“Well, our time together is nearly done,” Duncan hedged. “It needn’t be, though.” He hastened to stem the protests he knew Jessica would voice. “Just hear me out this one last time,” he pleaded.

When Jessica made no move to dissuade him, Duncan went on. “I won’t try to explain my decision again. Understanding my mistake doesn’t erase all the damage it did to both you and Bonnie.”

The burly Scotsman ceased his pacing to stand directly before a listening Jessica. “I don’t blame you for having had enough,” he sighed. “So many times when we were confronted with obstacles because of our love, I was the one who stumbled. The trouble with Kira* was made worse because I couldn’t leave well enough alone. You and Tom lost Gavin Kruger’s* business because I couldn’t just walk away.”

“We both made mistakes, Duncan.” Jessica interrupted his recital of errors. Despite all the hurt he had caused her, Jessica would not allow him to shoulder all the blame for what happened between them. She had recognized Shannon’s tactic of plying Duncan with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Jessica had recognized it, but had been unwilling to confront Shannon aggressively about it. Not until it had been too late.

“Aye,” Duncan shook his head, “even now you are more generous than I deserve. And I am not ashamed to take advantage of that.” He reached out and took Jessica’s hand in his. “I didn’t just stumble this time. I was faced with a situation that I thought only existed on those daytime dramas . . . And I fell. And then blamed you.” Duncan obliquely acknowledged his hurtful explanation of his decision to leave his family. “I know I don’t have the right to ask . . .” His voice grew raspy with emotion. “Give me another chance. Give us another chance.”

Jessica stared, torn, at Duncan’s earnest expression. In a daze she watched him draw near and lower his mouth to hers. The feel of his lips and taste of his mouth upon hers was like coming home. If she closed her eyes she could pretend she and Duncan were standing on the grounds of McKechnie Keep – Duncan’s ancestral castle. How right it felt. She could pretend they were in a moment before everything fell apart.

Before he hurt her.

“Jessica!” Duncan cried when she suddenly tore her mouth from his. He grabbed for her in a desperate attempt to pull her back into his arms.

“Go, Duncan,” she commanded, shakily. “Please.”

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Aye,” Duncan allowed, “I will leave if tha’ is what ye truly want.” He reached into the pocket of the jacket he wore. “I will be here in the hotel until six tonight,” Duncan said, "praying that you and my wee Bonnie will come to me. And we can be a family again."

Holding Jessica's gaze, Duncan McKechnie placed the flat credit card-like electronic door key on the table and walked out.

*Kira, (played by singer Lauryn Hill), was a homeless young lady residing in the youth wing of Duncan's castle. She had a crush on Duncan, and when she realized he was already deeply involved with Jessica, Kira accused Duncan of molesting her. The case went to trial and Jessica and Duncan's relationship was revealed in a very public way before Kira was convinced to tell the truth.

*Gavin Kruger, (played by Mark Tymchyshyn), was a very wealthy client handled by Tom's law firm, and a rival of Duncan McKechnie. Gavin provoked Duncan by insulting Jessica racially on the night of their engagement. Despite Jessica's efforts to curtail any violence, Duncan decked Gavin outside the Mona Lisa. As a result, Gavin pulled his business from Tom's firm. **Tom stood by Jessica throughout it all.

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