“She doesn’t know we’re planning to divorce in a year.”
“Correct.”
I nod, mentally rehearsing our story. We met during one of Callum’s business trips to LA. Instant chemistry. Long-distance romance. A spontaneous decision to get married when he returned. Romantic, improbable—but believable. Hopefully.
“And your sister? Keira?”
“She knows everything. She’ll be your strongest ally in this castle. No one understands my grandmother better than she does.”
I’m about to ask something else when the castle appears—and every word leaves me.
Castle McGregor isn’t just a building. It’s a statement carved in stone. Towers rise toward the sky like they’re daring the elements to challenge them, gray walls whispering centuries of stories. Its presence is undeniable, almost defiant—we’ve been here forever, and we’re not going anywhere.
“This is your home?” I whisper.
“It’s our home now,” Callum corrects as he pulls up to the entrance.
Our.The word lands strangely inside me. This fairytale castle is—temporarily—mine. For a girl who grew up in a Los Angeles apartment where you could hear your neighbors sneeze through the walls, this feels unreal.
The moment the car stops, the massive wooden doors swing open and several people step out. A young woman with blazing red hair practically runs toward us, her grin bright and mischievous.
“The bride has arrived!” she announces, yanking my door open before Callum even turns off the engine.
“Hello to you too, Keira,” Callum sighs.
She gives me a thorough once-over, then nods approvingly. “Good choice, big brother. She’s gorgeous.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Uh, thank you? I’m Jane.”
“Oh, I know exactly who you are! I’ve seen all your movies. EvenVengeance Under the Coconut Trees, which—let’s be honest—was absolutely terrible.”
“Keira,” Callum warns.
I laugh, already charmed by this whirlwind of a woman. “No, she’s right. It was awful. I spent three months with sand in places sand should never be for a movie even my mom refused to watch twice.”
Keira hooks her arm through mine like we’ve known each other for years. “I knew it! You’re going to fit in perfectly here. Come on—Grandmother’s waiting in the drawing room. She’s so excited she brought out the special china and the reserve whisky.”
My anxiety spikes at the mention of Maggie McGregor. Callum must sense it, because his hand settles reassuringly at the small of my back.
“Don’t worry,” he murmurs near my ear. “She doesn’t bite. At least not during the first meeting.”
“Very comforting. Thanks.”
An older man approaches and inclines his head. “Welcome to Castle McGregor, Miss Carter. I am Jamison, the butler.”
“Nice to meet you, Jamison. Please—call me Jane.”
He exchanges a glance with Callum, as if sharing a private joke. “That would be inappropriate, Miss. But I appreciate your kindness.”
Inside, my breath catches all over again. If the exterior was impressive, the interior is staggering—soaring ceilings with intricate moldings, sweeping stone staircases, ancient tapestries lining the walls, and windows that frame the Highlands like living paintings.
“It’s incredible,” I whisper, turning slowly to take it all in.
“Isn’t it?” Keira says. “This old pile of stones has its charm. Even if it’s impossible to heat in winter and the Wi-Fi used to be a disaster.”
“The Wi-Fi is perfectly functional now,” Callum interjects behind us. “I had repeaters installed.”
Keira rolls her eyes. “He’s so practical. How do you deal with him?”
