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“You mean, thanks to Magnus.”
It turned out that Magnus was a veritable prodigy when it came to making Highland whisky. With Graeme managing the legalities and the setup, and Nick providing additional support, they were well on their way to establishing a bang-up distillery in Dunlaggan that would provide jobs for the villagers for years to come.
Graeme found it hilarious that he was finally able to put the skills of his misspent youth to good use.
“No, I mean thanks to you,” Sabrina said. “Your work will do more to revitalize Dunlaggan than anything.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “It’s a joint venture, lass. None of this would have happened without you.”
“That’s true. I am rather wonderful,” she said with the adorably smug smile he loved so much.
“Which is why I’d like to give you this particular present.”
She let out a dramatic sigh. “I suppose you’ll just pester me until I let you.”
“I will. Now, close your eyes and put out your hand.”
When she did as instructed, Graeme opened the small velvet bag and carefully tipped the contents into her palm.
Sabrina’s eyes flew open. “My mother’s pearls! How did you find them?”
“Aden did most of the work. Took a bit of sleuthing, but he finally tracked them down.”
Since the theft at the theater, Graeme had been determined to find the pearls. Aden had been more than ready to help, finally unearthing them in a small pawnshop. It had cost Graeme a fair sum to get them back, but the look on Sabrina’s face made it all worth it.
She gave him a teary smile. “You are the most wonderful man in the world. And Father will be absolutely thrilled.”
“I already told him, which is probably why he hasn’t shot me yet.”
She let out a watery giggle and unclasped the magnificent set of pearls she was already wearing, placing them on a nearby table.
“Love, those pearls are your wedding present from the king,” Graeme pointed out.
She turned her back so he could fasten the old set around her neck. “Pish, they’re not nearly as nice as Mamma’s pearls. Besides, this necklace helped bring us together, so that makes it even more special.”
The king’s present was extravagantly expensive and truly beautiful. But to Sabrina, the sentimental value made her mother’s pearls infinitely more precious.
Once Graeme had fastened the necklace, he nestled her back against him as they looked up at her mother’s portrait.
“I so wish she were here to see this,” Sabrina said. “I wish I could tell her about everything, especially you.”
He gently tapped her breastbone, over her heart. “Och, lass, your dear ma is always with you, right here.”
She twisted a bit to look at him. “The way your mother is always with you, my darling.”
“Aye.”
Graeme now understood that his mother had always been in his heart and in the love of his family. The unwavering loyalty and devotion of his grandfather and brothers through those reckless, difficult years had helped to bring Graeme to safe harbor with his lovely lass.
After a few quiet moments, Sabrina stirred. “I have a present for you, too.”
He kissed her golden curls. “You’re my present, love. Nothing can top that.”
“True, but this comes close.”
She slipped from his arms and retrieved a vellum packet from a chair by the table.
“What’s that?” he asked.
