The pastor then guides us through the exchange of rings—new bands engraved inside with a Gaelic phrase Callum chose, meaning “Together in every storm.” It couldn’t be more fitting for us.
— By the power vested in me, the pastor declares joyfully, I now affirm your union before God and this assembly. Callum, you may kiss your wife.
Callum doesn’t need to be told twice. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me with a passion that draws a few appreciative whistles—definitely Ewan—and a few embarrassed coughs—almost certainly Isobel. I kiss him back just as fiercely, not caring in the slightest about the audience or propriety.
When we finally pull apart, to the applause of our guests, I catch a glimpse of Hamish out of the corner of my eye. Even he seems to approve, calmly chewing on part of the floral arrangement as if celebrating in his own way.
The reception that follows is exactly what we wanted: relaxed, joyful, intimate. Tables have been set under the marquee, laden with delicious dishes prepared by Mrs. Finley and her team. A small band plays traditional Scottish tunes with a modern twist, and a space has been cleared for dancing.
After our first dance—a waltz, because I flat-out refused to attempt Scottish dancing again after the incident we all remember—Callum taps his glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention.
— My friends, my family, he begins, Jane and I want to thank you for being here today for this important moment in our lives.It’s not every day you get to marry the same person twice—and genuinely want to both times.
Laughter greets the remark, and he shoots me a playful look.
— There are many people I should thank today, but I’d like to start with those without whom none of this would have happened. My grandmother, Margaret McGregor, and my mother, Isobel McGregor.
All eyes turn to Maggie and Isobel. Maggie raises her glass with a satisfied smile.
— Without their benevolent manipulation, Jane and I never would have met. At the time, I thought it was the ultimate intrusion into my private life. Today, I can only acknowledge their wisdom—and their vision.
He lifts his glass toward them.
— To Maggie and Isobel—the most formidable strategists the Highlands have ever known.
— To Maggie and Isobel! the guests echo.
The woman in question inclines her head gracefully, clearly delighted by the public recognition of her matchmaking skills.
Then it’s my turn. I stand, a little nervous but excited about what I’m about to announce.
— When I first met Callum, I was an actress whose career was on the decline. Today, I stand before you not only as a wife and a member of the McGregor family, but as someone who has found a new professional path.
I pause, savoring the anticipation on the faces around me.
— I’m thrilled to announce that my first production, Highland Heart—a film written, produced, and shot entirely in Scotland, with both local and international talent—has secured full funding! Filming will begin this fall, right here in the Highlands.
Excited exclamations ripple through the crowd. Callum, who already knew but kept the secret, looks at me with unmistakable pride.
— The film tells the story of an unlikely romance between an American woman and a stubborn Scotsman. Any resemblance to real people is, of course, purely coincidental.
That earns knowing laughter.
— My goal is to capture the magic of this country, the depth of its traditions, and maybe also to show the world through the eyes of someone who fell in love with Scotland almost as deeply as she fell in love with her Scottish husband.
I raise my glass.
— To new adventures, second chances, and the kind of love that finds us exactly when we’re not looking for it.
— To new adventures! the crowd echoes enthusiastically.
The celebration continues—dancing, laughter, and that warm atmosphere that now defines our life at the castle. I step away for a moment to take it all in: Callum deep in conversation with Ewan and his new girlfriend, an Irish photographer he met while covering local distilleries; Keira openly flirting with the village’s new veterinarian; Isobel and Maggie side by side, clearly plotting something—as they often do now; Savannah going wild on the dance floor with her loyal partner-in-crime, Lachlan.
I’m surprised to see Alistair McKenzie approaching me, a drink in hand and a surprisingly humble expression on his face—a far cry from our first meeting.
— Congratulations, Jane. You and Callum make a perfect couple.
— Thank you, Alistair, I reply cautiously. That’s… unexpected coming from you.
