Page 88 of The Castle in the Bay

‘Did you do these?’ Monty asked.

‘Yes.’ She smiled at him. ‘I like that one best.’ She pointed at one covered in pink sugar beads.

‘It does look good, but you better eat it, if it’s your favourite.’

Catriona handed out napkins. ‘If you two can survive the summer season in Iona’s room, you can rent the annex for the rest of the year, if you like. Possibly indefinitely if I get the glamping pods up and running.’

Iona flicked her gaze to Monty. ‘Really?’

‘Really,’ Catriona confirmed.

Monty squeezed Iona’s hand. ‘That sounds great. Thank you so much.’

‘Yes, thank you. That would be so great.’ Iona leaned over and hugged her.

Catriona sat beside Eilidh and lifted a biscuit. ‘No trouble. And I hope you’ll be able to give me some more help with the business if I need it.’

‘Of course.’ Monty chose a biscuit for himself, smiling his approval at Eilidh, who was watching him. ‘I’d be happy to.’

‘Such a beautiful day.’ Iona let out a contented sigh.

‘Stunning.’ Monty kept his eyes on her as he sipped his drink. The sea washed up beyond, its soothing music like the stuff of dreams. A dream Monty was going to live for a very long time. This was where he belonged, on Barra, beside Iona, ready to face whatever came their way.

Chapter Thirty

Iona

Iona’s boat cut smoothly through the water as she steered towards Kisimul Castle. She turned around and smiled at Monty. He’d found his sea legs… Or close enough. He’d never make a sailor, but with the armbands and a bit of practise, he was able to stand up and watch rather than sit clinging to the sides. Sunlight caught the waves, scattering the surface with hundreds of diamonds. The perfect late summer day.

Monty strolled up behind her and put his arms around her as she steered. ‘I’m so happy.’ He nuzzled his nose against her neck. ‘You’re just the best.’

‘Monty, you’re such a sap.’ A smile tugged at her lips. ‘But I love you.’ She still couldn’t believe he was here with her, not just for a visit, but as part of her life. This was a better version of her life than she could ever have predicted. No half-measures, no doubts.

‘Almost there.’ She cut the engine.

‘Don’t go getting any injuries or anything today.’

‘I’ll try my best, though if I do, you’re welcome to kiss me better.’

‘With pleasure.’

She smiled and relaxed into his hold for a moment. They’d shared so much in this place, and returning together just for the sake of it was something she hoped they’d make a tradition. She guided the boat to the small slipway, the castle’s imposing silhouette casting a long shadow over them.

They drifted the last few feet, the boat bumping gently against the side. Monty hopped out, and Iona passed him the rope. ‘I’ll make you a seaman yet.’

‘I doubt that, but it’s definitely more fun than it used to be.’

‘Have you missed this place? Your ancient stronghold.’

He smirked. ‘Ha! I definitely don’t look at it like that, but it’s always going to be a special place for me.’

‘It is a special place. I kind of took it for granted before, but there really is something magical about it. All the stories that have happened here over the years.’

‘Maybe we can add our own.’

‘Oh yeah.’ Iona took his hand. ‘We can definitely do that.’

They scrambled around the rocks at the edge of the castle to the place where Monty had scattered his father’s ashes all those weeks ago.

---