Page 127 of Some Like It Scot
“Well”—I pulled the house keys from my pocket—“that’s something the two of you will have to decide.” I tossed the keys to him, and he stumbled back as he caught them.
“What?”
I laughed. “I’m giving it to you.”
“You’re giving what to us?” Brett looked down at the keys in his hand, completely confused.
“What do you mean?” Jess shot a look from me to Brett and back, eyes widening. “The house? Katie, you can’t. This is your inheritance.”
“This isourinheritance. Grandpa and Gran only wanted it to stay with a family member who would love and appreciate it. You both do that.” I waved toward the room. “And I don’t need it. I’m keeping the garage apartment and some acres connected to it, but I’m deeding the rest of the farm over to you.” I shrugged. “If you want it.”
Brett’s jaw dropped. Jess caught her laugh with her hands, her eyes shimmering with fresh tears.
Yes. This was right. Perfectly right.
“Katie?” Brett ran a hand through his rust-colored hair. “Are you crazy?”
“We know I am.” I raised my palms in helpless acceptance. “But areyouinterested?”
“Why would you do this?” Jess shook her head, tears brimming until one spilled over. “This is your home.”
“No, it isn’t.” I stepped close to her, taking her hand. “Maybe it was once upon a time when Grandpa and Gran lived here, but it’s only been a big holding spot for me for years now. It deserves better. It needs a family to fill it with love, and I can’t think of a better one to do that.”
Jess looked over at Brett, whose own eyes were a little red-rimmed.
He stepped closer, searching my face. “Are you sure?”
“Without a doubt.” I laughed. “A hundred percent.”
“We won’t have a mortgage, Brett.” Jess placed a palm on his arm. “And you can practice all those handyman skills you love so much.”
“And the cottage on the back acres would make a great Airbnb for extra money,” I added, unable to stop my grin as the joyful reality of it began to dawn more and more on their faces.
With a sob from Jess and a laugh from Brett, they both took me into their arms, leaving baby Ryan to double-fist my hair with great zeal and me to join in a little crying myself.
Without a doubt,thisstory was going to be one of my favorites. “I’m going to take that as a yes and will drive into town to get the paperwork started tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Katie.” Brett took hold of my shoulders, his gray eyes watery and sparkling all at once. “This... this has always been a dream of mine.”
“I know.” My vision blurred. “And I’m so glad to make this dream come true for you. I’m just sorry it took me so long.”
Jess spoke through a sob, still shaking her head in disbelief. “What caused you to make this decision?”
Or who.
“Well, Scotland.” I wiped a hand over my eyes and squinted as I confessed. “And a certain guy who I hope will become more than just a memory, if I have any influence at all.”
“Ah, I thought I heard something special in your voice when you talked about him,” Brett said, taking Ryan from Jess’s arms.
“You mean the guy who rescued you from the loch?” Jess’s eyes widened.
“And the cow,” Brett added.
“The hot Scot?” Jess finished, eyes wide, with Brett sending her a curious grin.
“The same.” I drew in a deep breath. “I’m heading back as soon as I can because I need to let him know how I feel.”
“Katie, that’s fantastic.” Jess pulled me into another hug. “And if he’s smart, he’d never let you go.”
