Page 48 of From Scotland with Love

“May I make an announcement?” Tammy piped up, smiling at Alan, as though thinking exactly the same thought as Lori. “It’s time hun”.

He nodded, and beamed proudly at her.

“I am…or I should say that we are... having a baby!” Tammy cried out joyfully and Alan kissed her on the cheek.

“And it’s a boy!” he followed.

“No no! That part was secret, Alan!” Tammy nudged him in the ribs.

“Woops!” He put an arm around her. “It’s fine, they won’t tell anyone.” He buried his face into her neck, as she rolled her eyes.

“We get a cousin!” Anne wriggled on her seat and Maggie made whooping noises.

Gran turned to Tammy and cupped her face in her hands. “Oh darling, I’m so happy for you both, that is the best news.” She sniffed away a tear, and Tammy leaned in to give her a hug. “You’ve made me so proud.” Gran gently leaned over the table and clasped hands with Alan. “Alan, you make my granddaughter very happy, and I will always be thankful for that. Congratulations, having a child is one of the most beautiful blessings in life”.

Lori was at the sink washing glasses after the last cold chip had been claimed. Gran came in and leaned against the worktop carefully. “What can I do?” She scanned the room to find a job.

“Nothing Gran, everything’s taken care of!” Lori heard her nieces in the background playing with Bracken. She tilted her head back to see the girls in the lounge, dressing the poor dog in a blanket and one of Lori’s hats. But Bracken sat still, clearly happy to have the attention.

Jean and Tammy came in with more dishes, as Gran flicked on the kettle. Lori let the dishes soak in the sink and turned to them all.

“Now that I have you three in front of me, I have my own announcement to make.”

Silence greeted her, the only sound was the kettle gently boiling its water.

“You’re pregnant too?” Jean snorted, then looked apprehensive.

“Not funny Jean. No, I’m not pregnant. But I have some news. It’s taken me a while to get to this place, but for the first time in a long time, I feel..” She paused, trying to find the words, but shrugged. “I’m happy. I’m glad I came home when I did, and I now see what I’ve missed all these years away.” She took off her rubber gloves realising she had the full attention of her captivated audience. “I’ve decided to stay here in Arlochy.”

All three women gasped around her.

“But... but what about your big-dollar job in New York?” Tammy sat down on the kitchen stool, gaping.

“Yeah, there was New York, once - but now the only things I really care about are here. Home.”

Jean and Tammy cheered together.

“You owe me that twenty pounds back, Tam!” Jean fist-pumped the air in triumph.

Tammy groaned, and reached into her jeans’ pocket, pulling out her purse and handing the note to her sister, who fanned the money over her face with glee.

“OK fine stop gloating!” Tammy said, and looked back at Lori with caution.

“You made a bet?” Lori’s mouth opened at the very thought of her sisters profiting from her life.

“Aye, I bet you’d stay after this trip!” Jean pursed her lips together and gyrated on her chair in a way only a bratty sister could.

Lori shook her head and turned to find Gran looking down at her feet.

“Gran are you OK?” Lori moved over and rubbed her arm.

“Yes sweetheart.” She breathed out and rested her hand on the counter. “Why are you staying, Lori?”

Lori was taken aback by the question. Did her gran not want her here? She had assumed she could stay on in the family house, help her gran get back to normal, and start her new life. But looking into Gran’s weary eyes, Lori was astounded to see that maybe that chain of events wasn’t a given after all.

“Because... well, because of what I said, Gran. It feels right to be here now.”

Gran touched her forehead. “I’m sorry, I feel very tired. Can we talk about this tomorrow?” She shuffled off in the direction of her room.