She knew him far too well.
“There you are, Petal.” Finan kissed Effie on the cheek. Offering her the rest of the mince pie. “I'm sorry, I know that we agreed not to work, until we are back home. That was a gentleman from McGill, who is interested in my paper. Anyway, I will explain that later.”
“I look forward to hearing about it.” Effie kissed his cheek back. Eating the rest of the pie, she rolled her eyes and sighed. Licking her lips, she cleared her throat. “Everyone should be here. I made them wait in the study.”
“Shall we then?” Lacing his fingers with hers, Finan held Effie's hand tightly. “Oh, you need...”
“Right here!” Effie dug into her pocket, pulling out the white gold solitaire diamond ring. The single diamond although modest, was perfect to Effie. Sliding the ring onto her finger, she kissed Finan's bearded cheek, making a face and a comment that he really needed to tame and trim that beast.
“We can talk about my beard later, come on.” He laughed, kissing her temple as they walked hand in hand to make their announcement.
Pushing open the door to the study, Finan held it for Effie to enter before him. Closing the door behind him, he glanced around at the eager and waiting group of loved ones. Eyeing him suspiciously, Uhtred narrowed his eyes, cool blue gaze landing on the Irishman. Giving his best friend a nod, Finan took his place beside Effie who had made made a point to keep her hands out of view – for a few moments at least.
“So, what brings us all here?” Osferth was the first to speak from his seat on he sofa. He'd had Aelfwynn on his knee, discussing their shared love for Christmas biscuits.
“Eager or what.” Effie teased the younger man, sticking her tongue out at him.
“You've called us all here, we are here.” Greer defended Osferth's question. “So?”
“Okay, fine.” Finan wrapped his arm around Effie, drawing her closer. Snuggling into his side, Effie rested her hand on his chest, a smile on her face to be rivaled by the sun. “I suppose we should tell ya, we're getting married.”
“What?” “When?” “Excuse me?” A bundle of responses hit the couple all at once. Laughing at the reactions, Effie placed a kiss on Finan's cheek, smiling uncontrollably. How they had kept this a secret was a mystery in itself.
“Oh gods another wedding? Gisela and Uhtred just had a baby!” Sihtric teased throwing a devious smirk in their direction. “Looks like young Uhtred isn't going to be an only child for long.”
“Okay, first off Congratulations.” Erik spoke up, rare that he ever spoke in a crowd. Effie smiled and thanked her brother-in-law. “Now, tell us when!” he demanded with a snorting laugh.
“Tomorrow. We are getting married tomorrow. Here, at the house. We debated it, but nowhere else felt right.” Effie answered with a slight shrug. After a few weeks of deciding on dates and venues, the only place they could agree upon was Woodrest, not wanting to take Sihtric and Ealhswith's first anniversary, Effie and Finan had decided to marry on the Solstice. Still a few days away from when Sihtric and Ealhswith would celebrate their first year.
“What about the curse?” Waving his fingers in the air, around his face, Osferth began to chuckle. Everybody in this room was aware of Finan's feelings around weddings that took place on this estate.
“Aye,” Finan nodded, his face darkening in thought, “we did talk about that. It seems it's only if you marry a member of the original Wood Clan. Something neither of us are, by birth.”
“Yeah, look at us.” Sihtric shrugged, kissing a glowing Ealhswith on the cheek. “We're thriving!”
“We didn't pack anything for a wedding.” It was Aethelflead's turn to speak up. A little worried they would end up being well under dressed.
“Nope, because we want it to be as simple as possible. No fanfare, no crowd. Just the people who mean the most to us, in a place that holds a bit of significance. The people in this room, are the people coming to our wedding.” Effie smiled, excitedly patting Finan's chest. “Except for Eilidh. She's coming, of course.”
“Another wedding.” Sighing heavily, Uhtred chuckled.
“This time, we would appreciate if you didn't....sneak away.” Finan glanced at Aelfwynn careful of his words, before giving Uhtred a sly smirk. “Maybe this marriage will work out, if you don't miss it?”
Rolling his eyes and grumbling, playfully, under his breath Uhtred earned a laugh from those around him.
A wedding.
Because that wasn't a lot to dump on their friends and family in less than ten minutes.
Everybody had so many questions.
The main one being – how had they kept this a secrect?
The second one being – how had nobody noticed Effie's ring? It wasn't extravagant, but it wasn't small.
Listening to the cheerful chatter filling the room, Effie glanced at Finan. The smile on his face enough to lit up a village. How had they managed to keep this? Effie, truly, didn't know. Some how, the couple had silently agreed to keep their happy news while working out the details together. If she had to go back, Effie would have kept things the same. Not having other people fussing over her or her choices was rather nice. Finan had experienced a large wedding, before, and he was happy to keep things small and intimate this time around. However, if Effie wanted to invite a thousand people and hire a 200 piece orchestra – Finan was happy to make it happen. Whatever his bride-to-be wanted, he was happy to give her.
“You didn't even tell me! I am your sister!” Greer held her arms open, hands clasping Effie's cheeks, her smile bright. “I can't believe it, you bitch. Oh my god. Effie!” Staring at Finan, Greer poked him in the chest. “I trust that last year will not be repeated?”
“Absolutely not.” Finan shook his head, smiling at Effie. “I'm serious, Greer, ya know how much I love her.”
“Good.” Greer nodded, her expression softening when she pulled Finan in for a tight hug. “I know you're good to her. I know she is crazy for you. I'm thrilled for you, both.”
Separating from her husband-to-be, Effie kissed his cheek, gathering around with the other women and Sihtric to talk about the upcoming day. Everything was set, they had an officiant coming for noon, afterwards would be followed by lunch and then their guests were free to spend the day however they wished. Evidently, as Sihtric pointed out, they would likely spend it gathered together discussing how they were thankful that he'd left Effie the car keys and convinced her to speak to Finan, last Christmas Day.
Telling her husband to control his self-importance, Ealhswith smacked Sihtric's chest in jest. Kissing the palm of her hand, Sihtric placed it against his cheek, insisting that this was truly his work. Listening to the overly happy couple pretend to bicker, Gisela got down to the real questions.
“So, how did Finan ask? I mean it's Finan, did he wake up one morning and declare you should get married? Or did he actually have a plan?”
“He asked me when we came up to check on things before autumn, we were out for a walk around sunrise at the hunting shack and he dropped down and pulled out a ring. It was perfect!” Effie gushed, holding up her hand to show off the ring. Aethelflaed grabbed her hand, turning it one way and then another to examine the shimmering stone. “I had no idea.”
“I knew it. I told you that this would happen.” Aethelflaed nudged Gisela. “Men like that are unicorns.”
“So,when are you and Aldhelm going to get married?” Effie smiled trying to hide her laugh. “Speaking of unicorns.”
Congratulations having died down, the group fell into a quiet conversation. Excitement tinged in the air, between Christmas and a wedding, Woodrest was buzzing. Effie stood listening to Osferth and Greer discuss the latest news in the fiance world, while Erik and Uhtred discussed the latest in sports. Everybody had seemed to find their common ground, giving Effie a moment to break away from having to be the happy bride-to-be. Of course she was happy, she simply wanted a moment to spend letting it sink in.
Gisela was the first to break away, understandable. Arriving to be thrown into the announcement, she and Uhtred had yet to even unload their suitcases. Insisting that her husband stay and chat, secretly, she knew if he tagged along then she would never get their son down for a nap. His father had a great ability to look at him and suddenly it was time to play, once more.
“I hate to leave a good party, but I am going to take the car down. Somebody,” Gisela gently tickled young Uhtred's tummy, “needs a nap.”
“Oh, why don't Aelfwynn and I join you?” Aethelflaed stood from where she'd been sitting with a tired looking child resting on her lap. “If that's okay?”
“Wynnie.” Aldhelm called the little girl to him. “Do you know where Mr. Bear is?” kneeling down, he brushed a piece of hair from her eyes. If she left the bear somewhere in the main house, Aelfwynn would riot when they got back to the cottage.
“Mr. Bear is already with my bag.” Rolling her eyes in the most dramatic fashion, the little girl placed her hands on her hips and huffed at Aldhelm. “Do you think we could have hot cocoa after?”
“Yes, we can have cocoa after. I promise. Cross my heart.” Aldhelm drew an X across his chest. “I will be down in a bit, I have some things to finish here.” Smiling wide, Aelfwynn threw her short arms around his neck, giving him a kiss on the cheek before running off to join her mother.
“She has you right where she wants ya.” Finan slapped Aldhelm on the back, with a hearty laugh. “Kids, they really know how to manipulate.”
“I think she has learned it from her mother.” Aldhelm laughed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Aethelflaed hadn't heard him. Teasing, of course, he would do anything that woman asked of him. Everybody had saw it coming, there had been no surprise that they were perfect for one another.
“Women have a way of doing that to ya.” Finan nodded with a sly smirk. “So, ya know we have an officiant coming here tomorrow. Ya could add a second wedding to the list.”
“I appreciate that offer, but I do not think now is the time. Eventually, maybe. I'd like to see her divorce final, before we start talking about that.” Aldhelm furrowed his brow and shrugged. “You know how that is.”
“Aye, do I ever. Doesn't hurt to offer.” Finan chuckled.
Seizing her moment, Effie approached the two men. Telling Aldhelm that she would like her fiance back. Not one to argue, Aldhelm was happy to let them be. He had to sort out whether or not Aelfwynn was actually going to get a pony from her grandfather. Aethelflaed had told him not to worry, if her parents bought a pony then they would take care of it. Uhtred had gotten into his head and now, the poor man could not relax.
As Gisela and Aethelflaed gathered the children and said their farewells, Effie waved and stood clinging to Finan. Kissing the top of her head, he sighed and gave her a tight squeeze.
“They're adorable, aren't they?”
“Gisela and Aethelflead? Of course.” Finan's chuckle was low.
“Smart ass. I meant the kids.”
“Aye, the weans are rather cute, too.” He kissed Effie's cheek. Resting his chin on her shoulder. “Ya know, we can always make a few of those ourselves.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Just think of the fun we'd have trying, but even more so, how great would it be to see a wee version of you running around?”
“You...you actually want...to?” Effie shook her head, blinking hard. “I know before, when you were married.”
“Effie, petal, I wasn't ready because she wasn't the right person. It was complicated enough with this damn estate and all that shit, we didn't need a wean thrown in there, too.” Finan kissed her cheek, a smile on his face. “As soon as you're ready, say the word. Just so ya know, I'd be happy to go right now and work on that.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, but we won't argue over who loves who more right now. I'll win.”
