Page 33 of A Highland Family Affair

‘Thanks so much, Reid. I can’t wait for her to see it,’ Brodie said.

‘See what? Brodie MacLeod, what have you been plotting?’

Brodie grinned. ‘Wait and see. In the meantime, why don’t you have a look at the other paintings and see if you can find one you like for home?’

She narrowed her eyes. ‘Hmm, okay.’ She turned and perused stunning canvas after stunning canvas and found it hard to choose. One in particular caught her eye. The little row of coloured houses overlooking a harbour drew her in.

‘Look at this, Brodie. Isn’t this one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen?’

He joined her and read the label beside it. ‘Portree Harbour. That’s really pretty. I love it.’ He turned around. ‘Could you package this one up too, please, Reid?’

‘Absolutely. Thanks, guys,’ Reid replied with a beaming smile.

After they had finished admiring Reid’s artwork, Brodie carried the two canvases back to the car. Olivia was still wondering what could be on the secret one.

‘Come on, let’s go a little further,’ Brodie said.

Before climbing into the car, Olivia walked around to where Brodie was carefully placing the paintings in the back footwell. She slipped her arms up around his neck. ‘Thank you for this. I know we’ve a lot going on with the castle and the renovations etcetera, etcetera, and I know I’m hard to pin down right now, but I hope you know how much I appreciate you.’

He kissed the tip of her nose and rested his forehead on hers. ‘I do. But I don’t want you running yourself ragged, that’s all.’

‘I won’t. I promise. I love you.’

He didn’t reply with words, instead he lowered his face and kissed her tenderly, pulling her as close as he could.

Olivia wandered dreamily around to her door once again and she was about to open it when she glanced up briefly and had to look again when she thought she had spotted a familiar-looking red-haired woman pushing a pram.

‘Brodie,’ she whispered. ‘Look! It’s Ruby Locke! I haven’t seen her since she opened the castle. And she’s with her wee baby.’ The famous actress had moved to Skye to be with her partner Mitch Adair and for a while had turned her back on the lights of Hollywood, favouring the peace and tranquillity of the little Scottish coastal village.

Brodie raised his head. ‘Oh yeah, of course she lives here, I’d forgotten that.’

‘Do you think we should go and say hello?’

Brodie chuckled and slammed the car door. ‘Definitely. Maybe you can tell her you’re starting your own label. I know she loved your designs when you were dressing her for movie premieres at Nina Picarro. Possible future customer.’

‘Except I think she has more important things on her mind these days than the red carpet judging by the pram.’

They approached Ruby and she smiled widely. ‘Lady Olivia! What a lovely surprise. How are you? What brings you to Skye?’

They hugged. ‘I’m good, thanks. We’re here for a few days’ break and to visit my friend Bella.’

‘Oh, yes, of course. She’ll be delighted to see you. She’s settling in well, though. And her granny is such a hoot.’

‘You can say that again. Anyway, how are you? And who’s this little cutie?’ The baby was fast asleep, little red curls poked out from her hat where she lay under a hand-crocheted blanket.

‘This is Allegra, my pride and joy. She has my hair colour and her daddy’s eyes.’

‘She’s just beautiful. How is Mitch?’ Olivia asked.

‘Oh, you know, busy as ever. He’s currently at home painting the kitchen and trying to stop Clyde, the dog, from running off with the paintbrush every time he places it down.’ She laughed. ‘How are things at Drumblair?’

‘A little hectic. Lots of ongoing repairs to be done, which all costs money, of course. But we’re having fun, aren’t we, Brodie?’

‘You could say that. But Olivia’s going to be designing again, aren’t you, Liv?’

Olivia felt her face warming in spite of the chill in the air. ‘Hopefully, yes.’

Ruby’s eyes widened and she gasped. ‘That’s amazing! I love your designs. Actually, I’ve been sent a script for a film and I’m on the verge of signing so you’ll be hearing from me about a dress for the premiere.’