Page 8 of Snowy Surprises in the Highlands

Olivia shook her head. ‘He’s right. Absolutely not!’

Bella sighed. ‘You are hosting our wedding and making my wedding dress. It’s the least I can do. Please?’

Brodie and Olivia shared glances. ‘We’ll discuss the payment situation on another occasion. But you’ll do the design anyway?’

‘Of course I will!’ Bella said.

‘Yay!’ Olivia said and clapped her hands. ‘I’m so glad! I didn’t want to presume you’d do it because I know things are taking off for you, and I’m so happy about that, but selfishly I hoped you’d make time for us at Drumblair.’

‘Of course I will! Do you have any specific requirements?’

Olivia shook her head. ‘Nope. You have carte blanche. I trust you. I know you’ll come up with something my mum and dad would’ve been happy with so just go for it. We’re aiming to open it up to the public for tours in June so hopefully that will give you plenty of time.’

The fact that Olivia trusted her with her parents’ legacy was so touching. Bella clapped her hands this time. ‘Don’t worry. It’s definitely doable. Thank you so much for this, Liv. I have so many ideas! I’ll get to work right away.’

* * *

Later that night, Bella and Harris returned home with their sleepy puppy. Bertie was being crate trained and although he cried sometimes when he was in there he was doing really well. After they had let him into the garden one last time and cuddled him on the kitchen floor, they made sure he was tucked up safely and went upstairs.

As they got ready for bed, Harris came to stand before Bella. ‘Are you happy with me, Bella? I mean truly happy?’

She smiled widely and put her arms around his neck, closing the gap between them. ‘It’s a bit late to be asking me that, isn’t it?’ she teased. ‘We just had an engagement party.’

His face remained serious. ‘But we’re not married yet. Nothing is legal. So, if you’re having doubts…’

Her heart skipped in her chest and a niggle of worry gnawed at her mind. ‘What? No, I’m not having doubts. You make me happy, Harris. And I can’t wait to be married to you.’

‘No regrets?’ There was something akin to sadness in his crumpled brow. ‘Because life’s too short to be with the wrong person. So…’

Bella frowned. ‘I have no regrets at all. Why? What’s brought this on? You’re worrying me.’

He shook his head and smiled briefly. ‘Oh, it’s nothing. Just the alcohol that’s gone to my head. I’m such a lightweight these days. I drink so little that when I do it frazzles my brain.’ He kissed her forehead, but Bella sensed that something was amiss.

‘Is there anything you want to talk about?’ she asked, running her fingers through his hair.

He shook his head. ‘Nothing at all. Let’s go to bed, eh?’

He released her and climbed under the duvet, holding it up for her to climb in and snuggle up next to him.

* * *

The following day, Bella met with Olivia and Skye for coffee while the men went walking with Caitlin’s husband, Archie, who was determined to showcase the stunning scenery around Glentorrin, even on a cold and frosty winter’s day. Harris had forgone the walk as he had paperwork to do, something which Bella had tried to encourage him to leave until Monday, but he’d said there was no time like the present.

The sky was dull overhead as they walked from the car park in Portree and there was a real nip to the air. Skye and Olivia chatted away as they walked quickly, their breath clouding before them as they put the world to rights, but Bella was somewhat lost in her own thoughts.

They found a table in Bella’s favourite café that overlooked the harbour with its brightly coloured houses. Seeing them was enough to lift her spirits on the bleakest of days usually but worry was niggling at her after what Harris had said the night before.

‘Are you okay, Bells? You’re quiet,’ Olivia said as they waited for their coffee and cakes to be delivered to their table.

Bella smiled and nodded. ‘Yes, yes, I’m fine.’

Skye tilted her head. ‘You do know that we can tell when you’re not yourself, don’t you?’

Bella forced a laugh. ‘Okay, Mum. Seriously I’m fine. Just a wee hangover, that’s all.’

Olivia shook her head. ‘Nope. Not buying it. Come on, Bells. We’re your oldest friends. If you can’t tell us what’s troubling you, who can you tell?’

Bella sighed. ‘It’s just something Harris said last night after the party.’