Effie was happy to stay in the main house for another half an hour or so. They'd be gathering for dinner around 8pm, courtesy of Finan and Effie. The main house would be set up in a grand fashion, because they could, not because they had to. Lord knew that not a single soul there expected it, it was nice to be able to treat their friends when they came up. The caterer would be arriving at 6pm sharp. Until then, everybody was free to do whatever they pleased.
For Effie that was collecting Finan and going back to Rowan Cottage. The walk was slightly chilly, not too bad, as they walked back hand in hand. Finan telling Effie about the Professor from McGill who had reached out about his paper. The man was deeply interested and Finan felt only a tiny bit guilty for working. Effie hummed and nodded as he detailed the outline of his paper, again, to her. Finan was a passionate man and Effie loved listening to him go on about his work.
The white cottage with the red door stood before them, unlocking the door, Finan opened it for his fiancee. Inside the warm one bedroom, Finan knocked the snow from his boots, removing the outer layers and rubbing his hands together to take away the slight chill.
“Alone.” Effie gushed, shutting and locking the door behind her. Reaching out for Finan, she wrapped her arms around his neck, shouting when he picked her up and hurried down the hall. “Put me down!” Effie demanded through her laughter.
Back on her feet, she straightened herself and pushed her hair from her eyes. “Warn a girl, would ya.” she teased. “At least let me take off my coat.”
Helping Effie remove her coat, Finan kissed the back of her neck, brushing her chestnut hair away. Coat on the floor of the bedroom, Effie leaned into his touch. Being in the cottage was always a little strange, yet it was the most comfortable place on the estate – Effie was certain of it. No longer having the cottage in the village meant that when they came to check on Woodrest, this was their temporary home. One day, when the children came along, they would need to start staying in the bigger cottages. Effie would worry about that later, for now she was content.
“Tomorrow,” Finan wrapped his arms around Effie, pulling her body tight to his, “I get to marry ya.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Effie smirked. Eyes teasing as she watched his expression change to confusion. Running her hands through his hair, she studied his face.
“To marry ya? Of course it's a good idea. Effie, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want ya to be my wife. I love you, I want to marry ya.” Finan huffed at her. How could she think this wasn't a good idea? Did she not know, by now, how absolutely crazy he was for her?
“Okay, relax.” Effie bit her bottom lip, eyes innocent. “I was just checking, because I know that weddings make you hesitant.”
Finan hummed, kissing her feverishly on the cheeks, peppering little kisses along her neck. Effie squealed and squirmed in his arms, his beard leaving a slight scratchy burn. “Enough of that, now. I have a good feeling about this, Petal. A very good feeling. Ya could even say that this wedding is making me happy. Honest. Perhaps even a little horny.”
“Finan!” Effie laughed turning to face him. His arms still around her waist, she poked him in the chest. “We still have to make it back to dinner. We can do that after.”
“Ya drive a hard bargain. But mark my words, I am going to teach ya things that will blow your mind.” His eyes tracing the outline of her lips, following the column of her neck, gaze lingering further as he peeked down her top. A lopsided grin covering his incredibly handsome face.
“I hope you do, professor.”
“Come on, ya can't be doing that when I...Effie, Petal, you are going to end up on the naughty list!”
“Oh, I hope that I do.” Whispering, her lips brushing his, she smiled. “But if I am too naughty, I may not get any presents and that wouldn't be any fun.”
Finan laughed, deep and loud. Effie knew a thing or two about leaving a present. Again this morning, he'd woke to find a thong on the lamp shade by the head of the bed. A bit of a laugh, between the two of them at this point.
“You keep leaving presents on my lamp and you may get taught a lesson quicker than you expected.”
“Maybe we should skip dinner? You could give me a lesson right here.” Effie's nails drug down the outside of his shirt, scratching against his chest. “We could work on making those weans? Next Christmas, there could be three of us.”
“I,” Finan kissed her cheek, “can not,” another kiss placed on her nose, “wait to see where the future goes with you. I love you, Effie Duncan.”
“Oh wow, come tomorrow you won't be able to say that any more.” Effie smiled, brushing her hand over his bearded cheeks. “You know, for a bit, I wondered why I bothered to even talk to you at the pub. I don't know why we ended up here, but I am happy we did.”
“Waking up to ya, even if ya didn't know my name, was one of the best mornings I've ever had. Now, I get to do it every day. How lucky am I?” Finan teased, kissing her forehead and wrapping his arms tighter around her. “Petal, you are the best Christmas present. I mean it, all I want is you, Effie Duncan.”
Tags (if you wish to be added or removed, please let me know)
@lord-aldhelm @alexagirlie @stardustrider @gemini-mama @kingslionheart @masked-lost-girl @narilwrites @thelettersfromnoone @prithee-make-way @thenameswinter99 @adsagsona @geekandbooknerd @grlwtskulltattoo
Christmas Conundrum - Part 2
Genre: Fan Fiction (The Last Kingdom) Pairing: Finan/OFC Warnings: Sexual References – More to Possibly be Added Rating: M Length: Multi Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.
A/N: A bit more to the story, as it all unravels. Also, we get Sihtric being disgustingly sweet and in love. What's not to enjoy?
If anybody is interested, in taking a peek inside of my head. Pitcon House is the exterior inspiration for Woodrest Estate
Catch Up Here
The room went silent.
At least that is how it felt to Effie.
Seeing the now familiar woman walk in smiling and chatting with Sihtric, Finan took his chance. He couldn't resist tormenting her a tiny bit. The way she blushed caused something to stir in him. The need to see her go shy was suddenly like a drug, a high he wanted to keep going back for again and again.
“Effie Duncan.” Finan's grin lit up his face. “Fancy meeting you here.”
Not giving him the satisfaction of shyness, Effie rose to his silent challenge despite being shaken by seeing him standing there.
“You knew that I was here, why are you here?” She cocked her head to the side, a crooked smile crossing her lips. Confusion and amusement coloured the group as they watched the duo.
“Finan? Effie?” Ealhswith butt in with a confused smile. “I didn't know that you knew one another.”
“Small world.” Effie chuckled, doing her best to keep it together and not ask Finan to run away with her this very moment. “Finan, how do you know my cousin and her fiance?”
Moving around a slightly shorter dark haired man, Finan shrugged, his smile growing even wider. “Sihtric is one of my best friends.”
Turning to Sihtric, Effie began to laugh. She couldn't help it. “This is the friend you're staying with?”
“Yes. How do you...” Sihtric nodded as dumbfounded as the others.
“Effie got delayed, so I dropped her off here myself. Don't worry, I was a total gentleman.” Slinging his arm around her, Finan beamed with his brows raised.
“He certainly was.” Effie glanced briefly at the floor.
Sihtric couldn't help but snort. He had been present the evening before, when his other two groomsmen had goaded Finan into telling them the story about the woman he'd met at the pub. Suddenly unable to look at Effie, Sihtric reached for Ealhswith's hand, squeezing it tight.
“Is this the...” The youngest and tallest of the men stopped when Finan glared at him. “Never mind. Nice to meet you. I am Osferth.”
Shaking Osferth's hand, Effie offered a gentle smile.
“And this is Uhtred.” Ealhswith made the introduction to Effie. “And of course, Greer.” she laughed lightly, as if Effie needed to be introduced to her sister.
“So, that only leaves Gisela out, for now.” Sihtric mused, giving Uhtred a rather knowing look.
“Who is Gisela?” Greer asked, curious as to who would be joining them.
“Gisela is Uhtred's wife, she'll be coming up tomorrow.” Osferth informed with a small smile. “Gisela is rather lovely and I think you'll really like her.”
“She does have a soft spot for the Baby Monk.” Finan tormented with a quick wink. “Gisela is a gem though, there is no denying that.”
“She is far better than you two arselings. Fuck, she's too good even for me.” Uhtred added with a wide smile and a shrug. “I don't know why she married me, but she did.” “We're all still trying to piece that together.” Laughing as his bride-to-be passed him a drink, Sihtric continued to teasing. Scratching the right side of his neck, Effie got a glimpse of a tattoo that disappeared into his dark curls. She had never noticed that before. Ealhswith had been raised in a bit of a straight laced house hold, it was no wonder she'd gone a little overboard during university and into her twenties. Marrying a man with long hair and tattoos, her parents would be rolling in their graves.
“What made you decide to get married here?” Greer asked, trying to search for an in to the conversation. In truth, she was trying to keep from grilling her younger sister on how she knew the attractive Irishman. Greer wasn't blind, nor foolish, she could see the way Effie and Finan were nearly undressing one another with their eyes, as if they'd seen one another bare before.
“I wanted to get married somewhere indifferent to religion, because Sihtric isn't Christian.” Ealhswith glanced at him with all the love in the world.
“Sweetheart, you know that I would have gotten married in a church. Hell, I would marry you on the side of the road, if it means I can be your husband.” Lifting her hand, Sihtric kissed Ealhswith's palm and held it to his cheek. Effie was sure she had seen Uhtred roll those stunning blue eyes and Finan try not to laugh. Osferth was too busy gazing out the window. Greer, like her sister, nearly melted.
“It's a lovely place.” Effie smiled, in total awe of how one man could be so endearing. Could they clone him? Was that asking too much?
“We were here for Fi...”
“Friends, when they got married.” Sihtric finished for Ealhswith with a slight grimace. “It's a beautiful place. I encourage you to check it out, a much as you can.”
Finan tipped his head to Sihtric, barely noticeable. Uhtred and Osferth knew what the excited bride-to-be was going to say, yet kept their expressions blank. Uhtred took a drink and Osferth turned to a painting on the wall, asking if anybody knew the artist.
Kissing Ealhswith's cheek, Sihtric gently turned them to face the wall, whispering something in her ear before kissing her cheek again and smiling dreamily at her. Effie sipped her drink, so this was it? This was meeting the wedding party, in an attempt to make it less awkward on the day of.
Uhtred, as Effie had quickly learned was over confident, slightly cocky, and evidently cared deeply for his friends. The way he spoke about his wife was, again, enough to make anybody who believed in true love melt. How his face would light up at the mention of her and how everything he said, somehow came back to how lucky he was to have her.
Osferth was shy, a little unsure of himself, but chatty none the less. He was the cautious, dad type, who never went looking for trouble. It was easy to see how he fit in, because he probably kept the other three out of trouble and possibly alive – despite Uhtred being the actual paramedic. He was single, for now, having gotten out of a relationship recently and was in no rush to get back in. Smart move.
“You're an accountant?” Greer asked Osferth, adjusting her perfectly styled auburn curls. Osferth nodded, adding that it wasn't exciting, but it was a decent job. “I used to work in public finance, but decided that it was too much of a headache.”
