Pampered, You and What Army? & Big Guys
Day 7 – Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Breakfast Room
Sam and Jules entered the breakfast room at a rather late nine am. They expected to be the only ones in the room. But they found it filled with friends and family. It seemed everyone had slept later than normal. Breakfast had morphed into more of a brunch.
Jules looked at Sam and said "Get your coffee and sit down, I'll bring you something to eat."
Nodding Sam moved towards the table that contained coffee, tea and juices. He poured a cup and then found a seat next to Jim. He sat down and gingerly laid his braced wrist on the table. He was taking a sip of coffee when Jim spoke to him.
Jim asked "How's the wrist this morning?"
"Nothing I can't manage" Sam answered nonchalantly.
Jim intoned reproachfully "Sam?"
Sam looked at Jim "Really Jim, level two or three and nothing else hurts. I don't need pain meds."
Reaching around, Jim patted Sam's back "Good to hear."
Then Jim tucked back into his pancakes. He was astonished that Sam was not bruised head to toe after that fall down the stairs. The temple area wasn't even bruised after hitting the fridge.
Jim was not sure what happened last night, whether Matt was really there or not. But a part of him hoped Matt was there. He thought how fitting it would be if Matt really was Sam's guardian angel. No one would be better than Matt. The fact that Sam was not hurt other than his wrist made Jim want to believe that Matt truly watched over Sam.
His dreams last night had been full of Sam's close calls since he was with SRU. Sam should have died many times over. The chest shot by Merrill, the beating Sam received from the dirty cops, the kidnapping by the crazy guy called Master, Dupont, the trawler and so many other times. But somehow Sam always managed to hang on or be brought back from the brink. All those added up so Jim thought that maybe Matt really was Sam's guardian angel.
Jim smiled when he saw Jules coming with Sam's breakfast. Matt might be Sam's guardian angel but Jules was Sam's angel on earth. He could see that Jules was taking care of him. It did his heart good to see Sam pampered a bit. Christ if anyone deserved it, Sam did.
Jules placed a plate in front of Sam and her plate next to his and then went to get coffee too. Sam noted that Jules had selected items that did not need to be cutup and for that he was grateful. She also made his oatmeal exactly like he liked it. It looked like she added an extra bit of walnuts and raisins. He picked up his spoon and started eating. Jules was pampering him this morning. It was kinda nice.
When Jules sat down she asked "Want anything else?"
"Nope, this is perfect. Thanks Jules" Sam replied after swallowing.
Jules scooped up a forkful of eggs and smiled watching Sam eat. She had heard his stomach growl as they got ready this morning. So she had loaded his plate with scrambled eggs, chunks of ham, potatoes, two pieces of toast with strawberry jam on them and a bowl of oatmeal loaded with walnuts and raisins and a touch of cinnamon. Jules wanted to pamper Sam.
Last night had scared her. She had listened to all Sam had to say. Jules was sure that Sam believed what he saw and heard was real. But she was not so sure she believed it really happened. All the head trauma Sam had over the years could have caused Sam to imagine it. Jules wanted Sam to get checked out when they got home.
However, Jules was happy about one thing. Regardless if it really happened or only happened in Sam's head, Jules was happy to see Sam at such peace with Matt and Sara. Last night he had shared several happy memories of both of them with her. It was so good to hear him talk about both of them without the pain that normally entered his voice and eyes.
Jules looked to Mason and asked "So what is on tap for today?"
Mason grinned as he bounced Lachlann on his knee and responded "Today is just a relaxing day. No games. Fishing, strolls around the loch, lounging about or anything you want."
Sam chimed in "Stag party tonight Mason. You better rest up because Wallace found a huge creel basket."
"I'm game for that but if you think you're gonna cover me with blackening and feathers you are sadly mistaken Blondie" Mason said with humor. He doubted the guys were actually going to do that. They were just teasing him with it.
Winds grinned "I'm thinkin between all of us we'll be making that happen."
"You and what Army?" Mason quipped.
