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Letting go of her necklace, she stroked his cheek, the shadow of stubble tickling her fingers. “I really want us to make this work.”
Nick nodded. “We will. We’ve both lived through enough heartache to know relationships aren’t like fairy tales. They require care and attention. You can plant the seed, but if you don’t water it, nothing will bloom.” As Evie eased back, he wound his arm around her shoulders.
“Nothing except miscommunication.” She sighed, happy. “Keeping secrets, even when you think you’re doing it for the right reasons…never ends well.”
“Amen to that.” Nick looked up as the canopy of leaves whispered in the wind. “This…this is what I needed after this morning’s conference call.” His focus traveled downward, skimming the clusters of tiny flowers. “Serenity amidst the bluebells with my girl.”
Evie studied the nearest tree, one of nearly seven hundred planted by a nature-loving gentleman named Edwin Harrold who once called Bankburn his home. Beech, oak, elm, and sycamore—common elsewhere, these trees struggled to prosper in Orkney but flourished here. Just goes to show you. She grinned, a joyful melody of birdsong greeting her ears as Nick’s fingers weaved into the hair at the nape of her neck. A little patience, some hard work, and a lot of love can grow into something beautiful and everlasting.
“Your gran always hoped you’d fall for Orkney.”
Nick nodded. “She knew what was best for me before I did, that’s for sure. She loved these islands fiercely. Always said the open sea and sky would soothe whatever ailed me—if I gave it half a chance. And like always, she was right. I didn’t appreciate this place when I was younger, but boy, do I now.”
“Do you think you’ll miss London?”
“I might a little, but I’ll get my fix, popping down occasionally for work. That’s what I love about technology these days. I can exec produce from almost anywhere, really. What matters most is waking up next to you each morning.” He kissed her temple. “But the big question is, have you made a decision?”
“Yes. I think my days as an event caterer are over. I enjoyed the challenge of cooking on location, but Gemma’s raring to go now and I’ve missed the shop.”
“Your heart’s desire,” said Nick.
She nodded. “It really is.”
“Lucky for me and my shortbread addiction.”
Evie patted his stomach. “The perks of sleeping with the manager…who will be resting much easier going forward.”
“Why is that?” asked Nick.
“The quote finally came in to fix the roof.”
“And?”
“The Tomlinson fee will cover it and then some. They’ll start next week before Mum’s back.” She nudged her hair away from her mouth. “I also spoke to Sam this morning.”
“Oh really? Good! That’s a start.”
“He groveled a lot, and I get it, I do, so…I’m gonna forgive him.”
A wry grin curved Nick’s mouth. “The ol’ Sutherland family’s slow-to-forgive trait, gone forever. I’m proud of you, Evie.”
“Have you forgiven him?”
“Yeah. At the end of the day, I can’t blame Sam for loving you and protecting you. He was doing his job as your big brother. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t wait to live with you.”
Nick pulled back slightly, his expression playful. “So, I guess this means we’re together-together?”
He remembers that? Blissful memories fluttered through Evie’s mind of the night that changed everything: Nick’s beer-stained shirt, stargazing on her backyard trampoline, and their first kiss…the first of so many. Her smile stretched with unbridled joy. “Yes-yes, Saxy Boy. Together-together, and this time it’s for keeps.”
EPILOGUE
EVIE
Saturday, August 10, a little less than a year in the future
Unzipping her raincoat as a welcome burst of sunshine blanketed a squelchy Bignold Park, Evie retrieved her phone from its front pocket. She leaned away from the railing and tilted the screen, fitting Nick into frame.
