Page 44 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

Isla placed down her cup and clasped her hands like a newsreader. ‘Get this, his name is Head Shearer. Strange, eh? He sings some lovely songs and even with a name like that his voice is really nice too. Not all growly and hoarse like you’d expect, like those metallic singers. And he’s got a full head of hair, too, so he doesn’t shear his own head.’ She scowled and curled her lip. ‘It’s just not a name you’d put together with such romantic words.’ Then as if a light bulb had flicked on, her eyebrows shot up and she said, ‘Although! Maybe he works on a sheep farm on the days he’s not out singing. Maybe he is the Head Shearer, the boss of all the other sheep shearers! That’d make more sense. Why didn’t I think of that before? I’m such a wee dafty. Although why he’d use that as his stage name I’ve no idea. It’s no Ziggy Stardust, is it?’ She had chuckled and shaken her head before picking up and sipping her tea again.

Bella had crumpled her brow and fought the threatening giggle. ‘I’m sorry, who?’

Isla had shrugged. ‘See. I told you; it’s not a good name. I wonder if his management have thought about getting him to change it before he gets too famous. If he changes it now before he’s too well known, it won’t matter.’

Bella had pursed her lips and chewed the inside of her cheek. ‘What song does this Head Shearer sing that you like so much? You’re not becoming a secret head banger, are you, Granny?’ she’d teased, grinning. ‘You’ve got the purple hair.’

‘Och, no chance. I like my brain right where it is, thank you very much. Now, let me think, the one I really like is called “Thinking Out Loud”, I think that’s right. It’s so sweet and the words are beautiful.’ Bella couldn’t hold back any longer. She’d burst into hysterical laughter and her eyes watered. Isla had raised her eyebrows. ‘What? What’s so funny? What did I say? I don’t get it, Arabella.’

Holding her stomach, and once she had calmed herself down, Bella had managed to say, ‘Granny, you really are hilarious. His name is Ed Sheeran, not Head Shearer. And he’s already very famous! He’s been around years and has won tons of awards.’

Isla had laughed too. ‘Oh! Ed Sheeran! That’s a much better name! I’ll no be writing to his manager then.’ Seeing Isla laugh was one of Bella’s favourite things in the world.

Of course, on the night of the wedding celebration Harris had sung ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and Isla and Tam had taken to the floor for a slow dance as everyone looked on with hands on hearts and tilted heads, oblivious to the story behind the song choice.

The word, ‘Awww,’ had been uttered at least a hundred times that evening, most occurrences of which had been during that one dance. They both had the biggest smiles, and it was clear they adored each other.

* * *

Towards the end of the night, Dorothy had insisted that the cleaning and tidying would be dealt with the following morning and told Bella to get the minibus taxi ordered to take her and the others back to Glentorrin. Harris dealt with the call while Bella walked down to Isla’s home with her and Tam.

Isla linked her arm through Bella’s as they walked. ‘I’m so sorry, Arabella. I really did think I’d messaged the right number. I would never upset you or make you worry on purpose. I hope you know that.’

‘Of course I know that, Granny. I just wish you’d felt able to tell me your plans. I would’ve loved to have been there to see you get married.’

They came to a stop at Isla’s front door and Tam turned to them. ‘I’ll go and take wee Beau in. He’ll be wanting his bed.’

Bella knew he was giving them some space, and she appreciated it. Once the front door was closed, she said, ‘I am happy for you, Granny. I hope you know that.’

Isla reached up and cupped her face in one wrinkly hand. ‘Thank you, hen. That means the world to me. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just didn’t want to steal your thunder. We’re only a couple of oldies but I suppose time was a factor. We’re not getting any younger and our wedding wasn’t as big a deal as yours will be.’

‘You’re wrong there. You’re as old as you feel and of course your wedding is as big a deal.’

‘Ooh, that rhymed.’ Isla smiled up at her. ‘Thank you for this evening. The music, the cake, the pizza, the Head Shearer song.’ She laughed. ‘It couldn’t have been any more perfect if I’d planned it myself.’

‘You’re welcome. By the way, where are you going to live now you’re married?’

Isla winked. ‘Where do you think?’

Bella smiled. ‘Erm…’ She tapped her chin and glanced skyward. ‘I’m thinking your place?’

Isla smiled back and narrowed her eyes. ‘Ah, you know me so well.’ She opened her front door, went inside and turned around to face Bella. ‘I love you very much, my dear, precious Arabella.’

‘I love you too, Granny. Sweet dreams.’ She turned and wandered back to the main building with a smile on her face. All was definitely forgiven.

* * *

Back at home that night, as they were getting ready for bed, Bella checked her phone to find several messages from Carlton Somers.

We need to meet as soon as possible. I have some ideas for a games room. I think we could convert the old laundry building behind the gym. I need your input.

And then,

Perhaps we can meet and discuss things over lunch this coming week. Let me know when you’re free. I promise to wear a shirt (winky face).

And then,

Obviously the shirt is optional though (another winky face).