Blaze leaned back and grinned "Well let's see … that'll be me, Winds, Jim, Blondie, Wallace and all of Marsaili's other male cousins and uncles. I think it's happening."
Marsaili made a plea for Mason "Just make sure whatever you all do to him tonight that he cleans up nice for tomorrow."
Grinning Sam said "For you Marsaili we will."
Sam had the shoe blackening in his room. But with Marsaili's request he had to come up with a new solution. He let his mind work on that while he ate.
Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Loch
Mason was roaring and struggling under the onslaught of ten men. He had been tackled and stripped down to his boxers then buckets of mud had been dumped over him. He was trying to get up now and was successful in throwing off three of the ten men.
Sam stood to the side and watched with a smirk as he held a large bag of feathers. Mason was nearly covered in thick black mud. It was about time to douse him in feathers. Jim had insisted he not participate in the mud roll due to his wrist so he was relegated to the feather duty. That was fine with Sam. Everyone else was covered in almost as much mud as Mason as they had wrestled him to the ground.
Opening the bag of feathers Sam stepped forward as the last of the guys rolled away from Mason. He unceremoniously dumped the whole bag over Mason as he laughed.
Mason sat in the mud and blew puffs of air out to get the feathers away from his mouth and nose. He had not really expected them to go through with this part of the creelin. He thought it was all talk and teasing. Damn them. He had mud in places mud should not be.
Looking up at Blondie, Mason grumpily said "You're gonna regret this Blondie. Just you wait until your bachelor party."
Sam laughed "Ah come on Gorgeous you know we had to do it. Traditions you know. If we all have to wear a kilt to your wedding then you're getting the creelin. At least mud washes off easier than tar or shoe blackening. I kept my word to Marsaili. You'll be spick and span tomorrow."
Wallace, Jim and Winds hefted a huge creel filled with rocks onto Mason's back and strapped it on.
Blaze held out a hand to Mason "Come on buddy. Time to go find that bride of yours and beg her for a kiss."
Mason grabbed Blaze's hand for help up. The creel was pretty damned heavy. He asked "You gonna make me walk all the way to the pub?"
Jim shook his head "Too far. We'll be dropping you off a mile or so out of town. Wallace borrowed the game keeper's truck and you can ride in back."
Sam thanked Marsaili's cousins and uncles for their assistance and then they all headed off. Only Wallace was joining the unit guys for the remainder of the evening. Wallace was acting as their designated driver.
Winds produced a bottle of beer for each of them and handed them out as he said "Let's go. The sooner Mason finds Marsaili gets his kiss and drops his burden the sooner we can get to some serious drinking."
The guys laughed and the group headed to the truck. Blaze, Winds, Jim and Sam all climbed into the bed of the truck with Mason and Wallace got into driver's seat.
As the truck rumbled along the dirt road Mason asked "Did you at least bring me some clothes to wear at the pub?"
"Damn, I knew there was something I forgot" Sam teased.
Sam had a bag with a set of clean clothes and shoes for Mason in the cab of the truck. He had called the Wild Stag and talked to the owner who was a distant relative of Marsaili's. He lived above the pub and said that Mason could be sprayed off out back and then use his shower to clean up and to change. But Sam wasn't about to tell Mason that just yet.
Jim chimed in "Maybe he can make a skirt out of the blanket we're sitting on."
Mason shook his head "Kilt."
"Skirt, kilt same thing. You're lucky I agreed to wear the damned thing for the wedding" Winds teased.
Sam laughed "I can attest to the fact that they do have their advantages."
The conversation devolved from there as the guys became crass and the jokes became ribald. They imbibed in several beers a piece from the cooler Sam had stowed in the bed of the truck. Each of them were relaxed and having a good time.
The comradery of the group was clearly evident to Wallace who was having fun just listening to all the crazy stories and jokes the guys in the back of the truck were telling. Wallace was happy that his sister was marrying someone like Mason. He was a good guy who had good friends.
A mile from town Wallace pulled over. All the guys got out of the back. He looked at Sam and said "I'll be at the Wild Stag and reserve us a table."
Sam nodded "Thanks Wallace."
