— Edinburgh. I got an offer to teach. Nothing spectacular, just an entry-level position, but… it’s a start.
The news catches me completely off guard. Lachlan has always been a constant in my life. The idea of him leaving the Highlands had never even crossed my mind.
— But… what about the estate? The sheep? And Hamish?
— Hamish will survive without me, he says with a sad smile. He’s got Rosita now, the traitor.
I place my hand over his, suddenly uneasy.
— Lachlan, seriously. Why now?
He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
— I’m tired, Keira. Tired of just being the cousin who manages the estate. Tired of living in the shadow of the greatMcGregor castle. I need to build something that’s mine. Find my own path.
His words hit deeper than I expect. Isn’t that exactly what I should be doing too? Choosing my own path instead of bending under Malcolm McKenzie’s threats?
— When would you leave? I ask, my throat tight.
— In a few weeks, if everything goes well. I still have a few things to sort out.
I nod, trying to ignore the fresh wave of loss layering itself over the emptiness already inside me.
— I’m going to miss you, you stubborn mule, I murmur.
— You too, panda face. But it’s not like I’m moving to the other side of the world. Edinburgh’s only a few hours away.
— It won’t be the same.
— No. It’ll be better. You can come visit, do some shopping, and I’ll show you real pubs—not those Highland rat holes where they water down the whisky.
I try to laugh, but it comes out strained. In the span of a few days, I’ve lost Alistair… and now I’m about to lose my closest confidant too.
— What about you? Lachlan asks, deliberately changing the subject. How are things with your McKenzie?
The question throws me. I haven’t told anyone that our engagement is over. How could I, when no one even knew it was fake to begin with?
— It’s fine.
— Really? Because if it were, you wouldn’t be sitting here staring at that plan for hours without drawing a single line. And you’d probably be wearing an engagement ring.
I glance down at my bare left hand.
— It’s complicated, I admit.
— Did you think Cupid came with an instruction manual? he replies with his usual humor.
Before I can answer, the library door opens and Maggie steps in.
— Ah, there you both are, she says, studying us closely. Lachlan, your father’s looking for you. Apparently, a certain sheep is loose again.
— Again? Lachlan groans, rolling his eyes. At this point, he’s going to need his own lawyer.
He stands, shoots me one last knowing look, then slips out—murmuring something in Maggie’s ear as he passes. I catch the way her eyes widen slightly before she nods.
Once we’re alone, my grandmother moves closer and takes the seat he just vacated.
— How are you, my dear? she asks gently.
