I’m starting to believe in our happy ending.
CHAPITRE 21
KEIRA
Neighboring hearts and thin walls
Dinner unfolds in a warm, easy atmosphere. Mary has already left, so it’s just Alistair joining us tonight.
I have to admit—he fits in seamlessly. He jokes with Lachlan, talks farming with Duncan, and completely wins Maggie over by complimenting her sauce.
“You know, Alistair,” my grandmother says as Jamison generously refills his wine, “you’re exactly how I imagined.”
“How so?” he asks, amused.
“Well, from what Keira told us about you…”
I nearly choke on my drink. What exactly did I say?
“Grandma—”
“Oh, don’t be shy!” Maggie continues. “You said he was intelligent, funny, and remarkably handsome. And you were absolutely right!”
Alistair turns to me, clearly entertained.
“Remarkably handsome?” he repeats, one corner of his mouth lifting.
“I said that during a temporary lapse in judgment,” I mutter.
Our eyes meet—and for a split second, something flickers there. Something deeper than teasing. Something that looks suspiciously like?—
“More wine?” Jane asks, breaking the moment.
“Yes, please,” I say quickly.
The rest of dinner goes smoothly… until Lachlan, being Lachlan, decides to stir the pot.
“So, Alistair,” he says with exaggerated innocence, “are you staying the night? Would save my cousin from sneaking out to see you.”
I nearly choke for the second time that evening.
“Lachlan!”
“What? It makes sense! You’re basically family now,” he adds, grinning.
I shoot a panicked look at Alistair, who looks just as caught off guard.
“That’s very kind,” he says politely, “but I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense,” my mother says immediately. “You’re always welcome here.”
The idea of Alistair under the same roof all night would already be unsettling on a normal day. Afterthisday? It’s pure torture waiting to happen.
“Really, it’s not necessary,” he tries again.
“If you’re worried about Keira,” Lachlan cuts in, “don’t be. She doesn’t bite. Well… not often.”
“Very funny,” I mutter.