As the truck drove off Mason sighed "You're really gonna make me walk around with this creel?"
Blaze patted his shoulder "Hey it's bound to be lighter than Blondie and you've carried him further than a mile before."
Sam grinned "I can always add more rocks."
Mason chuckled "Nah, this will do." Then Mason started walking as he called out "Marsaili where you be my lovely sprite? Come give me a kiss so I can lay down my burdens."
The guys followed along laughing and cracking jokes at Mason's expense. All good natured though.
Old Castle Tavern
Sam jogged ahead of the guys to the Old Castle Tavern where the ladies were going to be. He wanted to make sure Marsaili was there and he really needed to use the restroom. He had three beers so far and it tended to … well run through him so to speak.
He opened the door and walked into the tavern. It was larger, more well-lit and had a dance floor. One of the reasons he chose the Wild Stag for the guys and left this one to the gals. The Wild Stag was really more of a hole in the wall pub with a dart board and a billiards table, perfect for the guys to just hang out and drink. While the gals could hang out here and dance or whatever.
Sam headed straight for the restrooms and he saw Jules, Heather, Wynfreda and Cala at a table near the dance floor. He smiled when he caught Jules' eye and she smiled at him. Sam waved with his braced right wrist and then quickly ducked into the restroom and took care of business.
Exiting the restroom Sam was thinking that Mason was so ready to put down that creel of rocks. He wondered just how long Marsaili would make him beg. It should be fun to watch Mason. Sam could see that Mason loved Marsaili as much as he loved Jules. Winds would be the only bachelor among them after he and Jules married.
Back in the day Sam didn't think any one of them would ever marry. He had his vow that he would not have kids and the others seemed married to the Army. So much had changed for all of them in the past five years. It made him happy.
Sam looked up hearing a rough voice demanding a kiss. He did not like the sound of that. His eyes landed on Marsaili and she was cornered by three burly men. Marsaili's eyes met his and he could see the fear in them.
His voice commanding Sam stepped forward "Leave the lady be."
The man who had a grip on Marsaili's wrist and was pushing her up against the wall and rubbing her with his body turned towards Sam and ground out in a thick Scottish accent "Haud yer wheesht! Awa' an bile yer heid."
The exact translation was lost on Sam but he got the gist that the man told him to shut up and not to intervene. Well that was not happening. Sam grabbed the man's wrist at a pressure point and applied pressure. The big man's hand popped open and Marsaili wrenched her hand away and moved rather quickly behind Sam.
Sam asked softly over his shoulder "Marsaili are you hurt?"
Marsaili's shaky voice said "No, not really, just spooked."
Sam felt Marsaili's arm go protectively to her stomach as she pressed close to the back of him. He felt her small body shaking slightly too. She was frightened. Sam realized with good reason. The men were huge and she was no match for them. If he had not come along when he did there was no telling what might have happened to Marsaili.
He needed to get her away from the men. The only problem was that three huge Mason sized men were in front of him blocking his and Marsaili's exit from the narrow hallway. Behind him was a dead end of the men's room.
Sam realized he needed to talk them down because there was no way he could take on all three with his wrist the way it was and still protect Marsaili. But there was no way Sam was letting these men anywhere near Marsaili again.
"Ya glaikit bastard, what ya think yer doin? This is no your bizzo. The wee lassie here was pure gantin' fur it" the huge man slurred out as he moved forward causing Sam to back up a step.
The man's buddy threw his beer into Sam's face.
Sam quickly wiped the beer out of his eyes and thought, not again. What is it with him and drunken idiots lately? He must have a sign on him that said throw your alcohol on me.
Trying to calm things down Sam said "Just let us past. No harm, no foul. The lady is here for her hen party and getting married tomorrow. So leave off, she is not interested in any of you."
The third man laughed "Oh she's interested alright. If she be tying the knot with you then she needs to have a good time before she is tied down to a Sassenach."
"Marsaili is not marrying me. You really do not want to meet the man she is going to marry if you do not let us past. Come on it is not worth it, plenty of willing ladies out in the bar" Sam said.