“It's not for everyone that is for sure. I get why people leave, I do. What is it you do now, if I may ask?”
Oh so he was polite, too. Effie liked Osferth. It was kind of hard not to.
“I work in personal banking.”
Effie couldn't help but roll her eyes at her sister, Greer always had to somehow be the impressive one. To outshine her younger sister in any way she could. Over the years, Effie had become used to it, ignoring the competition that only existed in Greer's head. Chatting with Uhtred, she couldn't help but let her eye wander back to Finan now and then.
He'd been quietly talking with Sihtric and Ealhswith for the last few minutes, giving Effie a break against his charm and teasing. Adjusting her turtle neck jumper, Effie smiled politely at Uhtred as he excused himself to join in the conversation with Greer and Osferth. Discussing careers and every day life seemed to be the going thing at the moment. Ealhswith and her degree in engineering stayed fairly mum during the conversation, Sihtric would add in his comments when asked. As a semi-professional boxer, although he did well for himself, he didn't feel the need to try and compete with this conversation.
Effie stood to the side, watching the others, feeling the presence of a certain Irishman behind her. “So, I was thinking...” his voice was low.
Before he could finish his thoughts, Finan had been called out by Osferth who had been telling Greer what it is the Irishman did for a living. Well, at least disclosing what he knew Finan would approve.
“Finan has a PhD in ASNC.”
Eyeing Osferth, Greer raised her perfectly shaped brow. “What's that?”
“In a short answer? I'm the ultimate LARPer.” Finan laughed taking a drink. Shrugging, he placed his glass back on the table. “It's a fancy way of saying I am a history professor, who spends all of his time talking about Vikings, Saxons, and the Celts.”
“You're a history professor?” Effie was certain her jaw had just dropped. If she had been asked to guess, History Professor was one career that she wouldn't have gotten close to for Finan.
“Most of the time, yes.”
“Doctor Finan.” Uhtred changed his voice to a haughty tone as he began to laugh with a snort. “He even went to Cambridge.”
Finan's cheeks burned red. He was used to the jokes and the teasing, yet it never failed to make him blush when it came into conversation, especially with new people. Beard hiding the red flush well, Effie still noted the bit of pink at the top of his cheeks.
“Effie is also a teacher. Kind of.” Sihtric's smirk broadened. He remembered Ealhswith talking about how she was excited to be getting married over the holidays, it meant Effie didn't have an excuse to back out and use work as her scapegoat.
“Not really.” Effie shook her head. “I just started a tutoring business, mostly it's teaching English and helping people learn to read. It's nothing as impressive as a Cambridge degree.”
“Any job teaching and educating is impressive.” Finan shrugged with a smirk.
“If you say so.” Tipping her glass of wine, Effie raised her brow, catching the wink Finan sent her way.
Whispering back and forth, the happy couple gave each other slight nods as Ealhswith followed up with a kiss on Sihtric's cheek, promptly brushing her thumb against his face in an attempt to remove the lipstick smudge. Sihtric gazed at her with those soft eyes, as if she were the most important being he had ever laid eyes on.
“Okay, we have decided now is the time to tell you where you're going to be during the wedding.” Ealhswith beamed, excitedly hugging Sihtric's arm tight. They would never have to tell anybody that she and Sihtric had agreed to make a last minute decision, swapping Greer and Effie around. “Uhtred, you know that I have placed you with Gisela, it's only fair since she already knows what a pain in the ass you are.”
“Accepted.” Uhtred raised his glass, giving a confirming nod. His face lit up like one of the ten thousand Christmas trees in this house.
“Osferth,” Sihtric gave his friend a nod, “we have placed you with Greer. But remember, she's engaged. Hands to yourself.” A smile crossing his face and a twinkle in his hazel and green eyes.
Osferth blushed, tucking his head. There was no sense in trying to deny that he'd never do such a thing, because his friends would rib him about it anyway. Greer laughed softly, giving the blushing man a wink. Insisting that her fiance wouldn't mind a peck or two on the cheeks.
Effie giggled, Erik was the most laid back man on the planet. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to join them due to work obligations. Greer had been heartbroken that he couldn't get away for the wedding and Christmas at least. They would have every other Christmas forward, Erik had promised.
A sudden realisation taking over her giggles, Effie stood wide eyed and nearly as red as Osferth. Sihtric only had three groomsmen. If Gisela and Greer...Oh! Oh no. Oh yes? Wait! Was it cliche for a groomsman and bride's maid to hook up? What if they weren't aware at the time they'd been together? Were she and Finan a walking cliche?
“Finan, Effie.” Ealhswith's voice was light, her gaze knowing. Sihtric smirked like the cat that had captured the canary. “I guess that leaves the two of you.” “Miss Duncan.” Finan exaggerated a bow, holding out his hand with a soft laugh.
Before Effie could elaborate on her feelings, Sihtric called attention. Turning to face the smiling Dane, Effie stood in front of Finan even with her back to, she could feel his eyes on her. Announcing that he had to get back to the village, with his fiancee, everyone seemed to take the hint that it was time to wrap up. Gathering her coat and scarf, Effie gave Finan a warm smile as he paused to help her put them on. Shrugging on his own grey jacket, he pulled the hat from his pocket placing it over his dark hair.
Effie liked the way it looked, the soft grey matching his jacket brought out his dark brown eyes. Beard looking a little thicker today than it had yesterday, when he'd woke with drool on the side of his face. Chewing on her bottom lip, she took a slight breath. Ealhswith had told her weeks ago that she'd be paired with the sweetest guy in the world, a little shy and...They'd switched her from Osferth!
Did they know about her evening with Finan? Was this simply because they had outed themselves as having met previously? Effie took a few quick steps to catch up with Ealhswith, when Finan gently grabbed her elbow, slowing her down.
“I found the little present ya left behind on my lamp.” Finan's voice was low, as he walked beside Effie, lingering behind the others as they departed. “Maybe, I'll have to keep em in my pocket for good luck?”
Eyes wide, Effie stopped dead, gulping and hoping nobody else noticed the electric shock that had ran through her as Finan lowered his voice. Beginning to cough, after a slight gasp had gone wrong, Effie turned away her face growing red. She should have never left those behind. What had she been thinking?
“Is she okay?” Uhtred turned immediately, concern in his blue eyes as he stared down the hall at Effie. His paramedic training kicking in the second he had heard her gasping.
“F-fine. Tha-nks.” Effie cleared her throat and stood straight, pushing a piece of chestnut hair from her face. “Thank you for the concern.”
“Okay, if you say so. Just don't die, it wouldn't look good for my career.” Chuckling, Uhtred glanced at Finan with a slight concern.
“I'll stay with her, make sure she gets back safe.” Finan waved to his friend. He could get back to the village easily enough, if the others left without him. “Easy, ya wouldn't want them to think you're excited or anything.”
“Did you ask them to switch?” Keeping her voice low, Effie watched the others exiting through the main hall. Sihtric and Ealhswith heading to his silver rental, while Uhtred and Osferth departed for the black SUV, Greer waving to them as she headed in the direction Finan and Effie would follow.
“Ask who? What do ya mean?” He paused standing before her, his head tilted to look her in the eye.
“Ealhswith told me, a few weeks ago, she had already partnered the wedding party. She told me that I was with Osferth.”
“She said that?”
“Not directly, but you aren't exactly a shy, sweet, young man.” Effie snorted.
“I will have ya know that I ain't an old man.” Finan began to laugh, his laughter echoing through the main hall. Effie frowned, pulling her knit had down on her head. “I didn't ask. They must have switched, when they realised we knew one another.”
“Oh boy.” Effie rolled her eyes. Finan continued to chuckle at their good luck, misfortune, whatever it was – he was glad to have Effie as his partner. “You don't have to walk me back, by the way. I'm fine.”
“I know that, but I need to get in my daily steps.” Finan extended his arm, offering it to her as they stepped out of the warmth and into the chilly afternoon air. The sun was bright, yet hidden behind a wisp of clouds. Everything around them appeared to be glittering.
Reluctantly sliding her arm into Finan's, Effie walked along side him, if he moved any slower, they would be going backwards. Despite her slight panic, she was rather glad to have Finan at her side.
“It's chilly.” Finan cupped his hands, blowing through them before tucking them in his coat pockets. He'd left his gloves in the car, not assuming he would be walking anywhere. Not that Rowan Cottage was that far of a walk.
“It's certainly not warm.” Effie gently bumped into his side with her shoulder. “You should know, the weather here changes almost instantly.”
“So ya did listen when I was rambling on in there?”
“A little bit, you're an excellent lecturer, professor. Or should I call you Doctor?”
“Enough of that. Although, I would never turn down a little role play, if the need ever arose.”
“You are a cheeky bastard.” Effie laughed, releasing her arm from his, she began to walk a little bit ahead.
Finan couldn't help himself. Effie's coat barely covered her arse, when she bent to look at a leaf or was it a stone? He didn't really care either way, the only thing Finan had been interested in watching was how her coat rode up, exposing her arse to him in those pants. A small smile spreading across his face, he knew on the left cheek there was a bite mark left by yours truly. Oh god, he'd bite it again in a second, too.
The claw marks on his back were faded, yet he could see a faint hint of red, if he looked hard enough. A couple of bruises on his chest still remained, from where she had dug into his skin with her nails as she'd rode him. Shifting his stance, he watched Effie saunter ahead, softly humming as she walked through the chilly air. Finan could feel himself growing a little too aroused for a simple walk back to the cottage, even in the cold, his body began to run hot and he closed his eyes, taking a moment to think of anything else other than the image of the woman before him, naked, against his body. How she had cried his name, in a symphony of pleasure. He had to think of anything other than the way her breast fit so perfectly in his hands.
Anything!
Anything at all to get the image of her bare from his mind. Finan huffed, licking his lips, as if he could still taste her there.
“Fuck.” He hissed, causing Effie to turn and look at him with a curious expression. Forcing a smile, he willed himself to behave. “Sorry, nearly slipped.” he lied effortlessly.
“Jesus, be careful. We don't need you broken before the wedding.” Effie giggled.
Finan would like to break something, in the most inappropriate way, how he'd like to break her from ever finding pleasure with another man.
Holy shit. Get it together.
Surely this was a side effect of Effie being the first woman he'd been with since his wife.
Oh how this was going to be a long week.
Composed, somewhat, Finan picked up pace matching Effie's as they rounded the corner and Rowan Cottage came into view. Effie slowly turned to watch him as she walked, his face stern, somewhere around half way he had gone quiet, not engaging in the flirtatious banter that he'd been giving her all day.
Whatever.
Stopping at the red door of the white cottage, Effie's hand hovered over the door knob. “Do you want to come in? Maybe have a cup of tea? Coffee?”
