Winter and Lost Sisters

I lived on my parents land for another few weeks as the winter settled in. My parents left for Wilmington for some play and other chores they needed done. I gladly accompanied them. I needed to purchase more metals. After I'd finished my shopping, I found Claire and went with her into whatever stores she wanted. As we exited, she counted her left over money a few paces ahead of me.

"Sassenach." Jamie said. My mother looked towards him as did I.  He sat with a woman. Her hair as red as mine. She was as pretty as Claire.

"Mama." The woman gasped, running towards Claire.

"Bree." Claire embraced the woman in a hug. Ah, my long lost sister. Jamie looked happier than I'd seen him in awhile. I left the three to get reacquainted as I went to find the nearby wagon.

"Miss Tanner!" I heard a familiar voice. I turned to see Lord John approaching me. I curtsied slightly, out of respect or joking, I wasn't sure.

"Lord Gray." I stated plainly, acknowledging his presence before tossing my basket of newly bought items into the wagon.

"Another day as a lady?" He asked, looking at my dress.

"I figured it would be best to not draw attention in town." I responded.

"Where are your parents?"

"Talking with my sister around here somewhere."

"Sister?"

"Yeah, I've got a sister. The one who lives in Boston... She's suddenly home." I scoffed. He looked at me, confused.

"Are you not happy? That your sister is home?" I leaned up against the wagon, unsure of how to answer.

"She's just a reminder of everything I missed out on, I guess." I muttered. His hand rested on my shoulder.

"You may not have been raised by them, but they love you just as much as they love their other child." He smiled. I had nothing to say. I knew my parents loved me. But I felt like I was suddenly being replaced. Jamie was would surely be wrapped up in getting to know the other child he never got to raise. Claire raised Brianna so surely, they'd be a lot closer and she wouldn't care as much for me.

"I'm going back to the blacksmithing shop. Murtagh has needed my help for months." I gave a small smile in return. Gray shook his head.

"I think you'd be making a mistake."

"It is my mistake to make. Good day, Lord John." I stated, walking towards the docks. Lord John watched me go before disappearing on his own errands. I would depart from my parents today, going back to Woolam's Creek. They didn't need me, they had their new daughter.

Once they all finished their introductions and finished their catching up, they made their way back to the wagon. I stood there, holding one of our horse's reigns, my bags already attached to the saddle. Jamie saw me first.

"Faith! Ye must meet your sister, Brianna." He exclaimed, a smile plastered to his face.

"Hi, I'm Faith... You're older sister, I guess." I gave a small smile as the woman approached. She smiled back, happy to meet more family.

"I'm going back to Woolam's Creek. To Murtagh." I looked back at Jamie. His face changed from happiness to confusion.

"Now why would ye do that?" Jamie questioned.

"Murtagh needs me. You know he's in with the regulators. I need to watch out for him. Especially after last night."

"Aye..." Jamie responded. "Ye'll always have a home on the ridge with us..." He hugged me softly. Brianna gazed sideways at me. She knew her presence was the reason I decided to leave.

"Yes, come visit us..." Claire said, brushing my hair lightly, before pulling me into a hug. I finished my goodbyes and rode towards Woolam's Creek. Murtagh, because he was a wanted man, had shut down the blacksmithing shop which I happily took over for him.

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Months passed as Brianna went to River Run and my family went in search of her husband. I, on the other hand, happily stayed making metals works. That is, until one day, Lord John stopped by.

"I will never get used to you in pants." He laughed.

"Good thing you don't have to." I smiled back, wiping my hands on the apron I wore. "Did you need something Lord Gray?"

"Yes, I was going to ask if you'd come with me to River Run... To see your sister?" His eyebrow raised as he fiddled with his hat in his hand.

"Yes, my sister... Your betrothed." I scoffed. Was I jealous? Of my sister? The pregnant woman who had no husband? Whose love might be dead? My feelings confused me. If I was jealous, where'd my feelings for Kaeden go? No, I still loved Kaeden. I'd always love Kaeden. He was my first love. But Gray? He made my heart beat quicken. He made my chest burn. But was it in passion or anger? I mean our witty banter couldn't compare to Kaeden and I. I loved that fiery Scot. But who knew if he'd ever return to me. I mean I hated John Gray.

"It's a ploy. Neither of us intend to marry the other. She needs to buy time until her parents can find Roger." He responded.

"Ploy or not, I'm ok staying here..." I growled, returning to my work.

"Faith..." I hated the way he said my name.

"John..." I turned to face him again.

"Why do you hate me so?" John leaned against the doorframe watching me work.

"I don't hate you... You just...." I huffed, hammering the piece of metal in front of me before dipping it into the water. "I know what you are. I know what you do with men. And that's fine. But I don't appreciate..."

"Making you think I'm interested in you?" John asked, interrupting me.

"Yes..." I put the metal back into the fire.

"Why? Is me being interested in you a problem?" I didn't know how to respond to his questions.

"Please leave, Lord Gray." I muttered, pulling the metal back out to hammer it again.

"Faith," His hand found my arm as I held the metal to the table, ready the pound away at it. I retracted my hand from his again.

"No... Go back to my brother and sister. I won't be your next chess partner or wife you love because you have to." I scoffed. I knew his past. I did my research on him. After the day I met him, I spoke with Claire. Jamie might be respectful of John's privacy. But Claire did not care for John. His gaze hardened towards me.

"Good day, Miss Tanner."

"Good day, Lord Gray."

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Author's Note: Would you all like to see Faith x John Gray or should I bring Kaeden back now?Please vote or comment if you're enjoying the story. This is the last chapter I write until someone gives me an indication that they like the story XD.Thank you!!