Page 10 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

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The following day, Harris and Bella said their goodbyes to their friends, hugged and then waved them off. Bella was even more sad than usual seeing Olivia and Skye leaving but she couldn’t quite put her finger on why. But when the door was closed, Harris silently disappeared into the police station and was gone for hours. She tried to tell herself it was fine because it was Monday and that’s where he should be. But the nagging feeling deep inside of her wouldn’t let up.

Bella had cleared her diary in order to be able to see her parents and brother after their house viewing and they arrived mid-afternoon as she was curled up on the sofa with the latest book club choice and Bertie snoozing at her feet on one of the cushions at the end.

‘So, how did it go?’ she asked eagerly as she carried a tray of mugs of tea into the living room and handed them out.

Her mum was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. ‘Oh, Bella, it was gorgeous. It’s called Rowan Cottage but it’s quite big really. You always imagine quaint and charming when cottage is mentioned. It needs work but as you know, your dad’s quite handy so that shouldn’t be a problem.’

Her dad shook his head. ‘Aye, nothing like retiring to do more work.’

‘And we just happen to know an interior designer,’ her mum said with a smile.

‘Oh, and the neighbour has two golden retrievers. Absolutely beautiful. Reminded us of Bertie. They were ever so friendly.’

Bella sipped her tea. ‘Oh, of course, the house was in Dunan! I bet you met Bertie’s mum!’

‘I said to your dad that I wondered if they might be related,’ her mum replied, the wide smile still fixed in place. ‘The house has an Aga too. I’ve always wanted an Aga. No clue how to use one but I’m happy to learn.’

‘And what about the garden, Dad? Big enough for you?’

‘Oh, it was grand, aye. I could see myself pottering about happily. Plenty of room for a veggie plot and a shed. There’s already a wee greenhouse for my tomato plants. Might need to get a wee dug too.’

Callum huffed. ‘Great, you wait ’til I’m leaving and then you decide to get a dug,’ he said with a shake of his head. ‘I’ve wanted a dug for ages. I bet you end up with a golden retriever too. I might have to come to Skye instead of moving in with the lads.’ He winked at Bella. ‘My room at Rowan Cottage is a decent size too, sis.’

‘Erm, how come you’ve chosen a room when you’re starting a new job in Glasgow next month and you’re moving in with your pals?’ Bella asked, raising her eyebrows.

‘I’ll still need somewhere to sleep when I come home to visit. I’ll be doing that plenty if they get that house and especially if they get a golden retriever dug.’

Bella’s mum huffed. ‘And that translates to, “I’ll be bringing my washing home for Mum to do.”’

Callum laughed. ‘Aye, well, I can’t leave you with nothing to remind you of me, can I?’ He chuckled.

A flutter of excitement landed in Bella’s stomach at the prospect of her parents moving to be closer. ‘So, what will you do now?’

Her mum sighed. ‘We have to sell our house now it’s on the market and we’ve no idea how long that might take, so there’s no guarantee that Rowan Cottage will still be available when we’re ready to buy.’

‘But we’re going to go home and get pushing the agent all the same,’ her dad added.

Bella’s dream of having her whole family close by felt like it was within reach. ‘I’ll keep everything crossed for a quick sale.’

* * *

A while later, when Bella was washing their cups, her mum joined her and picked up the tea towel to dry them. ‘Is everything okay, love? You don’t seem yourself.’

Bella smiled. ‘I’m okay. Just a bit worried about Harris.’

‘How come?’ A crumple of concern appeared between her brows.

‘He’s been a bit quiet since the engagement party. I’m not sure why but I’m concerned at the timing. Maybe he’s changed his mind.’

Bella’s mum scoffed. ‘About marrying you? Have you seen the way he looks at you? No, it’s got to be something else. Just talk to him, love. That’s the best thing you can do. Communication is key in a marriage.’

Bella nodded. ‘You’re right. I’m going to. I need to get to the bottom of it because this feeling is awful.’

Her mum reached out and squeezed her arm. ‘He adores you though, Arabella. That much is obvious to everyone. Try not to worry.’

* * *