Secrets - Chapter 5

KEN POV

Looking at the time, Ken decides to pop in on Laura to see how breakfast is coming along.

“Good morning Laura, you’re looking lovely as ever today!” He exclaims.

“Oh stop! You're just as excited to have her back as I am. I can see it all over your face!” She touts back.

“Keep your voice down – she might hear you.” Ken whispers nervously.

“Oh posh" she waves her hand “she’s clear at the other side of the lodge taking a shower.”

“How can you be so sure?” He inquires curiously.

“Are you really going to question my intuition after all these years? You could always have a listen for yourself if you don’t believe me.” She says matter-of-factly.

“Absolutely not” he scoffs. “I will not invade her privacy like that. I’ll just go knock on her door and let her know breakfast is nearly ready.”

“It will be on the table when you two come back this way at 9:47,” she winks.

Rolling his eyes at her display, he walks down the hall towards Keegan’s room. Glancing at his watch – 9:44 - There’s no way we’ll be back down here in three minutes.

KEEGAN POV

Feeling refreshed and ready to start her day, Keegan decides to let her hair air dry, and heads to her closet to choose something to wear. Remembering that she will be touring the castle today, she chooses a pair of olive green leggings, a burnt orange camisole, and sneakers. She heads for the bedroom door then remembers -

Oh! My necklace!

Quickly rushing to the bathroom to grab it then out the bedroom door, she’s still fiddling with it as she’s nearly jogging down the hall, not paying attention to where she's going. At the last second she looks up seeing Ken walking towards her, checking his watch. Clearly she's got too much momentum going to stop completely before the collide.

Just then, Ken looks up, assesses the situation, catching her by the arms, spins around with her, then gently places her back down on her feet.

“How did you do that?!” She exclaims.

“Do what?” He asks puzzled. “Ready for breakfast? Laura is expecting – your hair is wet, we’re you just in the shower?”

By the time he finished his question, she forgot she even asked one herself. “Uh yeah – is that a problem?”

“Oh no! Not at all. Just an – observation.” He replies casually.

Walking into the dining hall Laura spots them. “Ah! Right on time and freshly showered I see!” She exclaims sending a knowing look towards Ken.

Checking his watch – 9:47 – and rolling his eyes, he mouths “yeah yeah yeah".

“Are morning showers not a thing in Ireland?” Keegan inquiries genuinely confused.

Holding back a giggle, Laura replies “oh no dear, you can shower any time you like. Just an observation.”

Huh. Two very observant individuals here. Keegan muses to herself.

They all sat down to breakfast and Keegan remembers her lack of cell phone service.

“Oh! I almost forgot. Is there any way to get cell phone reception out here? My best friend is expecting a daily check in from me and I have zero bars.” Keegan asks hopeful.

“No cell service, unfortunately, however, we do have a satellite phone in the commons area you're welcome to use any time. We also have wifi if you'd like to send her an email given the time difference. It’s not so good for wifi calling, but emails do just fine.” Laura replies kindly.

“Thank you so much! I’ll get that info from you after we eat and shoot her a quick message before we head out for the day.” Keegan expresses gratefully.

The rest of the meal was spent in pleasant conversation. Laura, expressing how happy she is to have Keegan at the lodge and Ken, going over their itinerary for the day. He has everything so meticulously planned out.

Wow. I’ve been here less than twenty four hours and I feel like I’ve known them both my whole life.

After breakfast, Keegan sends her check in email to Aleeah, while Ken heads out to the garage and comes back with a golf cart.

“Ready to go? I thought it might be best to drive as it’s a few miles through the forest before we reach the gardens.” He says with a grin.

“Gardens?” She asks.

“Oh yes, they’re as stunning as the day they were planted." He muses admiringly. "We’ve made sure the integrity of the castle and grounds were kept up all these years.” He replies fondly.

“We?” She asks confused and wondering if he's referring to himself and Laura or a whole team given the size of the inn alone.

Realizing what he said, he quickly covers, “yes my family. We have taken care of the estate for centuries to ensure it's integrity was upheld for your arrival. Unfortunately, I’m the only one left.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that. You must have been lonely.” Keegan replies forgetting to ask if there are more workers.

“I’ve had Laura to keep me company. We’ve both been looking forward to your arrival for – ah quite some time.” He chuckles.

“So when am I going to hear more about this prophecy that knows more about my life than I do?” Keegan inquiries.

“I’ll be happy to fill you in this evening over dinner.” He smiles.

Accepting his answer, she smiles in return. That is, until she looks away from him and in front of her.

It was the path from her dream. She sucks in a deep breath and freezes in shock, unable to find any words.

Noticing her behavior, Ken asks “are you alright, did something startle you?”

“Um, where are we, exactly? I had a dr-“ she decides not to share her dream just yet. “Uh what is this place?” She mumbles.

“This is the entrance to the castle garden. Why is something the matter?” He inquires concerned.

Could she…? No. Not yet. He brushes the thought away.