— He didn’t run off…
— Grandma said he left on business, but we both know that’s bullshit, she says with a dismissive wave. Callum would never schedule a meeting the day after his wedding—even an arranged mar?—
She cuts herself off abruptly, her eyes flicking from Savannah to me in sudden panic.
— Don’t worry, Sav jumps in, Jane doesn’t keep secrets from me.
I let out a quiet sigh. Now I do. And they involve my intimate life with Callum… or rather, the complete lack of one.
— The truth is, I don’t know why Callum left. We had a… small difference of opinion last night, and this morning he was gone.
Keira leans forward, instantly hooked. Savannah mirrors her.
— A “difference of opinion”? Is that a euphemism for your first marital fight? Savannah asks.
— Something like that, I mutter, staring into my cup.
— About what?
— Nothing important, I deflect, avoiding their eyes.
— Jane Carter-McGregor, you lie about as well as you dance the Scottish jig, Keira says.
I wince at the memory of my catastrophic performance at the reception, because despite what Callum told me, I absolutely did not dance well…
— It’s personal, Keira.
— You’re my sister-in-law now. “Personal” is a very flexible concept, she shoots back with a wide grin. Come on, spill it. What made my brother bolt like the devil was chasing him?
I exhale slowly. How am I supposed to explain that we broke our own marriage contract by kissing like our lives depended on it… only for Callum to panic and run like I’d suggested burning all his three-piece suits?
— Let’s just say we didn’t exactly agree on certain aspects of our relationship.
Keira and Savannah stare at me, clearly expecting more.
— That’s all you’re getting, I add firmly.
Keira pouts for a second, then shrugs.
— Fine, keep your secrets. But if you ever need advice on handling a stubborn, emotionally constipated McGregor, I’m your spiritual guide.
— “Emotionally constipated”? I repeat, laughing despite myself. That’s… an interesting way to describe your brother.
— But accurate, isn’t it? she shoots back with a wink. Callum has always struggled with unplanned emotions. Our father taught him feelings were a weakness, and Callum—being the perfect student he’s always been—soaked that lesson up like a sponge.
— A guy with emotional issues? What a shock, Savannah snorts. They’re all the same…
That revelation makes something shift in me. I’ve never really questioned why Callum is the way he is. I just assumed it was his nature.
— What happened to your father? Savannah asks casually.
I hold my breath, watching Keira. Her expression darkens slightly, and I’m about to tell her she doesn’t have to answer when she speaks again.
— Heart attack. He was working, of course. Callum was with him when it happened—right in the middle of a board meeting. I think a part of my brother died that day too. He locked himself even deeper into his role as the McGregor heir, like he was trying to become our father’s reincarnation.
— I’m sorry, I murmur.
— That must have been awful, Savannah adds.
