Claire finished reading the letter from Frank and put it down. She would never go to Boston. She really shouldn't travel now anyway as she was more than 3 months pregnant and still had morning sickness that lasted till the afternoon. She couldn't imagine trying to get on a plane or even a boat as sick as she was now.

She knew what she was going to do, and leaving Scotland had no part in her plans.

Claire was going to work for a while. Christmas was in a few months, that meant Yule and a time when it would be safer to go through the stones. She was going back. This time just wasn't home. Lallybroch was her home, and Jenny and Ian were her family. Jamie's child - children she corrected herself- would be raised in that time with their family. Claire had already bought many yards of wool and cotton, hundreds of seeds, and enough eighteen century money Jenny and Ian would be sure to take her in to live at Lallybroch. She had multiple books on order. Claire knew books were dangerous, the difference in how they looked would be obvious to anyone who saw them. She certainly didn't want to risk another witch trial, but the knowledge would be so helpful she was willing to take them.

Nurse Drever was ordering the smallpox and DTP vaccines for her. Claire had told the other nurse she planned a trip to the remote Highlands and Claire's nurse status allowed her to administer these routine inoculations.

Claire had already amassed a leather satchel full of penicillin and aspirin. The other three would carry the vaccines, the books and money, the fabric, and food for the trip.

Claire got up and finished getting ready. Violet was picking her up today and taking a few pictures of her. She wanted to remember this time of waiting and planning and had already filled 2 journals. Should she bring a pen...hmm? Maybe.

Claire got up and like most days thought about Jamie, then food. She looked at the remainder of the cake she had brought home from the hospital yesterday. She'd been there such a short time but her co-workers were so nice to her giving her a small good luck and goodbye party.

Okay, only 1 piece.

Three pieces of cake and two glasses of milk later she settles down to sew more baby clothes and the hours run away from her.

Violet picks her up for their last weekly tea date.

"What will you miss?"

"Hot showers, flush toilets, restaurants" Claire is readjusting herself to try to get comfortable in the vehicle.

"Are you getting things done that you need to, or do you need help?"

Claire looked over at her and felt blessed to have for a friend for about the hundredth time. "I'm doing okay. If I get any bigger I think I will burst." She pats her 7 month bulge that is 2 babies.

Violet unlocked the door of the manse and turned on the light. Claire followed her.

"Surprise!"

"Jesus H-oops, sorry" Claire blushed as she looked around the room at the group of women from infants to elderly and looked at Violet.

"These are my sister druids." She explained. Claire had given permission for Violet to share most everything with these women about her story but she had never met anyone.

One woman came forward and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Sarah, and we are very happy to celebrate with you. Alice was in England last year," She nodded to another woman who smiled at her. " and went to a baby shower so we thought to have one for you."

Alice took up the story. "Yours is special though, we have gifts for you but only things that would be around 200 yearts ago."

Claire looked around and saw the food, and gifts, and happy women.

"Thank you, I appreciate this so-" But had to stop because of the tears forming in her eyes . Alice smiled and patted her on the back. Claire was so used to being around nurses regular women were a novel and happy experience.

Claire said her goodbye to Alice and got hugged. She looked at Violet, "Everyone was so nice and the gifts are amazing." She held up a knitted blanket that was almost as tall as she was, "How long does it take to make something like this?"

Violet just smiled," It's better if you don't know dear."

Violet and little Roger helped her load the gifts into the car and then into her hotel room.

"Would you please get stamps, I don't have any left." Claire asked Violet as the older woman was looking around her hotel room in awe. She looked at the money Claire was trying to hand her and instead reached for her bag and rummaged in it.

"How many do you need?"

"Enough for all those thank you cards." Claire smiled thinking of those kind women.

"Will you really be able to take all these things?" Violet handed her the stamps and looked around.

"I think so," Claire hesitated looking at Roger

"It's okay dear, he is in his own little world." Violet motioned to Roger playing with his cars.

"I think it will be fine." Claire looked around the room also. "I made the leather bags to put everything in. After I go through I will stash the bags and walk to Inverness to buy a mule. The mule will carry everything."

Violet nodded, handing her the stamps.

The week passes quietly and quickly. Claire got thank you cards made and gave them to Mrs. Graham with the stamps as Claire didn't have addresses. Claire has some more pictures printed and started packing her bags.

Claire spends most of her time sewing, and working on her knitting. She borrowed books from the hospital library to read and Claire returned them. The leather bags get packed and unpacked several times trying to find the best way to make sure nothing breaks and as it happens another bag is needed. Claire is still shopping, picking up eighteenth century money and small pieces of plain silver that could be exchanged for money. Frank sends her all of her personal things which surprisingly fit in 2 medium boxes. She decides to take all the jewelry and asks Violet to keep a few small sentimental things.

Claire called Mrs Graham late the night before the day she is to travel back trough the stones to confirm the early time for pickup.

"I'm so sorry dear," Violet pulls up as the sun is just peeking out and jumps out of the car. "Wee Roger was having a meltdown-"

Clair cuts her off, "It's fine, please help me load up these bags then I have to check out."