– Never again using the word “arrangement” to describe their relationship, except in a floral context.
Article 4: Shared Memories
Both parties acknowledge the importance of shared moments, including:
– Their first hostile meeting in “The Taken Heart’s” office
– The fake engagement bell, forever remembered as the worst romantic gift in history
– Training for the Highland Games and the unsettling closeness it created
– Their first real kiss in a barn, surrounded by hay, after a sheep-related escapade
– The discovery of Archibald and Elspeth’s treasure, proving that history can sometimes offer a second chance
Article 5: Special Clause
“The Taken Heart” hereby formally proposes that “The Heart Thief” transform their fake engagement into a real one, with the option to convert it into marriage when both parties feel ready.
To validate this clause, the signature of “The Heart Thief” is required, accompanied—should she accept—by wearing the ring attached to this contract.
Her voice breaks on the last words. When she looks up at me, her eyes shine with unshed tears.
I drop to one knee and pull the small box from my pocket. The gesture is traditional—but the setting, in front of a sheep enclosure with Hamish and Rosita as witnesses, is anything but.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Hamish has wandered closer, clearly invested in the situation.
— Keira McGregor, I begin, opening the box to reveal a white gold ring set with a blue stone surrounded by small green ones, the colors subtly arranged to echo the intertwined patterns of the McKenzie and McGregor tartans. What started as a business arrangement has become the most precious thing in my life. Will you turn our fake engagement into a real one?
She looks at the ring, then at me, then back at the ring.
— No bell this time? she teases. Like the one you gave Hamish?
I laugh, grateful for the way she eases the intensity.
— No. This time it’s a real ring—for you, not a sheep accessory. Though, given our history, I was tempted.
She wipes away a tear that escapes down her cheek.
— You’re completely insane, you know that?
— Your fault. You made me lose my mind.
— In that case, since I’m responsible… I suppose I should deal with the consequences.
I rise, slip the ring onto her finger.
— It’s beautiful, she whispers, admiring it. The colors…
— Our two families. United, I explain. Like us.
And then I pull her into me and kiss her. It’s not our first kiss, but this one tastes different—like a promise, like a future we’ve chosen together.
Hamish picks that exact moment to bleat loudly, as if giving his approval, followed by Rosita and their lambs in a full chorus that sends us both into laughter.
— I think we have their blessing, Keira says between laughs.
— The most important one, I agree. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. But there’s one last detail.
