It’s the day for Tuesday Tales, with authors writing excerpts based on word or picture prompts. The word prompt this week is arm. My snippet is from a Highlander Romance. Last week we met the historical Highlander, Torsten, and tonight we meet the modern-day heroine, Lana. In later snippets we will hopefully discover how they come together, though they live centuries apart. Visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“I’ve sworn off men, as you know,” Lana bit out from between clenched teeth. “So no trying to set me up with any of Iain’s relatives or lodge pals. Swear.” She held out her pinky.
Sighing with morbid exaggeration, Delphine clasped the pinky with one of her own. “Swear. But, bollocks, Lana, do you know how long these guys have been waiting to meet you?”
“It can’t have been too long, as you invited me to fly over only six weeks ago.”
“Six weeks is a long time in the life of a squab or a bloke from northeast Scotland.”
Lana smiled. “I’ll meet them of course, but please, puhlease, warn them ahead of time that I’m not interested in dating. After Ray, well you know, and then losing Gran, honestly I just can’t get into anything at the moment.”
“Understood. I’m just glad you took me up on my invitation.”
“How could I resist meeting my favorite 7th or 8th cousin? You were so kind to invite me over. Thank you again, Delphine.”
The sea blue eyes widened. “Can you believe we’ve both been involved in sister city centennials for the last three years and just realized we’re related? Thank heaven for Ancestry.”
Lana nodded. “It’s about time we combined efforts and, hey, I expect you to fly to North Carolina next year. Iain, too, if he can get off.”
“I will! I already told Iain it’s a must and that old man Harper can jump off a cliff if he tries to botch it. We just need to save the money. Hold your arm up, will you, before you put on the shawl? I need to fasten that top snap.”
Lana did so and, eyeing her cousin, remarked. “I love these historical costumes. You know, we do look rather alike. The same coloring and body type. It’s amazing really, after so many generations.”
“Yes,” Delphine answered absent-mindedly. Having finished with the snap, she bent over the table, rummaging in a jewelry box. “The common ancestor, Colison Keene, wasn’t it?” Finding what she was looking for, she whirled toward Lana with a grin. “And you’re determined to remain a Keene.”
“Yes, I am. What’s that in your hand?”
“That, dear cousin, is a family heirloom of sorts, a brooch used on an authentic Keene plaid– way back when. It’s yours for tonight. Pin your shawl, and we’ll head toward The Square.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt arm. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2021 Flossie Benton Rogers
I’m looking forward to more of this. It sounds fascinating.
Thanks– I’m pleased it sounds fascinating.
Wonderful excerpt!
Thank you!
Wheeled toward her? Was she in a wheelchair? Hmm, very intriguing. Why do I think all her pronouncements about not dating are totally futile? Why do I think her distant cousin has plans she’s not owning up to? And I’m hoping that’s all true. This will be a delicious story. I hope you plan to continue it.
Hahahaha that was a typo. I’m glad you think it will be a delicious story!
I adore their banter as they get ready. Why do I have a feeling she’s going to meet someone soon? Great job!
I’m glad you adore the banter, Tricia– thanks!
I love their relationship. Long lost cousins untied through Ancestry. I think that’s an awesome premise. And I have a feeling that pin is up to something….. 🙂 Jillian
LOL I hope the pin has some use.