“Are ya asking me in because it's polite, or because ya know that if I come in, it's only a matter of seconds before our clothes are thrown about and we're in that room breaking the bed?” There it was. Finan was back to being the over confident tormentor. In truth, he was secretly hoping she would pick the latter.
“What if I am asking you in, because I want to know more about ya?”
“More about me as a person, or more about me as the best sex ya can't remember?”
What would it take to make her agree? What would he have to do to, once again, to have her draped across the bed while he buried his face between her thighs, as she cried and squirmed beneath him? What was it about her that had him so bothered? Why was this happening to him now? Finan wanted to smack himself and go jump in the damn lake, at least the freezing water may cure this.
“Are you coming in or no, Finan? I don't have all day.” Effie teased, the door open slightly.
“I've time for a cup I suppose.” He smiled the best he could, keeping it together as he followed her into the cosy cottage.
Effie turned on a stereo, soft instrumental Christmas music gently filling the space somehow made it cosier with the tree and the fireplace. Although there was a modern radiator on the wall, Finan offered to light the fire. Effie directed him to a small pile of wood around the corner, under a make shift shelter to keep it dry. Not bothering with his coat, Finan stepped outside to grab the wood. Effie rummaged the small pantry for the tea bags that she'd spotted earlier and put the kettle on.
Quickly glancing in the mirror, which hung in the short hall to the bedroom, she adjusted her hair and wiped a bit of stray mascara off of her cheek. No doubt it had ran during the walk back, as the cold had caused her nose and eyes to water a tiny bit. Making certain that she didn't look like a cheap mess, she ducked into the bathroom, shutting the door she hastily brushed her teeth. One could never be too prepared. Exiting the bathroom as the kettle began to sing, Finan walked back in at the same time. Tiny bits of bark from the fire wood clung to his dress shirt, picking it off he let the pieces fall into the fire place while he expertly placed the firewood and reached for the matches on the mantel.
“Thank you.” Effie smiled pouring hot water into two mugs, before adding the tea bags. Hopefully he wouldn't judge her for her tea making skills. “I could only find peppermint tea.”
“Peppermint is fine.” Finan gave a nod, watching the fire.
“You sure know how to stoke a fire.”
“The radiators are wonderful, but the fire is nicer, in my opinion. I will certainly miss the fireplace when I sell the cottage.” He sat back on his heels waiting as the fire came to life.
“Hmm.” Effie hummed, not wanting to drag all of that up right now. Right now, she wanted to sit with Finan, watch the fire, and warm up with her cup of tea. Although, she was sure there would be better ways to warm up...if Finan was willing.
“Need any help?” Finan stood, turning to watch her in the open concept kitchen.
Effie shook her head. “Make yourself comfortable. I'm okay to make the tea.”
Moving a few Christmas themed pillows around on the sofa, Finan took a seat. He had been in the Rowan Cottage once, but never more than a few minutes. It was smaller than the others, yet had a big personality. He liked it. It was comfortable, cosy, and not at all stifling despite the size. Finan would have to make a note that he may like this cottage far better than the others. Effie hummed along to Auld Lang Syne, carefully carrying two mugs of tea across the small cottage.
“So, how does it all fit together?” Effie passed Finan the mug of tea, taking a seat on the small sofa beside him. “Ya know, how do a professor, a paramedic, an accountant, and a semi-professional boxer become best friends?”
“Good question.” Finan sipped the tea, holding the warm mug in his hands happy to have something to distract him. “Uhtred and I met working together, in university. We worked at the same pub. We met Sihtric at a gym we used to go to, and Osferth came along because Sihtric randomly found him one afternoon.”
“Riveting story.” Leaning in closer, Effie shifted until she was comfortable. Taking a sip of her tea, she licked her lips, allowing the gesture to linger a little longer than required.
“It's a best seller.” Finan nodded with a short laugh. “Tell me are they treating you well here?”
“I really like it here. I've been trying to get out in the mornings, before the others need me for something. Eilidh has been amazing. She's so sweet.”
“She is rather wonderful. The Estate wouldn't run without that woman, I swear.”
“So.”
“So?” Finan rested his arm on the back of the sofa, as he turned to face Effie. Placing his tea down on the small table in front of the sofa, he watched her avoid making eye contact as she sipped her tea, staring into the mug in her hand. “Ya read tea leaves?” he asked in jest.
Effie rolled her eyes, bringing her gaze to his. “They're telling me that you are a mistake.”
“Oh? How so?” Leaning forward, Finan carefully took her mug and placed it next to his.
“Be weary of the handsome man, with the gorgeous eyes, and huge cock-y personality.” Effie laughed when Finan jerked his head back in mock surprise. “He will be a bit of fun and then it's over, back to the real world.”
Finan narrowed his gaze, hand cupping her face, his lips turned upward in a smirk. “Nothing wrong with a bit of fun?”
“No, I suppose not.” Effie agreed leaning closer and closer, resting her hands on his knees, she took her chance. Lips brushing against his, beard scratching her cheeks, she didn't allow the kiss to linger. “Would you be interested in staying? For dinner or we could just spend the night in bed?”
Effie took her shot. There it was, in the open. Whatever happened now was on Finan.
“Effie, I um.” Finan brushed his thumb against her cheek, eyes cast down. “I would love to, ya know. But.”
“Oh no, there's a but.”
“But, I have to get back. I've agreed to a dinner, Sihtric wants us to discuss some things and...”
“You need to be present.” Finan nodded, his hand still cupping her chin. “I understand. It was a one off. Right? Just a fun night between two strangers.”
“I don't regret it.”
“Neither do I.”
“Good, because I do intend to give ya a repeat performance. Trust me, before ya go home, I am going to make sure ya are in my bed again.” Finan had made his point perfectly clear. Effie shifted on the sofa, slowly leaning closer once more. Heartbeat thumping in her ears, she was about to make her own suggestion, when Finan leaned forward kissing the tip of her nose. “I hate to break up a perfectly good time, but I do need to head back.”
Sitting back, Effie frowned at him, arms crossing over her chest. What a fucking tease! Finan couldn't help the laugh that rumbled through the cottage as he stood to place his half full mug in the sink before grabbing his coat and hat. Buttoning his jacket, he winked at Effie.
“Ya know, I'm sure Sihtric wouldn't mind if ya wanted to come along?”
“I uh,” she shook her head, chestnut hair glinting in the firelight, “I'm having dinner with my sister and our cousin, Aldhelm. I should probably get ready for that, actually.”
Standing from the sofa, Effie stretched her arms and sighed. Taking in the sight of Finan lingering at the door, his coat on, hat twisting in his hands, he watched her with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Ask her out.
How hard could it be to ask her?
Finan cleared his throat, hands gripping the hat, as if she were going to bite him. Huh, how he wished she would. Finan drew a deep breath through his nose, no. Behave!
“Tomorrow, are ya busy around lunch?” See how hard was that? He stood on egg shells, praying that she would accept. “I know this place, it's quiet and rather low key.”
“Are you asking me on a date?” Effie's face turned with a sly smirk. Finan shrugged. “I am not busy tomorrow for lunch, pick me up here at noon?”
“Aye, it's a date.” Giving a firm nod to confirm, Finan's smile was wide and comforting. “I'll be here tomorrow, at noon to get ya. In the meantime, enjoy your dinner and try to behave.”
“I always behave.” Effie countered with a giggle.
“Sure ya do.” Finan laughed, opening the door. Holding onto the door knob, he stood with the red door partially open. “Good night, Effie.”
“Good night, Finan. Now hurry up, I am not trying to heat the outdoors.” Effie playfully scolded him, seeing him out the door. Shutting the door behind Finan, she stood for a few moments watching him walk back up the path. Hands in his pockets, head low to avoid the wind, he turned slightly to catch her watching. Waving as he turned back and headed to the estate house.
Glancing at the clock in the kitchen, Effie huffed and rubbed her eyes. Dinner was in less than an hour, giving her fifty minutes to think of an excuse to get out of spending the evening with her sister and Aldhelm. By now Greer would have told Aldhelm and possibly their mother, about Finan. Effie was not ready to be grilled over her dinner, she wanted to have a nice and relaxed meal. For once since landing in the country, she wanted no surprises.
Dressed for the short walk to the Pine Cottage, Effie knocked on the door, before walking in. Greer had offered to make dinner, a treat in Effie's eyes, not being the one to cook and not having to pay for the meal. Aldhelm sat at the table peeling potatoes, as Greer fussed over the chicken in the oven. Right on time. Effie raised her brow, hanging her coat on the hook by the door and kicking off her snowy boots.
“Anything that I can help with?”
“Pour another glass of wine?” Greer glanced over her shoulder smiling wide at her sister.
“I can do that.” Effie took the two glasses already out, thanking Aldhelm when he pointed out where they kept the glasses, so that she could have one as well. Effie opened the bottle of wine and eyed the measurements, no need to be stingy, but they at least should be even or it wasn't fair.
Idle chit chat was never Effie's thing, it was mundane and rather pointless, yet here she sat with two of her favourite people, talking about nonsense while waiting for dinner, laughing and enjoying their time. It was rare these days that she got to see Aldhelm or even Greer.
“I heard that Woodrest is, for the first time, being taken over by somebody from outside of the Wood family and the new owner is actually here.” Aldhelm was doing his best to make conversation. “I couldn't imagine a house being in the family that long.”
“They have been on this land since 1256 and the house was built in 1702.” Recalling the details from Finan, Effie glanced at her cousin with a shrug. “Hell, we can't even agree on who gets the china collection and there is only Greer and I.”
“I don't know.” Greer shifted in her chair, reaching for her glass of wine. “I think and estate like this would be too much work.”
“Surely the staff would stay? They currently employ twenty members.” Adding the facts he had picked up from the tour this afternoon. Aldhelm frowned. “I couldn't imagine having somebody to do all of the house work for me.”
“Now that I could get used to.” A short laugh from Greer had Effie and Aldhelm snickering as well.
“How was the meeting this afternoon? Are the rest of the wedding party at least somewhat fun?” Aldhelm, although not an official part of the wedding, had been asked to come early none the less. Ealhswith had wanted him there for moral support, it went without saying, if things in any way went haywire then Aldhelm was the man to fix it.
“I think so. I really like them, I can see why Sihtric is friends with them.” Effie nodded, picking up her wine glass.
“So,” Greer moved her shoulder length auburn hair out of her face with one swift motion of her hand, “Finan? Exactly how do you know him?”
Effie finished taking a drink from her wine, placing the glass down on the table. “When I arrived, there was a bit of miss-communication and Finan swooped in and saved the day. End of story.”
