Page 102 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
Eventually, I spy my old drinking buddies from the train up ahead, and I start waving my arms like I’m an overly enthusiastic cheerleader.
The moment I reach them, Iain scoops me up into a big hug. “If it isn’t wee little Noah! Glad you could make it.”
“How’re you enjoying Scotland?” Angus asks, his red hair downright fiery in the sunshine.
“It’s amazing. I love it here,” I say earnestly.
Craig flexes his biceps. “Are you excited to see us show off our caber-tossing skills?”
I laugh. “You know it.”
Jack, ever the quiet one, just smiles at me.
Iain sets me back down and gives me a cheeky wink, his bald head gleaming in the sunlight. “I promised I’d introduce you to some Scotsmen that might be interested in getting to know you better…” He trails off and his eyes widen as Elryk comes to stand next to me, his bare muscular arms crossed over his even bigger chest and his wings bristling. As usual, his expression is on the foreboding side.
Aww, my mate’s so cute when he’s trying not to be jealous.
I loop my arm through his and smirk at Iain. “No need, my good man, I already caught myself a supersexy Scottish gargoyle—and I’m keeping him.”
This seems to mollify Elryk, who gives me an adorably sappy smile.
“I can see that,” Iain says slowly and then beams at us both. “Congratulations.”
“It’s true love,” I tell him. “I’m moving here permanently.”
They all gape at me, and even Jack’s eyes go huge.
“Well, now, what a turn of events that is. Good on you both, and welcome to Scotland, Noah. We’re happy to have you here on a permanent basis.”
Angus gulps as he studies Elryk. My mate’s massive body makes even Angus look average-sized. “Are you competing in any of the events?”
“I just might,” he growls.
I give him a gentle smack on the arm. “No, he isn’t. He’s under doctor’s orders to take it easy. We’re just here to watch today.”
All four of them flash relieved smiles.
“I thought our chances of winning the caber toss might be sunk. Thank goodness!” Angus says.
We hear a loud announcement calling for all participants to go to their designated areas.
“Let’s meet up after things are done,” Iain suggests. “We could all have dinner together and catch up. I cannae wait to hear the story about both of you.”
“Sounds lovely. Let’s do it,” I agree.
Elryk grumbles something incoherent but subsides when I poke him in his rib.
I wish them all luck, and my four friends wander off, waving over their shoulders back at us.
We head over to the area where we can watch the events, and I pull out a wool blanket from my backpack for us to sit on.
Once the caber tossing starts, which is just as awesome as you might imagine, I pull out a separate blanket to wrap around myself because it’s damn cold in October here and a thermos full of hot tea just for my sweetie pie.
Coffee’s still my favorite but he might be wooing me over to tolerating tea.
I pour him a steaming cup and the smile of gratitude he sends my way makes my heart flutter and my nerve endings dance.
“Will it always be like this?” I blurt out.
