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Chapter Text

“Brianna Ellen! Stand still.”  

“It hurts mama!!” 

“It wouldn't hurt if you would stand still, now, would it?” 

“But I can't stand still because it hurts.” 

I hate when mama has to brush my hair, especially early in the morning before I’ve even had pancakes. Pancakes are my favorite food,

mama says I would live on pancakes and pop tarts if she would allow it. She won't though. Which I feel is highly unfair, considering she suggested the idea to begin with.

Why suggest I only eat pancakes and pop tarts and then not let me? Parents don't make sense sometimes.

Like right now, mama is raking through my curls in an attempt to fix my hair for school and it hurts.... terribly!

So, I move to get away from the brush and mama says if I wouldn't move it wouldn't hurt but it hurt before I moved, that's why I moved.

mama doesn't make a lot of sense most of the time, for a doctor you would think she would know a lot more stuff.

Why do kids have to brush their hair anyways? I sigh in relief because finally, my hair is finished.....at least until tomorrow.  

“Bri where are your stockings?”  

I shrug. “I don't know mama!”  

“Brianna, you have to have them on with your uniform, help me find them, now please!” 

School uniforms, who came up with such a terrible idea?

I think we should be allowed to wear our pajamas to school. Kids would learn a lot better. I know I would, especially if I didn't have to wear this tight scratchy dress

And why are they all the same? Everyone at school wears them. It's a sea of navy-blue dresses and big white bows. Did I mention there are no boys!!

Not even one, daddy says little girls are smarter than little boys so we have our own special school so the boys can't distract us.

I figure Daddy must be right. Because one time there was a little boy at the park, and he shoved me into a mud puddle. But that's not even the worst part, he had the nerve to laugh at me. He wasn't laughing after I shoved him into the duck pond.

Mama wasn't laughing either. She came running toward me with her angry face.  

“Earth to Brianna, we have 15 minutes, where are your stockings.” 

“I don't know mama, can I please just go without them today?” 

“No! You know the rules sweetheart, stockings are required with your uniform, now where are they?”  

Mama is crawling around my room searching under my bed when Daddy walks in laughing.  

“Here they are princess!” he says with a smile.  

“Where did you find them Frank?” mama asks him in her annoyed voice.  

“There were in the laundry, Bri got syrup on them yesterday.” he responded simply.  

“You could have told me that before I spent twenty minutes looking for them Frank." Mama was very upset.

Mama storms away, with her really mad face. This is the face she saves for when she's really mad at Daddy. Mama always seems to be mad at him in the mornings.  

“Brianna! Breakfast!!” mama yells from the kitchen.  

Daddy makes a silly face and motions for me to go. “Hurry along sweetheart, let’s not make mama mad!”  

“Oh, we couldn't possibly make mama mad Daddy, I think she woke up that way.” 

The least mama could do after torturing me this morning with the hairbrush is make pancakes, I was really hoping she would but when I walked into the kitchen, she didn't have anything made.  

“Do you want oatmeal or toast?” she asks impatiently.  

I make a nasty face.  

“Brianna...” she starts.  

Daddy interrupts her, “I’ll make her pancakes Claire, I can be a little late this morning.”  

Mama huffs “well I cannot. I have a surgery at 8:45.”  

“It’s fine dear, I’ll take her to school after we have some breakfast, you head on over and you will have time to grab a coffee before the surgery.” Daddy says sweetly.  

Daddy is always sweet to me and mama. He’s a professor at Oxford university; Daddy is really smart. He says I will be too, when I’m a big girl because he and mama are really smart. Mama is a surgeon; she saves people's lives but sometimes I wish she wasn't a doctor, because I don't get to see her a lot. The hospital calls her all the time for emergencies.  

“Goodbye sweetheart, have a good day at school today! I’ll see you for dinner” mama says quickly as she kisses my forehead.  

“Bye mama!! Have a good day at the hospital!! I love you!!”  

“I love you too lovie” she says and kisses me one more time before walking toward the door.  

“Bye Frank.” She says flatly and shuts the door behind her.  

Daddy makes the best pancakes, sometimes when mama cooks them, she burns them, and they taste icky, but I don't tell her.

Daddy always makes pancakes as big as my plate and smothers them with syrup and butter.  

“Alright sweetheart, eat quickly, we can't have you late for school again.” 

Today at school a 3 rd grader was being mean to my best friend Gail.

Gail is shy and a lot of the girls at school pick on her because she wears glasses. The big girls are always mean to us.

Gail and I are in first 1 st grade. Usually when they pick on Gail, I tell the teacher but today, there wasn't a teacher close by.

The 3 rd graders are taller than Gail, but mama says I’m tall for my age, so they aren't much bigger than me.

I shoved the girl away from Gail, and she shoved me back, so then I hit her in the face, and she cried.

Can you believe that? I hit a 3 rd grade girl in the face and made her cry! Maybe now she will leave us alone.  

“Brianna Randall” screams an angry teacher down the hall. “principal's office now missy!”  

Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. Mama is going to be so mad at me.  

“I called the hospital Mrs. Branch, but Brianna’s mother is in surgery, her father said he can be on the way after his first class.” the secretary calls toward the Mrs. Branch’s office.

“Alright Brianna, you can wait here until your father arrives. Do you have a book to read, or shall I grab you one from the front office?” She asks before stepping out into the hall.  

“Yes ma’am, I have a book in my backpack.” 

An hour later I hear Daddy at the window asking for me, so I pack up my backpack and walk out to receive my punishment.

He doesn't speak to me at first, he only smiles slightly.

We walk to the car in silence; I jump in and buckle my seat belt as Daddy shuts my door and walks to the driver's side.

When his door shuts behind him, I’m sure he's about to fuss at me but he doesn't.  

He exhaled loudly “what happened?”  

“One of the big girls was being mean to Gail again. They were making fun of her glasses again daddy and she was crying.” 

“Why did you not go find a teacher like I told you Brianna?” He asks softly with a slight edge.  

“I tried too Daddy!! No one was there and I didn't want to leave Gail there crying so I shoved the girl away from her.”  

“Mrs. Branch said you punched her, are you telling me you only shoved her?”  

“No sir. I shoved her first but then she shoved me hard and I accidentally fell into Gail. I was so mad at her.” 

“Then what happened?” he prompted.  

“I hit her in the face.” I said in a low voice. “I made her cry! I hit a big girl and made her cry!!” I added in a very excited tone.

Daddy didn't like that; his head snapped toward me.   “Brianna Ellen.” he said sternly.  

“But Daddy, she made Gail cry! So, I made her cry. FAIRS FAIR.” I huff and cross my arms on my chest.  

“Brianna, you know your mother and I don’t see it like that, you can't solve your problems with your fists.” 

Daddy was really angry at me, we didn't talk for the rest of the drive home and he sent me to my room as soon as we arrived.

I heard him talking to mama on the phone and I think she's coming home early. I didn't mean to make them mad; I just wanted to protect Gail.  

Chapter Text

The force of front door being slammed shut rattled the pictures hanging on the wall of our entry wall, I could hear her heavy footsteps coming up the stairs but when she reached my door, she stopped suddenly, and a few seconds passed before I heard mama turning the knob to come in my room.

She doesn't say anything at first, but she has her really angry face on.

She just looks at me for a minute and it scares me (in that way mom's scare you with their serious mad "mom" face), so I start crying.

I didn't mean to, I don't like to let people see me cry, but I don't want mama to be mad at me.

I only wanted to help Gail.

Mama wraps me in her arms, and I can feel her kiss my hair, I always feel better when she holds me, and it makes it easier to stop crying.

When I cry, she holds me like this, in her arms and she rubs my hair and rocks me until I feel better.

She says some funny words while we rock but I don't know what they mean. She says they are calming words that always worked for her when she was scared or sad.

She must be right because they always make me feel better. I feel safe.  

“Daddy told me what happened. I understand you wanted to keep your friend safe Bri, but you must remember we can't just go around hitting people when we're mad.” 

I hate when I get the sniffles from crying, I can barely talk. “I....Kn-ow....Ma-Ma...I’m so-so-sorry"  

Mama is still rubbing my hair away from my forehead “I know you meant well lovie, but this can’t happen again. Do you understand me?” 

“y-es ma’am. Its wo-nt happ-en again. promise.” I struggled to say through sniffles. 

"let's not talk about it anymore with Daddy, ok?"

"uh-huh" I cover my mouth and whine before I try again. " Ok."

“Alright then, let’s go downstairs and have some dinner, what do ya say?” 

I just nod my head because trying to talk like this is so frustrating.

When mama and I walked into the kitchen it smelled delicious, Daddy was sitting at the table waiting for us.

He had cooked dinner when we got home and had already set the table while mama came to talked to me. 

“Everything squared away then?” he asked. 

“Yep. Everything's fine. Right Brianna?” mama says flatly. 

“Uh huh” I ask quickly, not looking at Daddy. 

He clears his throat, and I know exactly what that means, so I try again.  

“Yes mama, everything is fine.” I’m not sniffling now, so my words come out clear again. Daddy doesn't like it when I don't use my manners, he says “uh huh” is not a word and should not be used like one. 

At bedtime mama lays in bed with me so we can talk about our day and then she reads me a book and turns on my nightlight before climbing in bed with me.

Sometimes mama has bad dreams, and I wake up to her tossing and turning.

Some nights she wakes up with tears in her eyes. She talks in her sleep too.

I can't always understand what she says because she's just repeating our calming words but when I can understand her, she says different things. 

"Lallybroch" is one that she says a lot, but she says it kind of funny.

Some nights she cries real tears, and I hear her screaming for "Faith", mama says Faith is my big sister, but she is in Heaven.

I never met her, but mama says she looked just like me. I wish she was here with me and mama.

The girls at school pick on me for having red hair, but maybe if my big sister was here and she had red hair like mine they wouldn't pick on both of us. Most of the girls at my school have blonde or brown hair, mama doesn't even have red hair like me.

I don't like it when mama cries in her sleep but If I snuggle her tightly, she usually stops.

she even sounds angry in her sleep sometimes like she does when she's fussing with daddy, but she just keeps repeating “you bloody Scot!” over and over. We don't know any Scots, but daddy talks about them a lot. He and mama argue about it too.

I wish I could ask mama about her dreams, but I don't want to make her sad.

The next morning, I wake up to the smell of pancakes and bacon, so I stumbled my way down the stairs.  

“Good morning, Miss Bri” says a deep voiced man. 

“UNCLE JOE!!” I shouted as I ran into the kitchen toward him!

Uncle Joe is mama’s best friend from work; they met when they went to school together. He is a surgeon like mama.

“Hey there kiddo!” Joe says as he squeezes me tightly.  

“What are you doing here uncle joe?” 

“Well...your mama sent me over to keep you busy today" he raised his eyebrows at me, "I heard you got into a little trouble at school and couldn't go in today.” 

I huff playfully at him. “I can't go for the rest of the week.” 

“You made a big girl cry?” he asks me with excitement. 

“Uh huh.” I say before I place my hand over my mouth. “Jesus H. Christ. I’m sorry Joe.” 

Joe fans the air like it isn't a big deal, but I try again, “Yes, sir I did make a big girl cry.” 

Joe laughs as he pats my shoulder and says, “let's have some breakfast and you can tell me all about it.” 

Uncle Joe stayed with me all day today, he even made us dinner before mama came home from work.

The conversation at the dinner table tonight was very different than usual. Joe stayed to eat with us, and he and mama were making a plan for the rest of the week when Daddy interrupted them by saying, “I had a last-minute opportunity come up at work today. They need me to go to Scotland for the rest of the week, and I can return home on Sunday.” Mama looked furious, that’s worse than her “angry face”, It’s even worse than her "really mad face.” 

“Scotland!! Can I go? Please Daddy? I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland like you and mama!! PLEASEEEEE?” I ask in pure excitement jumping up from my seat at the table and rushing over to him.  

Mama looks from me to Daddy but says nothing. 

“Mama please can I go? I’ll be really good, I promise!!!” I walk over to stand beside her and beg. 

She starts shaking her head “I can’t get the time off; I have a really important surgery this week Frank.”  I frown.

“I can take Bri alone. You can stay here in Boston.” he suggests, and I smile widely.

“But she’s never been to Scotland Frank, I’d like to be there with her.” Mama says with an edge of something in her voice that I don't understand.

So, I sit back down quietly looking between the two of them as they talk. 

“I know that Claire, but she has an opportunity to go now, and you are busy with work. Brianna and I can go together, and you won't have to worry about anyone watching her this week while she's home from school. I don't see the problem.” 

Mama makes a funny face and snaps “you don't see the problem?” 

But before I could hear Daddy's response Uncle Joe takes me upstairs to get ready for bed. I begged him to let me stay at the table but mama and Daddy both quickly snapped “no!”  

I woke up in the middle of the night, Mama was in my bed, and she was having a really bad dream.

“Don’t make me go Jamie!” she cried. “I know I promised but please DON’T MAKE ME GO.”

This dream was different; I’ve never seen her cry like this. I wrap my arms around her tightly and whisper “it’s ok Mama, I’m here, you’re safe”

I wish I knew mama’s calming words because she took a long time to stop crying tonight. 

Chapter Text

My first time on an airplane was kind of scary, but also kind of fun, Daddy held my hand during takeoff and landing, but I really missed Mama. Last night before bed she told me all about airplanes and how they work, she said they can go up to 40,000 feet in the air and can get us places much faster than cars. When she was a little girl, she said she went on a flight all by herself. Mama is so brave.

When I play outside the airplanes in the sky look so small, I thought they were like big birds, until I seen one in person. These things are huge!!

When mama dropped us off at the airport this morning, I tried really hard to be brave like her, I didn't want to cry and make her sad, but I think she could tell I was holding back my tears. Mama always knows.

CLAIRE POV

Claire crotched down in front of her daughter, smoothing her shirt, adjusting her pigtails, and pushing curls from her eyes, all in an attempt not to cry. She wanted to stay strong for Brianna. She wanted her to have a fun trip even if it was without her.  

Claire pulled one of Brianna’s braided pigtails to the front, placing it on her chest, then reaching for the other one to do the same. “Beautiful!” she said with a teary-eyed smile.  

“Absolutely beautiful Bree”, Claire kissed her daughter's forehead before pulling her into a tight hug, “I love you sweetheart. Have fun with Daddy and call me every night, ok?”  

Her daughter looked up at her, the last remnants of the round-faced toddler she was a few years ago still visible before her, her blue eyes, glassy with unshed tears, that pierced right through Claire's heart.

“uh huh.” Brianna muttered while she looked down at her feet “I love you too mama.” Claire lifted her daughters chin with her forefinger, to look right into her beautiful eyes.

“Scotland is wonderful, and Daddy knows all the best spots, you're going to have so much fun that you'll be home before you know it.” Claire kissed both of those sweet freckle cheeks, making funny noises as she did. Brianna smiled widely, giggling through her sadness.

“Now, it’s time for you and Daddy to go lovie, I’ll stand right over there” she turned and pointed toward a big glass window looking out toward the airplanes “until I can't see your plane anymore.” Brianna nodded and smiled at her mother before turning to grab Frank's hand and board their plane. In that very last second before she was out of Claire’s sight she turned and waved, her little chubby fingers wiggling madly in the air.  

BRIANNA POV 

Daddy took me to our bed and breakfast right after we left the airport. “Mrs. Baird's” is the same place he and mama stayed when they visited Scotland for their second honeymoon. This doesn't look like any hotel I’ve ever stayed in, Mrs. Baird's looks like an old person’s house. There’s floral wallpaper and a huge canopy bed, dusty floor-length floral print drapes and lamps everywhere. When I told Daddy that, he said I wasn't minding my manners. I don't know why he got so mad, I didn't tell Mrs. Baird that it looked like an old lady’s house, I only told daddy.

I think Daddy just likes to sound fancy.  

Daddy gets so excited when he talks about Scottish history, he could talk about it for hours. Not to brag or anything but I probably know more about Culloden than the average 7-year-old in the US, maybe even in Scotland. Most kids would be bored listening to his stories, but I have always loved hearing them. Something about them just feels special.

Today we are going to Culloden moor. I’m most excited to see the museum, it is full of things from the '45- Jacobite rising. I've heard they have broad swords that would stand taller than the kindergarteners at my school. There are also letters there that were written by the Bonny Prince Charlie. Anytime Daddy talks about Culloden, he and Mama argue about Prince Charles, Daddy says he was very important to the rising and the history of the '45, but mama says he was an ignorant man who led the highlanders to their doom. Mama is funny when she starts talking about him, she never calls anyone stupid but when the Bonny Prince comes up, she does. She laughs and changes her voice to sound like him before she says, "Mark me, The Bonny Prince was a bloody fool, not a hero!"

I got to walk on Culloden field; it was very sad looking at the different clan stones. Something about being there made me want to cry and miss mama all over again.

The next day, Daddy and I visited fort William, fort Garrison and We explored a kirkyard called “St. Kilda's" after lunch. It wasn't very interesting to me, not like Culloden moor or fort William but Daddy was really excited to look for his ancestor's headstone, so we walked down all the rows for what felt like forever. My legs were aching, and I was just about to go back and wait on daddy in the car when I saw a stone that had mama’s name on it.  

“Daddy! Look this one has mama’s name on it” I shout as I plop down in the grass, beside the stone, tracing the letters with my fingers “beloved husband of Claire, see Daddy!!”  

“I see that sweetheart, that is your mother's name. What are the chances?” 

“James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser” I read slowly out loud to him, “boy! He has a lot of names, doesn't he?” I asked Daddy.  

“That he does. A lot of bloody names.” Frank said dryly with bitter distaste written clearly on his face.  

“I remember seeing a clan stone on Culloden moor with his clan on it” I say excitedly “would he be Clan Mackenzie or Clan Fraser?” I ask inquisitively.  

“I'm not sure sweetheart; come along It’s time to leave.” 

Daddy seemed really upset on the drive back to St. Kilda's and barely spoke.

I called mama after dinner and told her all about our day, she still sounded sad. I wish she was here with me. Thinking about her sleeping alone tonight makes me sad and I fight to hold back tears, so I rush to change the subject.  

“Mama today we went to Culloden field. You'll never guess who I saw! They had a life size figurine of the bonny prince there; he looked so funny!” 

“Bloody fool he was, and they treat him like a hero.” she snapped.

“Daddy still thinks he is a hero.”

mama laughs “A hero wouldn't have hid behind the Scots.”  

We went to this kirkyard afterward, I cup my hands around the phone and whisper, "It was really boring, but Daddy wanted to find Blackjack's headstone."

Mama snorted "I can imagine it was lovie."

“While we were there, I seen a stone with this name on it, it was a very long name, but he had two clan names. I ask what clan he would have been in, but Daddy said he didn't know, do you?” 

"hmm, in the past children were named after family and often times had several names, unlike now when we typically only have a first middle and last name."

"He had FIVE names mama!" 

“FIVE? goodness, well most likely the one clan's name was his mother's birth clan, and last clan name would be his father's clan’s- which would be the clan he would refer to as his clan. Do you remember his name? I can help you better if you do.” she explained.  

"uh-huh, his name was James, Alexander" I stop for a minute picturing the gravestone in my head. "James Alexander Malcolm...."

