Page 87 of The Castle in the Bay

He smirked. ‘Well, you can make an island man out of a banker, but you can’t take the banker out of the island man.’

She leaned up and kissed him. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

He followed her out of the village and back along the single-track road towards the farmhouse. Waves rushed up and broke against the rocks as the road cut close to the sea. The island looked as rugged and beautiful as ever. This wonderful island that had brought them both together.

As Monty parked in the driveway, Catriona was waiting outside the farmhouse with little Eilidh. Even from this distance, he could see Catriona’s smile.

As soon as Eilidh spotted Iona, she ran over and wrapped her arms around her legs.

‘You’re back!’ Eilidh squealed. ‘Did you find him?’

Iona ruffled her hair and turned around. ‘Sure did.’ She winked at Monty. He popped the boot and took out a bag.

Catriona folded her arms. ‘Did you not find the guests, then?’

Monty closed the boot in time to see Iona’s glare. ‘You sent me on a wild goose chase. I can’t believe I fell for it.’

Catriona laughed, then turned to Monty. ‘Everything go to plan?’

‘Definitely. Thank you for helping me pull that off.’

Catriona approached him and gave him a little hug. ‘No problem. It was fun. I can’t believe Iona fell for it.’

‘You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?’

‘No,’ both Catriona and Monty said at the same time.

They all laughed.

‘Come on,’ Catriona said. ‘Why don’t you pop your bags upstairs, Monty, then we can sit out at the picnic table and enjoy the view. I’ll get us some drinks.’

Monty headed up with Iona. ‘You’ll have to excuse the messy room. I didn’t know I’d be getting a guest.’

‘I hope this is ok. I probably should have warned you about it, but the idea of surprising you seemed like fun. If you’d rather I find accommodation elsewhere for the time being—’

She stopped on the stairs, turned around and put her finger on his lips. ‘I don’t want you anywhere but with me.’

That was all he needed to hear. He popped his bags in a corner of the room while Iona had a quick tidy around. When she was done, she came over and gave him a quick kiss.

‘Shame we have to go downstairs really,’ she said.

‘There’s no rush to do anything. I’m not going anywhere.’

She smiled, and they headed downstairs and took their seats at the picnic table. The sea sparkled behind the dunes in the distance. Iona put her hand in his, and their fingers entwined. ‘What does your mum make of this?’

‘She thought I was mad at first,’ Monty said. ‘But she’s come round to the idea. She might even visit one day. You never know.’

‘My parents might too if they discover I’m dating a banker. They’ll love you.’

‘Why? Because I have the right job?’

‘Exactly.’

He shook his head. ‘You need to show them some kite surfing. If that doesn’t impress them, I don’t know what will.’

She squeezed his hand. ‘Maybe. We’ll see.’

Catriona returned with a tray of drinks, setting it down on the table, and Eilidh added a tray of heart-shaped biscuits with various icing designs and sprinkles.

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