Page 81 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Brodie and Olivia arrived with Wilf, Marley and Beau. ‘Here he is,’ Brodie announced as they walked into the castle kitchen.

Beau gave excited yips as he skipped around and jumped up at Bella’s legs, tail wagging frantically. ‘Hey, beautiful boy, I’ve missed you,’ Bella said as she crouched down to greet the dog. He jumped into her lap and licked at her face. ‘Granny is coming home soon. I bet you can’t wait.’

‘How was Skye?’ Olivia asked with a clasp of her hands that told of her excitement.

‘Absolutely beautiful. I can see why Harris is keen to go.’

‘And how about you? How do you feel about it?’

Bella shook her head. ‘I’m not thinking about it. It’s too soon. I’m making the most of having him close for now,’ she lied. She had done nothing but think about it and that was even before she saw Skye for herself.

That evening, she headed to the hospital to visit her granny. Her parents had been earlier in the day, so it was just the two of them now.

‘Dad messaged to tell me you’re coming home on Monday. I’m so happy,’ Bella said with a squeeze to her granny’s hand.

‘Aye, I cannae wait. Olivia sent me some photos of my Beau this morning. I thought I would give her a quick phone call so I’ve spoken to her and she’s happy for us to stay at the apartment while I sell my house and go through my physio.’

‘You’re going ahead with it then?’ Bella asked, a little shocked.

‘If I can get one of the little units where I can keep wee Beau with me, then yes. I’ve told your mum and dad and they’re not too happy about it at the moment, but before they left, your dad said, “I guess our retirement location is sorted then.”’ Isla mocked his deep voice and then laughed. ‘So, I reckon he’ll come around to it fine.’

‘Get you, Granny, moving the whole family.’

Isla shrugged. ‘It’s where you’re going to be.’

Bella narrowed her eyes. ‘You seem very sure of that considering I’ve been with him a few days.’

‘Aye, but I know you, love. And I know your heart.’

The following morning, Bella was woken by a honking sound. Beau jumped up from Bella’s bed and started to bark; he ran from the bedroom and skipped off down the hallway to the front door.

Bella rubbed her eyes and glanced at her watch. ‘Who the hell is making all that noise at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning?’ She climbed out of bed and slipped on her shoes as the honking continued, and she dashed for the door. She flung it open and stepped outside, ready to give both barrels to whoever the culprit was.

‘Finally!’ Harris said with a laugh. ‘I thought you’d left without telling me.’ He followed this with, ‘Tadaaaa!’

Bella covered her mouth with both hands as her eyes welled with tears. ‘Fifi!’ She ran across the gravel to where Harris stood with her newly repaired car, looking shiny, polished and almost like new. ‘But how? I haven’t paid for the repairs yet!’

He slipped his arms around her. ‘I know. This is my gift to you. I know moving to Skye with me is a step too far for you right now, so I figured you’d need your wheels if you’re going to come and visit.’

‘I can’t believe you did that for me. I’ll pay you back.’

He shook his head and ran his nose down hers. ‘Seeing the smile on your face is all the payment I need, Bella.’

‘Thank you so much.’ She reached up and kissed him. He lifted her off the ground and carried her back into the apartment, with Beau following on.

They sat snuggled up on the sofa chatting, kissing and looking at the photos of themselves on Harris’s phone. Then she told him all about her course and the ideas she’d had for his new house. ‘You’re not upset, are you, about me not coming to Skye right away?’

He traced her cheek with his fingertips. ‘Not at all. Isla will be having physio for a few months, and she needs to sell her house. And you’re able to stay here for now, which is better for Isla with it being single-storey.’

‘She’s spoken to the managers at Pabay View and they have a unit coming up in four months. One of the residents is moving down to England to be nearer to family so she’s put her name down and is wiring a deposit this week when she’s home. I can’t quite believe she’s going through with it.’

‘Wow, there’s no stopping her.’

Bella laughed. ‘It’s like you said, they get more stubborn with age.’

Harris winced. ‘Aye, I have a lot to look forward to then, eh?’

Bella was confused. ‘In what way?’