Their First Christmas
A/N: Sorry, I couldn't resist. With Jaz, the Beta reader gone, I wanted all of you to meet Cody. Daphne has been dishing out surprises, now it's her turn to get an unusual surprise of her own.
Chapter Three: Daphne's Surprise
"You went to Paris, France? For three weeks? To shop?" Velma was used to Daphne's wealth but this was abnormal behavior even for her friend.
"Well, it wasn't Paris, Texas! But I admit I did take a side trip first." Daphne smiled at Velma's look of astonishment.
"Where did you go on this side trip?" Velma asked. The hook had been set.
"I came to Scotland to visit my cousin, Shannon. Velma, haven't you wondered, we're at MacRogers Castle in the Scottish highlands. Blake Castle is not that far away in the Scottish highlands..."
"You mean...you and Shaggy?" An astonished Velma couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Shannon and I searched every nook and cranny for old clan records. The only thing we could find was that in years past the Blake and MacRogers clans were at war with each other; then all of a sudden the war between the clans ceased.
"Velma, I brought something back from Paris for you and Shaggy. It was supposed to be a Christmas present but honestly, it's burning a hole in my suitcase." Selecting a suitcase, she extracted two envelopes, each had been marked in a purple flowing script. "For you, from me." She handed one envelope out to Velma, holding the second back.
Velma took the offered envelope, eagerly tearing it open. Inside was a blank check, duly signed.
"A girl must have a suitable trousseau, especially if she's going to Paris for her honeymoon. I did come home a few days early. Father and I had a business meeting. I told him what I wanted to do for you guys and he was in total agreement and didn't want to be left out." She handed over the second envelope. "A bride must have a beautiful gown and heaven forbid if you had to walk up the aisle with Shaggy dressed in something he'd pick out. It would probably smell like pizza anyway."
"Pepperoni with double cheese! Oh, Daph, this is too much. How will I ever thank you enough?"
"Be happy. That will be thanks enough. Velma...would you be my sister...forever?"
"Now, who's asking questions when they already know the answer?"
They were interrupted by a light tapping on the door and Velma, being closer, opened the door to admit Colby carrying a tray loaded with scones and tea pot with three cups. "I thought you might like some tea before having a toes up."
"We were just having a blether. Won't you join us?" Daphne offered, seeing the third cup.
"If I'm not interrupting; then I'll see about finding a kilt for the party. It's not really a true party but we'll have a party at the drop of a bonnet."
"The kilt won't be necessary," Daphne giggled excitedly, "I'll not be having my clan sister wear anything but Blake colors...at least until after the wedding."
"But I don't have a kilt, Blake or otherwise," Velma had caught Daphne's giggles.
"I was in Scotland remember? And I just happen to know your measurements; wonder how I know them? Oh well, take a kook." Unzipping the clothes bag once more she retrieved a kilt in Blake Tartan colors with a new white blouse. "A bit heavy on the purple for your taste; I think Shaggy will have a hard time keeping his eyes off you during the party."
Across the hall, Fred was looking at a Hunter Green kilt. He looked uncertainly first at his friend Shaggy then at Cooper. "Cooper, what's worn under a kilt?"
Cooper couldn't help but smile. "Shaggy, you are of Scottish lineage. Why don't you answer Fred's question?"
Trying his best not to break out in laughter, Shaggy answered, "Nothing, Fred. Nothing is worn under a kilt...everything is in working order." Shaggy lost his battle with the laughter that bubbled up.
-Xxxxxx
A knock on the bedroom door announced dinner after their brief toes up. Both girls were up and dressed. As the only ones in Blake colors of purple and green, Daphne and Velma turned heads as they made their way down the staircase. Ian MacRogers stood at the head of the table. Shaggy, dressed in MacRogers tartan was seated next to their hostess with Velma, Daphne and Fred in Hunter green sat in order on the guest side of the food laden table. Cooper and Colby occupied the opposite side of the table. Daphne noticed the chair opposite her was unoccupied and wondered if the older son, Cody, would be seated across from her. The answer came as Ian spoke.
"Ah, there ye are, Cody. If ye will take ye seat, maybe we can kill the haggis." The reproach carried no sting as Ian smiled at his tardy son. Daphne felt her heart stop then start beating again, slightly faster, when she glimpsed the handsome young man who had entered the dinning hall.
"I met our gentlemen guests earlier but I was in a wee rush and didn't get to meet the ladies." Tall, well built and handsome in his MacRogers kilt, his deep, rich voice resonated over the room.
"Miss Velma Dinkley and Miss Daphne Blake, my son, Kodiac." Ian made the simple introductions quickly with a sweep of his hand.
"Delighted, Miss Dinkley. I hope you enjoy your stay. Has Colby seen to your needs?"
"I...I'm sure I will and yes, Colby has been most helpful." Velma uncharacteristically stammered.
Daphne had misgivings when this heir-apparent turned his mellow eyes on her, taking her hand. The room was becoming uncomfortably warm. "Miss Blake, I'm indeed sorry I wasn't here to welcome all of ye properly. I was delayed in the field, the wee beasties canna care for themselves."
Daphne had to fight the feeling she wanted to be a wee beastie and in need of care from this strong, handsome shepherd; to be picked up in his strong arms and carried...best not to think about where at this point. "Quite understandable. I'm sure the wee beasties appreciated your expert care." She got all that out without stammering.
"I think my Da is getting impatient. I seem to be holding up the meal. Perhaps we can blether later."
Daphne hoped his invite to blether wasn't inclusive; she had this funny feeling she didn't want to share.
"You won't wash that hand for a week," Velma whispered as Cody took his place at the table and Ian tapped his glass and the meal officially began. "Two weeks, maybe never," replied Daphne with a sly smile.
The sound of bagpipes preceded the piper who appeared in full dress regalia; he stepped to make room for the serving carts that followed. "Haggis! I might have known." Shaggy grimaced at the thought of being served haggis at Shannon's home. "It was a bold man that first tasted a haggis."
"Don't worry, Shaggy. Your cousin made arrangements with our hostess. That second cart carries a 'pretend' haggis; it pretends to be a haggis and you only have to pretend to like it. And for Scooby, a Scooby Snack haggis." Daphne was having fun watching Shaggy, Velma, and Fred digest what she had just dished out.
"M...m...my cousin?" Shaggy stammered, looking at his red headed friend. "You...are my cousin?"
"Many times removed but yes. I have the proof in my suitcase if you need proof."
"You are just full of surprises today, aren't you?" Velma quipped.
"Velma, you don't know the half of it." Daphne looked across the table at Cody, catching his eyes.
'I wonder how you will take my next surprise?' It was too late to stop anything that was going to happen after the meal and Daphne wondered if she'd gone too far this time.
Ian took up the ceremonial dirk and 'killed the haggis'. The rich aromas filled the room and as everyone anticipated the meal; Daphne tore her eyes away from the bright brown eyes that bore into hers.
As the staff served the meal, every one could relax; every one except one Daphne Blake.
TBC