“Okay, but it doesn't explain how you didn't know he was a part of the wedding, as well.” Greer pushed with a slight smirk.
“He is a part time resident, in the village. Family or something. I guess why I was here never came up?” Covering her tracks, Effie shrugged stabbing a piece of chicken with her fork, making sure to stuff it into her mouth before her sister could ask another question.
How she knew Finan shouldn't be of any concern to her sister, anyway. It wasn't as if Greer was looking to make a move on him, at least Effie hoped not, because she rather liked Erik and seeing as he was Greer's fiance - Effie hope Greer liked him, too.
“I heard Sihtric saying that he wasn't sure Finan was going to make it up, something about his wife or ex-wife? I don't know.” Aldhelm added, his eyes avoiding Effie.
“No idea. We didn't exactly get into a bunch of details, it wasn't that long of a ride from the village.” Effie wiped her mouth with the napkin from her lap. “Can you pass me the salt?”
“But he walked you back, just now.” Greer was quick to point out with a rather large grin.
“He did. We had a cup of tea, he showed me how to make a fire, and he left. We discussed how he had met Sihtric. Nothing special.”
“Uhuh.” Greer was not buying it. She'd watched all afternoon as her little sister and the head turning Irishman had whispered, giggled, and stole little touches. Finan had nearly undressed Effie with his eyes more times than Greer could count.
“Anyway, moving on.” Effie wanted to change the subject to anything other than Finan, at least for right now.
Three bottles of wine later, way too much junk food – where had Greer even found all of this? It wasn't as if she had left the estate that much. Add a viewing of A Christmas Story, much to Effie's dismay, she would rather watch paint dry, yet Greer and Aldhelm had agreed, leaving her vote useless. Somewhere around 8am Effie had woke on the chair in the corner of the large living room, Aldhelm moving around in the kitchen and Greer passed out on the couch.
If her mother had came back, then she'd found it in her to be generous and allow her daughters and nephew a bit of peace as they slept off the night before. Inside of her head was a rather large pipe band, or so it felt from the thumping. In her mouth, Effie was sure there was a cactus beginning to grow on her tongue, she was so dry. Licking her lips and huffing, she slowly sat upright and blinked against the light coming in the window. The scent of coffee hugging her like a welcome friend. Effie rubbed her eyes and scrunched her nose, chestnut hair fallen from it's braid, hanging loose in her face. She was a sight. Ever so slowly, she stood and brushed her hand over her wrinkled top, making her way to the kitchen.
“You look like shit.” Aldhelm greeted her, dark circles under his eyes. Hair stuck in different directions and his neatly kept beard shaggy, he looked about as good as Effie.
“I thought I would go out just like this, today. Do you like it?” Effie's giggle was hushed, not to wake Greer. “Coffee me, my good man.”
Pouring the coffee from the french press, he added the cream and sugar, although Effie would likely whine that he put in too much cream. What was the point of adding cream, if you scared the coffee with it and nothing else?
“What are your plans for today?” Aldhelm reached for the sugar.
“A shower, maybe a nap, then I am meeting a friend of lunch.” She smiled deviously. It wasn't as if Effie had an abundance of friends present, since Aldhelm was helping Ealhswith and Greer had been talking about going shopping with her mother, there was only a few possible people for Effie to be seeing.
“Effie,” Aldhelm leaned over, nudging her in the arm, coffee extended, “have you been sleeping with the groomsman?”
“Only once.” Snatching the coffee, Effie shrugged, keeping her voice low. “I didn't know he was a groomsman, at the time? I didn't even know he knew Sihtric, until we showed up for drinks yesterday.”
“Uh huh, well he is married. Isn't he?”
“They're getting divorced and have been separated for months.” Effie offered the information. “She cheated with his brother and they're having a baby.”
“Wait, Finan and his ex or his ex and his brother?” Whispering, Aldhelm's eyes were wide with intrigue. This was about to get even better, he could feel it. As much as he loved Effie, she was a hot mess on the best days. Involving herself with a married man, who was potentially on his way to fatherhood, with his ex-wife was beyond messy.
“His ex and his brother. It's what's driving the divorce forward so fast. Anyway, they're in Ireland and Finan is here to sell a house and be in a wedding.” Effie took a drink of the coffee, placing the mug on the table, a sly smile spread across her face. “Speaking of divorce, how is Aethelflaed's divorce coming along? You know she's coming to the wedding?”
It was no secret that Aldhelm had been holding a candle for Aethelflaed since they were teenagers. Too shy to ever tell her how he felt, he had foolishly stood by while she had gone off and married some rich dickhead. Nobody liked Aethelred; Effie had gone to their wedding simply because she liked Aethelflaed as a friend and because they had gotten married in Monaco. Who didn't want a trip to Monaco?
Four years and one daughter later, Aethelflaed had come to her senses – took long enough. Asking her husband for a divorce on the terms of infidelity. Rumor was that he had been involved in some tax fraud as well, but those details were here nor there. What mattered is that if Aldhelm played the cards right, he could swoop in and be the knight in shining armour.
“I um,” Aldhelm shifted nervously, clearing his throat, “I did know that she is invited. I do not know how the divorce is going, because the last time we saw one another, it was very brief and she was with her mother.”
Making an effort to exaggerate her shudder, Effie grimaced. “That woman terrifies me.”
“That woman could terrify the devil, I swear. She is so fucking intense it's beyond scary.” Shuddering at the thought of the always sour looking Aelswith, Aldhelm scowled.
“It could be worse.” Effie snorted. “By the way, thanks for not being too judgmental. I know that I've made some mistakes, big ones, and...”
Shaking his head, Aldhelm dismissed the commentary. Shrugging, he offered a sort of smile, sort of exasperated expression. “Do whatever or whoever you want, but be safe and try not to get hurt this time.”
“I will do my best!”
“You are such a mess.”
“Oh, believe me, I am beyond a mess.” Effie laughed dryly. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to get ready for a lunch date with Finan.”
Over the course of the last 16 hours, Finan had found himself wondering what exactly he was going to do for this lunch date that he had blindly and boldly asked Effie on. Sharing a quiet meal was a rather nice idea, if he didn't have eyes watching him every time he moved. Since the cottage was overrun by his friends, asking her there was not worth it. Rowan Cottage was quiet, but he wanted to take her out, not keep her cooped up in the small cottage all afternoon. If they went into the village... Finan frowned, no.
In his mind this was the perfect idea, a bit cold, but that was the nature of winter. Stirring the pot of homemade tomato soup, he hoped she was a fan or even polite enough to pretend, Finan watched it simmer while abandoning it to pull out the thermos that he couldn't remember ever using. Here he was, one filled with tea, another with soup, in the backpack he had managed to tuck away a few pieces of fruit, some cheese, a flask with the good whiskey, and homemade bread which had came from a local bakery this morning.
Pleading with Eilidh to borrow a vehicle better suited to the trip, Finan could have kissed the woman, when she managed to talk the grounds keeper into letting Finan have the older suv for the afternoon. Parking his shiny blue car behind the estate house, keeping it out of sight not to ruin the aesthetic of Woodrest, he tossed his things in the back of the white suv and rumbled down the lane to Rowan Cottage.
11:59am
Effie heard the vehicle come to a stop, tires crunching on frozen gravel. Finan had sent her a message, informing her to dress weather appropriate and warm. Peeking out of the window on the red door, Effie frowned seeing that it wasn't Finan's car. Ignoring the guest, she went back to the chair where she had been attempting to read an essay written by one of the adults that she had been tutoring.
A sharp knock on the door, she rose from the chair by the fireplace, surprised to see Finan on the other side. Brown waxed jacket, a knit hat, and proper warm hiking boots he looked like someone who had stepped out of a Highland fantasy. A large smile on his face, he held up a small bouquet of red roses, white lilies, and a few sprigs of fir with a pine cone.
“Festive.” Effie commented accepting the bouquet. “Thank you.”
“I should have called ahead, this is all they had this morning.” Finan's cheeks turned red, as he held his hat twisting it in his hands.
“They're lovely and very unexpected.” Effie smiled looking around for something to put them in. Finding a glass pitcher, she filled it with water and placed the flowers in it. She could fiddle with them when she got back. “Okay, Mountain Man.” she giggled grabbing her coat and joining Finan. “Where are we off to?”
“First, you're not wearing that coat. It won't be warm enough. Your boots should be fine, if they're not, then I guess I'll give ya a piggy back ride.” He chuckled, taking her coat from her and placing it back on the hook by the door. “I have a coat that I think will fit, come on. Off to lunch.”
Opening the door for Effie before digging around in the back of the suv, Finan produced a jacket similar to his. Getting into the car, he passed the waxed and well loved jacket to Effie with a nod. “This will do.”
“I thought we were going for lunch? Where the hell are you taking me?” Effie accepted the jacket, draping it across her lap with a laugh.
“I wanted to take you somewhere quiet, somewhere private, and I realised there was only one place.” Finan glanced to his left, as Effie gazed out the window as they backed away from Rowan Cottage and headed in the opposite direction of the Estate House. “How do you feel about a picnic?”
“It's near freezing.”
“So? I have brought extra blankets and I know where there is an old hunting shack, it's not far. We can get there mostly by car. I promise, it will be worth it.”
“Are you taking me for a picnic or somewhere to hide the body?” Effie's laugh was full of mirth and her eyes mischievous.
“Picnic, then we can hide some bodies.” Finan laughed turning the suv to the right, taking a worn track that was barely big enough for the vehicle. Effie could see why he had left his car behind. She hadn't asked where he found this suv, but had a suspicious idea that it was the same one she'd seen sitting behind Woodrest next to one of the sheds.
The track widened, slightly, where Finan pulled to the side and put the vehicle in park. Exiting, he jogged around the front to open Effie's door, extending his hand to help her out into the chilled afternoon. Footing was somewhat solid from being semi-frozen, which meant they wouldn't be sinking or tripping in mud. Helping Effie put on the warm blue jacket, Finan nodded in approval and smiled.
“I have everything we need in my bag. Are ya ready?” He opened the back to produce the black worn bag. Adjusting it on his back, he held out a glove covered hand.
“Ready as I will ever be.” Taking his hand, Effie fell in step with his rather large stride.
The walk, although brisk, was rather relaxing. Effie had found herself holding Finan's hand for the duration, somehow it had felt right. An odd comfort having his hand interlaced with hers as they journeyed over the somewhat rough terrain. Finan pointed out various plants, animals, and a few significant spots as they walked. Over a small hill, they came to a bunch of trees and what Effie assumed to be the their picnic site. Hidden away from plain view, the stone hut rose from the ground like a fortress with nothing but trees surrounding it. Less than five miles from the main estate, this had began to feel like an entirely different world.