"Mackenzie Fraser" Mama finished for me.

“Hey! how did you know?" I ask her "does that mean his mother was part of clan Mackenzie?”  

Mama gasped loudly. So, I stopped talking for a second before I repeated myself.  

“So, his mother was clan Mackenzie? And his father was clan Fraser? Is that right?” 

Mama didn't answer right away. I thought she hung up, so I said “mama?”  

“Yes sweetheart. You are exactly right. So, his clan's name was Fraser.” mama answered softly.  

“And, clan Mackenzie was his family too?” I ask.  

“Uh huh. Exactly.” she exhaled loudly into the phone “I have to go lovie, the hospital is calling me. Mama loves you!”  

Daddy and I only have one more day left in Scotland and we’re spending it sightseeing. There are so many castles in Scotland, we’ve visited several today. We were driving by yet another big stone castle when something caught my eye, I barely seen it as he drove by.  

“WAIT!” I squeal.  

“What Brianna you can't just scream like that when I’m driving” he fusses.  

I started opening my door to get out of the car, Daddy was yelling for me to wait but I couldn't. I had to see if I really saw what I thought I did. I ran toward the big stone arch and froze in astonishment “JESUS H ROOSEVELT CHRIST!” I shout.  

Daddy catches up and comes over fussing “Brianna Ellen you cannot just run off like that, especially not in the middle of the road!”  

I look around exaggeratedly spreading out my arms “there are no cars here daddy!”  

“I see that dear, but you have to be careful” 

I point to the archway “look!”  

Daddy looks up at the stone to see what I’m pointing at, “Fraser” he read out loud.  

“Lallybroch!! It’s Lallybroch!!” I jump and squeal!! "Can we go look at it?" I ask eagerly.

Daddy said we didn't have time to look around Lallybroch ,   he got really mad all of a sudden and rushed us to the car.

Chapter Text

Daddy wants to visit “the stones.”  Thats what he keeps calling them anyway, Mrs. Graham told me they are called Craigh nu dun, she says it’s a fairy hill!  

When I met the Reverend and Mrs. Graham this week I got to play with the reverend's son Rogar, and he said he has heard many stories about the stones, but he doesn't think I’ll find any fairies. I plan to prove him wrong! 

“Do you think we will see the fairies at the stones?” I ask Daddy excitedly. 

“Hmm? Fairies?” he asked confused. 

“Rogar and Mrs. Graham said there are fairies in the stone circle.” 

“Oh no sweetheart, that's just Scottish folklore. You can't believe that. Fairies are fictional objects.” 

I cross my arms on my chest, Daddy doesn't believe either. Has he never seen Tinkerbell? Fairies are real! You just have to catch them off guard and you have to be fast!! 

Daddy pulls to a stop at the bottom of the hill, directly beside another car. He motions for me to go ahead and get out, when I do I see the woman in the other car get out of her car and into Daddy's. I decide to explore while I wait for Daddy. This place is wonderful. Mama would love all of the flowers; there are so many here. And bees!

Tons of bees.

There must be a hive nearby, the bees are loud.

"Wait! What if that is the sound of fairy wings?” I think to myself. 

Daddy isn't looking so I run up the hill. The noise is getting louder and louder.

There has to be fairies around here somewhere, I reach into my jacket pocket and get my jar ready.  

“Where are they?” I ask myself as I wonder around the stones.

It’s louder over here. I walk toward the center rock and place my hand on it to lean to look behind it, 

CLAIRE POV 

My hands are throbbing as I’m opening and closing them in a sad attempt to bring feeling back into them. I just finished a 9-hour surgery, I can barely keep my eyes open. I’m exhausted, but I’m making my way to the doctor's lounge. As I pass by the nurse's station an older lady yells “Dr. Randall, your husband called while you were in the OR, he would like for you to call him back at your earliest convenience.”  

 I wave in acknowledgment “Thank you Glenda!”  

On the next floor I passed another nurse's station “Dr. Randall!!” she yells as she waves me down “Mr. Randall called you earlier, I told him you were in the OR.”  

she turns to walk away but turns to add, “call him when you get a chance, he said it’s urgent!”  

I nod my head “Thank you Mildred.”  

I can feel my heart rate picking up as my anxiety begins to run away with me.

I’m walking faster, no longer exhausted from the surgery, I round the corner,

and Joe Abernathy is running toward me in a panic.

“What is it Joe...TELL ME!!” 

He trying to catch his breath “frank called...”  

I interrupt him in my frustration “I fucking know Frank called, what happened? Is Brianna, ok?”  

Joe is still panting as he nods his head. “I'm so sorry LJ, Frank said She is missing!”  

A sharp intense pain shoots through my head,  

my vision goes black, and my brain is silent. 

“Claire!” I hear someone calling my name, but it sounds like I’m under water... 

“Claire!” the voice sounds a little closer, clearer.  

“Claire!! Frank is on the phone.” I can still hear the panic in Joe's voice.

Frank! Bloody fucking Frank.

In my confusion I’m trying to remember why I’m angry with Frank.  

 B*R*I*A*N*N*A 

HE LOST MY DAUGHTER!! 

BRIANNA IS MISSING. 
 

“CLAIRE!!” 

“Joe?” I mumble as I push my way out through the haze. 

“Frank is on the phone Claire; you have to get up.” Joe says urgently.

”Frank?” Claire mumbled. 

I open my eyes, and Joe is hovering over me with fear written across his face. 

Joe starts helping Claire to her feet, “here let’s go in my office LJ, you can talk to him there.” 

“Put him on speaker” I tell Joe. 

“Claire?” Frank asks, his voice filled with worry. 

“Where is she Frank? This can't be real, where is Brianna.” 

“We were visiting Craigh na.....” 

A high-pitched scream escapes my body, and I don't let him finish his sentence. 

“You took my daughter to the fucking stones FRANK? What is wrong with you? You know what happens there!!” 

“We were sightseeing....” he says in a weak attempt at an explanation.

“You took BRIANNA to the bloody stones? Are you insane?” 

Claire takes the phone off speaker and sits down at Joes desk. 

Brianna has been missing for over 24 hours.

There are no flights to Scotland available for the next 3 days.

There is nothing I can do, I'm stuck in Boston for the next three days, so I send a list of things for Frank to prepare in the meantime.

As soon as my feet touch Scottish soil I will be racing toward the stones. No second thoughts.

Everything needs to be ready, I can't wait any longer, my daughter has been on the other side of those bloody stones for FIVE DAYS. 

Five days have passed since Brianna went through the stones.

Claire arrived in Scotland, changed into 18th century attire and ran as fast as her legs would take her up the hill, shoving Frank out of the way.

It took her several minutes to realize what was happening.

She touched the stones and She's still feet away from frank.

She slams her hands into the stones repeatedly, nothing happens!

Everything is silent except for Claire's screams and the sound of her skin splitting with the force of her blows as she continues hitting the stones.

“I can't hear them!” she growls in anger “Jesus H Roosevelt Christ, I can't bloody hear them!!!”  

Claire falls to her knees in the grass below the tallest stone, her hands bloody and her face streaked with tears as she screams and begs the stone to take her to Brianna. Minutes turn into hours before Claire finally stands to her feet and hurls herself at frank. 

"This is all your fault you bloody bastard!! Why would you bring her here? I told you what happened to me, now Brianna is on the other side of this fucking stones ALONE!!!"

Frank simply replies, "I didn't believe you."

"How could you be so irresponsible?" She punched Frank as hard as she could, knocking him back onto the grass before falling to her knees and screaming uncontrollably.

Chapter Text

The scruffy and worn old man sat on his knees at the foot of the tallest stone, in the stone circle,  

“Claire, can you hear me? I dinna ken how these wee stones work. I dinna ken if you can hear me or if ye will ever ken what I’m about to say.”

The man places his hand on the cold hard surface of the stone as he looks down at the flowers planted at the base of it. 

“Claire, I miss ye dearly and I wonder about the bairn every day, is he safe? Was he born safely? What happened with Faith weighs heavy on my heart still. I never thought I’d live to see another day after I stepped foot on that damned battlefield. I never expected to have to live with the pain of losing you. I canna sit back and watch Jamie missing ye anymore. He’s living in a fucking cave, he rarely comes out, he needs ye. He’s lost without ye here. Come home Claire! Please Christ, come home!” Murtagh begged and pleaded.  He camped by those stones for over a week, and he went back to beg for her every single day. 

Until one foggy morning he was jolted from sleep by a commotion near the stones. He wandered over quietly to see what had happened. [Maybe Claire came back] he thought, but as he peeked around the edge of one of the stones, he didn't see Claire.

Just there laying in the grass was a wee lassie, her red hair fanned across the grass, her pale round face dotted with rain drops and her wee clothes soaked through. Murtagh could see the rise and fall of her chest from where he was standing and he rushed over. He felt frantically for a pulse like Claire had taught him, and found it slow and steady. He attempted to wake the lass but she never even flinched. Lifting her into his arms he carried her back to his camp, wrapped her snug in his tartan and stoked the fire.

The wee lass was shivering from the cold; her lips were slightly tinted blue. The lass slept soundly that whole day, so just before the sun set Murtagh ventured off to find some dinner. As he approached the camp, he worried that she may have awoken and took off but it was dark outside now so he hoped she wouldn't leave the fire. The lass was in the same spot he had left her in, still sound asleep. Murtagh cooked his rabbits over the fire while he watched her but she was still out cold. He checked her pulse one more time before calling it a night himself.

Murtagh thought he was dreaming, when he heard a wee voice across the field from him. 

“Mama!” she screamed! “Mama. Where are you? I’m scared” she cried.

The high pitch screams yanked Murtagh from dreamland into reality and he was across the field in a matter of seconds. 

“It’s ok lass, dinna cry!” he said in a soft almost whisper. “I can help ye. You are safe with me. Dinna be scared.”  

The little girl jumped in shock at the sight of the gruffy old man, he was hardly visible through the fog and early morning light.

His appearance looked scary but something in his eyes told Brianna she could trust him.  

“I need to find my mama” she cried. 

“Aye! We will find her then, where is yer mam?” he asked cautiously 

“She’s in Boston!!” the little girl wailed. 

“Boston?” he asked her, confusion obvious in his voice. “Where is yer Da then?”  

“He was here with me. Down there.” she pointed toward the bottom of the fairy hill “he was in our car, talking to Sandy. NOW HE’S GONE! He left me!!” She burst into a fresh wave of tears. 

Murtagh had no idea what this lass was going on about. Car? Sandy? Boston? None of this made sense. 

Then in his memory he remembered a sassenach lassie, running through the woods, lost, scared and saying strange things just like the wee lassie. 

“What is yer name lass?” he asked her patiently. 

“Brianna.” She sniffled. “Brianna Ellen Randall.”  

Murtagh’s mind was running a million miles a minute. The wee lass sitting before him not only reminded him of the stray sassenach he captured many years before, but she looked oddly familiar.

Her long red curls damp from the grass were blowing in the wind and her tear-stained blue eyes looked him straight in the face with such sadness. She was heartbroken. 

Then it clicked and he remembered, many moons ago he sat side by side with a wee red-headed lad, with those same tear-stained eyes, brokenhearted by the loss of his mother and looking to Murtagh for guidance. 

Her blue eyes stared at him intently, as the sniffles ripped through her body. She sobbed and cried. “I just want my mama sir. Can you help me?”  

Murtagh reached toward her slowly as to not frighten her again “aye lass, I think I can help ye.”  

Brianna ran toward him, wrapping the man tightly in her arms as she wept. Her whole body shaking from the fear and cold. He wrapped his tartan around her tightly, holding her close as she cried.

It came so natural to him, he didn't realize he was doing it until the lass mumbled through her tears, “you know my mama’s calming words?”  

Murtagh had unconsciously been swaying with the girl in his arms, wiping the damp hair from her forehead and softly whispering in Gaelic. 

“Calming words?” he asked. 

“Uh huh, my mama says those kinds of words to me when I’m sad” she clapped her hand to her mouth suddenly. “I’m so sorry sir.” she apologized. 

“For what lass ye havena done anything?” Murtagh looked more than confused.

“My daddy says it rude to say uh huh when you're talking to people and I did but I didn't mean too. I’m sorry.” 

Murtagh made a loud Scottish noise in his throat that soundly oddly like “uhhum”. 

 “There nothing wrong with that lass. Dinna apologize.” 

The little girl shook with laughter in his arms. “what's funny a nighean?” Murtagh grumbled. 

“That noise you made.” she giggled.

“And you talk funny!” she said with a scrunched face.

His eyebrows furrowed “ye talk funny.” he said with a joking smile. 

They sat down on the ground together in uncontrollable laughter before Murtagh could finally speak again. 

“Tell me lass, what is yer mam’s name?” 

“Dr. Randall.” Brianna said proudly before clarifying “Dr. Claire Randall”  

“she's a healer then?” he questioned. 

“Mama is a surgeon.” Brianna spouted with excitement. 

“Ach, she always was.” Murtagh smiled at the memory. 

Brianna eyes grew wide “you know my mama?”  

“Aye I ken yer mam and yer da.” He said in reassurance. 

“Daddy is a teacher at Oxford.” she offered. 

Murtagh huffed. “a teacher? Is that right?” he stood to his feet, holding his hand out to help Brianna up. “Ye ken how to ride a horse, Brianna?”  

Her face lit up with excitement “no sir, but I’ve always wanted too!! Daddy says they aren't safe, and he wouldn't let mama take me riding.” she pouted. 

The man shook his head in decision, “ye can call me Murtagh a nighean, and seeing as how yer Da issna’ here, yer about to get yer first horseback riding lesson!”  

Brianna jumped up and down with excitement as she followed the man back to his camp site. 

“ye hungry Brianna?” He grumbled as he stoked the fire. “Ye slept all day yesterday.”  

“uh huh!” she answered. Followed immediately by her hand flying straight to her mouth. 

Murtagh made another Scottish noise in his throat, this one even louder than the first and Brianna giggled. 

Brianna POV 

The man sitting across the fire from me looks different than anyone I’ve ever seen. He isn't wearing a suit like Daddy always does, instead the clothes he is wearing are dirty and torn. He doesn't shave his face like daddy does either, this man's face is covered in dirty brown hair. His actual hair is in tangles, I bet he couldn't sit still if Mama tried to brush his hair either. He also really needs a bath. Despite his appearance, the man, Murtagh he called himself, is very nice. He talks really funny, and he makes me laugh. I don't know why but I feel safe with him. Daddy probably wouldn't want me talking to him, but I trust Murtagh already.

We’re sitting by his campfire when he hands me a plate with what appeared to be a shriveled easter bunny and I gasped, almost letting it slide off of the plate. Murtagh just narrowed his eyes at me and said “ye will get used to it, yer mam did.” and then handed me something else instead “Bannocks fer now then?” he asked. 

I just nodded my head and took a bite; thankful I didn't have to eat the rabbit. [Where am I? Why doesn't Murtagh have a house and a stove. Or PANCAKES] I thought to myself as I chewed the hard bread and watched Murtagh pack up his camp site. Once everything was packed away and the fire was extinguished, He helped me climb onto his horse before climbing up behind me.  

“ye ready a nighean?" He said with a slight chuckle. 

I scrunch up my nose at him before asking “what does that mean? A nighean?" I stumbled over the pronunciation. 

“A nighean is Gaelic for lass” He explained “and ye said it verra well to not be Scottish.” Murtagh smiled widely at the girl, knowing good and well she was in fact very Scottish. He wondered to himself [why Claire never told the lass about Jamie.]

“hmph, a nighean.” she said trying out the word. “I like it, tell me another one!”  

“Leannan-means sweetheart” the man muttered.  

“leannan” she repeated. 

Murtagh was quite proud of her pronunciations, she sounded even more like a true Scot 

“Mo chridhe-means my heart”  

Brianna got really excited, waving her arms around in the air and turned in the saddle to face him, “I’ve heard that one before!! It’s one of the words mama says a lot, did you teach them to her?”  

Murtagh shook his head in response, “nay a nighean, I think yer mam learned that one from my godson.”  

She looked at him with amazement in her eyes, “your godson? What's his name? Will I get to meet him?” she rapid-fired her questions at him. 

“Aye, his name is Jamie and that's where we are headed now, I would like fer ye to meet him. maybe he can help us find yer mam.” 

Brianna didn't ask any more about Jamie, but as they continued their journey she tried to remember if she had ever heard her mama talk about him. She felt like she had heard his name before but couldn't remember where. 

For the next hour Murtagh taught her new Gaelic words, and she would practice saying them.

Until Brianna fell asleep in his arms. 

Chapter Text

Brianna and Murtagh rode for what felt like days to the little girl. She had never ridden a horse before, and she was tired of sitting.

They were on the very last stretch of their journey when she finally had enough.  

“Murtagh?” she called to the man.  

“Uh huh.” he said with a smile that she could feel in her hair.  

“I always thought riding a horse would be fun.” 

“uh huh” he prompted.  

“It stopped being fun two days ago.” she deadpanned.  

An uncontrollably loud laugh escaped his lips and Brianna turned in the saddle to look at him. “That wasn't a joke Murtagh” she whined “can I please walk?”  

“Aye lass we can walk a bit.” The man dismounted and helped her off the horse.  

The second her feet hit the ground she shouted, “Jesus H Roosevelt Christ, my bottom hurts, does yours?”  

Murtagh roared with laughter, she had asked the question like it was a completely normal thing to ask a man she had barely met.  

“Nay lass, my ass is tough as leather, I’ve been riding horses all ma’ life” he chuckled.  

She groaned in pleasure “it feels so good to be off that horse” then quickly ran to place a hand sweetly on its snout “It’s not you Thistle, you are a great horse, promise!”  

“Aye, she’s verra bonny” Murtagh replied  

Brianna looked back at him with mischief in her eyes “verra bonny indeed.”  

The two of them laughed out loud at that. Murtagh couldn't remember the last time he laughed, Brianna had really lightened his mood, and he was hoping she would do the same for Jamie when they found him.  

Jamie POV 

It has been days since I’ve been home to Lallybroch and I know it’s time. I need to go out and hunt for the family before I go that way tonight.

I do a quick check of the area outside of the cave entrance before stepping out then slowly and quietly make my way down the mountain side. When I’m outside of the cave I have to keep a close eye on my surroundings to avoid any unwanted attention that could cause the redcoats to come back to this area searching for me again, it’s only been two days since they tore through here last.

My ears are always listening for anything out of the ordinary so I could barely miss the laughter coming for the trail down below me.

I thought it may have been one of Jenny’s bairns but they wouldn't be out here so close to sunset, not without Jenny or Ian.

I listen closer as I make my way further down the mountain to investigate.

Coming over the top of the trail illuminated by the sun behind them is my Godfather Murtagh and a wee lassie laughing and carrying on as they walk side by side. The lass isn't one of Jenny’s bairns and I don't think I’ve ever met her before, so I watch and wait a little longer. The lass looks to be pretty young, and she's smiling wildly at something Murtagh said. I've never known the man to talk as much as he is with her right now and I can probably count on one hand the number of times he's smiled that genuinely.

The man looks truly happy!

