Page 38 of A Highland Family Affair

‘Granny! That’s a bit rude,’ Bella said with a giggle. ‘You should wait to be invited.’

Isla rolled her eyes. ‘Och, away with you, Olivia knows me well enough to know I don’t pull any horses.’

‘I think you mean punches, Granny.’

Isla’s nose crumpled. ‘Why would I punch horses?’

Bella pursed her lips. ‘Never mind.’

Harris called from the hallway. ‘I’m here, sorry about that, got sidetracked by Caitlin dropping the cakes off.’ He walked into the living room holding two white cardboard cake boxes and his eyes brightened. ‘Hi, you two! What a brilliant surprise.’ He shook Brodie’s hand and hugged Olivia. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you when I got home. Did you know they were coming, Bella?’

‘Not a clue. Total surprise,’ Bella told him. ‘But they’re engaged!’

Harris grinned and placed the cake boxes down on the oak coffee table. ‘Well done, pal,’ he said as he hugged Brodie and slapped his back. ‘And Olivia, congratulations on bagging this ugly lout.’ He kissed her cheek.

Once the tea and cakes had been consumed, Bella disappeared to the kitchen and returned a few moments later with a tray, and on it stood a bottle of champagne and glasses. ‘I knew we’d have an opportunity to crack this baby open soon,’ she said, placing the tray on the coffee table.

Harris popped the cork and poured the fizzing liquid into the glasses before handing them out. ‘To Olivia and Brodie!’ he announced, holding his glass aloft.

‘To Olivia and Brodie,’ the rest of them said in unison.

‘Oof, the bubbles have gone up my nose!’ Isla said with a giggle. ‘I’ll be getting arrested for being drunk and other-worldly at this rate! Eh, Harris?’

‘We’re used to you being spaced out, Isla,’ Harris replied with a chuckle and no attempt to correct her.

Later that day, Olivia video-called Harper at work.

‘Hey, Liv, how are you doing? I miss you,’ Harper said, smiling into the camera.

‘I miss you too. But I’m great, thanks. Better than great, actually!’

Harper narrowed her eyes. ‘Spill it, MacBain. I can tell there’s something.’

Olivia simply held a ringed finger up to the camera and Harper squealed and suddenly there was a crowd of people behind her, Nina included. Everyone shouted their congratulations; the screen was filled with smiling faces.

‘That’s amazing news, la mia cara ragazza! When is the big day?’ Nina asked.

‘We’re not totally sure yet, we need to check diaries but we’re thinking possibly April or May.’

‘So soon? Okay, please let us know as soon as you know. And I’m happy to design a dress for you, extra special, my darling.’

‘Thank you for such a kind offer, Nina, but I’m hoping to wear my mum’s dress.’

Nina nodded. ‘Oh, yes, you should! I’ve seen the photos and that was such a beautiful gown. You’ll be a stunning bride.’ She blew kisses at the camera. ‘Congratulazioni! Mando il mio amore! I’ll leave you to talk to Harper. Come on, everyone, torno al lavoro adesso! Back to work!’ Eventually the faces of Olivia’s former colleagues disappeared from sight, and it was just Harper and Olivia again.

‘I can’t believe you’re getting married. But at the same time, I totally can. I’ve never seen you so happy, babe, and I’m crazy happy for you.’

‘Thank you. I’m still kind of floating but I really am happy. Anyway, how are things with you and Summer?’ Harper had met Summer a year earlier and Olivia had never known her have such a long-lasting relationship. When she shared an apartment with her in New York, Harper was known for her flings and one-night stands but this had been going on a long time.

Harper’s smile said all Olivia needed to know. ‘I know this may sound crazy coming from me but… I think she’s the one, Liv. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before. We’re so… in synch. And we have enough stuff in common to have plenty to talk about but enough not in common that we’re always learning about each other. Plus, she’s beautiful and funny… and my God is she sexy.’

‘Says the woman head over heels in love,’ Olivia replied, surprised at her ‘love ’em and leave ’em’ friend.

Harper grinned and her cheeks flushed. ‘I think I can safely say, for the first time ever, that I really am.’

Olivia wished she could hug her friend. ‘I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.’

‘We’ve even talked about kids; can you believe it? Me a mom!’ Harper’s eyebrows shot towards her bobble hat. ‘I mean, who even am I?’