Page 14 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

He pulled himself to a sitting position and chewed his lip. ‘Is that okay? Did I overstep the mark? I just… I couldn’t think of a more perfect date.’

‘Of course it’s okay! I’m just a bit taken aback, that’s all. I was thinking it would be next year. I’m not sure we can get things organised that quickly.’

‘Says the woman who organises things for a living,’ he said laughing. ‘Just imagine it, Bells. A thick frost on the ground, glistening in the winter sun, lights strung up along the driveway and all around the grounds. The smell of fresh pine from the trees. Beautiful flowers in rich reds and purples, and gold accents everywhere.’

She could see it all, and in her mind’s eye it was stunning. It sounded magical and that’s exactly what she had always dreamed her wedding would be.

Bringing herself back to reality, she shook her head to dislodge the distracting images. ‘But… we have to think about everyone’s Christmas. People might not want to come to Inverness on Christmas Eve. Isn’t it a bit selfish?’

He reached out and touched her cheek. ‘I checked with your folks, our friends and Liv and Brodie to test the water. They were all excited about a Christmas wedding, Bells. So, unless you’d rather wait until next summer… what do you say?’

Bella’s stomach was suddenly alive with butterflies, and she couldn’t help the smile that took over her face. ‘Then I say ho ho ho yes! We’re getting married at Christmas!’

* * *

A few hours later, Bella sat nervously in front of the camera on her laptop. It was the first time she had met a client for an initial consultation over a video link. The call was due to start at 3 p.m. Bella’s time and it was just a couple of minutes before. In Texas, however, it would only be 9 a.m. The call had arisen following the receipt of an email from a prospective client via her website. At first, she was a little baffled as to why someone from the US would be considering hiring her, but it all became clear.

‘Hi there, Miss Douglas?’ a blonde woman appeared on the screen before her. She was perfectly made up with immaculate hair and Bella guessed her age to be around sixty.

‘Yes, Mrs Somers. Good to meet you.’

‘And you too, darlin’. Excuse me lookin’ like this but it’s early here and I’ve just come in from my mornin’ swim.’

Bella wasn’t sure what she meant because she looked as well put together as was humanly possible. ‘Oh, no, you look lovely,’ she replied, hoping that wasn’t too forward. ‘So, how can I help you?’

‘Well now, as I explained in my email, my husband and I are in the process of purchasing an old hotel over on Skye in a place called Portree.’ Her emphasis on por made Bella smile. ‘And we want to update it seein’ as it’s been hit by the ugly stick in every single room. I mean, I hated the seventies when we were in ’em, but that place looks like the seventies threw up all over it. Literally.’

Bella laughed. ‘I can totally understand. I’m not a fan of seventies décor either.’

‘Well, that’s a relief to know. Anyhow, I emailed you the brochure we got before we put a bid on the place with the real estate agent, did you get a chance to look over it?’

Bella nodded. ‘I certainly did. I didn’t even know the place existed before now so it’s an exciting prospect. It’s a stunning building. I think it would look amazing if the interior was taken back to something close to what it would have been like when it was built, but with the addition of all the mod cons and today’s luxuries.’

‘I’m liking the sound of that. Tell me more.’

‘Okay, so just as a brief overview, I’m thinking William Morris for the soft furnishing and wallpaper prints, rich colours and sumptuous fabrics, velvet and damask, but juxtaposed with more modern furniture so it’s not twee. How does that sound for starters?’

‘It sounds wonderful, honey. I’ve had a good look at your portfolio on your website, and I love the schemes you’ve already created for other folks, I loved the apartments at Drumblair Castle, very fresh and modern but classy, so I think you’re the right person for the job. You’ll definitely need to go along and have a look around when the purchase completes. It’s going to take a while yet because it’s going through probate, or I think they call it confirmation in Scotland, and we know these things can take time. They’re a pain in the derrière. But as soon as it’s all gone through, I’ll be in touch again. My son, Carlton, will be managing the hotel once it’s up and running and we’d like him to be involved from the get-go, so he’ll be the one you’re dealing with once we own the place outright.’

‘Sounds good. In the meantime, I’ll put some mood boards together and email them across, so you have an idea of what I’m thinking for the place. Of course, once I see it in person it may change a little but that will only be the prints on the wallpapers and fabrics so we can make sure they fit the space we’re working with.’

‘That sounds good to me, honey. I’ll wait to hear from you.’

‘Great. Thanks, Mrs Somers. Speak soon.’ The screen went blank, and Bella heaved a sigh of relief.

Harris appeared behind her in his uniform. ‘That sounded very positive.’ He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

‘It did, didn’t it? I’m quite excited about it.’

‘I think I know the place. It’s been empty for years but it’s on the loch and the views will be incredible from there. Great spot for a hotel.’

‘I can’t wait to go and see it. Maybe we could have a drive up and look at the outside.’

‘Sounds like a good idea. We can drive up after we’ve been to see Mum and Isla at the weekend.’

* * *

As planned, the following weekend they visited Isla and ate the lovingly prepared Sunday lunch with her, Tam and Maeve too. The three golden oldies were like a triple act and there were more than a few giggles to be had. Bertie and Beau ran around the garden until Bertie was completely worn out and then slept at Bella’s feet for the rest of the afternoon.