The men pressed forward. Sam knew there was no way out now. He saw in their eyes they were spoiling for a fight and it was coming to blows. There was nothing he could say to stop it. Sam had to get Marsaili and her baby safe. These men were too drunk to know what they were doing.
Sam quickly said to Marsaili "In the men's room now. Lock the door."
"But Sam?" Marsaili quavered. She did not want to leave Sam out here.
"Go. Now!" Sam ordered as he blocked the first punch thrown at him with his right arm.
Pain reverberated up his arm from the force of the blow. Sam heard the click of the lock behind him and breathed a small sigh of relief. Marsaili was safe. Sam dove head first into the stomach of the man in front. The power of his move pushed them all back and almost out of the short hallway.
Big guy one was on the floor gasping for breath as big guys two and three started swinging at him. Sam ducked and big guy two hit guy three and knocked him to the ground. But big guy three's blow struck Sam in the shoulder and spun him around. Sam crashed into a table and then to the ground at the force of the blow.
Sam was picking himself up off the floor as a huge hand grabbed the back of his shirt and hauled him up. Big guy one held him as big guy two slammed his fists into his stomach. Sam heard Jules' voice yelling his name as he struggled to get out of big guy one's hold and he kicked out at big guy two in front of him. Sam got a good kick into big guy two's gut and sent the man careening into another table.
But big guy two was up quickly and coming back at him. Sam struggled hard but big guy one had a vice-like grip on his arms and held him just off the ground. He could not get leverage without foot holds.
Jules had looked up at the first sounds of a fight. She was shocked to see Sam flying into a table and then being hauled up by someone as big a Mason and being pounded on by another one as a third one was laid out on the floor. The guy pounding on Sam had a wild look and she feared what another blow to his head would do to Sam.
She yelled "Sam!" Then she was running forward to help him as Sam got a good kick into the guy's stomach. But the guy was back at Sam in a flash.
Heather looked up from her position at the bar getting the next round as Jules yelled. She saw Sam near the restroom fighting with huge men. Sam was outmatched. He was gonna get killed and Jules was heading to him.
Darn it they were both gonna get clobbered. Then she realized, if Sam was here then that meant that Jim and the others must be nearby. Heather raced for the entrance as the whole bar seemed to erupt in chaos.
Outside Old Castle Tavern
Heather flew outside. She stopped just outside the door and looked around frantically for the guys. They were a ways down the street walking and laughing with beer in their hands. Heather yelled loudly "JIM HELP!"
Jim's head whipped towards the Old Castle tavern hearing Heather's frantic voice. Then he was running, Heather was in trouble. Behind him he heard Blaze, Mason and Winds all hauling ass too.
Wallace was in the parking lot waiting for the guys and playing a game on his cell phone. He wanted to see Mason get Marsaili to kiss her so he waited at Old Castle tavern instead of the Wild Stag like he told Sam. Wallace heard Heather's yell and jumped out of the truck. He reached Heather at the same time the rest of them did.
Jim skidded to a stop at Heather and breathed out "Heather what?"
Heather's face was concerned as she pointed at the bar "Sam, fight."
The guys rushed in.
Old Castle Tavern
Sam took three more hard blows to the stomach and one to the jaw from big guy two as his arms were pinned behind him by big guy one.
Then big guy two was on the floor withering in pain and cupping his family jewels. Sam saw the fire in Jules' eyes as they flashed at the man on the floor and dared him to get back up. Jules was poised to bring her foot crashing down on his privates again.
Big guy two laid on the floor cupping himself and not moving once he saw the small lassie near him. There was fear, disbelief and pain in his eyes. A small sprite of a woman had just unmanned him in front of a bar full of people. She looked like she would do it again if he dared move. So he laid still and kept watch on her spiked heel poised above his bawbag.
Sam yelled "Behind you" as big guy three made it off the floor and was swinging for Jules.
Rage raced through Sam at the thought that a man as large as that would swing on Jules. The rage gave him a burst of adrenaline. He planted his feet on the man's shins and he wrenched free of big guy one. Sam was falling but was able to block the blow meant for Jules by throwing up his right arm as Jules was still registering that the man was swinging at her and just barely starting to duck.
