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He’s chatting about this like it isn’t a big deal, but the thought of being separated from him hits me hard. It’s not as if I haven’t considered it before, but I’ve always shoved it to the back of my mind. He’s right, though: I am a bit of a geek, and if I want to keep studying after school, I’ll have to move away.

“Maw doesn’t think you’re a bother,” I say softly. “She’s forever saying how helpful you are, whether you’re chopping vegetables or serving dishes. And you’re a hit with guests too—especially the ones from abroad.”

“Aye, well, who could resist me?”

I give him a playful shove, but there’s truth in what he just said. If he’d leaned in to kiss me earlier, I think I’d have let him.

CHAPTER SIX

IONA

Now

When I get back to Maw’s, I find her and Richard in the living room, sipping cups of tea and chatting away to one another. Richard looks completely at ease—he’s made himself at home in no time at all.

Maw beams up at me. “Well, how was the first day at the new job?”

“Good, thanks, although I could do with a wash.” While I love farm visits, I always have a good scrub when I get home, especially after performing intimate bovine examinations. A power shower and some nice-smelling soap are ideal, but I’d take industrial-strength detergent and a pressure washer in the garden if that’s all that were available.

“You go upstairs and freshen up, but don’t be long. Dinner is in the oven and it’ll be ready soon.”

Once I’m clean and changed, I head back down, finding Richard already seated at the dinner table. “Did you enjoy your first day as a wind turbine technician?” I rest my hands on his shoulders then lean down and plant a quick kiss on his lips.

“It was really great.” Enthusiastically he fills me in on what he got up to. “Oh, and one of my new colleagues says he went to school with you. Joe Campbell?”

“Aye, I remember Joe. He’s a nice guy. He’d take the bus in each morning from one of the surrounding villages—Auchenford, I think. How is he?”

We chat for a few minutes and then I call into the kitchen, “Maw, is there anything I can help with?”

“No, you sit down. That’s me ready to serve now.”

I settle into the chair beside Richard, and moments later Maw enters, expertly balancing three plates—something I’d never dare try, given my uncanny ability to turn the simplest of tasks into a slapstick routine. She sets them down, and as one, Richard and I let out a satisfied sigh. Fresh salmon grilled to perfection, with buttery new potatoes and steamed spinach—yum!

“This looks amazing, Elspeth,” Richard says.

“It really does,” I agree, the sight and smell of the food awakening my appetite and reminding me how long it’s been since lunch. “Oh, I should have said earlier, but I’ve got cake for after—a Victoria sponge.”

A nostalgic smile brightens Maw’s face. “Remember when Lewis used to bake for you?”

“He made this one,” I admit.

“Oh, that’s lovely. That lad bakes almost as well as Morag at the bakery. Maybe now you’re in Bannock again, you and Lewis can go back to how you once were. You used to be inseparable.”

Richard raises an eyebrow. “Inseparable, eh?”

“Yes!” Maw’s eyes twinkle. “They did everything together, even coordinating Halloween costumes each year. My favourite was when they dressed up as Shrek and Fiona—I’m sure I’ve got a snap of that in one of the photo albums. We can have a look for it after dinner.”

“Actually, Maw, I’d prefer if we didn’t go through old photos, thank you very much.”

“I don’t know,” Richard says. “I’d like to see it.” He takes a mouthful of food, swallows, then turns to me. “It’s funny, when I introduced myself to Joe today, he told me that everyone at your school was sure you and Lewis would end up together. I knew your family and the McIntyres were close, but I hadn’t appreciated you and Lewis shared such a . . . special bond.” He pauses, studying me. “Did you two ever date?”

I chew on a piece of salmon, trying to decide how to respond. Before I can, Maw jumps in.

“Nope! I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never did. I suppose they just saw each other as friends.”

That’s not entirely accurate, but I’m not about to correct Maw. I will, however, need to have a private conversation with Richard later to set the record straight. I’ve never told him the full story about me and Lewis because, frankly, I try to think about Lewis as little as possible. I don’t see why that man should impact my life any more than he already has. But I also don’t want to lie to Richard. He deserves the truth—just not in front of Maw.

The conversation moves on to safer topics, and before long, our plates are cleared.