"You know, Mr.Carver," I say as we follow a few steps behind the others, "I've always believed that the measure of a man isn't only what he does for work, but how he treats those around him."I meet his gaze directly."Your daughter deserves nothing but the best, and that's what I mean to give her."
Bert's expression remains carefully neutral, though I note a hint of something that might be respect flickering behind those pale blue eyes."Fancy words, Mr.Balfour.But I've found that actions speak louder than promises.Tell me, what exactly are your intentions with Gretchen?"
The directness of the question catches me off guard, but I appreciate that.A man who speaks plainly deserves the same in return.
"My intentions are honorable, Mr.Carver."I keep my voice low enough that Gretchen can't hear us from a few steps ahead."I realize we haven't known each other long, but your daughter is remarkable.She's intelligent, brave, and challenges me in ways no one else ever has."
He studies me with the practiced eye of a man who's spent decades sizing up people's character."Honorable is a big word, son.Especially coming from a man who jumps off cliffs for a living."
"Calculated risks are my specialty," I explain with a smile."But I dinnae take risks with people's hearts."
"Not sure I like your flippant attitude."
"I didnae mean it that way.I take my job seriously, sir, but my feelings for your daughter even more so."I attempt to moderate my tone, which admittedly is not my strong suit."I understand your concern.She's only been in Scotland a wee while, and here I am, already so..."I pause, searching for the right words."Already so taken with her."
Bert's bushy eyebrows lift slightly."At least you're honest about the timeline."
We've reached the restaurant now, where Thane has arranged a long table that looks like it could accommodate half the village.Gretchen glances back at us, her gaze questioning, and I give her a reassuring nod.She doesn't seem convinced.
"Mr.Carver, before we join the others, I want you to know that meeting Gretchen has changed something in me."The words come out before I can properly vet them, but they're true."I've spent my life chasing thrills, living for the moment.But with Gretchen, I realize I want more than just the thrill of the next stunt.I'm thinking about tomorrow, and the day after that.I know that probably doesn't sound like much, but for me, it's...significant."
Bert studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.Then he nods once, a decisive movement that reminds me much of Gretchen."I appreciate your candor, Kirk.Can't say I'm entirely comfortable with how quickly this has all happened, but I'm willing to keep an open mind."He narrows his gaze on me."For now."
That's not a ringing endorsement, but it's better than I expected.I extend my hand to Bert while still marveling that he used my given name for the first time.Bert takes my hand, his grip firm but without the bone-crushing pressure from before.We shake once, a man-to-man gesture that seems like a tentative truce.
"Dad!Kirk!"Gretchen calls out from the table, waving us over with barely contained impatience."What are you two plotting over there?"
"Just getting acquainted, sweetheart," Bert answers, releasing my hand and moving toward the table where his wife is already chatting animatedly with Fiona and also Rebecca, Thane's American wife.
I follow Bert, feeling as if a five-ton weight has lifted off me.The conversation went better than I'd dare hoped, though I'm under no illusions that I've fully won over Gretchen's father.Trust takes time to build, and Bert Carver strikes me as a man who doesn't give it easily.
"Everything okay?"Gretchen whispers as I take the seat beside her.
"Aye, it's fine," I whisper back, giving her thigh a gentle squeeze under the table."Your father and I were just having a wee chat."
"About what?"Her eyes narrow with suspicion.
"Nothing to worry about, lass."I lean closer, catching the faint scent of her shampoo."Just man talk."
She doesn't seem convinced, but Thane chooses that moment to stand and tap his glass with a spoon, calling for everyone's attention.The restaurant is up filled with familiar faces---my brothers have arrived, along with what looks to be half the village.Even Mrs.Agnew from the hotel front desk has joined us, perched at the far end of the table like a colorful bird.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Thane announces in a very official tone, "I'd like to welcome our special guests from America---Berthold and Alvena Carver!They've traveled all the way from Tennessee to visit their daughter, Gretchen, who some of you already know has been enjoying our Highland hospitality these past few days."
"Call me Bert," Gretchen's father says, waving to the entire table."I only use Berthold on my driver's license.Thanks for giving us such a great welcome."
A smattering of applause breaks out around the table.I notice Gretchen's cheeks flush pink as all eyes turn toward her and her parents.She handles the attention with grace, though I can feel the tension when she grips my thigh harder.
"And of course," Thane continues, raising his glass higher, "we're also celebrating Kirk Balfour's spectacular stunt for our whisky campaign!The footage is already going viral online."
I give Thane a modest nod as my brothers whoop and shout from their end of the table.Tam's practically bouncing in his seat, while Neil offers a more restrained thumbs-up.
"To the Carvers and to our newest addition to Loch Fairbairn!"Thane raises his glass higher."Gretchen, may you and your family's stay be filled with Highland hospitality and adventure!"
Everyone lifts their glasses in response.I catch Gretchen's eye, and she gives me a small, private smile.Her fingers are still gripping my thigh under the table, and I cover her hand with mine.
"So, Kirk," Alvena begins, leaning across the table, "Gretchen tells us you're quite famous for your stunts.Do you have any videos we could watch?"
Before I can answer, Neil whips out his mobile."I've got plenty!Would ye like to see the one where he jumped the motorcycle over the river, or the cliff dive into Loch Fairbairn?And we cannae forget the stunts he performed in locations outside of Scotland and the UK.Kirk had been a bit of a world traveler for several years, but now he mostly stays home."
