‘I was away most of the day yesterday because I had a lot to do. In fact, it was all your fault, setting a fire in my belly with all your talk of business plans and loans and expansion – that and Gene’s words were ringing in my ears too. He told me to sort myself out before interfering in others’ lives, remember?’
‘Actually, I think he said that to me, but go on…’
‘Well, I stayed up most of Saturday night, partly trying to stop myself bursting through your door and climbing that ladder to your bed,’ Atholl’s eyes passed over Beatrice’s face and the wild, intense look he gave her took her back to earlier that afternoon and her nerves thrilled again at the memories. ‘I told myself I couldn’t come to you, and I couldn’t sleep either, until I had indeed sorted out my own life. And I asked myself, what would my Beattie do?’
They both broke into broad grins and Atholl reached beneath the blanket again, pulling a piece of folded paper from his pocket. ‘I made a list.’
‘You did?’
‘I learned from the best.’
‘The best what? Interferer? Wildcard? Bull in a china shop?’
‘The best healer I know. The best fixer. The best organiser.’ With each short phrase he delivered a kiss upon Beatrice’s cheek, the tip of her nose, then the side of her lips. ‘Do you want to know what it says?’
She nodded, and turned a little to face him better. The fire had taken over as the chief source of light now that the sun was almost below the horizon. The dancing flames loved Atholl’s fine features and sea blue eyes, as did Beatrice.
‘OK then. Number one,’ he read. ‘Set interview dates for the new assistant chef and cleaners. They’re coming on Tuesday, by the way. I’m leaving Gene to interview them, since he’ll be their main boss and head chef.’
Beatrice smiled her approval.
‘Number two. See Hector, my old tutor, the one who owns the But n’ Ben. And that’s what I did. I nipped in to see him on my way to pick up the bagpiper and the whisky yesterday. That’s why I was away so long. I’m sorry I left you to fix everything up for the ceilidh yourself and left you wondering if I’d done a runner…’
‘Never mind that, what happened!’
‘Oh, once I told him my plans for a proper, year round willow workshop and a store he agreed to sign the lease over to me. In fact, he was delighted to, said he was very proud of me, in fact.’
‘There you go!’
‘I’d never have asked without your encouragement, Beattie.’
‘And what else does your list say?’
‘Oh, OK. Number three. See Davy McTavish, the builder, about doing the conversion on the But n’ Ben, the one we got planning permission for years ago and I never had the resolve to actually see through. He’s been there all morning measuring up for a quote. Work starts in October.’
‘Good for you, that’s wonderful.’
‘Aye, it is. But that’s no’ all. Number four – and, mind, I wrote this two nights ago before I knew you’d be staying and after I’d told ye, like a fool, to run back to yer man and I was eaten up wi’ the regret. I only dared to hope you would be staying then. Number four. Turn my inn rooms into somewhere suitable for Beattie to come and stay, somewhere she wouldnae want to leave. Make her a home here.’
Beatrice smiled her approval.
‘And lastly, number five. Be sure to tell Beattie that you are in love with her. Actually, I’ve written herehopelesslyin love with her.’ He turned the page to show her and they both looked at the word and smiled. ‘But in fact, I love you with nothing but hope. Hope that I can make you happy, hope that I can give you all the things you need and want from me, hope that you’ll stay here forever, and hope that you’ll love me back.’
‘I do, I will,’ Beatrice sighed. ‘I’m staying here and I’m not going anywhere.’
‘And will ye not mind our lives being in upheaval while we make us a home at the inn and I graft on my new business here? Won’t it weary you, make you lonely?’ He bobbed his head back towards the But and Ben, now in darkness on the gentle hills above them.
‘No. I have a place to sleep, I’ll have work to do, and a man to love – the perfect man for me. A man who likes to bring people together and help others and who now, apparently, likes to make lists.’
They leaned closer and pressed their temples together, their gentle laughter wrapping around them.
‘And I’ve got a dog now too!’ Beatrice added suddenly. ‘Even if he is a bit of a wanderer.’
‘Ach, Echo’s always around for the important stuff.’
‘That’s true.’
‘And I’ve got Kitty and Gene, too. And Seth. Even Mrs Mair. It’s been a long time since I’ve had real friends. And I’m going to look after these ones, really treasure them. And Cheryl and Jillian have already texted me to say they’re coming back next summer. Guess what they want to do?’
