Chapter Nineteen
When dawn was making the room look blue, they both woke up and lay there holding each other enjoying the warmth and softness that comes after lovemaking.
Duncan remembered everything from last night and his heart had never felt so sure of one thing. The pronouncement from the gypsy Carmen meant nothing to him at this moment. He knew he could marry Beth and not fear losing her to a mortal death.
"Beth I never want to be apart from you again. I want you to marry me." His voice was low with emotion.
She seemed in a reflective mood looking up into his face asking, "Why do we have to get married?"
He said evasively, "Let's just say I'm trying to break a curse that foretold that I would never marry and bury many women."
Beth took this news with a feeling of misgiving saying, "Mac you can't be serious. I couldn't marry you to just prove a curse was false."
Duncan turned towards her and touched her face, "I need you. With or without a curse this much I know." He revealed, "Several times I've been close to experiencing wedded bliss but it seems I am destined to never be that happy."
Beth could see his pain and loneliness. It matched hers after Richie left making her realize the depths of what it meant to be so alone.
She wanted to say yes but told him, "I can't marry you. Not right now so please understand?"
Duncan nodded and thought he could wait. Perhaps he rushed it too soon. The idea of marriage was a big step. He said, "I'll agree to wait but I'm not giving up. When we get to Scotland you might change your mind."
She asked, "What's happening in Scotland again?"
"Remember there's a gathering in six months," he explained.
"Oh yes I remember now." She recalled, "You wanted to take me."
She thought for a moment and then realized, "Was this your way to make sure I'd go without protest?"
He laughed and said, "It worked didn't it?"
She playfully hit him saying, "You are such a beast."
Duncan smiled at her catching her hands he said, "Let's see how long we can stay in bed before someone calls."
They both ignored their hunger to enjoy their new intimacy for as long as possible.
Shortly after 8am, the phone rang. Duncan and Beth groaned and parted. He picked up the receiver and said, "Whoever it is I'm not home."
Joe said, "Mac it's me I need to see you as soon as you can get here."
Sitting up Duncan asked, "Tell me what's up?"
"Amanda's gone," Joe replied. "The last thing she told me was about a trap she set for Egan."
He continued with more news, "Methos has been swallowed up inside the watchers compound. There is no way I can get a message to him and I am not sure what they have planned." He then asked "So are you coming by this morning?"
Duncan told him, "Yes I'll be there in one hour is that oaky?"
"Yeah sure and bring some breakfast I'm all out here." Said Joe and hung up the phone.
Duncan told her, "Duty calls," standing up to get ready for a shower then pulling Beth up to kiss her again.
They bumped a few times in the small stall while they showered quickly which was not easy and again the hot water disappeared making them get out.
Then she unpacked her overnight bag to get dressed. He watched her dress with desire still in his heart while he picked out his own clothes from long habit.
Duncan unlocked his little safe and took out some currency and a small box. Handing it to Beth, he told her, "Open it."
She peeked in the box and closed it again telling him, "I can't wear it. It's too beautiful and I'll lose it." She admitted, "I'm not used to rings."
He took the box from her and opened it. Despite all her objections, he put the ring on her finger.
"I want you to have it. It's only a promise ring with the promise that you will think about marrying me." His kisses firmly silenced her protesting.
Then she looked at the tiny stone that sparkled and felt suddenly shy. She nodded her head and said, "I promise."
Picking up her sword and tucking it inside her coat, she imitated Mac with her quick movement.
They both went out the door and when Duncan turned to lock up Beth said, "Race you!" and jumped off the side of the barge to beginning running.
He played along and jumped off the side to run after her but with the head start she reached the car first. Laughing her triumph and turning to Mac as he caught up said, "I win this time."
"Do you want to drive?" He asked her unlocking the door.
She shook her head saying, "I don't know how. I never learned."
Letting her in on the other side, he asked her, "Did you learn to ride the motorcycle with Richie?"
She got in and said, "He tried to teach me but I just wanted to ride on the back."
As he got in and started the car she remarked, "I like to walk. I do a lot of thinking and I have lots of time." Looking out the window as the streets went by she said sadly, "Mortals are always rushing around like they have no time. I try not to get in their way or even be noticed."
He nodded and felt he understood her a little more every day. Now if only getting to Scotland unnoticed that would be that easy.
Duncan stopped at a deli and bought pastries and coffee so he arrived at Joe's place a little late.
When they both walked in Joe took one look and said, "So when is the happy day going to be?"
Duncan hesitantly confessed, "It's not decided," grinning at him saying, "She's only promised to think about it."
Joe asked them, "Do you need my help?" going over to Beth he kissed her cheek and she smiled at him.
Duncan commented, "No I don't need your help."
Rubbing his hands together, he asked, "I'm hungry what did you bring me?"
As they went to the table Beth said, "Pastries and coffee," sitting next to Joe she opened the bag.
Smacking his lips Joe's face lit up and he said, "As long as it's the cream filled ones."
They took out the food and started to eat. Duncan asked Joe, "So what is the reason we're here?"
Joe said, "Methos could become a tool for the watchers. I don't know why they want him but my informant just told me Egan's orders are to make him into some king of Adviser General."
"I don't like the idea of Egan using him like that." Duncan commented.
"Do you think I like the idea of my daughter turning to espionage? Not just an ordinary Watcher/ Historian like me?" asked Joe.
Duncan replied, "I'm sorry Joe you are right. Amy is in this too deep."
Joe continued with, "Notices flew over the Watchers web page about the Gathering. They seem to think they can control this big event."
"There's no way they can control it," said Duncan.
"Whatever their true purpose is you can't let your guard down," cautioned Joe.
Duncan stated, "Since this legendary Gathering is here. McFadden wants my assistance. We're going to Scotland and we have to be there early."
Beth spoke up, "Will we have to accept the challenges of other Immortals who show up early too?"
"No we don't have to accept but if Egan sends someone after us. We may have to fight," he reasoned.
"When did Egan send someone after you?" asked Joe not liking the idea of important things kept from him.
"It was at the park two nights ago. I fought two Immortals," admitted Duncan, "A Watcher said my name was on a list."
Beth spoke up, "Joe I already died twice from two attacks."
Joe swore, "That Egan has some nerve." Fighting back his anger he told them, "I'm trying my best to get the authorities involved. I've written up complaints but so far only one possible reply."
Duncan said, "I'm sorry for not telling you everything right away. I'm still in disbelief that this whole mess is even happening." He added, "I fight and win then that should be the end of it right?"
Joe admitted, "I know I feel that way too. This is terrible timing but I am having a small party tonight to celebrate the opening of the new wing of Blues Hall Of Fame in New York. We can't be there but there is no reason why I'm not going to celebrate. I have been planning this for two months. No one better mess with me tonight."
Duncan and Beth laughed at Joe's display of determination. She said, "I'm sure they wouldn't dare." Then she asked, "Is there anything we can help you with?"
Joe smiled at them and nodded, "Now that you mention it. I have do have a list."
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