“Finan, this is...”
“I told ya.” Beaming, Finan led the way down the hill and into the hut. The door was solid wood and the hinges had seen better days, giving it a gentle shove with his shoulder the door creaked open revealing a bleak yet comfortable interior.
A stone fire place stood on one end and in the middle was a long table with equally long benches on either side. A wood rocking chair took space next to the fire place and on the other end a few wooden bunks. The windows were dusty on the inside and frost covered on the outside, allowing for the small bit of sunshine to beam through. Using the stale logs by the fire place, Finan grumbled that they may not stay lit. Fiddling around, he managed to get them going with the help of the fire starter that he'd stowed in his pack.
“How did you know that this was here?” Effie glanced around, looking up into the rafters, which revealed a mostly thatched roof.
“It's part of Woodrest. It's been here for over a century, although it doesn't get used much these days, because the current owner isn't into hunting.” Finan stood from the fire place, brushing dirt off of his pants and hands.
“You seem to know a lot about this estate.” Taking her hat off, Effie adjusted her braid to keep a few pieces of hair from her face. Green eyes searching Finan's face for his answer.
“History Professor, remember?”Pulling a blanket from the bag, he laid it down before the fire place.
“Right.” Effie gave him a skeptical look. “So, when you were with your ex, did you come up here a lot? I'm sorry to pry. You said the other day that you bought the cottage, because she lived here when you met and...”
“Her family technically owned the estate until very recently.” Finan frowned, reaching into the bag and producing a thermos of soup. “It was transferred in ownership, but we spent a fair amount of time here. Especially while her mother wasn't well. She uh, she passed two years ago.”
“I'm sorry.” Effie frowned, taking a seat on the blanket next to Finan, the stone floor cool even with the blanket.
Sitting with his legs extended toward the fire, Finan gave a short nod, digging in his bag for the bowls and bread. “Me too, she was lovely. It was around then that our marriage started to fall apart. I don't know. What I do know is that our lunch is getting cold.”
Pouring the soup into the bowls, Finan brought out the thermos of tea, followed by two metal cups. Tea offered, Effie accepted it with a gentle smile. Finan had done this a time or two, she could tell by the way he had packed and was effortlessly going about laying out their picnic.
“You got along with your ex's mother?” Finan nodded, taking a bite from the bread. “Is it wrong of me to say, I am glad that Sihtric never met Ealhswith's parents?”
Brushing a bit of crumbs from his beard, Finan side eyed Effie. “Well that would depend. Why are you glad for that?”
“Ealhswith's parents weren't terrible people, but they were certainly judgmental and ignorant. They would have hated Sihtric and they would have tried everything to keep them apart.” Effie scoffed and shrugged. “But, I can honestly say, after everything that has gone on during the last six years with losing them, I am glad that Ealhswith has him.”
“Sihtric's mother passed when he was a young boy. His father was useless, and he ran away when he was thirteen.” Finan offered. “He's had it rough, but he's a good man.”
“I never doubted that he was. He seems so kind and sweet. They really deserve something good.”
“He loves her so much.” Finan's smile was melancholy. “Osferth and I were with him, the night they met. He walks back and sits down, telling us that he's just met the woman he's going to marry and that they were going on a date the following Saturday.”
“She had been seeing him for nearly eight or nine months, before she told any of us. When we did meet him, it was evident that he was crazy for her and she is just as crazy about him. It's nice to be a tiny part of that, with the wedding, but I sometimes wonder,” Effie paused, adjusting her seat to get comfortable, “how does one find that sort of love? That spark? I've never been that sure about anybody.”
“Well, I thought that I was.” Finan shrugged, moving closer to the fire to poke it, creating a new burst of heat that filled the small cabin. “I loved my wife, I did truly. But sometimes we lose that spark. Uhtred and Gisela, wait until you see the two of them, if you think Sihtric is crazy for Ealhswith.”
“Sappy?”
“Oh my god. They are so disgustingly sweet on one another, they could give ya a damn cavity.” Finan picked up the flask, twisting the cap off, he offered it to Effie with a smile.
“Classic cheesy romance?” Effie questioned, accepting the metal flask. Taking a sip she blew out a breath and prayed that her eyes weren't watering from the burn of the whiskey.
Finan snorted, it was like she already knew the story.
Tags (if you wish to be added or removed, please let me know)
@lord-aldhelm @alexagirlie @stardustrider @gemini-mama @kingslionheart @masked-lost-girl @narilwrites @thelettersfromnoone @prithee-make-way @thenameswinter99 @adsagsona @geekandbooknerd @grlwtskulltattoo
Christmas Conundrum
Genre: Fan Fiction (The Last Kingdom)
Pairing: Finan/OFC
Warnings: Sexual References – More to Possibly be Added
Rating: M
Length: Multi
Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.
A/N: I was inspired by Netflix and their cheesy Holiday Romances, what more can I say? Who doesn't love a bit of cheeky Finan?
Catch Up Here
Waking to the soft snores of the man beside her, eyes wide as anxiety began to course through her body like a hound after a rabbit, she slowly turned to look at him. Blankets pulled up to her chin, she shut her eyes hard, before forcing them open to look at the man in bed. Eyelashes barely brushing against the top of his cheeks, as he slept soundly, his face soft – mouth slightly open, as a small bit of drool trailed onto his beard. Oh god, he looked charming even in his sleep.
Sniffling with a soft huff, as he slept, he turned on his side an arm reaching out and capturing her. A faint smirk hid behind his beard, he cleared his throat, eyes still closed “Have ya been awake long?” The smooth Irish accent greeted her.
“N-no.”
“Well then. Guess we could lie here a little longer and pretend the world doesn't exist.”
“Um.” Shifting around uneasily, wiggling out from under his grasp, a slight frown on her face. “I should be going.”
“Ya sure?”
No.
No she wasn't sure at all, in fact, she would have stayed in bed with him all day. Perhaps another round or even three, of what had taken place last night. For the life of her, she couldn't remember his name, but did that truly matter? Arm behind his head, his dark brown eyes watched her curiously, as she shifted around in the bed trying to decide the best way or if she wanted to leave it. Pulling the blanket up around her chest, she felt her cheeks growing redder by the second, as his gaze followed hers to the black thong hanging on the lamp shade across the room.
They had met in the pub, about two drinks in.
When he'd walked over and took a seat two spaces down from her, she'd been enjoying her post flight meal and a glass of wine. Striking up a conversation about the weather outside, it was snowing. Again. He hated it here, there were a hundred other places he wanted to be, but here he was, sitting in the pub making a complete stranger laugh and smile. One thing led to another, before either of them knew what was happening she was in his arms. Clothing going in various directions and hands touching every inch of each other.
“It was uh,” she paused not really knowing how to finish that sentence. Pulling her shoulder length chestnut hair into a pony tail, her green eyes rested on an imaginary spot before her, “um.”
Every. Single. Inch.
“Understood.” His chuckle was amused and his smirk daring. Rubbing his hand over his beard, he pushed himself into a sitting position. “If you're keen on leaving, then the least I can do is help ya back to town. Do ya know where you're staying?”
He had recalled her suitcase that was left in the entrance of the cottage, when they had stumbled in last night. They hadn't much of a chance to discuss why she was in the village, he didn't really feel that it was an important detail. He had felt that it was even less of an important detail, last night when he had her spread across his bed.
“I do.” She nodded, silently praying that he'd get up and leave the room before she shamefully began gathering her clothing from around the room. Black bra on the floor by the bed, she spotted her jeans and jumper crumpled in the corner by the door.
Stretching his arms to push the blankets back, he stood from the bed. There wasn't an inch of that man which was covered, leaving nothing to her imagination, she was torn between staring or covering her eyes. A low grunt as he scratched his long, thick fingers against his hairy chest. Oh boy. He was certainly well built, broad and muscular in a thick and functional way. Back solid and those thighs and ass. Inhaling, hoping not too loudly, she bit her bottom lip at the thought of that ass in her hands. A slight scratching from her nails decorated his well defined back.
Bending over to retrieve his underwear, he gave a quick glance over his shoulder feeling her eyes tracking him.
“Like what ya see?” he teased.
A small squeak and nothing more.
“Ya aren't very talkative in the mornings, huh?” He laughed, picking up his jeans and shaking the legs out. “It's alright, sometimes the mornings are nicer when they're quiet.”
Green knit jumper in hand, he gave her a slight nod. “Oh, uh, coffee or tea?”
“Excuse me?” She narrowed her gaze at him, head tilted slightly.
“I can't let ya leave without breakfast. What kind of an arseling would turn a lady loose without a full belly?” He shrugged, opening the bedroom door. “Ya can get yourself dressed and then decide. If you're not feeling the walk of shame look, ya can take something from the closet or I can grab your things. Did ya want a shower?”
“I'm fine, thanks?”
“Right, I will leave ya to it then.” Closing the door behind him, she listened as his footsteps moved through the cottage.
Looking in the mirror on the closet door, she groaned and fell back onto the bed. Blanket tangled around her body, she heaved a sigh to keep from screaming. Who the hell was this? This was not her. Oh no. No!
“Get your shit together, Effie.” Mumbling and covering her face with her hands, she wanted to disappear. Perhaps she could climb out the window and...No. She had her suit case out the front to retrieve. If she was being honest, she'd like to take one last, long, hard, look at him before leaving and never seeing him again.
Was it bad that she had already forgotten his name?
Had he told her his name?
The room was cosy, maybe she would crawl back into bed and he would forget she was here?
Huffing, she sat back up, pulling the blanket around her body as her feet hit the cool wood floor. They had come back in such a frantic state, she didn't even remember getting here. How far were they from the pub? How far was she to where she was supposed to be staying? Would anybody notice her missing? She was the first to arrive, surely the others would be there by now?
Plucking her black thong from the lamp, she peeked around the curtain on the window. Blanket clutched to her chest, she groaned and felt her knees weaken at the sight. Outside she could see him gathering an armful of wood, like this was some sort of a Hallmark Romance. The green jumper looked as though it would burst at any moment, his arms flexing as he carried the armful of wood. Oh my god. Drooling in his sleep, he had looked so peaceful and soft. Upright and in daylight, he looked like a total menace to society – at the very least menace to her life.
Maybe, just maybe, she could convince him to strip the clothes off and come back to bed, again.
“Effie, behave.” Scolding herself, she bit her bottom lip hard.
Balled up under garments in her hand, she was pretty certain she had moaned when she watched him pick up the axe, ready to split the wood into smaller pieces for the fire. Vaguely, she remembered stumbling by a fireplace, as she let him carry her into the bedroom, lips attached to her neck and fingers in her... Effie coughed.