I move a little closer in an attempt to see her better. She has long red hair that is flowing around her in wild curls. I chuckle thinking of my sassenach and her wild curls, they were always a mess, but they were beautiful. She and Murtagh are almost within reach when I see the lass dart behind him as she shouts, “Jesus H Roosevelt Christ”.

My heart skipped a beat and started beating so loud I couldn't hear any more of the conversation, my mind is running wild.

Somehow my heart knows before I can process the conclusion I just came too. The lass is my bairn, but why is she with Murtagh and where is Claire?

I whistle and Murtagh froze immediately, only looking around as he whistled back.  

BRIANNA POV 

I scrunch up my nose and look over at Murtagh who is whistling, “I thought you said we had to be quiet out here.”  

another whistle cut through the silence of the trees, Murtagh responded by repeating it.  

“Aye lass we do, that's why we’re whistling and no talking” he answered with big giant eyes that said “WE ARENT talking”  

“oop sorry!” she responded but it came out muffled from behind her hand.  

Murtagh had tied up their horse and was leading Brianna up a steep hill.  

“I don't like this game anymore. My legs hurt” she huffed “and I don't know how to whistle.” she said with a tiny stomp of her foot and crossed arms.  

“Come on now a nighean we’re almost there.” he whisper shouted back.

“There where?” she whined impatiently.  

Murtagh didn't answer her, he only kept pushing up the hill. She had no choice but to follow him and she wasn't happy about it.

Brianna was too busy whining to notice that the man had stopped walking, and she ran right into the back of him.  

“Jesus H Christ Murtagh!" She huffed. “I’m really trying to keep my manners but....”

She stopped talking abruptly and stood semi hid by Murtagh,

directly in front of them was a very large man. Brianna was shocked. She had never seen anyone as big as him.

She narrowed her eyes at him before saying “you sir are a very big man.” Then looking up at Murtagh she asked in a whisper, “Is this your Godson? Is this Jamie”  

“Aye, a nighean this is my Godson. James Fraser” Murtagh said in introduction.

Brianna stretched as tall as she could and whispered, “is he nice, cause he looks nice but he's really big and a little scary?”  

Murtagh nodded “Jamie here is as nice as they come, he just needs a good shave and a bath”  

Brianna glared at him “you could use the same, AYE?”  

Jamie and Murtagh both burst into laughter at her joke.  

“Oh aye, yer a witty one like yer mam huh, Brianna?” Murtagh said as he choked back his laughter.  

That was all the confirmation she needed before stepping out from behind him and extending her hand out to Jamie, “I’m Brianna Ellen Randall” she said in a cheerful voice. Jamie took her hand into his and instead of shaking it, he kissed her knuckles, and she giggled happily.

“James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser” he said with a bow.  

 Brianna gasped loudly and her eyes doubled in size. "but..you’re dead.” she said dramatically.  

 “Not yet lass, alive and well.” he said as he motioned up and down his body. “As ye can see, aye? "Jamie joked, trying to lighten the mood.

She squinted her eyes again “but...Daddy and I saw your headstone at St. Kilda's.”  

She gasped again before continuing to speak so fast that the men could barely kept up.

“After we went to Culloden moor. I called mama and told her all about it. I remember cause I asked her what your clan’s name would be if you had so many names.”

she stopped for a quick breath. “You do have a lot of names sir....and you have red hair like me! I haven't met many people who have hair like mine" she said with a giant smile as she twirled one of her knotty curls on her finger. "Mama will remember what I told her about the headstone; she can tell you.”  

The excitement drained from her face as she started to cry, “BUT MAMA IS STILL IN BOSTON” she wailed.  

Jamie didn't want to scare the lass, but it happened so quickly neither of them had time to overthink it.

Brianna rushed toward him, and he grabbed her in his arms, like it had always been that way.

Jamie looked over her head toward Murtagh who eyes were rimmed with red, as he tried not to cry.  

When Jamie had awareness of himself again, he was rocking the lass in his arms, talking softly as he held her close, the same way he always held Claire when she was upset.

Brianna jumped up quickly, scaring both of the men, her hands went dramatically to her hips as she said, “do you know mama too?"

She glared directly into Jamie's eyes. "How come you and Murtagh talk like mama does when I’m sad?”  

 Jamie looked at her confused.  

Annoyed by his apparent stupidity Brianna said “you and him” pointing back at Murtagh “both talk like mama does when I’m sad. I never know what she's saying but she always makes me feel better.”

Brianna glared at Jamie suspiciously “mama always holds me just like that too.”  

Crossing her arms on her chest, she asked again.  “Do you know mama too?” 

“weel I dinna ken, what is yer mam’s name a nighean?” Jamie asked just for reassurance of what his heart already knew.  

 She sighed loudly and placed her hand on her forehead dramatically “and you talk funny like him.”

She paced a few steps before stopping directly in front of him, proudly she said “my mama is a doctor. A surgeon actually. Maybe you know her from the hospital. Her name is Dr. Randall.” she said like that should clear up everything, when Jamie didn't respond she said, “Dr. Claire Elizabeth RANDALL.”

She was getting really frustrated and she really just wanted her mama.

Brianna started crying again but this time she stomped over to a rock and sat down in frustration. Only then remembering that her bottom hurt from riding that horse for days and she popped right back up “and just why do you ride horses everywhere. Cars have much better seats, unlike Murtagh my ass isn't made of leather.”

She slapped her hand to her mouth, crying harder. “Mama is going to be so mad, please don't tell her.” Brianna begged.

“Mama never says bad words.” she added as she glared at Murtagh. “We don't say bad words in our house.”  

Jamie started to laugh but stifled it quickly when she looked at him piercing him with blue tear-stained eyes so very much like his own.

“Dinna fash lass, yer secret is safe with me, I willna tell yer mam” Jamie said calmy.

Brianna then turned to Murtagh “Dinna look at me. I willna say a word to Claire.”

He laughed under his breath before speaking in Gaelic so the lass wouldn't understand “she taught me bad words I dinna even ken”

Jamie grinned and replied in the same language “me too.”  

Jamie and Murtagh needed to get out of sight, they had been standing here in the open with Brianna for way too long. They turned and headed toward the cave entrance, Brianna sighed but she followed alongside. Jamie picked up quickly on her frustration and offered to carry her the rest of the way.

Brianna happily accepted his offer and was knocked out cold before they made it 3 more steps.

Once inside the cave Jamie situated her on a bed of furs and covered her with his plaid before turning back to Murtagh.  

“Nice to see ye again Jamie.” he said calmly, “I would ha’ told ye earlier but the lass willna let ye get a word in when she's upset.”  

Jamie made a noise of agreement. “Sounds like someone else we ken, aye?”  

 Murtagh nodded “oh aye, the sassenach was just the same. Ye remember how she’d get when she was mad at us all, wouldna let anyone else speak.”  

Jamie laughed at that “aye, I ken.” he looked back toward Brianna “how?" he exhaled loudly "Why is the lass here?” he asked in a confused tone of voice.  

“I dinna ken” Murtagh shrugged. “I was at the stones, and she just appeared outta thin air.”  

“The stones?” Jamie asked.  

“aye, I was just talkin to Claire, ken?” Murtagh answered.  

“ye seen Claire?” Jamie asked with a hint of excitement.  

“Nay lad. I was just sitting at the stones, talking to ‘er, I’d been there for a week when Brianna showed up” 

“But Claire wasna with ‘er?” Murtagh shook his head.  

“We have to get her back to Claire. If we dinna hurry Claire will be clawing her way back for the lass, it had to be a mistake. Did ye ask Brianna?” Jamie began to make a plan.  

“Nay, when I found her she was knocked out cold for a solid day amd when she finally woke up she was in a fit by the stones crying fer her mam,

I dinna want to make it worse so I just held her. That's when she said I knew her mams calming words, I think the lass means Gaelic but I dinna ken Claire had the Gaelic.”  

“She dinna ken much.” Jamie confirmed.  

Chapter Text

Jamie’s voice cut through the darkness like a knife. “Sassenach?” 

Brianna woke suddenly to the feel of him tossing and turning.  

“Sassenach, come home!” Jamie begged in his sleep.  

“Sassenach?”

Brianna sat bolt upright, Jamie has dreams just like mama. The memory of mama’s last dream crossed her mind; Brianna [remembered] she was calling for Jamie.

She didn't mean to, but she gasped loudly at the memory, and it scared Jamie out of his nightmare. He was looking around frantically trying to place himself, when she reached over and put her tiny hand on his shoulder. “it’s ok, you're safe. You were just having a bad dream.”

He swallowed hard before replying “aye. Just a dream. Thank ye lass.”

Jamie and Brianna sat in silence for a moment as Jamie collected himself.

“Mama has them too.”  She spoke softly. 

Jamie was still dazed from the dream but mumbled a confused “huh?”  

The little girl replied quietly “mama has bad dreams too. She sleeps in my bed at night, and I wake up to her tossing and turning just like you were.”

She took a deep breath before continuing, “Mama says your name when she dreams.”  

 Jamie rubbed his eyes and sat up beside her “She does?”  

“Uh huh” she groaned and tried again. “Yes, she does. She calls for you, but I have never asked her why? I didn't want to see her sad.”  

“Aye, I ken that. No one wants to see yer mam sad.” 

Silence filled the cave for seconds that felts like hours before Brianna blurted “I saw Lallybroch, when I was in Scotland with Daddy. Mama says "Lallybroch” in her sleep a lot too, so I was really excited when I saw it before we went to the stones. I always wanted to ask mama what Lallybroch was. I never knew it was a huge castle!! I wanted to explore and see why mama thought about it so much in her dreams, but Daddy wouldn't let me, I ran over to see it before he could stop me and it had the name Fraser on the stone arch out front” she looked over at him knowingly. “Thats you, isn't it? You're a Fraser? Is Lallybroch your castle?”  

“Aye, Fraser is my clan’s name. Lallybroch use to be mine, it belongs to my nephew now. It issna a castle though lass, my Da built it fer him and my mam, Lallybroch is our home.” 

“It's a bloody castle alright, that place is huge!" She chirped loudly. "Fraser is after your dad! I remember.” She said excitedly. “Mackenzie is from your mama’s clan.”  

Jamie nodded in agreement “Yer mam told ye that?”  

“uh huh” her face fell to her hands in frustration.

“Yes, mama told me after I ask her about your name. I found it in that kirkyard.” Brianna gasped at a new realization, “But that can't be right. You're not dead and that headstone said beloved husband of Claire.” she looked up into Jamie’s eye so much like her own, pure confusion dancing across her face. 

Jamie swallowed loudly before speaking “aye. I am Claire’s husband.” Brianna took a big gulp of air. “Yer mam is my wife.”  

She glared at Jamie as she began to speak again, “but....Daddy? He’s mama’s husband. She doesn't like him very much but he’s her husband I think” Brianna added matter-of-factly. "She really won't like him when she finds out he left me." she sighed.

Jamie wrapped his arms around her shoulders then. “Frank is yer mam’s husband in Boston. I'm sure he dinna mean to leave ye there”  

Brianna stared at him intently as she puzzled things out in her head. “Gail always told me Frank wasn't my daddy because I didn't look anything like him. Gail looks just like her dad.” she crossed her arms “I told Gail she was wrong, I just look like mama instead, but I don't really.” her lower lip stuck out a little further.

“Mama has brown hair. It’s curly like mine.” she said in a small almost inaudible voice as she touched one of her own curls in example. “All the girls at school pick on me. They say mama lied to daddy and he isnt my real daddy and I don't belong in Boston. I've always called them liars.”

she looked back at Jamie again with sad puppy dog eyes “they weren't lying, were they?” her voice breaking as she fought to hold back tears. 

Jamie shook his head. “Have ye talked to yer mam about what the lasses are sayin’ to ye a nighean?”  

Brianna shook her head “no” as she crossed her arms again, “she lied to me” she huffed as her bottom lip started quivering. 

“yer mam issna a liar, she had no choice leannan” he sighed. “She had to go back home to Frank. It wasna safe here. It still issna’. Thats why Murtagh and I must take ye back to yer mam, back to the stones, quickly I ken yer mam is worried.”  

Brianna’s tear flowed harder, pouring down her face.

Jamie pulled her close to him, hugging her in his arms. “dinna cry a chuisle.”

Brianna looked up at him again, “what's that mean? a chuisle?” 

“My hearts blood.” Jamie responded without hesitation. 

She buried her face deeper into Jamie's chest crying harder. “Then why don't you want me?” she wailed. 

Jamie’s breath hitched at the thought, how could his daughter think he doesn't want her?  “I do want ye Brianna.” he pulled her onto his lap, hugging her tighter “I do, but I canna keep ye here with me, yer mam misses ye”  

“But...(she stuttered) But... won't you miss me?” she was fighting back sniffles as she said "I'll miss you!"

“of course I will, leannan, but ye canna stay here, it issna safe. The recoats are still looking for me. I canna protect ye here.” 

A look of surprise (and a little happiness) took over Brianna. “Mama and Daddy always fuss about the redcoats?” she laughed at the memory, a welcome distraction from the pain of leaving Jamie.

“Daddy doesn't like it when mama calls them redcoats, he always says, [Claire you're bloody English for Christ's sake]” making Jamie laugh out loud “then mama always says they are bloody fools just like the bonny prince." the little girl giggled over the thoughts of her mama. 

"Mama hates prince Charlie” 

Jamie genuinely laughed for the first time in years. “yer mam is a verra intelligent woman, ye ken?”  

“Mama always says the Scots were the real heroes in the ‘45." she shrugged "they don't agree on that either. Do you know about the ‘45?” 

“Aye I ken it verra well” Jamie stood then, “now Miss Brianna let's get ye back to yer mam.”  

Her little face fell with sadness, “ok.”  

Murtagh and Jamie decided it would be best to go to Lallybroch before heading to Craigh nu dun.

The lass needed food and clothes before they could make the journey back, and Jamie really needed a shave and a haircut, hoping that he would look a little less scary to the lass, she seemed to bond with Jamie regardless of how he looked, Brianna would follow him everywhere he went. She was a very intelligent child. Jamie had determined she was so smart because of all the questions she ask. 

“How come you live in a cave”

“Why is your beard so long?”

“How come you don't have a stove and a refrigerator; I miss pop tarts.”

“Do you know anyone who has a car? I don't want to ride a horse again.”

“What about a bed? The ground is hard. And cold”

“Why don't you have a TV in your cave? Or a lamp?”

“Have you ever been on a plane?”

“Do you know how to make pancakes?”  With the last question probably being most important.

Jamie didn't understand half of the things the lass was going on about, he knew before he could take her to Lallybroch, he had to tell her the truth.  

“Brianna?” Jamie called  

“Uh huh?” She asked [deciding all the Scots talk with words that aren't real words, so it was ok for her too.]

“I need ta talk to ye leannan, come here aye?” 

Brianna walked toward Jamie, plopping down right in his lap.

Jamie couldn't deny how right this felt, his wee lass, here with him, acting as if she had known him her whole life.

Claire had truly done wonderful raising her. She didn't speak when she sat down, only waited patiently for Jamie to start talking. 

“Brianna, do you know what year it is?” 

The little girl scrunched up her face and looked at Jamie like he had lost his mind. “1955.”  

Jamie shook his head, “It’s 1955 where ye and yer mam came from. It's 1753 here.” Jamie said simply. 

Brianna's face was still scrunched as she glared at him. “That doesn't make any sense. 1753 was a long time ago Jamie, I know for certain, because the battle of Culloden was in 1746.”  

Jamie nodded “aye lass yer right but the stones brought ye here from yer time.”  

“The stones?” she questioned. “The fairy hill?”   

“Aye leannan, do ye remember what happened at the stones?” 

She sat silent deeply immersed in her thoughts before finally saying “Daddy took me to see the stones. When we got there another car was already there.”

Jamie could tell she was puzzling it out in her head, so he waited patiently.

When she spoke again, she whispered “It was Sandy. Daddy always makes me leave when he talks to her.”  

Jamie wanted to wait, to let her finish her story but his eyebrows furrowed as she spoke of Sandy and Brianna picked up on his confusion.

“Sandy is one of daddy’s student at Oxford but whenever mama finds out that they have been talking she always gets mad at him, so he asks me not to tell mama.

He said he doesn't want to hurt mama’s feelings and I don't either so I don't ever mention it, but Sandy kissed daddy one time.” 

Her eyes were wide with excitement as she told her story. 

“Sandy kissed yer da?” 

“Uh huh, I don't think she meant to do it in front of me cause daddy got really mad at her afterwards, and he begged me not to tell mama cause he knew she would cry, and he said we didn't want to make mama cry; I never told anyone...” she looked into Jamie’s eye “but you.”  

“Weel lass, thank ye fer trusting me. I dinna like to see yer mam cry either, so we will keep it our wee secret for now. Let's talk about the stones again, ok?” Jamie prompted.

“Uh, Sandy got in the car with Daddy, and I got out to explore. There were so many pretty flowers there, mama would have loved it, she loves flowers.

I thought I heard bees buzzing near the stones but then I remember what Roger told me about the fairies so I had to go see if I could catch one.”

she looked at Jamie to make sure he was following along.

“Roger said I couldn't catch a fairy, but I knew I could if I went closer to the stones. The buzzing was louder there, so I knew they had to be close. I opened my jar to catch one and leaned against the stone to look, but then I woke up with Murtagh.”  

“Did ye see the fairies, Brianna?” Jamie asks in his [excited parent voice], encouraging her to carry on. 

She exhaled loudly “No! Daddy says they are only folklore, and they aren't real. Do you believe in fairies?”  

“Oh aye! I ken fairies are real, that's why it's called the fairy hill, no?” Jamie said with a smirk.

Brianna smiled widely at that, [finally an adult who believed her]. “Uh huh.”  

Jamie and Brianna continued to talk about the fairies and her trip to Scotland with Frank.

He made sure to take his time with the explanation, he told her how she ended up in his time and that Claire had done the same thing many years before. 

“Mama is so brave,” Brianna said dreamingly 

“Aye, one of the bravest lasses I ken.” He attempted one of his owlish winks at her and she giggled.

Brianna agreed she would not say anything about "the future" to Jenny or the rest of the Murray's. Jamie made sure to express how important it was that she didn't say anything about the future to anyone other than him or Murtagh.

Brianna had now been in Jamie’s time for five days.  

Chapter Text

The sun was setting, and Claire had no choice but to leave Craigh Na Dun.

She had sat there in that bloody circle all day waiting, pleading, and begging the stones to let her through. Nothing had worked.

Claire refused to get in the car with Frank, and she wouldn't dare sleep in his room at Mrs. Baird’s tonight.

She called Mrs. Graham to come pick her up.  

With swollen eyes and bloody knuckles, she climbed into Mrs. Graham's car and explained everything through tears and more screams.  

“Claire ye ken ye canna go through the stones until the winter solstice, yer daughter must have made it through because of Samhain” Mrs. Graham explains.  

Claire cried “Thats almost two months from now. She is all alone over there Mrs. Graham, there has to be another way, she can't be lost in the eighteenth century by herself for two months, I’ll never find her.”   

Mrs. graham nods her head in understanding “let me talk to some of my friend's ken? Mayhap we can get ye through sooner.”  

Ten days had passed since Brianna’s disappearance.

