— We need to stop them! Martha exclaims, arriving behind us, out of breath.
— Let me handle this, Keira says with that determination I know so well. I’ve picked up a few sheep persuasion techniques.
She walks toward the little flock, her voice soft and calm.
— Hamish, my friend, now is not the time for sightseeing. And you, Rosita, you’re supposed to set an example for your little ones.
To my astonishment, Hamish actually stops and turns his head toward her. For a moment, it feels like I’m witnessing ahigh-level diplomatic negotiation between two parties who fully understand each other.
— That’s better, Keira continues, stepping closer. Now, if you really want to be part of the ceremony, you need to stay in your decorated enclosure. Martha prepared special treats for you.
Hamish’s ears perk up at the wordtreats. He exchanges a look with Rosita—as if they’re deliberating—then turns and calmly heads back toward the enclosure, his family following behind him.
— How does she do that? I mutter, impressed.
— She speaks sheep, Lachlan grins. It’s a natural gift.
KEIRA
Two hours later,I’m standing beside Alistair on the temporary stage set up in front of the McKenzie-McGregor Cultural Center. The building, completed just weeks ago, exceeds everything I ever imagined.
The modern architecture blends seamlessly into the Highland landscape, and the symbols I subtly incorporated into the original shop design are now beautifully showcased across the façade.
A real crowd has gathered—villagers, journalists, whisky experts, and of course, both families in full attendance. Even the oldest, most traditional McKenzies are here, proof that this reconciliation is real and lasting.
— Ladies and gentlemen, Alistair begins into the microphone, welcome to this historic inauguration. Today marks not only the opening of our cultural center, but also the celebration of a rediscovered legacy.
His voice carries effortlessly through the crisp Highland air. He has that natural confidence I’ll never stop admiring—that ability to captivate an audience without even trying.
— A year ago, he continues, Keira McGregor and I were business partners working on a shared project.
A ripple of knowing laughter moves through the crowd. Our “arrangement” has become a story everyone knows now.
— What we didn’t realize at the time was that we were rediscovering a love story more than two centuries old. The story of Archibald McKenzie and Elspeth McGregor—two souls who dreamed of creating something extraordinary together.
He hands me the microphone, and I feel my heart pick up speed. Public speaking has never been my strength—but today, the words come easily.
— Archibald and Elspeth never got to fulfill their dream in their lifetime, I begin. Family feuds and the prejudices of their time stood in their way. But their vision survived—hidden in secret passages and love letters—waiting for the right moment to come back to life.
I catch Maggie and Mary exchanging an emotional glance.
— The whisky we’re presenting to you today is more than the result of an old recipe. It’s proof that love and creativity can transcend time—that dreams can come true, even when everything seems lost.
Alistair takes the microphone again.
— We are honored to present the very firstArchibald & Elspethwhisky, distilled according to their original recipe, using barley grown on the McGregor south field and spring water from McKenzie land. As it should be, this creation was only possible through the union of our two legacies.
Warm applause rises from the crowd. I notice my uncle Duncan discreetly wiping away a tear, which surprises me. He’s never been one to show emotion in public.
As the guests begin exploring the cultural center, I make my way toward Hamish and Rosita’s enclosure. Our ovine ambassadors have behaved remarkably well throughout the ceremony.
Hamish approaches and presses his nose against my hand, wearing that satisfied expression he always has when he’s pulled off something particularly bold.
— You were perfect today, Hamish. Not a single diplomatic incident.
— Maybe he’s getting older? Alistair suggests from behind me.
I turn to find him watching us with that soft look he gets when he thinks I’m not paying attention.