Sam heard his bone snap but the adrenaline was pumping so fast and furious that he felt no pain. Sam hit the floor and rolled coming up fast and spinning around with a left hook that carried the force of his rage. It landed with a resounding thud on the big man's jaw sending the man flying backwards to the floor. All Sam could think was that the blow that broke his wrist would have hit Jules in the head. It could have fractured her skull and killed her. Sam lost it and followed the man to the ground.
He was punching with both hands heedless of his broken wrist. Sam was so concentrated on this man that could have killed Jules with that blow that he did not see that the bar around him had erupted in an all-out brawl. It was Marsaili's scream that broke through.
Sam turned in time to see big guy one had gone back to the men's room and kicked open the door. It was off its hinges and the big guy had his ham sized hand wrapped around Marsaili's delicate wrist. He was dragging her out of the restroom. Sam was on his feet and heading towards her when he was passed by a huge brown blur followed by a slightly smaller blur.
But the large blur had something on his back and it knocked into Sam and sent him sprawling to the ground. Sam was scrambling to get up to save Marsaili as a hand came down on his shoulder and a commanding and familiar voice said "Stay down."
Sam looked up and saw Blaze holding him down. He turned his eyes towards the restroom and saw the brown blur was Mason. He squared off with big guy one.
The bar brawl came to a halt as everyone watched what appeared to be a painted highland warrior of old rush toward the restrooms.
Sam and the whole bar saw the instant big guy one regretted his actions. There was cold steel in Mason's eyes as he drew back and smashed his fists into the big guy in a quick one two punch. Big guy one dropped like a ton of rocks to the floor. Mason dragged the man up by his shirt with one hand and punched him repeatedly with his other.
Cala held Marsaili close. She had rushed forward just after Mason. Marsaili was shaking like a leaf in her arms as they both watch Mason clobber the guy that had attacked her. Her brother was something to watch. My god he was furious. Cala was glad when Winds and Wallace pulled Mason off the man before he killed him.
Mason breathed out heavily as Winds and Wallace pulled him back from the man. He had heard Marsaili scream and his blood had run cold. Mason had never run faster in his life. When he saw the brute dragging her out of the restroom all sense fled and all he saw was blood lust. How dare that man touch his wife?
Thank god Winds and Wallace pulled him off. Mason looked up at Marsaili and saw the tears. He moved forward swiftly and was on his knees in front of her. Mason pulled her close and gentle as he whisper "My àlainn bòcan, my àlainn bòcan. You are safe now. Are you hurt?"
Marsaili burrowed into Mason not caring she was getting covered in mud. His arms held her close and the fear was subsiding. Her voice quavered "I'm okay."
Mason pulled back so he could see Marsaili's face and his hand went to her stomach his voice full of concern "And the bairn?"
"Safe, unharmed" Marsaili said with a stronger voice as her hand covered Mason's on her stomach.
Cala smiled. Bairn? Baby? Marsaili was pregnant. Mason was gonna be a real dad. Cala put her hand over her mouth as happy tears welled in her eyes. Her brother was gonna be a dad.
Stepping close Cala whispered "Congratulations. I cannot think of two people who would be better parents than you two. I'm so happy for you both. Now Marsaili why don't you give Mason a kiss so he can put that creel down?"
Marsaili kissed Mason. They heard cheers and clapping.
Wallace had heard what Mason said. His sister was pregnant. Hot damn! That was good news. He quickly undid the belt holding the creel to Mason. The load of rocks fell. He sheepishly ducked his head as the load of rocks fell directly onto the big brute on the floor.
"Oops" Wallace said unconvincingly as the man grunted and those around laughed.
Jules turned to find Sam sitting on the floor and cradling his right arm into his stomach. She knelt down and asked "How bad?"
Sam looked to Jules and then to Jim "I think we are making a trip to Inverness tonight unless this town has a doctor. Pretty sure I heard the bone snap."