Frank had returned to Boston leaving Claire in Scotland with Mrs. Graham.

Clarie refused to leave and had been to the stones every day since she arrived,

Claire's hands were painful to look at after five days of punching solid stone and she was fairly certain she had broken a few bones in her hands. She knew she should see a doctor and have her hands tended to but every day she went back to the stones and couldn't go through was another day she busted open old cuts and scratches and banged up already broken bones, there was no use in fixing her hands, not until Brianna was home safe.

There was finally a breakthrough with Mrs. Graham and her friends, Claire needs a gemstone.  

“Claire if ye want to pass through freely ye must have a gemstone. The better the stone, the easier yer travels are. Did yer daughter have a gemstone?”Mrs.. Graham asked.

Claire thought for a minute before saying “She had one in her necklace, a tiny emerald in honor of Jamie’s birth month.” Claire had paid a great price for it too; the stone was of the highest quality.

“The gemstone made it possible fer her to pass after Samhain, the quality of the stone itself protected yer daughter, wherever she is, she's safe. we need to find ye a gemstone and then ye can try again.” 

“I have my inheritance from uncle lamb and my savings, money isn't an issue Mrs. Graham, just get me to my daughter. Please.” Claire begged.  

With that the hunt began, Mrs. Graham and all of her friends searched Scotland high and low for the best quality stone they could find. 

Meanwhile....  

“Jenny?” Jamie hollered from the front hallway of Lallybroch.  

“brathair? What are ye doing here? We werena’ expectin’ ye so soon.” she asked as she walked toward Jamie in the hallway, her arms outstretched for a hug.

When she seen the little girl holding Jamie's hand, she gasped. “And who is this then?”  

Brianna didn't hesitate. She walked directly up to Jenny, hand outstretched for a handshake “Brianna Ellen.” She said proudly.  

Jenny completely ignored her attempted handshake pulling her tightly into a hug. “Brianna Ellen? Ye said?”  

“uh huh” she said muffled by the embrace.  

Jenny held out, her hands on her shoulders, just far enough to look at, “Well Brianna, I’m Jenny! To what do we owe the pleasure of yer visit today?”  

“I lost my mama. Jamie and Murtagh are helping me find her." Brianna answered straight to the point.

Jenny shot a knowing look at Jamie before hugging the girl once more. “Come Brianna, ye must be starving if ye’ve been stuck with those two wee gomerals for days.”  

Brianna followed Jenny into the kitchen, admiring everything as she went, Lallybroch was more beautiful than she had imagined. Jenny fixed a huge plate of food and placed it in front of Brianna before shouting orders for her oldest daughter to find her some suitable clothes and warm water for her to wash.

Jenny instructed Maggie to help Brianna get settled and went off to find her brother.  

Jamie had already washed up, changed clothes and shaved his face before his sister bombarded him with questions.  

“Out with it.” Jenny demanded.  

“What?” Jamie asked in mock confusion. [He knew exactly what his sister wanted to know but he wasn't going to make it easy on her.]  

“James Fraser.” she growled in anger. “Is the lass yer daughter? She looks just like ye. The spit of ye and Ma.”  

“Aye.” he responded simply.  

“Aye? That's all ye hav ta say? Just show up in my home one fine day with a seven-year-old girl who looks oddly like ye and Claire and all ye can say is aye?” 

“I dinna have time to explain everything, or I would. Can ye handle knowing just enough, until I can come back and explain everything to ye?” 

Jenny stood with her arms crossed; anger etched on her face as she grunted in agreement.  

“Brianna is mine and Claire’s daughter, I only met her a few days ago. Murtagh found her lost in the woods and brought her here.” 

Jenny gasped in horror “where is Claire? Is she hurt? Why would yer daughter be in the woods without her? Why did ye no tell me Claire was pregnant?”  

Jamie exhaled loudly. “The lass says Claire is perfectly fine. Brianna just got Lost.”  

“Aye, then where is Claire Jamie? Ye said she was dead.” 

“Nay lass, I said she was gone, and she is. Claire issna here, only Brianna.” 

“What does that even mean?”Jenny roared, her face red with anger.

“Remember Jenny, ye agreed to knowing enough. Just go enjoy seeing yer one and only niece while ye can aye? Murtagh and I have to take her back home soon” 

“I will.” she responded but then softly added “I would have enjoyed seeing my sister-in-law too, ye ken?”  

“Aye, I wouldha’ as well but I’m happy to see my daughter." He said with a smile. "I dinna even ken the bairn was a girl until Murtagh showed up with 'er"

Jamie and Jenny came back downstairs to find Brianna in full eighteenth century attire, for Jenny it meant nothing-this was her normal. For Jamie it meant everything-seeing his daughter in his time, especially knowing she would be returning to Claire's time.  

"your beard!" Brianna shouted as she ran toward Jamie placing her hands on his face when he lifted her into his arms. "you look so different." Jamie nuzzled his clean-shaven face against her like a puppy. "ye like it then a nighean?"

"Uh huh, you look much nicer now, less like a cave man." She wiggled down from Jamie's grasp "you smell better too" she deadpanned.

“weel ye look verra beautiful Brianna” Jenny said as she pulled her into another hug, “How about we go introduce ye to yer cousins and yer Uncle Ian!”  

Brianna nodded and followed Jenny out of the room and Jamie barely heard her telling Jenny that she never had cousins or even an uncle before only her mama and daddy.

Brianna was doing great, but Jamie knew he would have some explaining to do. Jenny wasn't daft.

With the redcoat patrols it still wasn't safe for Jamie to stay in plain sight at Lallybroch.

After letting Brianna know he would be out for a few hours while she played with her cousins, he headed back toward his cave, where he found Murtagh propped against the stone wall with his eyes closed.  

Murtagh looked up and smiled as Jamie entered the cave, “awh, there's the lad I ken and love”  

Jamie sat down beside him with an exasperated groan “smells like ye could go for a wash and a shave yerself old man”  

“Ach shut yer gob. I ken I needa a wash, yer bonny wee daughter has reminded me twice” he laughed “nay three times.”  

Both men sat companionably together sharing their newfound joy of Brianna and their undeniable fear for Claire.  

“Ye ken If Claire were here, in our time, she would have arrived at Lallybroch by now, no?” 

“Ach, nay, she wouldna have a horse ta ride like ye and the lass. It would be slow coming fer her I suppose.” 

“Aye yer probably right, do ye think she will come?” Murtagh asked.  

“If Claire can come-she will. I ken She's worrit about the lass. She doesna ken ye and I are alive, much less that ye found Brianna. She’s probably mad with worry.”  

Murtagh nodded in agreement. “I ken she is missin' 'er, Brianna is a blessin' fer sure.” he said as he playfully elbowed Jamie.  

“Aye, Brianna is bonny fer sure. Ye ken I thought she was a boy when I sent Claire back through the stones, many a night I sat here in this very cave picturing what my son would look like. Only to have the wee lass show up and be so much more than I ever could have imagined. I ken Claire is worried but having Brianna here has brought us both much-needed happiness.” 

“I kent ye needed to meet the lass. Otherwise, I would have tried to send her back through as soon as she woke up.” 

Jamie nodded and patted Murtagh on the back in thanks.  

As it were Murtagh went up to Lallybroch that evening to wash and shave before taking Brianna back with him.

To his surprise the lass had fallen asleep with one of Jenny’s daughters and looked so peaceful in the bed he couldn't stand to disturb her.  

“We got word the English are close by, best if ye and Jamie lay low fer a day or so, the wee lass can stay here if she wants too, if not I can have Ian bring her back to ye two tomorrow.” Jenny whispered from her spot outside the girl's bedroom door.

“Aye, I’ll tell the lad, I ken he will be missin' havin' her around but mayhap tis best fer her to lay low here. Ask 'er in the morning, if she wants to come back, ye ken where to find us” 

Murtagh turned to leave when Jenny added “keep my brother safe out there, aye?”  

The old man nodded in agreement as he walked out the front door.  

Chapter Text

The next morning Brianna woke up snuggled in bed with her newfound cousin Maggie, warm and safe in an actual bed.

A bed that she had longed for ever since Murtagh found her, but she wasn't happy to find that she was still at Lallybroch.

She wondered if Jamie and Murtagh had forgotten her, Jamie said he would be back. The thought made her belly clinch.

She hopped out of bed and wandered into the kitchen to find Jenny and Mrs. Crook serving breakfast. They had eggs and fresh bread with honey;

food she would have fought someone for days ago but today she wished she was eating stale bread in the cave with Jamie.

Thoughts of going home crossed her mind and her belly hurt at the thoughts of her mama.

She didn't know how she was supposed to go home with Mama and leave Jamie behind.

She wondered to herself if she could stay with Jamie and never return to Claire, but she knew that wasn't possible, she needed her mama and she missed her dearly.

Her heart broke at the thought of leaving Jamie or leaving mama.

She didn't quite understand why she felt so much love for Jamie; she had only known him for a few days but something about him drew her in.

She loved him already.

Jamie made her feel safe in the same way her mama did.

Brianna sighed heavily and sat down at the table.

“what's the matter a nighean?” Jenny asked softly.  

“Did Jamie forget me?” she asked, straight to the point.  

“oh, nay lass, he sent Murtagh fer ye last night but ye were already asleep, they thought ye deserved to enjoy an actual bed fer the night.” 

Brianna shrugged her shoulders. “The bed was nice, but I miss them.”  

“I ken ye do leannan, ye are more than welcome to go back to the cave with yer da or ye can stay here.”  

Brianna’s eyes tripled in size. “My...my...my what?” she stuttered.  

Jenny froze. “uh...”  

“I knew it!” Brianna squealed. “I knew Jamie was my dad!”

She jumped up from her chair running back toward the staircase “I want to go back to the cave, Jenny!! I’m going to get dressed. Will Uncle Ian take me?”  

Jenny nodded, still in shock, "of course he will leannan."

Jamie failed to mention that the lass didn't know he was her father.

Jenny was in a panic at the thought that she said something she wasn't supposed to.

She was so worried she decided she had to be the one to take Brianna back to Jamie, even if it was just to apologize to her brother, but mostly, Jenny really wanted to know what was going on.

**Jenny thought to herself**

["Why wouldn't the lass ken she was Jamie's daughter?

Wouldn't Claire have told her about Jamie?

Where in the world was Claire? and if Jamie kent where to take the lass, he kent where Claire was, why wouldn't he be with Claire rather than living in that dreadful cave?

NONE OF THIS MADE SENSE.] 

Jenny and Brianna walked companionably toward the cave, chatting here and there about different things, mostly of no value.

Until Brianna brought up Claire.

Jenny wanted to wait and respect Jamie’s wishes, but she missed Claire, and she wanted to know she was well. SHE NEEDED TO KNOW.

“How is yer mam then leannan?”  

“Mama is great! She's a surgeon now, she had to go to school for a long time but now she works in the hospital in Boston.”  

Brianna’s face turned blood red. She had said too much. 

BRIANNA POV

"OH no! oh no! OH NO!!!" thoughts were racing through my mind, "Jamie is going to be so mad at me."

My belly started hurting again at the thought of making Jamie upset, he already wants to send me home, now he's really going to want me gone, I said too much to Auntie Jenny. He'll never be able to keep me safe if I can't even keep my mouth shut. 

I tried to hold it back, truly I tried, but the thoughts in my head were tearing me up inside. The tears came out without warning. I felt so embarrassed crying in front of Jenny, I barely knew her, and there's no way I explain to her why I'm crying if I can't tell her about to future and the stones? and mama?  I can't help but cry harder. I wish Jamie were here.

"oh, nay lass dinna cry, I'm sorry, I shouldna asked ye about yer mam." Jenny cooed.

I just shook my head, I feel so stupid.

Jenny wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into her lap. "It's alright Leannan, shh, it's going to be fine."

I couldn't find the words to say, I wanted to tell Jenny everything, but I promised Jamie I wouldn't. So, I just snuggled in closer to Jenny when I heard her talking like mama. Murtagh says it's Gaelic, like he was teaching me, like Jamie taught mama. Whatever it is it still calms my speeding heart. I feel calm rush over me, as she holds me but deep in the back of my mind Jenny reminds me even more of mama and I have to swallow back a fresh wave of tears. The sound of hoof beats coming fast toward us completely pushes the tears away.

Jenny whispers quickly "dinna say a word Brianna, they canna ken yer English. Pretend yer asleep and dinna move!"

I catch a glimpse of the coming redcoats and shut my eyes tight.

"Good morn' mistress" says one of the men on the horses as the stop directly in front of Jenny and I.

"Good morn' sir" Jenny responded promptly.

"Everything well?" he asked.

"oh aye! The lass just fell asleep, tough night." 

"is there anything we can do for you before we head on? we're still on the hunt for the dunbonnet." he offers half-heartedly.

"no sir, I'll just sit here with her till she wakes, thank ye!"

he nods, "if ye see him, you'll let us know?" but it wasn't a question. Jenny just smiles and nods in response. 

I listen as the hoof beats get farther away and wait to open my eyes. 

"It's alright now Brianna, just stay in my lap until they are out of sight aye?"

"Uh hum" I respond quietly.

"We need to wait on going to the cave, leannan. Wouldna want to led them straight to Jamie and Murtagh, no?"

I nod my head in agreement, but my belly ties itself in knots at the thought of not seeing Jamie. 

That night at dinner I could barely eat, I only nibbled on my bread. Thankfully Jenny understood and I didn't have to talk about it. When I excused myself from the table she stood up abruptly and wrapped me tightly in a hug. She kissed my forehead and said simply "I ken, I miss him too" before holding me far enough away to look into my eyes and smile. I returned the smile and a single nod of my head and walked upstairs. 

I lay in bed that night, choosing to be alone in Jamie's old room but I couldn't sleep. Everyone here has been so nice to me, but it doesn't dull the constant ache I have missing mama and Jamie. I felt like I had been in bed crying for hours when I heard something downstairs. I sat up in bed to listen closer. The noise was very faint, but it sounded like it was getting closer. I was starting to feel scared when I saw a flash of his red hair as he walked by. He must have seen me too because he turned back around instantly and stood in the doorway. I almost fell out of bed trying to get to him as I ran into his arms, and he lifted me up. I was so overwhelmed with joy seeing him I kissed his cheek before saying "I'm so happy you're here." 

Jamie grinned at me and hugged me tighter "I missed ye too, mo chridhe" he whispered with tears in his eyes.

We were both crying when I heard Jenny's bedroom door open, 

"Brathair, WHAT ARE YE DOING HERE, THE REDCOATS WERE HERE JUST TODAY LOOKING FER YE?"

Jenny tone was serious but the look on her face gave her away, the sight of her brother and Brianna crying in each other's arms melted her hard exterior.

"I couldna go another night without her Jenny." he sobbed.

"weel I dinna think she could go another night without ye either."

I pulled him tighter with my arms around his neck.

"I ken it issna safe, we will leave at first light." Jamie told Jenny.

She nodded and turned to go back into her room, "Can we talk before ye leave?"

"aye" Jamie responded simply.

Jamie carried me back into his room and sat down on the side of the bed.

"Ye dinna want to sleep with wee Maggie tonight?" he asked.

I shook my head no and wiped my tears. Jamie brushed the hair from my face before kissing my forehead.

"I ken. ye can get some sleep now Brianna, I'll be right here. Yer safe."

I had a million things I wanted to say to him, but I couldn't. Not yet. I crawled back in bed, and he tucked me in before laying on top of the covers beside me.

"Will you tell me a story?"

Jamie's eyes were still blurred with tears when he nodded and said, "how about I tell ye the story about how I met yer mam?"

I smiled excitedly, "uh huh."

Chapter Text

Jamie was awake most of the night, worrying about the redcoats, and trying to come up with a plan.

He needed to get Brianna away from Lallybroch with him before there were any more redcoat visits,

but she had been up late the night before, alone in his room, crying herself to sleep, he knew she needed sleep, so he decided to wait a little longer before they left.  

He wondered downstairs to gather supplies for their trip back to the stones.

Not expecting Jenny to be awake with the baby, sitting in the kitchen.  

“Brianna was with me today, when the redcoats came along the road, ken?” Jenny asked in a whisper as to not disturb the baby.  

Jamie turned to her with eyes triple their normal size, “I dinna ken” he exhaled loudly, “what happened?”  

“She was braw, she was already in my lap when they came up the road. I told her not to say a word and she dinna, just pretended to be asleep as I ask.” She smiled warmly at Jamie. “We were headed to the cave, ye ken? Brianna wanted to come back with ye.”  

A giant proud smile crossed Jamie’s face, “aye, Murtagh and I were missing her too, that's why I had to come last night, I had to see her.” Jamie looked to Jenny for understanding and she nodded before smiling at him, with a hint of sadness behind her eyes.  

“If ye canna go one night without her, how are ye going to manage after taking her home to Claire?” The concern written plainly on Jenny’s face.  

Jamie shook his head as he looked down at the floor “I dinna ken Janet. I canna imagine my life without Brianna anymore.” A single tear fell onto the stone floor of the kitchen.

Jenny inhaled, “Why can’t ye stay with Claire and Brianna?”  

“It issna possible.” he snapped.  

“Why? Does Claire no want ye anymore? What happened Jamie?” 

“Ye said ye would be fine with knowing just enough Janet.” Jamie groaned.  

“Weel what you've told me is not enough. I want to ken where Claire is.” Jenny huffed and put her free hand on her hip “I need to ken more and ye can start by telling me where in the hell Claire is.”  

So, he did.

Jamie explained everything.

He told Jenny how Claire arrived the first time and how she had a husband in her own time.

How he offered to let her go back to Frank, even taking her to the stones himself after the witch trial when Claire chose to stay with him.

And after many tears and much hesitation he told her about that dreadful day before the battle when he took Claire back to the stones and made her go back to her time so Frank could protect Claire and the bairn.  

“Yer telling me Claire is in a different time. Have ye lost yer mind Brother?” Jenny cocked an eyebrow at him. "Ye sent yer wife and bairn to another man?" Jenny was not convinced.

Jamie huffed in aggravation, “if ye dinna want to believe me then dinna, I don't have time to prove it to ye. I saw Claire go through the stones myself.

How else can ye explain Brianna? Claire has been gone for almost 8 years, and I never once met my daughter until one fine day she shows up out of nowhere on that blasted fairy hill. Thankfully Murtagh was there to keep her safe. Ask 'im if ye dinna believe me Janet.”  

Tears filled Jenny’s eyes “So Claire is on the other side of the stones. While Brianna has accidentally fell through time without her. Claire must be mad with worry.”Jenny put her face in her hands. "Claire canna come back?"

Jamie placed his hand on her arm, “If Claire could come through, I think she wouldha' been here by now, that’s why I must take Brianna back to the stones. The lass issna safe here. She needs her mother. I dinna ken how I’ll survive here without her, but I have too. Claire canna come back here even if she could come through again, it wouldna' be possible for us to live together as man and wife with the damned redcoats swarming all of Scotland. THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE.”  

Jenny sat with silent tears streaming down her face, trying to understand, to make sense of all of this.

Hoping there was another way but knowing there wasn't.

The fear she felt for Jamie couldn't be put into words. He had already barely been making it without Claire but now....to ken his daughter and lose her.

