We laugh, and then a comfortable silence settles between us. The lambs dart around their parents, carefree, fully present in the moment. There’s something to learn from them, I think.
— Keira, I say finally. Before we go back inside for the signing, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.
She turns toward me, a flicker of concern crossing her face.
— Everything okay?
— Everything’s perfect, I reassure her. It’s just that… before we sign the official partnership between our families, I’d like to propose a different kind of agreement.
Her expression shifts from concern to curiosity.
— What kind of agreement?
I take a deep breath and pull the document from my inside pocket. My hands are trembling slightly—which is absurd. I’m a seasoned businessman, used to negotiating million-pound contracts without the slightest hint of nerves. But this document… these few sheets of paper… represent the most important investment of my life.
— What is it? she asks, taking the document I hand her.
— Read it, I say simply.
She unfolds the pages carefully and begins reading aloud:
PERSONAL COMMITMENT CONTRACT
Between the undersigned:
Alistair Duncan McKenzie, residing at McKenzie Distillery, hereafter referred to as “The Taken Heart”
And
Keira Margaret McGregor, residing at McGregor Castle, hereafter referred to as “The Heart Thief”
The following has been agreed:
She pauses, lifting her eyes to mine, caught between amusement and emotion.
— You didn’t.
— Keep going.
She continues, her voice growing more unsteady as she reads:
Article 1: Purpose of the Contract
This contract aims to formalize the genuine feelings of “The Taken Heart” toward “The Heart Thief,” feelings that emerged completely unexpectedly during an arrangement that was initially professional and temporary.
Article 2: Duration of the Contract
Unlike our previous agreement, limited to three months, this contract is established for an indefinite duration, with the possibility of extension into perpetuity upon mutual agreement of both parties.
Article 3: Commitments of “The Taken Heart”
“The Taken Heart” commits to:
– Loving “The Heart Thief” in good times and bad, including during Hamish’s escape attempts and tense family dinners.
– Respecting her independence and professional expertise, even when she insists the McGregor tartan is objectively more elegant than the McKenzie one.
– Supporting her in all her projects, whether they involve redesigned shops, secret passages, or stubborn sheep.
