Page 119 of Some Like It Scot
Of course, if this turned out to be true love, I’d be willing to make certain sacrifices. But would he ask me to stop traveling entirely?
I shook the thoughts away.
You’re getting ahead of yourself there, Katie-girl. You’ve only had some life-altering kisses so far, not a proposal.
With quick work, I sent along my email address and dismounted the bike I’d been using as a stool during my text conversation. I’d barely turned the corner of the house when Lachlan and Wedge came into view, the former scowling. The latter ran up to me for a greeting.
“What’s the matter with you, Lachlan?”
The boy rolled his eyes. “Lunch is going to be late.”
I laughed. “That’s okay.” Then I frowned. “Hmm... but I may have to miss it because I have to get be at Craighill earlier than I thought.”
“I’d rather be with you at Craighill than here. Uncle Graeme’s got a visitor, and I don’t like her.”
Her? “Oh, I didn’t realize someone else was joining us for lunch.”
“She just showed up, and Uncle Graeme sent me for a walk to get me out of the way.”
I looked back at the cottage. “I don’t want to interfere if it’s something serious. Maybe I should just head on back to Craighill and talk with your uncle tonight.”
“But you’re leaving tomorrow.” The little lilt in his voice twisted my heart into knots.
I knelt down in front of him, and Wedge took the move as an invitation to lick my face. I nudged the dog aside and placed my palms on Lachlan’s shoulders. “I promise you that I’ll be back, if for nothing else than to visit you and your granny.”
“And Uncle Graeme.”
I nodded. “And Uncle Graeme.” If Graeme wanted that too, because I sure did. “I still have more Scotland country to see.”
“And you haven’t even eaten at Lochside Café or Shona’s Bakehouse. That’s a crime.”
I nodded, happy to have distracted him from those watery eyes. “Or Fishnish.”
“Och, aye. You haveta try Fishnish.”
“See?” I squeezed his shoulders. “How can I stay away?”
For being such a little boy, those eyes of his caught on to my meaning, because in a very unexpected turn of events, he reached over and hugged me.
My whole body froze for a second. My heart nearly exploded.
And that’s when I knew, whether Graeme and I sorted out a future or not, I had to come back to Mull.
For Lachlan.
And Mirren. And the crazy book club.
But I really hoped for Graeme too.
I stood up and walked back toward my bike. “Once your uncle finishes his conversation with his friend, would you let him know I’ll see him tonight?”
“Aye.” Lachlan slipped his hand into mine as I walked, and I saved the feel to memory. Another sense of belonging washed over me, and I sent a thankful glance heavenward. “But she’s no friend. Not anymore.”
“Oh.” I looked back over at the house.Who could it be?
“And I’m glad they didnae marry.”
My feet came to a stop. Marry? That was unexpected. “Marry?”