She didn't know if he would survive it. 

Brianna had been missing for almost two weeks.

Claire could only hope she was in Jamie’s time, but Brianna wouldn't know anyone there.

Without Jamie, the chances of Jenny stumbling across her would be slim.

Jenny wouldn't know who Brianna was, even if she did find her, there were a lot of red-headed children in Scotland.

Brianna wouldn't stick out to someone who never even knew she existed.

Brianna would have woken in that blasted stone circle and ran.

There was no way of knowing where she would be.

Claire was distraught but hopeful because Mrs. Graham had finally found a gemstone.

She also acquired two extra stones for Claire and Brianna to return.

Without Jamie, Claire had no intentions of staying in the 18th century.

She would go through the stones, find Brianna as quickly as possible, and hopefully take her to Lallybroch to meet Jenny and Ian before returning to her time.

That was her plan anyway. 

Claire had sewn a dress for herself and Brianna.

She had managed to find some money in the antique shops around Inverness, and she had her gemstones.

She would leave tomorrow morning at first light.

That is, if the stones let her through.

Claire refused to entertain that thought and only focused on what to do when THEY DID WORK.  

Chapter Text

Jamie, Murtagh and Brianna were camped close to Craigh Nu Dun, the lass would leave in the morning.

Jamie wanted one more night with her, the poor girl had been crying all day at the thought of leaving him.  

“Everything will be fine a nighean, ye will get to see yer mam tomorrow.” Murtagh tried to comfort her.  

With heavy tears rolling down her cheeks she sniffled, “But I have to leave ye and Da...Jamie.”

She quickly corrected herself when she remembered Jamie didn't know that Jenny had told her Jamie was her dad.  

Jamie and Murtagh both looked at her with confusion. They knew what she had said but they didn't know how she knew.

Brianna had spent over a week with Jamie and never once said anything about him being her Da and Jamie never told her,

trying to respect Claire’s wishes, he didn't want to make things harder when Brianna came back.

Their silence and confused looks urged Brianna to blurt “I know you’re my Dad Jamie.”  

Jamie shook his head in shock “When? ... How?....Ye dinna say anything a nighean.” he stuttered.

Brianna swallowed loudly before responding “Jenny told me the day that the redcoats came, I was coming back to the cave to talk to you, I wanted to tell you, but then I had to stay at Lallybroch and I was scared and I missed you and then you came back for me and I just...I,"

Her words were coming out at full speed as she stumbled to explain.  

Jamie jumped up and held her in his arms. “I ken. Dinna fash Brianna, ye dinna have to explain, I wanted to tell ye too, but I wanted to respect yer mam and Frank.”  

Brianna didn't speak; she only sniffled and hid her face against Jamie’s neck.  

“I have a wee present fer ye leannan.” He said animatedly as he held her in his arms “and after I give it to ye, how ‘bout I tell ye another story? The one where yer mam and I found out she was pregnant with ye and what happened afterward, aye?”  

Brianna nodded her head, looking up at Jamie now, “uh huh.” she mumbled through her sobs.

Jamie lowered her down to the ground and opened his sporran, pulling out a beautiful necklace.

A small delicate chain with three birthstones hanging from it.

“This was my mam’s, ken?” Brianna's eyes lit up with awe, “My Da gave it to her after I was born, see, it has three stones. One fer my brother Willie, One for Auntie Jenny and one for me, I want ye to have it a chuisle.” Jamie placed the necklace around her neck and kissed her forehead “So you’ll always remember me.” Murtagh cleared his throat calling attention to himself. “And that old coot over there” Jamie Laughed. "We canna forget Murtagh."

Brianna wrapped her arms around him “I could never forget ye Da.” she cried.  

“And I’ll never forget ye a nighean.” Jamie sobbed.  

Brianna motioned for Murtagh and pulled him into the hug.

“Group hug" she cheered, and both men chuckled.  

Jamie got Brianna tucked in for the night and snuggled up beside her.

“Now, how ‘bout that story leannan?” he asked. 

Claire’s alarm screeched loudly echoing through Mrs. Graham's house, but it was unnecessary, she was already awake.

She had barely slept last night, worrying over Brianna. She had gotten up and got dressed well before she needed too. Mrs. Graham was waiting for her downstairs; everything was in order. Claire had the supplies she needed for the 18 th century. Everything she would need after she and Brianna returned was left in the room at Mrs. Graham's. The gemstones were in a hidden pocket of her dress; she was eager to get to the stones.

She and Mrs. Graham arrived earlier than the other ladies who were supposed to meet Mrs. Graham there for the ritual.

They had decided it would help Claire’s chances of a safe journey.

The two of them waited at the bottom of the hill for everyone.  

Claire gasped as she leaned back against Mrs. Graham's car.

“What is it a nighean?” Mrs. Graham asked with concern.  

“I can hear them.” Claire said so faintly she almost couldn't hear it.  

Claire was beaming with excitement.

After two weeks of hearing nothing from the stones, she could finally hear them again.

“They are much quieter right now. Barely a whisper, but I CAN HEAR THEM!!” she exclaimed.  

“Then they will only get louder after the ritual.”

Mrs. Graham was grinning uncontrollably. She had watched Claire suffer every day since she arrived in Scotland, she had heard her cries down the hallway at night, and she watched as Claire returned daily with fresh cuts and bloody knuckles. She said nothing when she noticed that the lass was losing weight from refusing food. She just tried to feed her more often. Claire barely fit in her dress now. Mrs. Graham had been extremely worried about her, but now Claire was going to find her daughter.

Claire would be back to her normal cheerful self again soon. As soon as she held her daughter in her arms.

The sun was just starting to break through the greyness of the night as Jamie and Murtagh walked hand in hand with Brianna toward the stones.

Both men broken-hearted but staying strong for the lass.

Brianna had cried all night, only sleeping after falling asleep in Jamie’s arms just after midnight.

She stood between them now with swollen, puffy eyes, her little nose still running from the tears, Jamie’s tartan draped around her shoulders for warmth and comfort.

When they reached the top of the hill Brianna cried harder as reached up for Jamie to hold her. “I’m scared Da.” Her little voice trembled.

“Aye lass I ken ye feel scared right now, but yer mam is on the other side of those stones, and she's scared too, aye? She's scared she will never see ye again. Ye have to go home to her Brianna.” Jamie encouraged. "Yer mam needs ye."

Brianna had reached out and grabbed Murtagh by the hand while Jamie still held her in his arms.

“Dinna fash Brianna, yer mam is going to be so happy to see ye.” Murtagh said with a warm smile in her direction.

She couldn't talk through the tears; she only held closer to Jamie and squeezed Murtagh's hand tighter in hers.

When her words finally came, she spoke softly. “I can hear them.”  

Jamie held her out enough to see he face. “The stones ye mean?”  

She nodded. “Uh huh.” sniffles and sobs still raking her body.  

“Will you hold me Da? Till the stones take me?” she said through tear-filled eyes, her voice cracking as she forced out the words.  

The words choked Jamie as he responded, “of course I will mo chridhe”  

Her eyes flicked over to Murtagh “and you’ll hold my hand?”  

“And never let it go a nighean.” He smiled at her with the last bit of happiness he could find.  

Jamie hesitantly stepped closer to the stones, Brianna in his arms, Murtagh’s free hand on his shoulder as he reminded Brianna one last time that she had to touch the stones before they would take her home.

One step closer and Jamie kissed her forehead once more before whispering in her ear, “ye are so brave Brianna, just like yer mam. I love ye with all my heart.  

At the same time Murtagh spoke up “send our love to yer mam”  

“I’m so verra happy I got to meet ye Brianna. Ye are a bonny lassie and a Fraser to boot. I’ll always love ye and never forget it. Aye?”

 They were inches from the stones now, it was time.  

“Now!” instructed Jamie.

Brianna kissed him one last time on the cheek as she whispered “I love ye Da!! Always!!” and she reached her tiny hand out to touch the rough stone before her.....  

Chapter Text

Mrs. Graham and her friends had begun the ritual as the first rays of daylight were peeking through the clouds.

Claire’s heart was beating out of her chest as she approached the stone circle.

As she steeped between the women and headed for the center stone a blast of wind blew through the circle blowing her back onto the ground behind her,

slamming her down on her butt in the grass. Claire had closed her eyes on impact, when she opened them the sight before her was unimaginable.  

“Bri!!” Claire shouted, with tears pouring down her face, sobs racking her body ruthlessly.

Brianna stood next the center stone, her eyes swollen from tears, her little round face consumed with sadness, she seemed to be barely able to stand, her emotions were destroying her.

Her red hair in messy braids, dressed in authentic 18 th century attire Brianna screamed with every ounce of energy she had left, “MAMA!!”  jumping into Claire’s arms.

Claire held her tight against her body shaking from the shock of her daughter's sudden reappearance, as she spun around to face Mrs. Graham mouthing the words “Thank you!”

Brianna started wiggling her way out of her grasp and darted back toward the center stone.

"Brianna, NO!" Claire screamed in terror.

The little girl ran carefully avoiding the giant stone and fell down into the wet grass.

“DA!!!

MURTAGH!!!” 

The two men didn't arrive standing like Brianna had, but they didn't arrive asleep either.

Jamie and Murtagh sat up in the grass and looked at each other in pure confusion, assuming the worst.  Brianna didn't make it through the stones; she was stuck in the 18th century forever.  

“JAMIE!” Claire screamed through her tears, running straight into him, knocking him back on the grass.

They lay there together frozen in the moment only staring into each other's eyes. 

"What the devil?" Jamie croaked. He could finally speak.

"What happened?" asked Murtagh through narrowed eyes.

"We made it" Brianna shouted.

Claire looked around at all of their faces before she finally spoke, "you made it to my time but how are you two here?"

"I dinna ken." Jamie answered simply.

Claire just smiled at him, her eyes triple their normal size, "Jamie, you're alive" she placed a hand on his cheek, "and you're here." Her eyes focused onto Murtagh, "and you're here too!" she said with the pure excitement of a child. She pulled Murtagh into a tight hug, "I've missed you" she said softly.

"I've missed ye too a nighean!" he smiled bigger than Claire had ever seen him smile, "your lass is amazing." Murtagh reached for Brianna's hand in confirmation that he was here with her, in her time.

Claire's eyes met Jamie's "OUR lass is pretty amazing, I agree Murtagh." she jumped into Jamie's arms again.

"I've missed ye so much Sassenach." He said as he kissed her cheek, "Thank Christ I am here with ye, with Brianna, I dinna ken how I'd live without her mo nighean donn, she is perfect."

Brianna wrapped her arms around Claire and Jamie, pulling Murtagh right along with her “group hug!!”

Mrs. Graham slowly approached the reunion. Claire stepped away from the hug and introduced everyone before thanking her and her friends again. 

"I don't know how you did it, you did more than I ever expected. Jamie couldn't travel before. I don't know how he's here now but I'm overwhelmingly grateful."

"ach, it wasna me lass, yer wee lass brought them along."

Claire looked from Mrs. Graham to Brianna. "But how?"

"She's special, She's the descendant of a traveler, who is also a descendent of a traveler, weel actually two travelers. who kens how many generations this goes back. Yer daughter is what we call a gifted traveler; she can bring more than just herself through the stones. Even without gemstones, however they certainly help. I believe that's why they all arrived awake, with Brianna still standing on her own to feet. That was spectacular." 

Claire's mind was running in a million different directions. 

My parents were travelers. both of them?"

"Gifted traveler?"

"Gemstones? Did Brianna have more gemstones?"

Before Mrs. Graham could answer Brianna wailed "my necklace!!" Fresh tears pouring from her eyes. "Da, my necklace is broken!" 

The birthstones from her necklace were missing.

"Aye, a nighean, dinna fash. yer wee necklace brought us all here." Jamie encouraged.

"My necklace brought you and Murtagh with me?" She asked between her sniffles.

"Aye, it seems so leannan."

Claire looked at Jamie in confusion. 

"I gave the lass my mam's necklace last night before we brought her to the stones. It had three wee stones. One fer Willie, one fer Jenny and one fer maself." he clarified.

"Or I guess in this case one fer Jamie, one fer Brianna and one fer maself." added Murtagh.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Claire turned back to Mrs. Graham, "My parents were travelers?" her eyes misty from unshed tears.

"Aye a nighean, one of the lasses found out when she was searching fer a way to get ye to yer daughter." Mrs. Graham answered.

"But...what about the accident?" Claire puzzled.

"We dinna ken if they were in an actual accident or if they traveled through time. The site of their accident was oddly verra close to another stone circle in England. So, we canna be sure. That would be a question fer Raymond." Mrs. graham dropped the bombshell like it was totally normal conversation.

Claire gasped and grabbed Jamie's arm in surprise. "Master Raymond?" 

Mrs. Graham nodded "the one and only."

Chapter Text

An hour later all of Mrs. Graham’s friends were long gone. Claire and Mrs. Graham had patiently been sitting at the bottom of the hill attempting a “crash course” introduction to 1955.

Step one was the car.  

Murtagh and Jamie were both highly suspicious of the big metal contraption. They had already circled the car several times, opening doors, poking at tires, and rolling windows up and down. They even wanted to look under the hood. Claire felt that they were ready to see what the car actually did, so she jumped in the driver’s seat and started the engine.

Both men jumped back with eyes as big as saucers.  

“What the devil?” Murtagh grumbled.  

Brianna grabbed his hand in hers, “It’s fine Murtagh, you gave me my first horseback riding lesson, I’ll give you your first car riding lesson.” she said with a cheerful giggle.  

“Aye a nighean, but a horse issna as big as this...what did ye call it?”  Murtagh stood with his eyes narrowed at the car in front of him.  

“Car” added Jamie helpfully.  

“Got it all figured out now do ye laddie?” Murtagh snapped grudgingly.  

Jamie and Brianna made identical Scottish noises in response.  

“Two weeks together and you’ve taught our daughter the art of the ever-purposeful Scottish noise?” Claire joked as she elbowed Jamie.   

Jamie and Brianna shared a laugh before he imitated Brianna, “uh huh.”  

Claire rolled her eyes playfully, “seems she taught you something as well.”  

“Daddy will hate it.” Brianna said before realizing what she was saying.  

What role would Frank play in Brianna’s life now? 

Would she even want anything to do with him after the incident at the stones? 

Would Claire and Jamie stay together? 

Would Jamie even stay with them in 1955?  

Unanswered question hung in the air between them, until Murtagh broke the silence.  

“Ach, Dinna fash a nighean, from what you’ve told me that bloody Englishman is too seemly fer his own good.”  

Brianna chuckled, “He likes to be fancy” she said with emphasis on “fancy.”  

Claire chanced a glance over at Jamie, who was engrossed in the conversation before him, but she caught the quick movement of his arm as he nudged Murtagh and the sharp look they shared.

Clearly saying “don’t insult him like that, he is Claire’s husband” without words.  

Jamie was unsure what things looked like between Claire and Frank and where his place would be in Claire and Brianna’s life.

He hadn't really had time to consider it since he arrived and before waking up in their time it wasn't a concern.

Now he finds himself in another time, where his “wife” is married to another man, a man he sent her too.  

Claire grabbed his hand and pulled him closer before whispering “it’s fine.”

Then kissing his cheek.

Jamie shot her an apologetic look, but she simply shook her head “no.”  

CLAIRE POV  

I never expected to find Jamie today, in his time or mine. Especially not mine. 

I thought he was dead. I thought he and Murtagh died in the battle of Culloden.  

There was never any thought of him coming here, he couldn't travel through the stones before. He tried. Jamie had touched the stones several times in the two times we were there together, but our daughter is a “gifted traveler” , I don’t understand half of what that means and I need to know more.  

For now, though, I’m overcome with joy having Jamie, Murtagh and Brianna here. Safe.  

They are all safe. 

So many things are tumbling around in my mind right now.  

What happened when Brianna went through the stones, how did she find Jamie and Murtagh?  

How does she know Jamie is her father, did he tell her? I heard her call him “Da” this morning and my heart could have burst open at the sound of it.

I have always dreamed of Jamie knowing his daughter, our daughter.

He’s already in love with her, how could he not be? I can see it all over his face, but not only his, Murtagh hasn't stopped smiling at her since they arrived.

Except for when she tried to force him into the car.

Two weeks has changed so much.  

What do I do about Frank?

I could never see him again and die happy, but what of Brianna?

Will she still want that relationship with the man she knew as Daddy her whole life? Or did things change for her?  

There are so many things we all need to talk about, figure out but right now my heart won't allow me to focus on anything but the three people standing before me.

The past 14 days have been HELL , but for this .... It was worth every tear .  

The car ride back to Mrs. Graham’s was memorable to say the least. Murtagh insisted on sitting up front so he could see what was happening and Jamie sat in the backseat beside Brianna, who held his hand the entire time, even when much like ships, the car made him sick. Thankfully Mrs. Graham lived only ten minutes from Craigh nu dun.  

“Everything looks so different” Murtagh grumbled. 

“I suppose so, a lot has changed since the 18th century, but some things are still the same around Scotland, ye ken?” Mrs. Graham explained helpfully.  

“The houses are much different.” He said in awe. 

“Just wait until ye see the shower! I think yer gonna enjoy it verra much” she said cheerfully.  

Murtagh was confused by that of course but intrigued.

The group walked into Mrs. Graham’s home: there were little lamps on almost all of the tables. The room was lit with a dim glow in the evening light. Her TV had been left on when they went out this morning and the sounds of the evening news filled the entryway. The warmth inside felt like nothing they had ever experienced but Mrs. Grahams home felt inviting and comfortable. She led them to her sitting room, clicking off the TV and offering them food and drink before heading off to find some things they might need.

Claire and Brianna headed up the stairs for her to have a bath and clean clothes, while Jamie and Murtagh sat comfortably on the sofa.  

“How are ye feeling lad?” Murtagh asked in his normal gruff tone of voice. 

Jamie inhaled sharply, “Happy.” he responded simply, before adding “I dinna ken how we got here aside from Brianna being a different kind of traveler but I’m thankful we did, aye?” 

Murtagh nodded in agreement, “ye are back with yer family and we dinna have to run from the redcoats. I'd say that is a blessing, no?” 

The thought of the redcoats hadn't even crossed Jamie’s mind; he had been so overwhelmed with the joy of seeing Claire again. Relief washed over him.

“we will stay then?” he asked. 

“Aye Laddie, I dinna mind, there's nothing in our time I canna do without. The clearances, the shortages, the manhunt fer the Dubonnet” he glared at Jamie. “I wouldna’ choose to go back to living in the shadows of that cave, only waiting on the English to kill us.” 

Jamie was nodding in agreement “I ken in our time everything is in turmoil but what about Jenny and Ian? The bairns? Here in this time, I have my daughter and I’m grateful, but I do feel guilty fer leaving Jenny.” 

Murtagh patted his shoulder, “ye dinna leave ‘er. The stones took ye, fer Brianna’s sake. Now ye have her and Claire.” 

Jamie looked at his Godfather directly, “Do I have Claire? I dinna ken, she is married to another man, ye seem to forget.” 

Claire walked slowing into the sitting room, only catching the end of the conversation.

She stopped and leaned against the door frame; her tired eyes focused on Jamie.

