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But I know she won't. Calli has shed her fears at last.
Now, if only I could do the same...
Eight weeks later, I'm flying to Scotland via MacTaggart Air---along with Tara and her husband, Blake. Calli and Aidan greet us at the Inverness airport, where we climb into a limo provided by Rory and Lachlan for the three-hour drive to the village where most of the MacTaggarts live. Two days later, I watch my baby sister marry a Scotsman in a cute little church on the outskirts of Loch Fairbairn, and later, we all travel to Lachlan and Erica's farm for the outdoor reception.
The weather gods blessed us with sunshine and warmth today. But I'd feel warm even if it were raining. This is the first time I've seen Jamie in person since she left Michigan.
We might have sneaked away to a secluded spot behind the barn to have a "wee poke," as Jamie calls it. We stay quiet enough that nobody will hear us, though some people might've noticed us skulking away. So what? I'm with the woman I love, the sky is blue, and Jamie feels incredible. When she comes, I seal my mouth over hers to mute her cries, right before I come too. Yeah, I'd stashed a box of condoms in my suitcase and slipped three of them into the inside pocket of my suit jacket.
It's been too damn long since I made love to this woman.
As the reception winds down, Aidan invites me to go into the house and have a "dram" of Scottish whisky with him in the kitchen. I can guess his real reason for the invite. So, it's no surprise when he finally speaks.
"Jamie is my sister and my best friend," he tells me, like I didn't already know that. "Dinnae break her heart, or I'll have to batter you bloody."
"I have no intention of breaking Jamie's heart. I love her, and I promise not to hurt her."
"Good. Now keep that vow."
Aidan loves his sister and would do anything for her. I can relate. If Aidan had kicked Calli to the curb, I would have pummeled him for sure. And I will do my best to show her family that I mean it when I say I never want to hurt her.
Chapter Twelve
Jamie
After the wedding, Gavin tells me he can only stay for two more days. He needs to get back to his job in Minneapolis. I understand that, but we barely have time to get reacquainted before he leaves, and the time we have left doesn't seem like enough. That's because it isn't enough. He still lives in America, and I still live here in Scotland. I never imagined I would become entangled in an intercontinental romance with an American man. My family has always assumed I would marry a good Scottish laddie.
Are they disappointed that I chose Gavin Douglas? Not entirely. He would fit right in with my cousins Magnus and Logan, if he gave them the chance. But Gavin didn't do much socializing at the wedding.
Now it's time for him to leave me.
We stand on the tarmac at the Inverness airport, holding hands, face to face, while we both struggle to figure out how to say goodbye. I'd been happy for several days because he was here. I dinnae want him to go.
"Take me with you," I say. "Please, Gavin, I'll miss you too much."
"Won't your family be pissed that I whisked you away without any warning?"
"Dinnae give a toss. Aidan ran away to America, so why shouldn't I? The last time I did that, no one minded."
He pulls close, wrapping his arms around me. "I love you, Jamie, and nothing will change that. You don't need to jump on a plane with me to prove you feel the same way. I know it's true."
I rest my forehead on his chest, suddenly feeling deflated.
Gavin kisses the top of my head. "I'll come back as soon as I can, promise."
"But you've nearly used up your vacation days."
"I'll still have weekends off."
Lifting my head, I loop my arms around his neck. "Kiss me so thoroughly that I'll forget you're leaving until after the plane takes off."
He tugs me more firmly into his body, lowers his head, and---
My mobile pings, alerting me to a new text.
I shut my eyes and shake my head. "Mhac na galla."
"Are you going to check that?"
