She laughs, snuggling back onto my lap again.
“Don’t worry. I opened them this morning. George was looking out for us.” We sit silently sipping our coffee as we watch Robbie drive the sheep to the meadow. He waves briefly before disappearing over the rise.
“Did I tell you about the message he left on my phone when I was on the flight to Portland?” she asks, looking at me. I shake my head. “It was so sweet. He told me how much you love me and how they were going to help me. He said he was sorry I was hurting but you three brothers would fix it.” I wipe a tear off her cheek before pulling her closer to me.
“I love it here,” Claire whispers, pulling the blanket tighter. “Promise me we’ll keep this forever. That whenever life seems too much, we’ll run here, together.”
“Whitever ye want,mo ghaol.”
Though our honeymoon is short, it’s perfect. We swing by the poker game later that night just to see the spectacle. It did not disappoint. Everyone was several bottles in by the time we made our appearance, so we had a front row seat to what happens when you mix drunk Scotsmen with drunk Americans. Since there were three tables of players packed into Robbie’s living room, they had settled on a round-robin style of play.
At least Matt had met his match this time faced with the skills of Aiden and the card counting of George. I would feel ashamed of not mentioning that George has an eidetic memory, but Matt had won too much of my money over the last year.
They took a quick break to say goodbye, slapping me on the back a little too hard while passing Claire around for some friendly groping. When I finally pried her loose from one of my very drunk brothers-in-law, we made our way into town to see her friends.
The women had taken over the local bar much to the owner’s happiness. Having over a dozen gorgeous, rambunctious women filling up your quiet bar does wonders for business. Since he is a cousin of mine, I didn’t worry about them too much. He pulled me aside to explain how he had rides arranged to make sure everyone made it back. He also gave me a knowing nod when I gave him my best scowl after being asked where my kilt was. Fucking kids!
The women were easily as rowdy as the poker crowd. As Claire was receiving teary goodbyes from her friends, it was my turn to be passed around. At one point, I’m positive I was felt up. I said a prayer that it was Claire’s sister and not one of my own, too drunk to remember who I am.
When we got back to the cottage, Claire insisted I find a flashlight to make sure there were no kids or sheep waiting in the dark with their beer while she closed all of the drapes. I told her that I’ve never seen a sheep drinking on my porch, but she told me there was always a first time.
Securing the locks, it takes me two steps before I have the sweats I found for Claire off her body. Holding her against my chest, I roll back onto the ground until I’m lying on the fur rug with her straddling my face. She’s making some statement about my athleticism when I cut her off with one lick. She can tell me all about that later, right now I have stuff to do.
Robbie finally relents, swinging by with Claire’s suitcase the next morning. She insists on us taking a hike along the moors all afternoon. As much as I love the solitary roar of the ocean, I have a much bigger appreciation for it now after Claire pushes me down on the cliff before ripping my pants down so she could ride me. The crashing of the waves helped drown out her scream when she came.
That evening George picked us up in time for dinner at my parents’ house. Mam asked if we could get together one more time before everyone had to return to their own lives.
I was worried about Claire trying to survive the noise fourteen adults and ten kids can make when packed in a small house. I should have saved my concern. She spent most of the evening laughing at the stories my family regaled her with, most at my expense. I didn’t care though, as long as I could watch her laugh. How can I stop falling deeper in love with her every time I look at her? I hope I never find out.
Walking back into the cottage, when George drops us off, we find the table completely covered in kilts.
“Robbie!” I growl, knowing he lent his keys to someone. “They’re naw even all Ross tartans!” I say in disgust. Claire laughs until I finally bend her over the table on top of the damn things.
Bryce and Sean drop us off at the airport in Inverness on their way home the next day. It’s an exhaustingly loud ride with their four kids in their van for three hours. Claire sighs as she drifts off, her head on my shoulder for the short flight to Manchester. I’m betting there is paparazzi waiting at the airport for us when we arrive.
I let the club manager know about our wedding, but he had been generous enough not to let the press know where we were. The press doesn't worry me too much, especially since Claire will be there to help me push through it. Our secret marriage is sure to be big news anyway. I told my cousin she could sell a few of her better wedding photos to the press if she would like. I kiss Claire gently on the top of her head.
“I love ye, Claire Ross,” I whisper.
“I love you, Alex Ross,” she answers groggily. Our time in Scotland was amazing, I think I might actually be a little chafed from all the sex. I grin, thinking that I’ll just have to keep taking one for the team.
I’m glad to be going home though. I’m ready to begin life with Claire. I want to score a goal knowing she’s sitting in the stands watching me. I want to be the one to escort her to the charity events that she needs to attend for work.
I met with her boss before leaving for Scotland. She assured me that they were holding Claire’s job for her. She started crying when I told her yesterday.
More than anything, I want to watch us as we grow old together. God willing, I will watch as our home fills up with children, then empties again as they start their adult lives.
I want to be there when our world falls apart again, because I know now I can hold us together. I still don’t understand what made me chase her into that library that day, but I will offer up a small prayer of thanks every morning for the rest of our lives together.
The plane sits down on the runway at Ringway. Claire lets out a soft moan, rubbing her eyes.
“Wake up,mo ghaol,” I say to her softly. “We’re finally home.”
Epilogue
Two Years Later
“Dae ye have everything?” I watch as Alex stalks around the room.
