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Stirring a single packet of sugar into my cup, I stared down into the warm liquid and told myself I wasn’t going to cry. I hated women who blubbered all the time. I was McKenzie Taylor. I had everything in the world a woman could ask for…except Finley. Nobody’s life was perfect.
Hayley was the first to arrive. She burst through the door with a huge smile on her face. “McKenzie,” she screeched. “I’ve missed you!”
Feeling her arms close around me took a bit of the hurt away. “I’ve missed you, too.” I hugged her tightly until she protested.
“I have to breathe, silly woman.”
Only when we separated did I see the man standing behind her. My eyes rounded. He was gorgeous. Tall and lanky and muscled in all the right places, he also had what looked to be a perpetual tan.
“Introduce me,” I said.
Hayley grinned. “This is Angus Munro. I met him in Drumnadrochit. There’s more, but let’s wait for Willow. I don’t want to have to repeat myself.”
Fortunately, our missing friend was only seconds behind. She blew into the room with an almost palpable air excitement. Her eyes, usually so guarded, radiated happiness. Behind her strode a tall, extremely handsome, and dignified man. He looked at her with such intense emotion it was almost embarrassing to witness something so intimate.
The three of us women hugged and laughed and hugged again. Then, along with the men, we sat down. I was clearly the fifth wheel.
After the waitress jotted down our orders, Hayley took Angus’s hand. “We have some big plans underway,” she said. “First I have to go home and teach until they can find my replacement. I can’t leave them stranded here at the first of the school year. After that, I’ll be moving to Scotland.”
“Moving?” My mouth was dry.
Hayley beamed. “Angus is starting a permanent soccer program for kids all over the United Kingdom. He’s asked me to used my training and skills to make the school a reality.”
Angus kissed her cheek. “And,” he said, “important footnote…the lass is going to marry me.”
Hayley blushed, all starry-eyed and adorable as we exclaimed and congratulated them.
“Wait a minute,” I said. “Munro. That name sounds familiar.”
Hayley nodded. “Angus is an internationally famous soccer star.”
“It’s football,” he protested with a pained expression. “And please…I’m just a regular Scotsman these days.”
Willow wriggled in her chair. “Is it my turn?”
