—I love you too, Callum McGregor, I reply, surprised by how easily they leave my lips. Who would have thought, huh?
—Certainly not me when I signed that contract, he admits with a small laugh. But I’ve never been happier to have been wrong.
He kisses me there in the middle of the hallway, a kiss that holds every promise of a future neither of us anticipated. A kiss that tastes like unexpected happiness, like life’s surprises. That strange but wonderful certainty blooms inside me—that sometimes, the best fairy tales begin with a contract.
—And now, I murmur against his lips, what if we went upstairs to discuss renegotiating certain clauses of our marital arrangement?
—That is an excellent proposal, my wife, he replies, leading me toward the stairs. I have a feeling these negotiations might last all night.
—At the very least, I agree with a smile. After all, details matter in this kind of contract.
—Very much so, he confirms, his eyes darkening in a way that sends a thrill of anticipation through me. And I intend to examine every detail with the utmost care.
As we climb the stairs hand in hand, I can’t help thinking that for an actress who never really believed in fairy tales, I’m suddenly living a dangerously happy ending.
And the best part is… it’s only just beginning.
CHAPTER 30
JANE
I have the distinct feeling my eyebrows may never come down from the “permanent defense” position they’ve been stuck in ever since I caught Heather telling Isobel about how she and Callum worked together on last year’s Highland cultural festival.“Remarkable teamwork,”she’d said with that perfect smile that makes me want to throw a snowball at her… filled with tiny rocks… in August.
—Stop it, Jane, I mutter under my breath. She’s not worth it.
The castle is unusually quiet this morning. Callum left early for Edinburgh for a full-day business meeting, leaving me to my own devices with only Hamish for company—who followed me all the way to the castle door before being gently but firmly redirected back to his enclosure by Jamison—and potentially Heather, who seems to have developed the gift of ubiquity, always appearing exactly where I am. In theory, she’s no longer on McGregor land, but with her, who really knows?
I head down to the kitchen, hoping to find Mrs. Finley and her legendary scones, which could definitely lift my mood. To my great disappointment, the kitchen is empty, save for a noteon the counter informing me that Mrs. Finley has gone into the village to run an errand.
—Perfect. I’m officially abandoned, I murmur as I open the refrigerator in search of something to snack on.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Callum
The meeting is running long. Don’t wait for me before this evening. I love you. C.
I smile despite myself. Those three little words have the power to melt me like ice cream on a Malibu beach. Our relationship has changed so much since that cabin in the storm. What began as a practical arrangement has turned into something deep, something real.
My phone vibrates again. This time, it’s a number I don’t recognize.
Unknown
Hello, Jane, this is Alistair McKenzie. Callum gave me your number. I would be honored to give you a tour of my distillery today. A perfect opportunity to discover another side of Scottish culture. Are you available?
Alistair McKenzie? The name rings a vague bell… Ah, right. A businessman Keira mentioned at our last family dinner. I’m surprised he’s contacting me directly, but then again, why not? Callum is gone all day, Heather may be lurking somewhere, and the alternative is counting castle stones until my husband returns.
Hello Alistair. Thank you for the invitation. Callum is indeed away today. What time were you thinking?
I try to sound polite, but not overly eager.
The reply comes almost immediately.
Unknown
Perfect! I can come pick you up in an hour, if that works for you.
I hesitate for a moment. Is it strange to accept an invitation from a man I barely know? Probably. But on the other hand, it’s an opportunity to show that I take my role as a member of the McGregor family seriously.
