NeedGavin? Let’s nip that in the bud. “I used to read.”
Nessa wrinkles her nose. “Used to?”
“I used to blow through fiction books like they were a box of See’s chocolates. Now, when I read, it’s for school.”
“What else did you used to do?” Gavin asks, taking a chair between me and his grandmother.
“I’ve always loved yoga. That’s sort of a family hobby. The beach. My parents have a farm, so I grew up riding horses. Lately, my life has revolved around my career, though. When I’m not in class or clinicals, I’m working or studying.”
Jean empties her teacup. “Horses. Did you hear that, Gav?”
“Aye.”
When no one explains, I continue. “I’vereallyloved your little town, what I’ve seen of it so far. Have you all lived here your entire lives?”
Gavin can see what I’m doing. He peers at me through slightly narrowed eyes but lets me deflect anyway. “My grandparents bought land here when they were married, and our family has been in Glenbruar ever since. My parents met as kids and stayed here. My dad’s parents both died when I was young, but this was their house.”
“What a legacy.” I pick up my teacup for a sip even though it’s empty. “Any William Wallace ancestry?”
Nessa points at her husband. “Don’t start, Hamish.”
He looks wounded. “But the lass asked.”
“No, we do not,” Nessa says. “Though some of us like to pretend otherwise.”
I won’t bother asking about Robert the Bruce, then. I have a feeling he’ll be controversial.
“What would you like to do while you’re visiting?” Don asks.
“Actually, I have a list.”
Gavin straightens.
“You want to touch the stones, don’t you?” Don says, shaking his head. “Every American woman who comes here wants to touch the stones.”
“If you’re trying to tell me they won’t send me back in time to find the perfect Highland man, you’re wasting your breath.”
Jean laughs. “Why go to the stones, Callie? You have one of those right here.”
“Enough, Mum,” Gavin says.
“You’re more handsome than that actor everyone loves anyway,” she continues. “Certainly more humble, too.”
Gavin rolls his eyes. “If you smile and nod, Callie, eventually they’ll have to go home.”
“We aren’t leaving tonight,” Nessa says. “We thought we’d sleep here and go home in the morning.”
“Not if you’re going to be harassing my guest, you aren’t.”
“It isn’t harassment to point out how wonderful you are,” Nessa argues.
Don finishes his tea and puts down his cup. “Leave the boy alone. We can make it home alright.”
Gavin rises, taking both his empty cup and mine and carrying them to the sink. “You’re welcome to stay.”
“We’d better be on our way,” Hamish says.
“I was hoping we could make Gavin play the piano so we could sing,” Nessa says.