“You and I need to talk Jamie, but I want you to know, there's no one in this time or the next that could keep me from you. I still feel like I’m going to blink, and you will be gone, I can't believe you are truly here, but you are and that changes everything."

YOU ARE MY HUSBAND JAMES FRASER, and I fully intend for it to stay that way.

Chapter Text

Brianna had just finished her bath, changed into her Little Mermaid pajamas and Claire now had her sitting cross legged on the floor before her.  

“Christ, when is the last time you brushed your hair?” Claire quizzed.  

“I dinna ken.” Brianna responded, Scots coming naturally to her without her even realizing .  

“Ach, Dinna fash Sassenach, I brushed it fer ‘er at the camp before bed.” Jamie added helpfully.  

Claire smiled at Jamie in thanks , “Well, no offense but an 18 th century hairbrush and a 20 th century hairbrush work in two completely different ways. Her curls are a mess of tangles.”  

Claire fought through the mass of auburn and copper curls, sectioning them off into smaller sections as she worked.  

“I missed you mama, but I dinna miss this.....Ouch!”  

Claire chuckled, “I missed you to lovie and I’d have to admit I missed everything about your beautiful curls, even brushing them.” she said with a tickle aimed on Brianna’s ribcage.  

The little girl laughed and wiggled from the tickles but once composed she added “you should brush Da’s hair, he has sticks and grass in his.”  

Claire held out a tiny stick in example “you have no room to talk missy, but don't you worry, yours Da’s curls are next.”  

Jamie looked at the two girls with faux offended expression. “I assure ye my curls are just fine mistress.”  

Claire raised an eyebrow and leaned to pull a stick from his hair, holding it up in front of him with a cocky smirk.  

“Ach weel, that's not unusual. Sticks are just part of my hair now.”  

“Oh no sir they are not.” Claire joked in a mock stern manner before winking at Jamie. “Here let me show you how the shower works and then I’ll come back and work on her hair.”  

Brianna groaned in disapproval before climbing on the couch with Murtagh.  

Claire led Jamie to the bathroom that was connected to the room she was staying in.

“you're about to discover how hot bathes almost brought me back to the future.”  

“Oh aye? That good, are they?”  

Claire reached over to turn the knobs, and the water came flowing from the shower head.

Jamie’s eyes were shining with amazement .

Claire stretched her hand out under the flowing water, checking the temperature as she glared at Jamie with a smirk as he reached over and felt the water himself.  

“That is verra nice Sassenach” he grinned.

“Hot showers are pretty grand” she says seductively “but hot bathes are divine.”  

Jamie picked up on her tone immediately, eight years without this woman and he could still read her like a book.

He lifted his shirt over his head, never breaking eye contact with her.

Her hands were roaming his bare chest before his shirt was even over his eyes.  

“I could....” she trailed her finger down his chest “join you, you know? Show you how the shower works.”  

His hands went intuitively to the ties of her dress  “weel dinna let me stop ye then a nighean.”  

As her 18 th century dress hit the bathroom floor something clicked in Jamie’s mind, “wait. Why were ye in clothes from my time? Please tell me ye werena’ coming there.”  

Claire was untying his pants as she answered, “of course I was, I couldn't leave Brianna there to fin for herself.”  

An uncontrollable moan escaped his mouth as she slid his pants down his legs, “Thank Christ we beat ye there, It issna safe in my time, not right now.”  

Claire was peppering kisses along his neck and chest, “uh hum, I know. Thats why I was so worried about Bri being there. Without you there she would have been lost forever.”  

Jamie was humming with contentment, “It wasna me who found the lass, twas Murtagh. He found her the second she came through the stones; Brianna was never in any real danger.” He explained.  

Claire was stunned for a moment, “why was Murtagh at the stones in the first place?”  

“Said he was talking to ye.” Jamie answered matter-of-factly.  

“To me?”  

“Aye, he said he had gone to the stones daily for over a week, talking to ye.”  

“Huh. That is bloody perfect. I have to thank him, but how did he know who she was?”  

They were swaying under the hot water of the shower as they talked.  

“The lass told him her name, and yours. When we ask her what her mam’s name was, she said Dr. Claire Elizabeth Randall with such pride. Murtagh said he kent before then because she was acting strange like the wee sassenach he found years ago— HIS WORDS, not mine. ”  

Claire playfully slapped at his chest, “oh did he now?”  

“Aye, he said she reminded him of ye and then when she cried in his arms he was reminded of the day, he held me as I cried after I lost my mam.”  

Claire’s eyes were teary at the thought of her daughter crying to a complete stranger, “I’m glad she trusted him.”  

“It was yer wee calming words” he said with an owlish wink.  

“What?”  

“When Murtagh held her, he was speaking in Gaelic and the lass recognized it immediately as words ye would say to her. I dinna ken ye had that much Gaelic Sassenach.”  

“I didn't when I left.” she trailed off “but I took a class before Brianna was born, I wanted her to know that side of her, even if I couldn't tell her about you.”  

Claire and Jamie swayed in the shower for the longest time, discussing Brianna. Jamie told her about Jenny reaction and immediate recognition of his daughter; they talked about the cave and the situation in Scotland. Claire talked about Frank and what she had been told that happened that day, there was so much catching up to do, it wouldn't all be done in one night. They washed each other, sharing intimate kisses and touches as they went.  

When they came back downstairs Brianna was asleep on the couch beside Murtagh. Her freshly braided pigtails laying neatly down her back. He looked up and smiled at their return. “Aye, get it all sorted out then?”  

Jamie nodded “as much as we can, there's just so much.”  

Claire's smile grew as she walked toward Murtagh, looking between him and Brianna's perfectly braided pigtails, asking without words if he had done them himself, he nodded in confirmation before she cleared her throat and said “Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter when I couldn't. You are truly a blessing. I worried so much about what happened to her when she woke up on the other side and you were right there in the right place at the exact right time. Bloody perfect Murtagh.”  

Murtagh reached up and took her hand in his, gently gliding his thumb across her bruised and bloody knuckles in silent question. “I couldn't come through. I went there every day for 2 weeks and I couldn't hear the stones.” she said with sadness in her eyes. 

He nodded in acknowledgment before releasing her hands, “It was just meant to be really, I dinna do anything special.”  

Claire’s face suddenly serious “you SAVED her. Without you she probably wouldn't have made it to Jamie. So yes, Thank you ”  

“Aye, weel think nothing of it lass. I’m honored to have met her and thankful to be here with ye now.”  

The gratitude Claire felt for him could hardly be put into words.  

 It had been perfect timing that he was there and honorable what he had done for Brianna. Claire always loved Murtagh, but she had grown an even deeper thankfulness for him now.  

  Not only had he protected Jamie and Claire but now he had protected their daughter.  

Chapter Text

Lying in bed together later that night Jamie and Claire held each other tightly, afraid if they let go of one another they might wake up from this dream.

The room was pitch black, the only sound in the room was the sound of their perfectly rhythmic breathing.

Claire’s hand lay on Jamie’s bare chest tracing lazy circles across his hot skin.  

“Jamie?”  

“uh huh.”  Mimicking his daughter perfectly, the slight giggle obvious in his voice.  

“Are you happy to be here?” Insecurity dripping from her question.  

Jamie propped himself up on his elbows to see her face. “Happier than I’ve ever been Sassenach.”  

“What if this becomes too much? We still have so many things to sort out.”  

“Claire” the use of her name a testament to his seriousness, “Ye and Brianna are all I want in this life. I wasna livin’ before Brianna found me. I told ye I would die on the battlefield with my men that day but I didna’, I died on that blasted fairy hill. The second the stones took ye, I was dead on my feet.” Jamie placed his hand on Claire’s tear-streaked cheek, “When that cheeky red-headed lass walked into my life, everything changed. I felt alive again. But then I kent I had to send her home to ye and....” he trailed off and Claire squeezed his hand in reassurance, “I kent my life would be over the second she left. I was goin’ to turn myself in as soon as I got back to Lallybroch, my life was over without the two of ye.”  

“Oh, Jamie.” she cried.  

“But then I woke up here with our daughter, my Godfather and MY WIFE. How could I not be happy Sassenach? Whatever we must figure out, we will. TOGETHER.”  

Claire shook with tears in his arms, and he whispered, “it’s ok mo chridhe, I’m here, and I’m no goin’ anywhere.”  

The next morning it was down to business.  

Mrs. Graham had gotten clothes for Jamie and Murtagh and continued her “crash course.”  

Claire was sitting on the couch, pen and paper in hand, making her to-do list.  

She stared at the words as if they would jump off the page and sort themselves.  

F*R*A*N*K 

Claire knew she needed to talk to Brianna, but she had just gotten her daughter back. She was terrified of what might happen, what Brianna might want to do about her relationship with Frank. She couldn't bear the thought of having to share her daughter with that man, not after what happened at the stones. Jamie and Brianna had told her everything. Bri told her mother about all the times Sandy showed up with Frank, and about the kiss. Claire was sad about it, but she wasn't heartbroken, she knew Frank and Sandy were together, but Frank had promised Claire, he would never have her around their daughter.  

“That bastard never wanted me to talk to Brianna about Jamie, yet he took Brianna around Sandy.” Claire thought to herself. Her daughter was stretched out in the floor, still clad in her little mermaid pajamas with her perfect braids hanging down her back, kicking her feet in the air above her as she colored a picture with Jamie and Murtagh.

“No Murtagh, Ariel’s hair is red like mine, not brown.” her little face scrunched as she focused on the crayon box. “This one!” she said cheerfully handing him a bright red crayon.  

Murtagh made a Scottish noise deep in his throat, “aye a nighean, red ‘tis then”  

Brianna sat up straight watching every move he made as he colored the red headed mermaid.  

Jamie laughed under his breath as he happily colored his “kitten” picture.  

Murtagh groaned “how come yer Da got an easy one?” he complained.  

“Cause yer a better color-er Murtagh. I gave Da an easy one.” she said in an attempted whisper.  

Jamie threw his hand to his heart in mock offense, “ah ye tear my guts out Brianna” he laughed.  

The little girl huffed and pointed her little chubby finger at his “kitten” picture before putting her hands on her hips. “You color worse than mama.” she said dryly.  

“Brianna Ellen!” Claire shouted. “I’m not that bad.” Claire made a sad face, pouty lip included.  

“Why do you think I never ask you to color anymore?” Brianna retorted.  

Claire jumped from the couch dramatically “tackling” the little girl and tickling her chubby thighs. “I’m a good color-er" Claire snapped. Brianna giggled through the tickles, “say it Bri!” outrageous laughter fills the room, “say it!! Mama is a good color-er"  

“ok....ok!!” Brianna shouted through the tickle attack, Claire stopped abruptly. “Mama is a good color-er" Brianna said smartly.  

A smile of victory crossed Claire’s face. “Can I help you color your picture bri?”  

Brianna blocked her hands, covering her picture like it was worth a million dollars. “no no no! You color with Da.”  

 Claire snorted.  

The four of them lay on the living room rug laughing uncontrollably.  

“I dinna ken if I want yer mam’s help with my wee cheeties.” Jamie joked.  

Claire playfully shoved him, “fine! I’ll just go back to my list then.”  

Claire got up onto her knees to stand and Jamie’s arms snaked around her waist, “no ye dinna Sassenach, get over here”  

A loud ringing cut through their laughter. “Mrs. Randall?” Mrs. Graham called from the hallway. “it’s for you dear.”  

Claire jumped up and walked over to her “Mrs. Fraser” she said with a wink at Mrs. Graham who made a strange face as she passed the phone to her.  

“Hello?”  

“Claire?”  

“Frank?”  

“FUCK!”  

Chapter Text

Claire stood in the front hallway, the sunlight accentuating the rigidness of her body.

What could he possibly want now?

After he went back to Boston he stopped calling daily to check in on the search for Brianna, claiming he had been through this before.

“Brianna is gone Claire, she’s on the other side , wherever you were and with you not being able to get through the stones we have no way to get her. We just have to wait, maybe she will turn up like you did, THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN DO.” Those were Frank’s parting words as he left for Boston.

He went home.

He just gave up. 

“Claire?”  

“What do you want Frank?” Claire asked in a no bullshit tone of voice.

“How are you?” He asked calmy.  

“Don't worry about me anymore Frank, I’m fine. Why are you calling me?” Claire asked smartly.  

“I found something.” he mumbled.  

“Excuse me?”  

“I found something...about Brianna.” he said a little louder.  

Clearly Frank had no idea Brianna was home. 

Claire inhaled loudly, “what did you find?”  

“Have you ever heard tales in Scotland about the Dunbonnet?”  

“no.” she responded simply.  

“The Dunbonnet was said to be a Jacobite, a traitor to the crown. T he English searched high and low for him after Culloden. The stories say they called him the Dunbonnet, because he wore a hat to disguise his bright red hair.”  

Claire gasped, she hadn't heard the stories, but she could put two and two together.  

“He was also known as Red Jamie.”  

Two can play this game Frank,

“You said Jamie was dead, Frank. I don't understand why you are telling me this?”  

“I know what I said Claire” he snapped in his usual condescending tone, “ I lied. I didn't want you going back to him.”  

“you bastard.” she interrupted.  

“Claire, listen to me! In one of the stories, I found a reference to the Dunbonnet, they say he disappeared from the area of Broch Morda with an unidentified red headed girl appearing to be around the age of 7 or 8 and was never seen again. The English never found him.”  

“Well of course they didn't.”  

Frank was quiet for a second, “that doesn't mean anything Claire, he could have relocated, he was just never found and recorded in history by the English, but he has Brianna.” he trailed off, “at least I think he does.”  

“He does” she said with certainty. 

“How do you know that? Have you found something? Is Mr. Wakefield helping you?” Frank questioned.

“I found something alright. My husband and my daughter.” Claire snapped.

“What?” Frank sounded dumbfounded. “Jamie?” he asked before clearing his throat “you found Brianna and Jamie.”  

“I did.” she said sharply.  

“What? Why didn't you tell me. I’ll catch a flight out tonight.”  

“No, you won't Frank. Don't come here. You left her you bastard. You chose Sandy over our daughter!!”  

Frank was silent.  

“What? You thought my daughter wouldn't tell me?”  

“no...I..” he struggled.  

“You screwed up! That's what you did. Goodbye Frank!” Claire said as she slammed the phone on the receiver.  

Seconds later it was ringing again.

Brianna ran into the hallway, “can I answer it mama?” she asked innocently.

Claire simply nodded.  

“Hello?” Brianna answered softly.  

“Bri! Oh, Thank God! You’re safe. ” Frank spouted.  

“ Thank you.” she said simply.  

Confused by her simple statement, Frank repeated her words “Thank you? For what sweetheart.”  

“For taking me to the stones, they were scary daddy, and you left me there alone, while you kissed Sandy, but I’m brave like mama , and I found him! I found my real dad and I brought him home. Jamie and Murtagh. Now he can live with me and mama, and you can live with Sandy! ” she said matter of factly, sounding so much older than seven.  

“ Bri, I’m sorry.”  

“Don't be. I’m happy I found him.”  

“I don't want to live with Sandy Brianna; I want you and your mother to come home. To Boston.”  

“Uh huh” she said intentionally “but we aren't.” she said smartly before looking over at Claire and asking “are we? Are we go back to Boston with Daddy?”

Claire shook her head in answer. “Mama says we aren’t coming back.”  

Brianna handed the phone over to Claire and walked back into the room with Jamie confidentially.  

“Have a nice life with Sandy” Claire said, her words dripping with sarcasm as she slammed the phone down again.  

Chapter Text

The following week Claire had business to attend too. Now that Brianna made her thoughts clear concerning Frank She could move forward with her to-do list.

First things first she made a phone call to their family lawyer. Frank had always insisted on using him anytime a lawyer was needed,

and Claire wanted to reach out to him first. With the lawyer knowing Claire personally things were much easier, he agreed to take on the case without question.

They discussed filing for divorce and removing Frank from Brianna’s birth certificate.

He felt that it would be easily done with a paternity test concluding that Jamie was in fact her biological father.

The divorce on the other hand could be a little trickier but with the right connections he could speed up the process slightly.

This is one of the reasons why Frank always worked with him.

Neil had been a longtime family friend who met Frank and Claire through Uncle Lamb.

Neil and Lamb were very close growing up and always did favors for one another.

This encouraged Claire to ask him for one more favor.

“Neil, I understand this is a big ask." she started.  "However, it is an urgent need for my family.”

The lawyer listened with his full attention. “I need identification for two men in my family.

Birth certificates, social security cards, pass ports, all of it.” 

“Two? Jesus Claire, what have you been up to?” he asked curiously.  

“Nothing illegal, I assure you. They were in danger, and my daughter saved them, that's all I can tell you about their past. Will that be enough?” 

Neil hesitated momentarily before saying “For Quentin’s family? It’s more than enough, let me see what I can get done for you,

and we can meet in Inverness on Friday, sound good?”  

“Thank you, Neil, I owe you! I truly appreciate your help.”  

"If I ever need a doctor to save my life, I know where to find ya!"

Next on the list was a place to stay, Mrs. Graham had been amazing and was not asking them to leave.

Claire felt it would be best to find a permanent location and she knew just the place.

One call to the realtor, a few signatures and a cash payment from her family’s inheritance account and

she held the keys to Lallybroch.  

The divorce was in process. 

Paternity would be proven as soon as Jamie had identification, and then custody should be dealt with.  

Lallybroch is paid for and in her possession.  

Now to some of the smaller details.  

Brianna needed to be enrolled in a school close by and Claire needed a job.  

 The sooner the better because the house had taken a major chunk of her inheritance.

Uncle Lamb was a very money wise man; he had taken the inheritance from Henry and Julia’s deaths,

and invested them so they would gain interest over the years that Claire wouldn't need them.

She had only touched the money for her medical schooling and had steadily been replacing it as her career skyrocketed .

Frank had no idea that Claire had her inheritance from her parents and couldn't make a big deal about it.

She also didn't think he would care for the inheritance from Lamb.

Frank’s career had been doing well, and they lived modestly, he wasn't in need of anything.  

Claire hadn't told Jamie about Lallybroch yet, she wanted to surprise him, Murtagh and Brianna.

So, when she went back to Mrs. Grahams that evening, she walked into her study and shut the door to make a phone call.  

“Hello” Franks posh accent was an offence to her ears, but this had to be done.  

“Frank. We need to talk.” 

“Of course, dear, what is it.” {smug bastard}  

“I need to come to Boston...” Claire stated matter of fact.

“I knew you’d come crawling back Claire” he interrupted.  

{choosing not to give him the satisfaction of arguing, she continued.} “I need to come to Boston for our belongings.

I don't care about getting everything, but I would like for Brianna to get all of her things. As well as all of my important documents.”She added professionally.

“Are you serious?” Frank asked stunned by her emotionless attitude.

“Yes Frank. I’ve already put things in motion on my end...” 

He interrupted again “I’ll have Neil reach out to you then.”  

Claire snickered loudly into the phone, “Neil and I have already been in touch, he’s waiting for your attorney’s information so he can start negotiations.”  

Frank growled. “Neil is your attorney?”  