Around them the patrons of the bar were beginning to clean up after the brawl. A few of the big guy's buddies were dragging them out of the bar. The owner came up to them and said "Sorry bout Hagen, Bobby and Robbie. They are dunderheeds and get blootered sometimes and cause problems."
Jim and Blaze helped Sam rise and sit in a chair as Jules asked "Is there a doctor in town?"
The owner shook his head "Aye, normally but he be off to Inverness for some conference. Due back the morn."
Jules said "I'll take Sam so you all can continue the parties."
Mason came over and squatted down in front of Blondie. He put his hand on his knee and looked at the bruise forming on Blondie's jaw. Mason's voice was quiet "I owe you again Blondie. Thank you. Marsaili told me what you did. How you saved her and the …." He trailed off before he gave away the fact Marsaili was pregnant to more than just Cala and Wallace. Mason ended with "Thank you brother."
Sam reached out his left hand and placed it on Mason's shoulder "No thanks are necessary. I'm glad Marsaili is okay." Sam's eyes communicated and the baby too.
Mason nodded with a smile that lit up his whole face.
Marsaili moved next to Sam and leaned down. She kissed him on the cheek "Thank you Sam. For all three of us." She placed her hand on her stomach.
Sam smiled.
Jules' eyes widened "Marsaili are you expecting?"
Marsaili looked at the group around them and nodded "We are going to tell everyone tomorrow but I guess it is okay to let this part of our family know tonight. I'm thirteen weeks along. If I waited any longer my wedding dress would have to be adjusted."
Jules hugged Marsaili "I'm so happy for you. That is why you only had ginger ale the other night."
Marsaili smiled beautifully, glowing with impending motherhood "Yeah. That and I really don't like whisky. Sacrilege when the family business is whisky, but nonetheless I don't like it."
Heather was next to hug Marsaili then Wynfreda. The guys all congratulated Mason. The owner sent over a tray of beers and a ginger ale when he overheard the news.
Mason sat down next to Blondie and sighed. What a stag party. It was one to remember for sure he thought.
Sam said "If you want to get dressed there is a set of clothes for you in the truck. The owner of the Wild Stag said you could use his shower to clean up. Blaze and Winds will spray you off out back first though."
Chuckling Mason looked down at himself and realized he was still covered in mud and feathers and dressed only in the plaid blanket he had fashioned as a kilt when they got out of the truck a mile from town. He must be a sight. No wonder he got strange looks from those in the bar.
Jim sat down on Sam's other side and said "Sam, I'm going with you and Jules to Inverness and Wallace is driving since he has not had anything to drink tonight and the rest of us have."
Mason looked confused. He had missed something. Then he noticed Blondie was holding his right arm close to his stomach and had not moved it. His face fell.
"Ah Christ Blondie, you're hurt. What happened?" Mason asked.
Sam said "Nothing much to worry about. I'll be back in time for the wedding."
Jules put her hands on Sam's shoulders and gently rubbed "Sam used his arm as a shield to block a punch to my head." She leaned down and kissed his temple then said "He saved three people tonight. The punch was hard enough to snap his bone. If it hit me well …" Jules trialed off and let it hang in the air not really wanting to give voice to it.
Jim stood "You ready to go Sam?"
Sam stood up gingerly. His stomach ached from the punches but he was not going to add to anyone's worry by saying anything. He knew that Jules would see the bruises in short order anyways. But he did not want to be a killjoy for the rest of them.
He smiled and said "Enjoy. I'll see you all in the morning."
As Blondie, Jim, Jules and Wallace headed out Mason turned to Blaze "Damn Blondie has the worst luck."
Blaze shrugged and said "I prefer to think of it as he was in the right place at the right time. I hate to think what might have happened to Marsaili if Blondie was not here. Don't get me wrong, I don't like seeing him hurt but it could have been a whole lot worse if he wasn't here."
Marsaili sat down in Mason's lap and said "We need to do something extra special for Sam."
Winds kicked back on the back two legs of the chair and said "I have an idea."
Then Winds proceeded to tell them his idea. Everyone at the table was in full agreement. It was a perfect way to say thank you.
