Page 77 of The Castle in the Bay

‘Yeah. I’ve enjoyed it.’

‘Magical place, isn’t it? I’ve always lived here and sometimes I get bored, you know, and moan about lack of facilities and what have you, but I always come back. I was on holiday last week with some friends. We took my boat off and did some cruising around, but something pulls me home every time. Even when I see other places, they never talk to me like this place.’

‘I can understand that. It definitely has a pull, something that makes me want to come back.’ In a couple of days, when he was back in his office, he’d miss it even more.

‘It’s in your blood. You’ve got a history here and no matter where you are, a part of you will always want to come back.’

‘You might be right.’

‘Listen, I’m sorry about the whole Iona thing,’ Ruaridh went on. ‘I hope I didn’t get in the way. She’s about the only single girl on the island, you know? So I kind of thought we’d get together at some point… Just for a hookup. She isn’t up for the long term. Anyway, seemed like a good idea at the time. But we’re just friends. She doesn’t like me any other way and, to be honest, I don’t see her like that either. I was just hopeful, but she always thought it would make things awkward, and I guess she’s right.’

Monty forced a smile. Ruaridh was a chatterbox who obviously didn’t mind spilling his soul to everyone and anyone – or maybe it was their newfound family connection making him feel suddenly more relaxed with Monty. ‘No worries. Iona’s great,but she belongs here, and I don’t – no matter what my history may be. It’s just a practicality.’

Ruaridh glanced over at him. ‘Yeah. That’s harsh.’

‘I’m sure we’ll get over each other.’ Though his words were an empty promise. It certainly wouldn’t be easy. Perhaps Iona never really liked him as much as he liked her. Was he just another tourist?

No.

Something told him that wasn’t the case. She hadn’t spoken her feelings aloud, but she’d shown him in so many ways.

‘I never thought Iona would stick around.’ Ruaridh pulled into a passing place to let a car go by. ‘But she’s become a part of this island.’

‘Yeah, she really is that.’ And it would be cruel to take her away from it. Monty wouldn’t dream of asking her to leave. He didn’t want to force them to be together by making her abandon her beloved home. That would change her too much, and he didn’t want her to change. He loved her the way she was.

‘Relationships are a funny thing, eh?’ Ruaridh barked out a laugh. ‘Maybe I’m just out of it living here, where the dating pool is basically non-existent. But how the heck do people find each other at the right time and place?’

‘I have no idea.’

‘And how do you know they feel what you feel?’ Ruaridh exploded his fingers in front of his forehead like the whole concept messed with his head.

‘Guesswork and hope most of the time.’

‘You’re so right. Just got to keep trying, huh?’

Yup.

But it was easy to make mistakes. Monty had thought he’d loved Sophie. He’d built his life around that idea for a long time. But it was a false love. Comfortable, convenient, but not real.Not like the soul encompassing love he felt for Iona. When he confessed to her, it had been real and true.

He stared out the window, watching the landscape blur by. Another cracking day, but his last one here for who knew how long. Whatever happened, he wouldn’t be going back to Sophie. He couldn’t. Not now. Not after Iona.

‘You ok?’ Ruaridh said. ‘Sad to leave?’

‘Yep.’

‘Well, whatever happens, I hope it works out for you and come back any time. We’ll be happy to have you.’

Monty smiled. ‘Thank you.’

As they pulled up to the tiny airport, Monty took a deep breath. Ruaridh parked and got out, moving to the boot to grab Monty’s bag.

‘Thanks for the lift.’ Monty stepped out, stretching his arms above his head.

‘No problem.’ Ruaridh handed over the bag. ‘Hope you get back safe. Maybe see you around again sometime?’

‘Yeah, maybe.’ Monty extended his hand. ‘Take care.’

They shook hands, and Ruaridh clapped Monty’s upper arm. ‘You too. All the best, cuz.’

---