I freeze mid-sentence, then obey, lifting the lid.
Inside, nestled on the velvet cushion, is… a small silver bell.
A bell.
Not a ring.
A bell.
I blink, confused.
“It’s a… bell?”
Alistair bursts out laughing, a deep, genuine laugh that fills the room.
“You thought it was a ring?”
“Of course not,” I lie shamelessly. “I was just wondering what it was and why you were giving it to me.”
“It’s for Hamish,” he explains, his smile lighting up his entire face.
Despite my embarrassment, I can’t help laughing.
“You’re giving a bell to my sheep?”
“Technically, it’s your brother’s sheep. And yes—I thought it might be useful for tracking him during his next unauthorized visits to the distillery. Or his romantic rendezvous with Rosita.”
“That’s… surprisingly thoughtful of you.”
And it is.
“I’m full of surprises,” he replies with a wink. “And now I believe we’re even for the damage Hamish caused to my rose bushes.”
“You’re holding a grudge, McKenzie.”
“Just pragmatic, McGregor. It’s different.”
I carefully place the box in my bag, still slightly mortified by my misunderstanding, but also strangely touched by the gesture. It’s ridiculous, of course. A bell for Hamish is neither romantic nor meaningful. And yet…
“Thank you for today,” I say as I head toward the exit. “It was productive.”
“And full of revelations,” he adds, walking me out. “Both historical and personal.”
The mischievous look he gives me makes it clear he won’t be letting my bell misunderstanding go anytime soon. Wonderful. Another weapon in his already well-stocked arsenal.
“See you soon, McGregor,” he calls as I get into my car. “Don’t forget to attach that bell. I want to hear Hamish coming next time.”
On the drive back, I can’t help but smile as I replay the day in my mind. The surprising historical discoveries. The way our design ideas blended so naturally. The sound of his laughter when I opened the box.
And if I am perfectly honest with myself—which I most definitely am not—I have to admit that, for one very brief, very fleeting moment, I might have felt a hint of disappointment when I realized it was only a bell.
But that’s ridiculous. Completely absurd.
Almost as absurd as the fact that I am already looking forward to returning to the McKenzie distillery tomorrow.
CHAPITRE 13
ALISTAIR
