My gaze darted between her and Callie’s identical expressions of indignation. “I … we’ve just … We felt bad about lying for so long. I guess, I just didn’t know what to say.” There. That was pretty much the truth.
While Sloane studied me with a deep line between her brows, Callie suddenly beamed. “Aunt Ally, all anyone can talk about is how you got Jared McCulloch to settle down. No one’s surprised it was you, though.”
I scoffed, my self-doubts still lingering. “Why?”
Callie frowned now too. “Because you’re, like, one of the sickest people ever. You’re an amazing artist, you’ve traveled, you’re tougher than anyone knows, you treat everyone the same, even though you grew up in a mansion in Malibu, and you follow your own path. You and Mum are totally my heroes, Aunt Ally.”
Her sweet words hit and soothed every sore spot on my heart.
Before I could stop myself, I burst into tears.
“Okay.” Sloane’s eyes widened a second before she hauled me into the bakery kitchen.
“Did I say something wrong?” I heard Callie ask worriedly as I covered my face with my hands and sobbed.
I shook my head, trying to calm myself.
Sloane rubbed my back, leaning into me. “Allegra, talk to me. What’s going on?”
Grabbing tight to my emotions, my crying slowed, and I wiped at my tears. “I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep last night because of work, and it’s just been a really emotional few weeks.” I reached out to cup Callie’s face tenderly. “You just … what you said means a lot to me, sweetie. That’s all.”
Callie nodded, though she still appeared troubled.
“Right. I’ve decided.” Sloane squeezed my hand. “You and Jared are coming to dinner on Saturday so I can make sure you’re all right. There’s no saying no. You don’t show and I’ll send Walker to come and collect you both.”
I laughed tearfully at her warning. “Okay. We’ll be there. Just text me the details.” Jared would have to show up, whether he wanted to or not.
“Oh, and, Ally?”
I met Sloane’s suddenly reproachful gaze. “Go talk to your sister. She’s worried about you. Now I am too.”
Guilt slashed through me. “I’m fine.”
“That may be … but I’d feel better if you’d stop avoiding Aria.”
“She toldyouI’m avoiding her?”
Sloane nodded. “She’s really upset.”
I was such a shit sister. “I’ll go talk to her now. I promise.”
The security guards at the main entrance of the estate recognized me and opened the gates. I’d made the drive onto the grounds many times, but it never got old. Ardnoch Castle was magical. The long driveway led through a stretch of woodlands before the trees disappeared to reveal grass for miles around the large castle. Flags were situated throughout the rolling plains of the estate—a golf course. It was still early in the morning, but there were a few figures in the distance, playing.
The castle was a rambling, castellated mansion, six stories tall and about two hundred years old. It was the club’s main building, but there were several buildings throughout the mammoth estate, including permanent residences that belonged to members like my parents and North and Aria. The estate sat on the coast and offered pine forests, rolling plains, heather moors, inland lochs, and golden beaches. A private beach was just a ten-minute walk from the castle.
As I approached, the familiar details of the building grew clearer—the turrets, the flag of the St. Andrew’s Cross flying from one of the parapets. Columns supported a mini-crenellated roof over an elaborate portico that housed double iron doors. They opened as I drew to a stop and a valet appeared to take my keys so he could park my vehicle in the mews around back.
Stepping inside the castle, I drank it in with a soft smile, despite my nerves over seeing Aria. I stood in the entrance of thegreat hall. This was where Lachlan and my sister hosted ceilidhs and their Christmas and New Year’s parties. Aria had also added an end-of-summer party to the annual agenda since the estate was busiest at this time of year.
The great hall was a spectacular room for an event.
It had polished parquet flooring. The décor was traditional, slightly Gothic, with more than a hint of Scotland and luxury. A grand, wide staircase descended into the room, fitted with a red-and-gray tartan wool runner. It led to a landing where three floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows spilled colorful light. Then it branched off at either side, twin staircases leading to the floor above, which you could partially see from the galleried balconies at either end of the reception hall. A pennant flag hung from either balcony with the Adair family coat of arms on it, bearing the wordsLoyal Au Mort. It was the Adair clan motto. Aria told me it meantFaithful unto Death.
I thought that pretty fitting considering they were a family who’d clearly do anything for one another. Plus, I’d never seen men and women more devoted to their spouses. Other than North and Aria. And surprisingly, Theo and Sarah—the surprising part being Theo, not Sarah. The handsome Englishman turned into an entirely different person around Jared’s shy but strong cousin. His adoration for her was clear for all to see. It made me kind of envious. All of them did.
I stared at those words on the flag for a moment, trying not to overanalyze my sudden misery.
Then a crack brought my attention to the fire. It burned in the huge hearth on the wall adjacent to the entrance and opposite the staircase. Tiffany lamps sat scattered throughout on end tables to cast a warm glow over the dark, wood-paneled walls and ceilings. Usually the smell of burning wood and flickering flames in the hearth made Ardnoch’s great hall a bit cozier.