“of course, he’s the best.” Claire said smugly. “I only want my personal belonging, as well as Brianna's, any of our documents and my inheritance from Lamb. I'm not asking for anything that isn't mine, You and Sandy can have everything else. Including my car, it would be too expensive to have it brought over.”  

“Claire this isn't right.”  

“What Frank? I’m giving you everything.” 

“What about Brianna, she is my daughter too.”  

“Brianna is Jamie's daughter, and you heard her thoughts on the matter. The courts will decide legally once Jamie’s paternity test is submitted.”  

“Claire please don’t do this to me.” 

“Frank be honest, you didn't want me when you had me, it’s always been Sandy for you!” 

He huffed in aggravation.

Claire sighed contentedly “and it’s always been Jamie for me..... OH! I almost forgot to thank you for making a way for him to be in my life again.”

she added sarcastically, “it was very selfless of you”  

“Quit being a smart ass, Claire.” he demanded.  

“I’ll be in town next week for my things. Neil will be present if you have any objections.”  

Claire hung up the phone before he had a chance to respond, took a big deep breath and mentally patted herself on the back.

Chapter Text

On Friday morning Claire met her lawyer in town and received all the important documents

needed for Jamie and Murtagh’s identification, they were finally official.

Claire took everyone out for a nice lunch before showing them the “new house” she had found.

Brianna caught on first considering she had been here most recently (in our time) on her trip with Frank.  

“Mama!!” She shouted excitedly.

“Yes lovie?” 

“Are we....” 

She was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the old stone castle becoming visible over the horizon.  Lallybroch looked stunning, the sun setting behind it illuminated it in all the right ways, it looked like heaven on earth.

“Da!! Murtagh!! It’s Lallybroch!!” Brianna shouted!!  

“I see that a nighean” Jamie replied before asking Claire what they were doing there.  

Claire didn't respond right away, she drove under the stone archway, parked the car and climbed out with Brianna on her heels,

“Welcome home Frasers” she said with a smile, as she waved the key in the air in front of her, then tossed it to Jamie.

Three faces stared back at her in astonishment.  

“Well go on then, let us in Mr. Fraser.” 

Jamie unlocked the front door and Brianna went barreling inside.  

Claire hadn't had second thoughts or doubts about buying Lallybroch until this exact moment, “I’m sure it looks a lot different, previous owners have updated bits and pieces throughout the years, so it’s mostly restored, but there’s still a lot of work left to do”

Claire was rambling, Jamie stopped her with a kiss, “Thank ye Sassenach.”  

“I was worried you wouldn't like the idea of living here with it being so different.” Claire’s insecurity was speaking.  

“I love it mo chridhe, Murtagh and I will have our hands full restoring the rest of the property but that's how we like it, staying busy is normal fer us. 

Brianna was currently dragging Murtagh around room by room going over all the meticulous details.  "This can be Da's study, like granda's....and this is the kitchen...and the pantry....and the priest's hole....THIS CAN BE YOUR ROOM!! right beside mine!!!" 

"Poor Murtagh, Bri seems to forget he was here when this place was built." Claire snorted.

"We can have tea parties and sleep overs, and we can color and read books...." Brianna's voice carried down from the upstairs.

"Dinna fash about Murtagh, the old coot is lovin' ever' minute of it." Jamie smiled.

"oooooohhh MURTAGH!!! WE CAN GET YE A HORSE AND YE CAN FINISH TEACHING ME TO RIDE!!!

Just maybe not for so long at a time, cause 'member my ass BUTT issna made of leather like yers." Brianna continued as Murtagh took her out toward the dooryard.

Claire held a shocked expression as she looked at Jamie after Bri's almost curse word.

Jamie shrugged "dinna look at me mochridhe"

“I'll have a talk with Murtagh later," she reasoned. "While Bri is occupied let's go have a chat.” Claire said as she grabbed Jamie by the hand pulling him behind her into the Laird’s room.  

“Hmmm, I like the way ye think Mo Nighean Donn” Jamie purred as he peppered kisses along the length of her neck.  

Giggling uncontrollably Claire managed to say “no, as nice as that sounds, I truly do need to talk to you.”  

He stopped his ministrations abruptly squinting as he looked into her big brown eyes, “what is it?”  

“Next week I have to go to Boston.”

Jamie’s face did a total 360 from pure happiness to sadness.

“I wanted to ask you if you and Murtagh would be interested in a plane ride?"

"Or you can both stay here at Lallybroch."

"Brianna could even stay with you if you want.” 

Jamie looked thoughtful, “I’ve always found airplanes intriguing since ye told me about them.... what exactly are ye going to Boston fer?”  

“Mine and Brianna’s things.”she said simply.

“you’ll see Frank then?”  

Claire nodded, “most likely. but I'm not worr......”  

Jamie cut her off, “Aye, I’ll go. I can ask Murtagh as weel, get his thoughts.”  

“Are you sure Jamie? You don't have to come; I can handle myself with Frank.” 

Jamie lightly nibbled her neck “oh I ken ye can handle wee Frank, my Sassenach never shies away from a fight, especially with a Randall.”  

Claire laughed and glared her eyes at him, “If I remember correctly, you have that same deep-seated hate for the Randalls.”  

Jamie hummed “aye,

damn Jack Randall,

damn frank Randall,

damn Mary randall....

damn all Randalls.” He said with enthusiasm as he bent to nibble her neck some more.

“A family tree filled with bastards” Claire joked half-heartedly.

{because she said wasn't a lie.}  

Chapter Text

“You can open your eyes now” Brianna said softly.  

He slowly opened his eyes, they flicked immediately to the window, a blue wide-open expanse filled with fluffy white clouds. He cautiously leaned closer to the glass; the ground was still visible below. “Holy mother of God” Murtagh exclaimed.  

“I said open your eyes. Not look out the window, ‘member I told ye it was scary if ye looked out the window!!” Brianna chirped in her best motherly tone of voice.  

Murtagh sat wide-eyed and pale beside Brianna on the plane, his knuckles white with the force of his grip.

Across the aisle Jamie wasn't doing much better, he held Claire’s hand in a death grip, his head tucked protectively into the crook of her neck,

her soft curls covering his face and engulfing him in the scent of vanilla and lavender.  

“You can look now Jamie.” Claire whispered sweetly.  

His head shook in disagreement, “nay lass, I think I’ll stay right here.”  

His free hand snaked over to quickly graze across one of her breasts.  

“Jamie!” Claire exclaimed, a look of mock disapproval on her face.  

“Feels like home” Jamie purred.  

“Alright ye two” Murtagh warned jokingly as he tried to hide his grin behind his whiskey glass.  

“Awe! Murtagh leave ‘em alone Da is still scared.” Brianna beams, lost in her childhood innocence.

“Weel maybe if he wasn't all over yer ma, he could have some whiskey and calm his nerves.” He grumbled tartly, half under his breath.  

“Yea but mama makes him feel safer than that stinky stuff.” she argued with her face scrunched in disgust.

“Aye! Leannan, yer ma is better than whiskey, the grumpy ole coot should find him a lady instead of gripping about mine.” Jamie replied wryly.  

Brianna chuckles loudly as she says “Murtagh’s to old fer a woman, he has gray hair!!”  

Murtagh reaches over and starts tickling her sides, “aye now lass, If I wanted a woman, I could find one, gray hair or no.” he protested.  

“Aye maybe that's true, at least you take a bath now.” Brianna giggled, her face red from the tickles.  

Claire chimes in from her window seat beside Jamie, “Come on now Bri, give the man a break, he’s always had gray hair and plenty of lasses wanted him at leoch, even when he was rather stinky." She scrunched her nose up at the thought.

Murtagh just cut his eyes at her and grumpily said “why don't the two of ye just go on snogging and leave me and my gray hair out of it.”  

Brianna reached over and patted him on the back. “Maybe you’ll find a lady in Boston!”  

Murtagh released a breathy laugh, "I'll just be happy to be off this flyin' metal bird, Aye."

The flight was faster than Jamie had imagined, they were waiting to land before he knew it.

Brianna had knocked out on Murtagh’s lap and Claire was lightly snoring on Jamie's shoulder. “Great comfort these two are, huh.”  

“Looks more like were comforting them aye?” 

“Hush you two, I’m trying to sleep” Claire fussed but the sound of the attendant announcing their arrival jolted her back to herself. “Huh, won't ya look at that we’re already here.....See that wasn't too bad.”  

Murtagh and Jamie both stared back at her wide eyed and sweating.  

As the exited the plane the sounds of thousands of people rushing around flooded their sense.

The thundering of footsteps as people ran to catch their flights,

consistent loud chatter and the sound of suitcase wheels as they were pulled across the hard floor.

The endless walk to baggage claim assaulted their senses once more with harsh lights that only increased the feeling of being hung over.

Jamie leaned toward Claire and asked curiously “people do this for fun?”  

Claire snorted loudly “well it beats days on a horse and months on a rickety ship, right Bri.”  

Brianna glanced over at Claire was a knowingly, “my as...BUTT doesn't hurt as bad when I fly.”  

Jamie snickered “aye well my stomach doesn't like either one so much.”  

With their luggage in tow, they continued through the sea of people pushing and shoving to get to their locations.

Jamie and Murtagh were feeling more like outlanders as they walked out into the stifling heat of Boston.

The air was thick with anticipation and the smell of roasting coffee beans.

If transitioning from the 18 th century was complicated in modern day Scotland, transitioning from the 18 th century in Boston was incomprehensible.

Nothing about the air here was fresh or relaxing, it was rushed and suffocating with the smell of car exhaust and cheap street food.

They were surrounded by concrete and steel; green grass was almost nonexistent.

Claire flagged down a taxi and ushered everyone inside.

The sudden silence a stark contrast to the noise of the street outside.  

“Ye actually chose to live here over our bonny Scotland?” Murtagh griped.  

“Well, I definitely didn't choose it for its wide-open spaces and fresh air” Claire giggled.

“Boston is a place of opportunity. I attended my residency here; and the hospitals are astounding,

and they have state of the art medical training with some of the world’s best doctors.

I don't much mind the hustle and bustle of city life, our house isn't right in the middle of the chaos though, mind you.

It’s located in the suburban area of Boston”

Murtagh just nodded most of what Claire said was lost on him.

Jamie was glued to the window, watching as they buildings as the crept passed.

They were so tall they looked to be in the clouds or maybe that was just the exhaust from all the cars

that were packed bumper to bumper in the streets.  

“Mama, are we going to Daddy’s house?” Brianna asked nervously glancing toward Jamie.  

“Not today lovie. For now, we are going to get settled into our hotel room and rest a little before

we meet Mr. Neil in Boston Common tomorrow. He has to go with us to Frank’s.

Would you want to go see Uncle joe with me this evening?” 

Brianna nodded her head in pure joy, “Can we take Da and Murtagh with us?”  

“Oh course, if they want to go, this may all be a lot for them to take in.

Boston General is a very busy and crowded.” 

“Much like the rest of Boston.” Murtagh said dryly.  

“Aye, we will come along mo chridhe, I’d love to see where ye have been all these years” Jamie said with an encouraging smile.  

Once settled into their hotel room everyone laid down to “rest” only to fall into a deep sleep for the next 4 hours.  

The sound of the hotel room phone ringing woke Claire immediately and she fumbled around to answer it.  

“Dr. Claire Randall Beauchamp FRASER ” She looked over at Jamie apologetically.  

“Mrs. Ra...CLAIRE, Its Neil. I suppose you and your daughter arrived safely.” 

“Hello Neil, we did. Thanks for checking on us.” 

“Tomorrow” he started “We are to meet at Mr. Randall’s home.

He was instructed not to be present and has left a key for you and me to enter.

Mr. Randall has also requested that one "James Fraser" not be allowed on the property.”  

“No. That won't work for me Neil, I need Jamie there.” Claire stated firmly.  

“I will run that by his attorney before tomorrow;" he replied kindly.

"Mr. Randall has requested a visit with your daughter before we leave Boston.” Neil added.

“Absolutely not!” Claire snapped.  

“That is your decision to make, so I will call his attorney now and clarify the adjustments. Will tomorrow morning at 9am work for you?” 

“Yes sir, Thank you Neil.” 

“What a damn fool.” Claire grumbled as she snuggled back into Jamie’s open arms.  

“What was that about Sassenach?” Jamie asked still groggy from sleep.  

“Frank.” she spoke in a low whisper, so Bri wouldn't overhear.  

“Aye, weel I shouldha’ known when ye called him a fool, no?” 

Claire took a deep breath. “He knows you're here and he doesn't want you to be in his house.” aggravation obvious in her tone.  

“That nay a problem mo nighean donn, I dinna have to.....” 

“No, Jamie, I need you there with me.” Her tone sounded almost panicky to his ears.  

He wrapped his arms tighter around her in reassurance “aye then I will be, dinna fash Sassenach.”  

The visit to Boston General ended up being postponed for another day,

everyone was exhausted from the trip and the emotional stress of the upcoming interactions with Frank.

They ordered take out and watched television before falling back to sleep before 7pm.  

Chapter Text

Claire’s alarm went off quite a few times, before she overhead Jamie and Brianna, both talking in their poor attempts at a whisper.  

“Leannan can ye make this thing stop?”  

Brianna still groggy from sleep opened one eye and groaned. “DA! Just unplug it!”  

She rolled back over and buried her head under the pillow.  

“Unplug it?” 

The annoying beeping wasn't stopping.

“Bri!” Jamie grumbled.  

Her response came in the form of little snores.

Normally this would have been cute, but this damn alarm clock was screeching so loud he couldn't think straight.  

He heard Claire’s voice raspy and indistinct, muffled by the blankets.  

He lifted them from her face as she groaned.  

“Sassenach, I canna understand a word yer saying.” 

Both of her eyes popped open, and she dramatically sat up, leaned across the nightstand

and yanked the power cord from the outlet. “Unplug it” she said wryly.  

With the alarm clock freed from the wall Jamie tossed it across the room and pounced on Claire.

She squealed in surprise when he pushed her back onto the bed.

which spurred Jamie on, lightly biting along her neck and shoulders.  

“Ok, OK, I’m up.” She croaked.  

“Aye so am I now.” he whispered seductively in her ear, pressing himself against her as proof.  

“Jamie!” Claire playfully poked him in the ribs, “Bri is right there.”  

“She’s sleeping.” 

“She’s faking!” 

“She issna fakin', I heard the lassie snorin’” 

Claire chuckled, “that's how you know she's faking.”

Claire raised her eyebrows at him in challenge before proving him wrong.

In a voice slightly louder than usual Claire said, “Jamie I think we should have ice cream for breakfast since Brianna is still sleeping, she would never know.”

Jamie’s face contorted in confusion but before he could ask, Brianna had popped up from her bed and materialized beside him and Claire.  

“Ice cream?” she said excitedly.  

“Huh?” Claire asked in mock stupidity.  

“We can have ice cream for breakfast. I heard ye tell Da.” 

“I didn't say ice cream Brianna, I said haggis” Claire had to choke back the laughter threatening to escape.

Bri scrunched her face in disgust as she made gagging noises. “Ew. I’m going back to bed.”  

Jamie swooped his arms around her waist, scooping her back into his arms.

“Oh no yer not leannan, ye cheeky wee lass, ye have ‘ta get dressed, yer mam has somewhere to be”  

Brianna’s cheerful giggles filled the room with happiness but in the back of Claire’s mind she was worried.  

Murtagh sat up in bed cranky as ever, “what's with all the noise, canna a man no get any sleep ‘round here?”  

“Not on Jamie’s watch” Claire said wryly.  

Jamie snorted, “it was yer wee beeping box that woke me. Had ye turned it off properly we would have still be sleeping, no?  

Claire huffed and stuck her tongue out at him.  

“Shit Jamie. You unplugged the clock!!” 

“Nay lass ye unplugged the clock.” 

“Never mind that, what time is it?” 

“I dinna ken the clock issna working.” he laughed to spite her.  

She smacked at him playfully and clicked on the TV.

“Fuck we have 20 minutes.” Claire exclaimed as she jumped out of bed.  

Murtagh furrowed his brows at Brianna, “I thought ye said yer mam didna say bad words leannan?”  

Brianna opened her mouth to answer but Claire was faster.  

“Murtagh!” 

A loud Scottish noise rumbled through his chest, as he mumbled under his breath in the direction of Jamie,

“The lass taught me some of the best curses I ken.”  

A pillow came flying at his face from across the room eliciting and “umph” as it hit him.  

“Aye woman, I hear ye!!” 

The next 20 minutes were a blur of curses and frustration, but they made it in a cab just in time,  

“I never heard my mama use such language in my life” Brianna said in astonishment.  

Murtagh grinned widely before saying, “ye ken Brianna, St. Paul says, let a woman be sil....”

If Claire could have killed him with her eyes she would have. 

She glared at Murtagh, “You can mind your own bloody business and so can St. Paul"  

"yer husband should tan ye, woman." Jamie whispered in her ear, and it sent shivers down her spine.

The three of them chuckled in amusement at the memory. Brianna looked around confused.

“Just a wee joke mo chridhe” Jamie responded to her unanswered question.  

Chapter Text

The taxi pulled to an agonizingly slow stop in front of the long row of brick buildings.

Trees lined the street and azalea bushes flanked the small porch.

Claire sighed loudly at the sight of Frank standing solemnly beside Neil and a man she assumed to be Franks attorney.

“Fuck” Claire mumbled under her breath as she stepped out of the taxi.

“I think yer mam is about to teach us all a new language” Murtagh said wryly.

Brianna didn't follow Claire out of the cab instead she was clinging on to Jamie and Murtagh like they had clung to her in the airplane.  

“Dinna fash a chuisle ye dinna have to speak to him if ye dinna want too.” Jamie said reassuringly.

Murtagh opened the door of the cab and got a good look at Frank for the first time,

“weel I be damned if it isnna Captain Johnathan Wolverton Randall reincarnate”  

Frank and Claire both shot a look in his direction,

Frank looked disgusted by the scum of a highlander approaching him home

and Claire looked like a mother about to discipline her child

but then her gaze flicked up to Jamie who was standing beside the cab with Brianna on his hip.

A look of utter disbelief on his face. Claire was in front of him in an instant. “I’m sorry, I should have told you he favors Jack Randall.

It didn't even cross my mind. I'm so use to it.”

Jamies eyes shifted from Frank to Claire, “Favors? That bloody Englishman is an exact copy of Randall.”  

“Bastard” Murtagh mumbled.  

“Perfect examples for my daughter I see.” Frank snapped wryly.  

“Claire take Brianna inside” Jamie commanded, his jaw was set in anger, and his whole body was tense.

Frank didn't fully understand the amount 

of strength it was taking for bloody highlander to keep it contained.

Her eyes flicked between Jamie and Frank before landing on Murtagh with pleading eyes.  

“Aye, I’ll take the lass and let ye handle this.” gesturing his arms to encompass the situation.  

Claire kneeled in front of Brianna, “How about you and Murtagh go for Ice cream while I talk to daddy?”

Brianna nodded, her eyes locked on Frank's face in disappointment. “Do you remember how to get there lovie? It's just...”  

“Right around the corner” Brianna finished for her. Claire kissed her daughter on the forehead and turned back toward Frank.  

“You can’t keep her away from me Claire.” 

“I’m not the one...” Claire started in her defense.

