Page 38 of Madly Deeply

"Aye."

Outside, he opened her car door, then walked around to the passenger seat. The stiffness in his movements told her he was toughing it out. At least she didn't have to worry about him singing at the restaurant.

"I made reservations at House of Tricks," he said, then asked if she knew the way.

She did.

The restaurant wasone of Tempe's finest, housed in a 1920s cottage surrounded by trees strung with fairy lights. They were seated on the patio, where the December air was just cool enough for the stone fireplace to be lit. The ambiance was magical—twinkling lights reflected in crystal glasses, soft music from a guitarist near the fireplace, and the gentle murmur of conversation around them.

"This is lovely," Alexandra said, taking in the scene. "I haven't been here in ages."

"I did my research." Callum's eyes sparkled in the firelight. "Supposed to be a popular place for a special evening."

Their conversation flowed easily over wine--sparkling water for her--and appetizers. She found herself relaxing, drawn in by his attentiveness and quick wit. She told him about following in her father's footsteps at the university, about growing up surrounded by books and intellectual debate.

"His mother, my grandmother, was the opposite," she said, laughing. "She believed in magic and star-crossed lovers. Used to drive my father crazy."

"Sounds like my gran." Callum grinned. "She's the one who pushed me to take this trip. She's desperate for grandchildren while she can still see them."

"Are her eyes failing?"

"Nay." His eyes danced. "But she threatens to poke them out if I dinnae marry soon."

Alexandra laughed. "Sounds like quite a character."

"She is that." His expression softened. "Ye should bring the wee one to visit someday. The lambs will be coming in spring."

"So will my baby. So probably not this year. Though I do plan to go back to visit friends at some point." She rested her hand on her stomach. "We're thinking of naming her Huntly."

She'd saidwe!But if he'd noticed, he didn't show it.

"A fine name." He covered her other hand with his. "A fine strong name."

The touch sent warmth spreading through her. She could have pulled away, but she didn't.

Just then, the guitarist tapped his microphone, stood up, and smiled. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special treat tonight. One of our guests has requested to perform a song." He held out his guitar and waited.

To Alexandra's surprise, Callum stood and strode over to relieve the man of his instrument. The other diners turned to watch. Alex wondered if she should run inside or try to hide under the table. The way he'd sung when he was stoned wasn't something he should be sharing with the rest of the world!

"This is for my overly pretty neighbor," he bent and said into the microphone, drawing appreciative chuckles from the crowd. He tested the guitar's tuning, then began to play—a melody with a distinctly Scottish cadence that made her think of misty mornings and rolling hills. Maybe he was just going to play and not sing.

Please don't let him sing!

Before walking away, the musician adjusted the microphone stand to end just below Callum's chin.

Oh no!

When he began to sing, though, he was a man she didn't recognize at all. His rich voice carried clearly across the patio.

A simple man,I know the mornin.

Wild awake before the dawn

My calloused hands come with a warnin’

Coarse are the edges of a common mon.

Alex took a deep breath.She was going to survive this after all.

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