Page 57 of Under A Sicilian Sky
‘Right, folks, let’s eat.’
They took their places around the table and Jules served the food while Reid poured more wine.
‘Is Evin not joining us?’ Ruby asked as Chewie arrived at her feet.
Jules laughed. ‘No, he’s watchingIron Manin his room with mac and cheese.’ She picked up her wine glass and announced, ‘I think we should have a toast. Mitch, I’ve told Ruby that we know her real identity so you can both relax. To friends, old and new.’
Mitch glanced briefly at Ruby with a look of mild panic in his eyes, but Ruby shook her head and smiled, hoping he would take that to mean all was well. Then they all said in unison, ‘To friends, old and new.’
‘So, have you two set a date for the wedding yet?’ Ruby asked as she tucked into the tender chicken and relished the spices that flavoured the haggis, and the heat of the sauce.
‘Aye, we’re aiming for December. Christmas Eve to be exact. You guys should come,’ Reid said with enthusiasm.
Ruby placed a hand over her heart and tilted her head. ‘A Christmas wedding. So romantic,’ she said, imagining a church surrounded by falling snow, guests wrapped up in tartan scarves and Chewie wearing a bow tie.
‘We got engaged at Christmas so we figured getting married at Christmas would be lovely too,’ Jules said, reaching to squeeze Reid’s hand.
‘How’s the wee lad about it all?’ Mitch asked.
‘Oh, he’s dead excited. In fact, I’ve asked him to be my best man.’ Reid’s eyes shone with pride.
A lump formed in Ruby’s throat. ‘Oh my word, it just gets better.’ She dabbed at her eyes.
Jules laughed. ‘Don’t! You’ll set me off! He’s such a sweet boy. And I should say I’m surprised he didn’t say something to you when he opened the door. He’s very astute usually. He was watchingNanny Always Knows Bestat Christmas with Grace, Caitlin’s daughter. They’re best friends.’
Ruby chuckled. ‘He did look at me a little funny.’
‘So, what do you think of our wee village?’ Reid asked.
Ruby placed down her knife and fork and took a sip of her wine. ‘It’s gorgeous. So peaceful. And the scenery on the way here was to die for. I’m hoping I get to explore a little while I’m here. We have a rental car too, so I might go for a drive and see the sights.’ She hadn’t driven in years but figured it must be like riding a bike.
Jules leaned towards her. ‘You should definitely go see the Quiraing. Absolutely stunning views from up there. You can do a loop walk. Reid and I have done it a few times with Chewie. He loves it.’ She leaned down and patted the dog who was sitting calmly between them. ‘I hope you don’t mind him being here. I can put him in the other room while we eat if you like.’ She cringed.
Ruby glanced down and reached for the dog. ‘Are you kidding? Remove my new best friend from the room? No chance. And maybe we could borrow him if we go do the walk?’
Reid laughed. ‘You might regret asking. He’s got way too much energy, that dog. But if you’re serious, then absolutely.’
‘Oh, I am. I had a little Yorkshire Terrier keeping me company in Sicily. He was called Nero. Such a cutie. I do miss him.’ Her eyes misted over a little, but she rallied and turned to Mitch. ‘What do you think? Maybe Dougie will be up for it? He’s fit.’
Mitch grinned and shook his head. ‘Aye, he might be fit, but I’m not so sure about me these days.’
Reid gently punched his arm. ‘Ah, you’re talking pish, man! You’ve a set of swimmer’s lungs.’
Mitch guffawed. ‘Aye, but he’s wanting them back!’
* * *
The evening was filled with laughter, friendship and warmth. As she walked home with Mitch, Ruby noticed a feeling of calm had settled over her, the like of which she hadn’t felt in a very long time. As they reached the village, she stopped and inhaled the cold Scottish air, filling her lungs with its fresh chill.
‘I can see why people love this place so much,’ she said dreamily as she watched the moonlight glint on the water.
Mitch wrapped his coat close around him. ‘Aye, it’s a nice wee place. And it feels even more like home again. That’s down to you.’
She turned to face him. ‘How so?’
He gazed down at her, his eyes alive with happiness. ‘You helped me to reconnect with one of the best friends I ever had. I didn’t realise how much I missed him until tonight. So, thank you. I know I was reticent about the whole dinner thing, but it was really good.’
Ruby’s warm glow intensified as she smiled up at him. ‘Jules thought we were a couple, you know.’
