I looked at her standing there in our childhood dream cottage, hair slightly mussed from the Highland wind, wearing tartan like she belonged here, asking for forgiveness for loving me badly instead of not loving me at all. The disappointment I’d felt moments ago was transforming into something else entirely.
Something that felt dangerously like hope.
“I think there might be some leeway.” I wanted to forgive Eliza. I knew she’d been my cheerleader, not my saboteur.
Eliza’s face lit up, and she reached for my hand. “This place needs some work, but I love the bones of it. I love where it is. I especially love it when you’re in it.” She grinned. “Come on, let me show you the best bit.”
She led me down the narrow path to the water’s edge, a couple of minutes’ walk to our log and our small wooden jetty. The water was mirror-still, reflecting the mountains like something from a tourism poster. Eliza swept the log of debris, and gestured for me to sit.
I did as she wanted.
“Remember we used to come here as kids? We used to dream about living in that cottage?”
She nodded towards what could be her future home.
“Dreams can come true. And I want them to come true with you.” She sat next to me and took my hand in hers. It fitted perfectly.
“Even though I told you I love you in the worst possible circumstance, I meant it. I want to tell you again, in one of our favourite places in the world.”
She swept a hand, and I took in our surroundings. The absolute peace and tranquillity, the gorgeous scenery, the even more gorgeous woman beside me.
Eliza snagged my gaze, and the silver flecks in her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
“Poppy, I love you, and I would really love it if you’d consider moving here permanently. Look around, it’s not a bad option. If you need to be in London, it’s easy enough. But in between times, we could try building something here. Slow down a bit, try a different pace of life.” She paused. “And if you say yes, Loch Cottage is big enough for two.”
I stared out at the loch, and the Highland air filled my lungs, crisp and clean in a way that made London’s exhaust fumes seem like a distant memory. When I raised my gaze back to her, something had shifted inside me. It was what I’d always wanted as a kid. Now, Eliza was offering me the chance to make it real.
“I’ve never entertained the idea fully before, but it sort of makes sense when you say it.” Why had I never thought it possible to wake up to this view every day? Eliza and the loch, and mornings that began with mist rising off water?
“Think about it. I don’t need an answer right away. But you could keep your London flat with Amina if you wanted, and be there whenever you need to be.”
“She’s been talking about moving in permanently with Noelle.”
Eliza’s eyebrows lifted. “Maybe it’s a sign. I could keep my house as our London pad, and we could both use it when we need it.” She paused. “I know one thing. I miss you when you’re not with me. Wouldn’t it be better to be together more, wherever that might be?”
The pure honesty of her statement hit me hard. Perhaps the simple solution really was the best option.
“You’d be in the same place as Fiona, Ronnie and me. In some ways, it makes sense.”
“That’s true. Plus, I could wear tartan trousers more often and nobody would bat an eye.”
“Already things are tipping in my favour.”
I shook my head, staring at Eliza. The woman who’d spent her life in tailored suits and killer shoes was stood in DMs, tartan trousers and a massive black woolly jumper, looking more relaxed than I’d seen her.
“If I say yes, you’ve got no hidden agenda? You’re not a secret spy for your dad?”
She gave me a sad smile. “My dad has gone back to being my dad, which I’m really pleased about. My mum is really excited to come back here, too. She’d be even more excited if you were here as well.” She shook her head. “I’m on your side, Pops. I always have been, even when I was too stupid to show it properly.”
I reached for her then, and she met me halfway. Our lips met, and we finally kissed. My heart roared its approval, as my whole body tingled with possibility.
When we broke apart, I rested my forehead against hers. “This cottage, then: it definitely has room for two?”
Her eyes lit up. “Plenty. Amazing views, too.” She patted the log. “And I hear the stone skimming competition is really strong.” She smiled. “Is that a yes?”
“It’s definitely an ‘I’ll think about it’.”
She kissed my lips again. “Good enough.”
