Page 64 of Undercover Savior

“Yes,” I interrupted, wanting her to be surprised when we arrived at Thistle Gate.

“It all looks so beautiful,” she commented on the ride from the open pasture through the woods and to where the view opened up to the castle. It, along with the surrounding grounds, had been decorated in a way I hadn’t remembered since I was a child.

“You’ve gone all out,” I commented to Gus.

“My mum’s to thank, as always.”

I chuckled, but it was true. Ashcroft had been her home since she was born, and while she’d always lived in quarters reserved for those in the family’s employ, she took great pride in all of the estate looking its absolute best.

I felt a twinge of guilt that Mrs. Drummond was working at a time of year when she’d typically not be, but something told me getting to pull out all the stops for Sullivan made her happy.

When we passed Primrose Croft, I noticed Sullivan’s disappointment and expected she’d ask where we were going. Perhaps the reason she hadn’t was because we were already beyond the turnoff to the castle.

“This is Thistle Gate cottage,” I said when Gus pulled the SUV up beside it. Like everywhere else, it was adorned with twinkling lights, greenery, and other Christmas decorations.

“It’s so beautiful,” Sullivan said when I came around, opened her door, and helped her out. “And it’s right on the loch.” She put her arm around me and kissed my cheek. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“If you’re happy to, this is where we’ll spend the majority of time. Or if you prefer the castle?—”

“No. This is perfect. Unless you’d prefer?—”

“I wouldn’t.”

Gus shook his head and chuckled at the way we kept interrupting each other. “Everything is as you wanted it,” he said under his breath when he and I collected the bags from the back of the SUV.

“Including the locket?” I whispered.

“Yes, including that. You should also know Fallon is anxious to see Sullivan as soon as possible.”

“Understood.” Gus had informed me Ms. Wallace was staying at Blackmoor with Con, given the potential threat from Eric Weber. “How’s it going with her and Infidel?”

“Neither has said. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the reason she’s so anxious to see Sullivan is because she’s had enough of Con.”

“She could always stay at Shadowglen.”

Gus nodded. “Or here.”

Based on his smirk, he knew full well I wouldn’t be in favor of that option.

“Shall we?” I asked, brushing past Sullivan on my way to the cottage’s door.

She glanced up at the chimney, where smoke billowed. “A real fireplace,” she murmured.

“More than one, in fact.” As I went through the protocols to access the interior, I motioned to Gus. “Will Sullivan be able to come and go on her own?” I asked.

“I’ll make sure of it before I leave.”

“Many thanks,” I said when the lock clicked and I opened the door.

Sullivan gasped when she followed me inside. “A Christmas tree?” Her eyes sparkled.

“And decorations,” I said, motioning to the boxes containing ornaments I hadn’t seen in years.

“My mum wanted me to give this to you,” he said, standing between Sullivan and me with what looked like a journal in his hands. “With it, comes the message that this is only if you want to prepare some of your own meals. She and the staff are set up to fully provide whatever you’d like otherwise.”

When my eyes met Sullivan’s, we both laughed, then she held her hand out to take the book.

“Will she provide lessons?” she asked.

---