Tapping her chest, she let go of the curtain, taking a step back. Gathering the rest of her scattered clothing, now was her chance. She could sneak out the front while he was in the back. Oh, who was she kidding? Downstairs a door shut with a thud and she could hear him carrying the wood to the fireplace.
Pulling her jeans on, she sniffed the air, an unmistakable aroma of coffee filling her senses. She would be fine with something else filling...no. Bad. Bad girl.
She had been single far too long and it was beginning to show. One night, which she hardly had a memory of, was not enough to send her spiraling into love sick territory like an overly hormonal teenager. Jumper on, she checked herself in the mirror. Presentable, no need for a shower, unless he was willing to jo...Stop it!
She was going to leave here with some dignity still in tact. Maybe. Did she even have any dignity left?
Quietly opening the door, she poked her head into the hallway. A few short steps and down the stairs, she peeked around the corner. In the front room the fire was roaring and beyond that, she could follow the scent of coffee. Feet making next to no sound on the refurbished hard wood, she quietly made her way to the kitchen. At the very least, she wanted to know how she was to get out of here. From what she could see from the windows, they were somewhat rural.
How had they gotten here anyway?
“There ya are, Effie.” Back to her, his voice startled her.
“Oh, uh...” She stammered, what the hell was his name? “Here I am.”
What the fuck was that? She wanted to crawl under the table and hide.
“It's Finan.” He filled in the wine soaked memory blank. “I told ya that last night, but a lot happened since then. Don't worry, you knew it when ya were scre...”
“Finan.” She spoke in a high pitched, frantic tone. Clapping her hands together and rocking back and forth on her heels. “Finan. Right. I knew that.”
Shaking his head, as he pulled out a second mug, his smirk as insufferable. She wanted to smack it off of his face with her lips. “Nah ya didn't.”
“No, no I...I didn't. You're right. But hey,” shrugging in an awkward manner, “at least I remembered it when it was important?”
Not saying another word, Finan poured a mug of coffee, holding out the ceramic mug. “Sugar or cream?”
“Both, please.” Effie gave him a short nod. Apparently they were having coffee now. Oh dear god.
Placing the mug back on the counter, Finan fixed it to her liking, passing the mug to the frazzled woman standing in the middle of his kitchen. Accepting the coffee, Effie took a sip, slowly exhaling. Relaxing as the warmth spread through her body. Whether it was the warmth of the coffee, the fire, or Finan's gaze she wasn't entirely sure.
“I promised ya breakfast.” He spoke as if being caught staring at her was some sort of misdemeanor. “I don't go light, so ya know. None of that yogurt and fruit stuff here. Do ya like beans?”
Glancing at her watch, Effie wrinkled her nose, by now her mother, sister, and cousins would be arriving at their shared rentals to find one empty and void of an Effie. Whether or not it would cause panic or disappointment, was the real mystery.
“Ya need to go?” Watching her sip her coffee, eyes glued to her watch, Finan put the pieces together. She was kind enough to accept the coffee, but breakfast may be too far.
“I'm supposed to be meeting my family, we're here for a wedding and...”
Oh fuck, how he hoped it wasn't her wedding. Would it be impolite to ask? He couldn't afford to be the cause of a failed wedding, before it even began. This would not look good with his name attached. Calm down, maybe she was just there to attend? It was possible, people attended weddings every day.
“Say no more. I can take ya to where ya need to go.” Finan's smile was soft and his eyes kind. “Finish the coffee and we can head out. Where are ya heading?”
Pulling her dead phone from her pocket, Effie rolled her eyes. Thankfully she had semi-remembered the name. “Woodview. Wood...clearing?”
“Woodrest?” Finan gave a sharp nod and wanted to shout in victory, he knew the couple getting married at Woodrest. Effie smiled, confirming that was indeed the place she needed to get to. “Oh so you're a fancy lady.”
“I don't know about that. My cousin booked it, she's getting married there the day before Christmas Eve.”
“Ah it's a fine place for a wedding.”
Finan should know, he'd been married there three years ago in October. His father in law ran the estate, before stepping down only a month ago to enjoy retirement and golfing around Europe. Too soon to inform Effie that he too was attending the wedding the day before Christmas eve? Nah, it would be more fun to surprise her the day of.
“I will take your word, since I have never been. I guess that is about to change.”
Always the gentleman, Finan loaded her suitcase into the blue car sitting in the drive. There had been a bit of snow last night, but no sign of the car having moved. How they had gotten back still a mystery to Effie. Did he have a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer out the back that she was missing?
“Aye, it's a beautiful place. I think you'll find yourself at home. Let me grab my jacket and we can go.”
Ignoring the silliness, she gasped lightly as he opened the car door, taking her hand and helping her into the passenger's side. Nodding her thanks, Effie couldn't help the smile. Finan winked and jogged around the front of the car, sliding into the right hand side.
“Ever been to Scotland before?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder to back out of the small drive.
“No, this is my first time. My father was born here, moved away, met my mother, and has rarely been back.” Effie informed him, watching the snow covered hills as they drove along the narrow road. “So what brings you all the way here, clearly you're Irish?”
Finan nodded, eyes on the road. A deep breath, he began part of his story. At least he could give her the broad details. It wasn't as if it were some secret and surely someone would let it out, if they were in fact attending the same wedding.
“That is a conundrum of an explanation.” Finan's chuckle was low. Rubbing her hand over his beard, he sighed. “You see, I'm here because of my wife.”
Everything in her shouted to pull this car over right now, she could walk, instead the sad look that clouded his twinkling brown eyes caused her to hold onto the irrational behaviour – for now. Feeling his gaze, the anxiety began to rise once more. Panic. Fear. Oh what had they done?
His wife? Seriously?
She should have known that this was too good to be true.
“Your...Your wife? Are you married? Oh my god. Please, please tell me that...I can't sleep with another married man.” Effie began to blurt out every thought in her head.
“Another?” Finan glanced a Effie wide eyed. Shaking her head, he let it be. “Ya only technically did, but it doesn't count. If that helps?”
“What do you mean technically?”
Finan groaned, gripping the steering wheel. “It means that we were married three years ago, in those three years, we were only married – happily for one. Recently my wife got pregnant.”
“OohO No!” Effie shook her head frantically, her body vibrating and anxiety causing her hands to shake.
“No. No!” Finan shook his head head, glancing between the road and Effie. “She was cheating, with my brother. I know it's not my baby, because I...well I know it's not mine.”
“Uh huh.” Effie's eyes burned through him. She didn't have to speak for Finan to know that there were a million questions in that gorgeous head of chestnut hair. He should have kept his mouth shut, came up with something slightly less complicated.
Some where, deep inside, he felt the need to dig his hole even further. Possibly? Either way, he couldn't seem to make his brain disengage from his mouth.
“We are legally separated, I am filing for divorce, and we are over. She and my brother and back in Ireland, while I am up here to try and sell the holiday house.” Finan explained with a semi-pained expression. “I bought the house, when we first met, because she was still living up here and I wanted a place to be closer. Since I don't need to be coming to visit my in-laws, I am selling and remaining back in London.”
Effie sat quietly letting the news sink in. How foolish was she? Of course she would find the one man, in the pub, with the complicated relationship. Glancing to her right, her eyes searching for any sign of a wedding ring. Coming up short, she let a sigh of relief. From what she could recall nothing in the cottage indicated a woman's presence. Sure it had been neat and tidy, perhaps he had a cleaner? Or maybe he was simply tidy?
Pulling up to the iron gate, Effie's jaw dropped and her attention diverted. A large family crest with the name Wood beneath is took up the center of the gate, on either side stags were presented. Behind the iron bars, she could vaguely see a large stone building. Was that a castle? She should have done more research before coming here.
“Here we are.” Finan declared, slowly moving the car towards the gate, reaching out his window and pressing a few buttons on the key pad. The gates opened before them, granting them entrance into the grand estate.
“How did you?”
“Aye, everyone around here knows the code. You'll likely get it in a welcome package or something. Anyway, welcome to Woodrest Estate. The second largest estate in this part of the Highlands.”
Driving up the winding well kept path, Effie gazed out the window in sheer awe. Finan smirked, watching her crane her neck trying to get a better glimpse of the large 18th Century house as they grew closer. He understood the bewilderment. The first time he had laid eyes on the house, five years ago, he had nearly dropped on the spot. This was coming from a man who had spent most of his childhood in one grand house or another, across Ireland.
Slowing the car, Finan gently tapped the brakes, stopping before the large wooden front door of the looming house. Opening his door, he quickly jogged around the front of the car, opening the door for Effie, offering his hand to escort her. It was unlikely that anybody working today would bother to ask him questions, if they even acknowledged that they knew him.
Finan held out his hand, offering her to lead the way to the front door. Head on a swivel, Effie couldn't take in the sight of the house fast enough. Each tiny detail seemed to multiply as she looked. Festive green boughs decorated the front entrance and tiny white lights illuminated the frame, even in the late morning light. A giant wreath on the wooden door, red bows and tiny red berries woven in, made it look like something from a sappy romance movie.
“This is...”
“Something else, huh?” Finan smiled, reaching out to open the front door.
“Wait, aren't we supposed to knock or get a code? It's on my phone but...”
“It's alright, they know me here.” He shrugged, pushing open the door for Effie to step inside. “The house was built in 1702, but the family has had this land since 1256, imagine that.”
The entrance was as grand as the exterior. Effie counted six Christmas trees in the one room alone. Garland to look like bows of fir and lights, along with seasonal plants completed the decorations. Finan hummed as he walked through the entrance, boots making a soft thump on the floor.
“Hello?” Finan called out, his smooth accent vibrating through the house. “Anybody here?”
“Finan?” From somewhere a woman's voice rang out. “Is that you?”
“Aye, it's me Eilidh. I've a guest for ya.” Finan answered the shorter woman who appeared. Rosy cheeks and a smile bigger than the sun, she quickened her pace, arms out to grab him in a tight hug.
“God, look at ya. Yer wasting away.” She frowned giving him a once over. “And this,” she glanced around him to Effie, “is yer new friend?”
“Effie, this is Eilidh Kerr. She's been here...oh it's been a while.” Finan chuckled, giving the older woman a one armed hug. “Effie is here for the wedding on the 23rd. Do you know where she's staying? We also need the entrance code, her phone's died.”
“Effie.” Eilidh tapped her cheek, adjusting her glasses. “Duncan?” Effie smiled and nodded. “You are in the Rowan Cottage. I believe the rest of your party has already arrived.”