“I don't want to see you, ye big oaf!”

Murtagh scooped Brianna up in his arms with an urgency and walked away while Claire pursed her lips in an attempt not to laugh.

A deep contented chuckle escaped Jamie’s mouth and Frank moved suddenly down the concrete steps until he was within inches

of Claire and Jamie. Jamie instinctively stepped in front of Claire and stood his ground.  

“Funny is it Fraser?” 

Jamie took a deep steadying breath,

the clipped pronunciation of his last name brought back memories of a certain captain of dragoons.

Claire felt him tense under her hands.  

“Quite bloody funny if you ask me.” Claire snapped,

“But you seem to be interested in degrading Jamie.”

She took a step toward Frank and Jamie’s arm reflexively went around her waist.  

“It’s ok Jamie, I’m not scared of Frank.” she spoke in soft reassuring tones while addressing Jamie,

only to switch to sharp, aggressive fury while speaking to Frank. “Why are you here Frank?”  

“This is my home. You are my wife.” 

Claire threw her hand up palm facing him in a “Stop” gesture.  

“you're wasting your time, Frank. I won't argue moot points with you.

Get out of our way and let me get my things, then we’ll be on our way.”

She shoved her way passed him, pulling Jamie along behind her.

Chapter Text

Claire and Jamie made their way up the steps toward the two attorneys, 

“Neil, I thought Frank wouldn’t be present?” Claire fumed.

Neil looked toward Frank’s attorney “Mr. Randall wasn’t supposed to be present today Mrs. Fraser.”  

Frank snickered at the use of “Fraser” and Jamie cut him a dirty look daring him to say more.

If it wasn't for Claire begging him not to physically hurt the fool, he would have already been on the floor, 

“Grow up Frank.” Claire fired without even taking her eyes off of her attorney.

“What shall we do then Neil, we are not in town long and I don’t want to waste all of my time here.”  

“Get your things, that’s what you’re here for right?” Frank spoke in a heated tone. 

It was clear to Claire that both men were trying to keep their physical anger to themselves.

“Oh absolutely, there’s nothing else here that I care about.” She said dryly, still not making eye contact with Frank. 

“Is that so?”  

“100%”  

Claire looked toward the attorneys again, “May we?” Inclining her head toward the door.   

“pleeeease help yourself.” Frank answered sarcastically speaking over the attorneys.

Claire reached her hand out for Jamie and walked inside.

The first thing that caught her eye was a pair of woman’s shoes by the door, that were not hers. 

Frank had followed them inside, so Claire stretched out her foot kicking Sandy’s shoes across the floor violently.

Looking straight at Frank, directly in the eyes, she said, “and you had the nerve to tell me I couldn’t bring Jamie here”

she was shaking her head in disbelief at Frank when she asked, “are you fucking her in my bed too you nasty bastard.”  

Frank glared at her with a smirk. “You always were. Even when we were married?!”

He laughed out loud at that, “And if I was?”  

“Thats not something to be proud of, you and Sandy deserve each other.”  

With Jamie’s help Claire was finished in no time, and they walked out together hand in hand.

“Neil, can you supervise the company that is coming for my boxes, Jamie and I have other places to be?”  

“Absolutely Mrs. Fraser.” Neil responded intentionally using the Fraser name to push Frank over the edge.   

Claire dug around in her pocket, pulling something out in her hand.

The weight of it in her pocket had been a constant reminder of the lie she had lived; this whole marriage was a joke.

She casually dropped it into Frank's hesitantly open hand; He stood with his mouth agape,

looking down at the gold wedding band in his hand, “Claire,"

His hard exterior cracked just a little as his voice was choked with emotion.

“I won’t be needing that anymore” Claire said dismissively.

He had to try one more time before Claire left, he hadn't gotten the rise he wanted out of her, 

so, Frank replied manipulatively, “I’ll hold on to it for you. You know where to find me when you are ready to come home.”  

“This isn’t my home…” Claire started but Frank fell back against the front door with the force of Jamie’s punch.   

“I think you broke my nose you bloody bastard.”  Frank croaked.

“Oh, aye, 'spose I did, if ye kent how to speak to a lady ye wouldna' have that problem,

yer going to show her some respect or no talk to her at all.” Jamie said with finality, his Scottish brogue thick with anger.

Jamie turned back to Claire and held his arm out gallantly, "milady.” 

I locked my arm in his and we strolled down the street toward our daughter.  

"Jamie!....I love you."

"And I you Sassenach" 

Chapter Text

“Murtagh?”  

“Hmm?”  

“Do you think Daddy will be mean to mama?”  

“Ach, nay a nighean, yer ma is a brave wee thing, I’ve seen ‘er fight men double ‘er size by herself, yer Da is there wit’ ‘er too. She’s bonny.”   

I believe Murtagh, truly I do, but I’m still worried about mama.  

Mama sent Murtagh and me to the ice cream shop, she must have forgot he doesn’t even know what ice cream is. Much less how to buy it. I think being around Daddy made her nervous, she hasn’t let Murtagh or Da go anywhere alone since we’ve been in Boston. I think I could order what we want but I’ve never done it before either. I was thinking about it all the way there and had almost decided we should just sit at one of the tables out front and wait on mama. when I seen Uncle Joe and Aunt Gail, having a coffee across the street. I pulled Murtagh along with me watching for cars because he never does.   

“Uncle Joe!!”  

Joe seems me coming and jumps up to hug me, looking strangely at Murtagh, who was looking strangely at him.   

“This is Murtagh, he’s Da’s goistidh. That’s Godfather in Gaelic. He’s the one who kept me safe in…..uh”    

“Scotland” Murtagh added helpfully.   

“Uh huh, Murtagh kept me safe in Scotland until we found mama.”   

“This is Joe, he’s mama’s best friend! They work together at the hospital. Joe’s a surgeon like mama and this is his wife, Gail.”   

The two men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.   

“Well Bri, I sure am glad you are safe and back home with your mama, you had Gail and I worried sick.” Joes says as we walk over to his table and take a seat. “When did you learn Gaelic?”  

I smile at Aunt Gail and give her a hug before answering, “Murtagh and Da have been teaching me” “I dinna get lost on purpose, it was Daddy’s fault, you ken, not mine.”   

“Of course, not we didn’t think it was your fault, Bri.” Gail reassured me.   

“Ken?” Joes ask curiously.  

“Uh...like know. I know. I ken. Same thing.” Brianna explains.  

“Ah, well that's a new one, I haven’t had much time to catch up with LJ, where is your mom?” Joe asks.   

Murtagh scrunched up his face in confusion and Joe understood immediately.   

“Ahhh, LJ is what I call Claire. Lady Jane, When I met her in school, the first I noticed was her proper Englishness. she has always been a very sophisticated woman; the nickname just fits.” Joe said with a grin.   

“Claire has always been a respectable lady, aye.” Murtagh agreed.  

“Got a mouth on her though, she could put any sailor to shame” Joe laughed.  

“Aye, the lass is a cheeky one.”  

I groaned loudly and Joe looked at me funny.   

“The lass says her mama doesn’t say bad words .” Murtagh clarified.   

In my defense I said, “I ken she says bad words now…”  

“Goodness me, I should have already asked.” Gail said excitedly, “do you two want anything? Coffee? Tea?” She made a silly face at me before saying “a milkshake?”  

“ Oh aye, mama sent us here for milkshakes.”  

“No worries sweetheart, I go order them for you both, what flavor?”   

Murtagh looked confused so I hurried and answered for both of us. “ vanilla! For both us.” Mama said people can’t know that Murtagh isn’t from our time and we have to protect him and Da.   

Mama and Da were crossing the street when Joe spotted them heading our way. “LJ, there you are!”  

“Abernathy!!” She squealed. “I’ve missed you” Mama hugged Joe before introducing Da.   

“Brianna’s father, huh?” Joe chuckled genuinely. “I always suspected Frank wasn’t…” he trailed off.   

“It’s a long story Joesph; I’ll have to explain it to you one day.” Mama said in an enthusiastic tone.  Gail came back with our milkshakes and was excited to see mama too. Joe and Gail have always been good friends of hers; mama loves Gail and Joe.  I do too but Daddy never liked Uncle Joe. He would always fuss when mama and I went places with them.  

“So, Jamie, how do you like Boston?” Joe asked.  

“It’s alot different than Scotland, it’s so busy and crowded here, no?”  

“I can only imagine. Gail and I have always wanted to visit Scotland, I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”  

“Scotland is bonny, the two of ye should come visit us some time, we have plenty of room at Lallybroch.”  

“Lallybroch?” Joe questioned.  

Mama exhaled loudly, “We have some catching up to do! Lallybroch is Jamie’s childhood home in Scotland.”  

“And now it’s our home Uncle Joe” I tell him.  

“Claire if the four of you are free this evening we should do dinner at our house, it seems you and Joe have a lot to catch up on.” Gail suggested.  

“That would be perfect actually.”  

Dinner that evening at Joe and Gail’s went wonderful.  

Claire gave them an alternate explanation, leaving out all details about time travel.  

Jamie and Murtagh also really liked the Abernathey’s. In all the years Claire had known them Frank never came to any of the dinners at their house, he always conveniently had plans or was working late, looking back on it now He was probably using it as an excuse to bring Sandy to their home while Claire and Bri weren't home. Joe insisted that Claire come by the hospital before she left the city so on the following day Jamie and Claire went for a visit at Boston General. It was a lot of fun for Jamie to be able to see the hospital, which was huge, but also meeting Claires friends and coworkers. Her supervisor even pulled them into his office to offer Claire her position back; she declined of course but watching it made Jamie even prouder of his wife. Everyone had so many nice things to say about her. Jamie always knew his sassenach was a special one, and he didn't even know half of what she was capable of.  

Three days in Boston was plenty, everyone was ready to head back to Scotland. To get to Scotland though, they would have to go back on another airplane. Jamie and Murtagh still didn't like the idea and were nervous. That was fine for Brianna, she had another opportunity to give them a pep talk. For a little girl who had only been on a plane twice she was very confident in her ability to help her Da and Murtagh.  

“ ’member everything is better after take-off and do not, I repeat DO NOT LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOW.” she instructed with her arms on her hips. “That means you Murtagh!”  

Murtagh and Jamie were having a hard time keeping a straight face as a 7-year-old bossed them around.  

“Matter of fact, ye don't get the window seat this time.” She fussed.  

“Aye a nighean. It will be easier to way down the lady for a whiskey” Murtagh exclaimed.  

Brianna groaned. “Fine! Get a whiskey and go to sleep ye ole coot.”  

“Don't mind if I do.” Murtagh fired back.  

In a dreamy tone of voice Brianna said, “and when ye wake up, we’ll be going home to Lallybroch!”  

Chapter Text

CLAIRE POV

Bringing our family to Lallybroch was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  

 When we walked through the front door of the estate after our stressful trip to Boston, a wave of calm washed over me, doing much the same to Jamie and Murtagh.

Boston is a stark contrast to the rolling hills of Scotland. Everything they have encountered so far has been an even bigger change from the 18 th century.

Sure, things are safer here, but so much is different for them, including the basics like running water and electricity.

The biggest change is the rush, in Jamie’s time things aren't fast paced like they are in,

you can stop afford to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery, in my time I can’t stop , between my job, Bri’s school and incoming bills,

I can’t afford to be still. We had to hit the ground running as soon as we landed in Scotland.

As of right now Jamie and Murtagh are oblivious to the workings on this time,

and I’d like to keep it that way as long as possible, so they can enjoy just being free.  

“Come on Murtagh! You can help me put my things away in my room.” Brianna said cheerfully.  

“Brianna Ellen! You ask him, not tell him, young lady.” I chide.  

She huffs, “I already ken he wants to, so why should I ask 'im?”  

“Because it's polite, and you don’t ‘ken’ anything ma’am, Murtagh may be exhausted from travel.”  

Brianna rolled her eyes, put her hands on her hips and opened her mouth to reply back to me when Murtagh intervened,

“Nay a nighean, it’s a braw idea, I’ll help ye!” Brianna nodded, smiling eagerly and grabbed Murtagh by the hand.

“Bloody Fraser.”  

Jamie looked at me as a laugh threatened to escape his lips, “aye weel at least I gave ye plenty of practice before our daughter arrived, no?”  

I shoved him playfully, “you're exactly right, she's all Fraser, us Beauchamp’s are very calm and well restrained people.”  I smirked.

“Is that right?” He answered in a slightly seductive tone of voice as he pulled me against his body, whispering in my ear ,

“The Beauchamp I ken tends to be….Verra head strong and adventurous.” Concluding his statement with a light nibble on my ear.   

“Oh, I’ll show you how head strong I can be, my Lord Broch Tuarach.”

Pulling Jamie behind me up the stairs as he smiled at me in anticipation, heading directly for the laird’s room.  

The next morning...  

“Murtagh! Please!! I’ll tell ye how to make ‘em”  

“Nay lass, I’m no cook.”  

“I can do it if you help me with the stove!!”  

“NO! I’m no messing with that thing, I dinna ken how it works”  

Jamie had already been awake lying in bed beside Claire, watching her sleep with this commotion broke out in the hall,

he reached over and kissed her forehead before sliding into pajama pants and a t-shirt before venturing out of the room. He pulled the door shut behind him in an effort to let Claire sleep in one more day before she started her new job tomorrow. As he rounded the corner, he saw Murtagh and Brianna in a standoff with one another in the hallway. Murtagh looked completely unphased, but Brianna was red in the face, her little hand propped dramatically on her hip.  

“What's this then?” Jamie asked cautiously.  

“YER DAUGHTER is stubborn as a mule.” Murtagh griped.  

“AM NOT” Brianna blurted.  

“What was that I heard about cooking?” Jamie asked.

“Aye Leannan, yer Da actually is a good cook, why dinna go try your powers of persuasion on ‘im?” Murtagh said with a laugh.

Brianna groaned loudly and stomped toward Jamie, “Da I just wanted to make pancakes.”  

“And do ye ken how to make ‘em A Chuisle?”  

“Not exactly, but....the recipe is on the package!”  

“And what about the stove?”   he quizzed.

“I dinna ken how to use it myself but I can tell ye!” she said with a cheeky grin.  

“Aye. Weel let's go see about those ‘pancakes’ .”  

“AYE and they are delicious.”  

Jamie followed a very excited Brianna down the staircase and into the kitchen. She immediately went into the pantry and pulled out pancake mix placing it on the countertop then moving to search through the cabinets for a mixing bowl and spoon.  

“Can you come read the recipe and start mixing it? I’ll try to find a frying pan and spatula?” The lass asked grinning from ear to ear.  

“How ‘bout we find that together and then I can help ye can mix it all up. So ye will ken how to make them yerself next time?”  

Brianna’s eyes tripled in size, “You would let me help?”  

“Aye. Ye never helped cook at home?” Jamie asked puzzled by her reaction, 7-year-olds in his time knew how to cook already, Jenny was only ten when she took over the running of Lallybroch in her mother's absence.

She shook her head excitedly, “Nope! Daddy wouldn't let me near the kitchen when he was cooking, and mama was always in a hurry because of work so she never has time to let me.”  

Jamie grinned, showing all his perfectly straight white teeth. “weel a nighean let’s change that aye?”  

The little girl was practically vibrating with excitement.

Jamie lifted her onto the counter and slid everything within her reach. “Can ye read the recipe Bri?”  

“Uh huh! I learned how to read last year!” She said proudly.  

Jamie was in awe of his daughter; her messy braid glowed in the light from the window and her ice blue eyes were alight with anticipation.

Her sweet round cheeks were lightly dusted with freckles. She was beautiful, and a wave of emotion washed over him as he watched her.

The realization that he could have never met this remarkable child filled him with gratefulness.

In that moment, standing barefoot in the Lallybroch kitchen with his daughter in the 20 th century was everything he ever dreamed of and more.

This wee lass fell into his sad excuse for a life only months before and saved him. He now had Claire and Brianna, his childhood home and his Godfather,

and most importantly they were SAFE.

No more running,

no more hiding.

Just freedom and happiness.

It hadn't really hit him until today.

He had become so used to being on the run.

He finally took his first deep breath as that realization washed over him.

He was HOME.  

With hot pancakes smothered in butter Brianna bounded up the stairs to find her mother.

Pushing her way through the door she found Claire just starting to wake,

“Mama!! I made pancakes!” placing the plate in front of Claire she climbed into the bed beside her,  

“You made pancakes?” Claire asked curiously.  

“weel, Da helped me but he let me mix them and flip them.” She explained with one of the widest grins Claire had even seen on her daughter’s face.  

“that’s wonderful lovie! Did you help your Da work the stove?”  

“Uh huh! We figured it out. WITHOUT Murtagh's help.” she grumbled.  

Jamie who was now standing in the doorway of their bedroom watching the scene fold in front of him spoke,   

“Aye leannan Murtagh wouldna’ help ye but I’m sure he would be verra happy to have yer help.”  

Brianna was off the bed at the speed of a light, standing in front of Jamie.

He lifted her into his arms as she chattered on “what is Murtagh doing? Besides being grumpy?”  

“weel grumpy is Murtagh’s normal frame of mind, but he is down in the stables gettin’ ‘em ready fer a few wee surprises.”  

Brianna couldn't contain herself after that, she kissed Jamie’s cheek and wiggled her way down, running toward her bedroom “Aye! I’ll go help the auld coot!”  

Jamie was still laughing when he turned back to Claire who was happily humming as she nibbled her pancakes. “Our daughter is a better cook than me.”  

“Aye she is” Jamie said with raised eyebrows.  

“Jamie!” Claire scoffed.  

“Ye said it mo nighean donn, I just dinna lie to ye.” he chuckled, climbing onto the bed beside his wife.  

Brianna’s footsteps come thundering back into their room,

out of breath, she walked toward Jamie with a brush and a hair tie.

“Could you braid my hair Da?”  

With a contented smile Jamie rose to a sitting position on the side of the bed and patted the spot in front of him, “Aye a chuisle, I can.”  

Brianna flinched away a couple of times but otherwise sat perfectly for Jamies to fix her hair.

“Brianna.” her mother exclaimed “How come you never sit this nicely for me to do your hair?” she feigned offense.  

“Because you’re too rough” Brianna answered wryly.  

“And you’re telling me this 6-foot-tall highland warrior is gentler than I am?”  

“Oh, aye ye ken I am Sassenach. Ye pull my hair every time ye brush it." he laughed.

"Do I hurt ye when I brush yers?” Jamie said cheekily with his eyebrows raised in question.  

“Da is right. He is gentle.” Brianna agreed.  

“Well, no you don't hurt me when you ‘brush’ my hair” she said with an emphasis on brush.  

Jamie caught her meaning instantly, “weel maybe I can help ye with yer hair next aye?”  

“Only if I can help you with yours” Claire said with a wink.  

Brianna’s braid was finished and absolutely perfect, Jamie was good at this Claire thought to herself.

The little girl took off running assuring them she was off to help the “grumpy auld coot.”  

Jamie followed behind her, shutting and locking the bedroom door before turning back to Claire,

“Now what was that ye wanted me to do to yer hair a nighean?” he asked with a knowingly grin.  

“Come over here and I’ll show you!” Claire answered seductively.