At the weariness in the back of Mum’s eyes, I took her hand from my shoulder and pressed a kiss to the top of it. “Always remember, you are the best mother a child could ask for. Mor is lucky to have you. We’re all lucky to have you.”
Tears brightened her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re home, sweetie.”
“Me too.”
As I drew my motorbike to a stop outside Callie’s front door, my stomach dropped. The Volvo SUV in the driveway was her stepfather’s. There was no sign of any other vehicle.
But he’d have heard me pull up because now that I wasback in the Highlands, I was riding my Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. It was my pride and joy with its sharkskin blue and chrome detailing, and its 114 engine that rumbled like only a Harley could.
That rumble, however, was my undoing as I saw Walker appear in the large front window of their bungalow.
Switching off the engine, I removed my helmet and left it on the bike. Very few people would dare to steal from me, especially outside Walker Ironside’s house.
Feeling like a boy of sixteen all over again, I ignored the sudden nervous gut churning and strode up the front walk. The door opened before I even reached it and Walker stepped out.
It shocked me to realize he didn’t seem so big and broad as I remembered, now that I’d caught up to him in height. Back in London, I’d taught tae kwon do classes and worked out every week at the gym. I’d filled out since Walker had last seen me.
But he was still an inch or so taller and the most intimidating bastard I’d ever met in my life.
And you want this guy to be your father-in-law one day?
Walker did not look like he wantedmeto be his son-in-law. He looked like he wanted me anywhere but on his front stoop.
“She’s not here,” he said without preamble, slowly crossing his arms over his chest. His biceps flexed with the move, reminding me of his physical prowess. And I was certain it was deliberate.
“Nice to see you, too, Walker,” I dared.
His expression never changed. “I think that’s still Mr. Ironside to you.”
Right.
Trying to cover my agitation, I asked, “Do you know where Callie is?”
“I’m sure if she wanted you to know, you’d know.”
“Right. Well, thanks, anyway.”For nothing. I turned to go, but he spoke again.
“I don’t know what happened between you two all those years ago.”
I looked back over my shoulder.
Walker scowled. “I do know that if you’ve come back to Ardnoch to hurt my daughter again, I will end your life slowly and painfully. I don’t care who your family is, Adair.” Walker took a step toward me. “They can’t protect you from me if you hurtmyfamily.”
Sensing the absolute honesty in his threat, I faced him again.
Fuck it.
“I love Callie. I loved her then and I love her now. And I came back for her. To stay. To win her back. And you can hate me and mistrust me all you want. You can threaten me with bodily harm and attempt to stand in my way. But it won’t stop me from trying to remind Callie that she and I belong together. And if by some miracle she decides to give me another chance, I willneverleave her again.”
Callie’s stepdad studied me with that intimidating blank expression.
Then after what felt like an age of inspection, he merely nodded. “She’s at Fyfe’s this morning. He invited her over for breakfast.”
Fyfe’s?
Why didn’t my friend tell me?
Jealousy I knew I shouldn’t feel, but couldn’t help, coursed through me at this information.