“Ah, ya see, Effie ran into some...delays.” Finan chuckled. “Anyway, I will see her down to the cottage myself. Thank you, Eilidh. You are amazing, as always.”
Rolling her eyes at the Irishman, Eilidh made him promise to not be a stranger and come visit more often. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, Finan promised that he'd come back before going home. Ushering Effie back to the car, Finan shut her door. Explaining that the cottages were a short drive down the lane, each one named for a different tree which grew native the the area. For somebody with a holiday cottage in the village, he certainly knew a fair amount about this estate. Effie glanced out the window as Finan pointed out the various sights – there weren't many. A few out buildings, an old barn which was now mostly storage, and a small paddock where they sometimes kept sheep in the summer months.
The Rowan Cottage was quaint, one bedroom, and smaller than the other seven that surrounded it. Effie had booked it to save herself the headache and hassle of having to stay with any other family members. She adored her mother and sister, but sometimes they were a bit much. Her cousins would be busy, preparing, and she preferred to be left to her own devices. If she were alone, then she could work and take online meetings without interruptions. If she were alone, then she could go to bed at 7pm and nobody would wake her.
The small white cottage was decorated similar to the large house, a little less glamorous and only one Christmas tree inside. Helping Effie with her suitcase, Finan stood in the open door way, thick frame making the door look a little tight. Effie stood a few inches away, taking in the sight of him in his grey jacket and brown boots.
Would it be too inappropriate if she asked him to check out the bedroom with her? Biting her bottom lip, she tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear, glancing at her feet.
“So, now ya know where I am. I know where you are. Maybe we will see one another around?” Clearing his throat, Finan's smile beamed.
“I...Um...I hope so.” Effie nodded with a small smirk. “It was...thank you for helping me.”
“Any time ya need my help, holler.” Finan gave her a short nod. “I best be off. Have a good day, Effie Duncan.”
“You too, Finan.” Following him to the door, Effie watched as he got into the blue car and drove off. A small wave as the car disappeared around the corner. Shivering in the damp cold, she gazed around the scenery.
This was even more impressive than she could have imagined. When her cousin Ealhswith had announced her engagement, Effie had been shocked. Ealhswith wasn't the settle down and get married type, yet she had claimed the man she'd met was the one. He was everything she'd ever wanted and Effie was thrilled for her. Only having met Sihtric twice, Effie immediately liked him. Quiet, until you got to know him, and observant, he adored Ealhswith. It was evident in the way he would look at her, holding her hand, and smiling like a fool whenever somebody so much as said her name.
Effie was a tiny bit jealous.
When she found her Sihtric, she'd know.
If he even existed. After her last relationship – if it could be called that, Effie had began to wonder if love was something she'd find. Or if she was destined to be the single member of the family forever. Her sister had insisted if she found men who were single, perhaps that could change.
In Effie's defense, she hadn't been aware that her boss was married, when he'd asked her to drinks. Nor had she known he had a wife, when he had asked to go home with her after a work dinner. What she did know was that he was incredibly gorgeous and charming. Not to mention his skills in bed were certainly top tier.
Well. She wasn't going to give that any thought right now. The past was the past!
Shivering, she was about the shut the door, when she heard someone calling her name.
“Effie.”
Looking to her right, she waved at the man walking towards her. Calling happily. “Aldhelm.”
“You're a bit late.” He chastised approaching his cousin, smirking as he got closer. “Considering you flew in ahead of us.”
“Only a day late.” Effie shrugged, wrapping her arm around him in a playful hug. Aldhelm rolled his eyes, hugging her back never the less.
“Whatever. Whose the guy in the car?” And there it was. If Aldhelm had spotted Finan then so had her mother and sister.
“Uh, a new friend?”
“Sure. Okay. Come on, your mother is about to get murderous.” He laughed, pulling the door shut to Effie's cottage, leading her back the way her came. “She's in a mood, be prepared.”
While Effie and Aldhelm prepared themselves to face the wrath of Effie's mother, on the other side of the village Finan was parking his car next to the cottage. A black rental SUV parked along side the small yard. Rushing to get out, he sprinted towards the door, opening it to be met with shouts and hollers from his friends.
“Ya made it!” He greeted two of the three men who were supposed to be staying with him. “About damn time.”
“Where the fuck were you?” The shorter man with long dark hair, Uhtred, shoved Finan in the shoulder.
“Had to drop a friend off.” Kicking off his boots, following with his coat. Hanging it on the coat stand by the door, Finan smirked. “Suppose I should run by tomorrow and check in.”
“So, it's a lady friend?” The taller, younger man added to the conversation.
“Aye, you should know by now Baby Monk, they are the best kind of friends to keep.” Finan boasted with a deep laugh. “Look, make yourselves comfortable, I need to shower and change. You now where everything is.”
Muttering a joke about Finan likely needing a cold shower, the two men began to laugh at his expense. Assholes. Finan headed into his bedroom to grab a change of clothes and...he paused, a wide grin crossing his face when he spotted the black tong moved from the lamp across the room to the one next to his bed. Oh what a cheeky one that Effie Duncan was turning out to be.
The next morning, Effie had found herself up before the sun. Coffee made, showered, and breakfast all before the sun even began to peek over the trees. As the light started to creep across the sky, she pulled on her thick jacket, hat, and gloves. A sunrise in the Highlands was surely not to be missed. Her mother, sister, and cousins' cottages were still dark when she tip toed by. As if they could hear her walking, feet crunching against the frosty ground from inside. Clear of the cottages, she looked at her phone screen, late yesterday afternoon when Ealhswith had gone to the main house for some wedding preparations, Effie had tagged along seeking out Eilidh.
The older woman was kind and rather comical. Effie liked her. Eilidh had shown her a map of the area, which trails were for walking and which required a sturdy vehicle. Following the shorter walking trail, which she had easily found on her phone, Effie stood for a moment inhaling a large breath of clean, fresh air. The cold morning air burned her lungs and it felt invigorating. Leisurely making her way along the path she allowed her mind to wander, stopping every now and then to take a photo.
Not long after Effie had arrived at the Rowan Cottage, a silver rental car had pulled up, being a tad bit nosy, Effie had nudged Aldhelm and motioned for him to join her at the window as they watched Ealhswith's fiance get out of the car with a rather stunning bouquet of roses in hand. Aldhelm rolled his eyes and made a comment about how some men made it impossible for others to find women. Effie had smacked his arm, remaining silent. Personally, she thought it was adorable of the Dane to show up right after arriving, even if it was just to tell his fiancee how much he had missed her in the twelve hours they were apart.
Today, after lunch, Sihtric's groomsmen would be arriving. The wedding was still three days away, but Ealhswith and Sihtric wanted their bridal party to be comfortable with one another. They had arranged for a few drinks and a light after lunch dessert, a way to break the ice and make friends, apparently. Whatever. Effie was here to support and be the best bride's maid that she could be. Secretly, she had assumed it was out of pity that Ealhswith had asked her. Or maybe not. They were rather close, most of the time. No doubt Effie would be the one tucked in the back with the weird groomsmen that Sihtric had asked, simply because the guy was family or somehow Sihtric felt bad and wanted to include him.
Taking another photo, Effie straightened her posture and lifted her chin. Fuck it.
Fuck. It.
At least if all went to hell this afternoon, she was off the hook for the rest of the evening, perhaps she could ring Finan – surely Eilidh would know how to get in touch with him. He'd asked Effie to give him a holler, but had failed to leave a contact. Unless he was hoping that she'd show up at his door, asking to come in. Biting her lip she giggled to herself and the open air, wondering if he had found the little trinket that she'd left behind in his bedroom. Was that too much?
What if he thought she was crazy?
In her defense she had left the thong behind, before he'd laid the bombshell about his wife and dissolving marriage. Did she really want to see him again? Knowing that he was in fact, technically, married? Effie huffed and frowned. Unfortunately, yes. Despite the fact he was somebody's husband, she did still want to see him. A drink or dinner at the pub didn't mean they needed a repeat of their previous evening.
“You are in nature. You are here to unwind, do not let a man make this crazy. Do not let a man cause chaos on the trip. You are here for Ealhswith and Sihtric. You are not here to seek out a random, married, man who may or may not be the best sex you have ever had.” Effie muttered to herself, scowling at her attempt of self control.
Who was she trying to fool?
Effie knew damn well, if she were to be near Finan for any length of time, she'd be doing everything in her power to get his clothes off – again. Oh god she couldn't get the image of those thighs and that ass out of her mind. From the small bruise on her left cheek, he had certainly enjoyed her ass. The bite mark had come as a surprise, when she caught sight of it in the mirror while getting ready to shower yesterday.
This was a holiday vacation for a wedding, fuck self control!
If she wanted to have sex with sixty different men on this trip, who the hell was going to stop her? Effie laughed at the outlandish scenario, the sun slightly warming the day, glittering across the soft snow. This may be a trip for Ealhswith and Sihtric's wedding, but it didn't mean that Effie couldn't enjoy it. Turning to head back, she glanced at her watch. Only four hours until she met her fate as a bride's maid. At least for now, she could enjoy the thoughts of Finan and that delicious Irish accent.
At precisely 1pm, Effie entered into the main entrance of Woodrest, six Christmas trees glittering merrily as she walked by. They were to meet in the drawing room, main level, sixth door down the south hall. Good grief! Praying that she was in the right hall, Effie heaved a sigh of relief seeing Sihtric a few feet ahead.
“Sihtric.” She hissed his name, as if not wanting to disturb the silence of the house. Turning fast, his dark curls framing his face, Sihtric's smile grew as he stopped walking to wait for Effie.
Duo-coloured eyes lit up, holding out his hand and grabbing Effie's as she grew closer. “Lost?”
“Not officially.” Effie giggled swinging their hands between them. Somehow holding hands with Sihtric felt more like a brotherly gesture than Effie had expected.
“It's easy to get lost in this place.” Sihtric offered with a slight shrug.
“You've been here before?”
Sihtric nodded. “A few times, I know a member of the family. It's how we got the place for the wedding.”
“Are you staying at the estate?” Effie glanced at Sihtric, as they walked through the quiet halls to the room where they were to meet the others.
“No, I am staying with some friends.” Sihtric smiled politely, holding the door open to allow Effie to enter before him. “My groomsmen. We'd probably just get ourselves kicked out, if we stayed here.”
“Fair enough. Rowdy bunch?”
“We can be.” Sihtric chuckled softly.
Letting go of Sihtric's hand to let him close the door, Effie froze when she heard her name. The unmistakable smooth and delicious Irish accent, accompanied by the booming and charming laugh. She felt as if her feet were cemented to the floor.
Eilidh - Ay-lee
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