Everyone bursts out laughing. Even my mother.
And just like that—the tension breaks.
“I told you—Hamish is a true McGregor,” I laugh. “He hates losing!”
“And Rosita is clearly the voice of reason,” Alistair shoots back.
We stand, still laughing.
I turn toward him—and freeze.
The way he’s looking at me…
For a second, I think he might kiss me.
Right here.
In front of everyone.
And the worst part?
I almost want him to.
“You see?” Isobel exclaims.
Reality slams back into place.
“I—I’ll get drinks,” I mumble, escaping toward the house.
In the quiet kitchen,I brace myself against the counter, breathing hard.
What is wrong with me?
This isn’t me.
“Everything okay?”
I jump. Alistair stands in the doorway.
“Fine,” I say quickly, grabbing glasses. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
He steps closer, takes my hand, stopping me.
“Keira. Look at me.”
I do—reluctantly.
“I know this is complicated,” he says softly. “But I wanted to tell you?—”
“Oh, there you are!” Lachlan bursts in. “We need you for the family photo!”
Alistair closes his eyes briefly.
“We’re coming,” he says.
Lachlan disappears.
The moment is gone.
