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"You know I hate this machine."
"Aye, ye told me all about that during the radical intervention." He starts up the engine and puts his helmet on, then shouts, "Hurry up, Lord Sommerleigh."
He needed to shout because this bloody monstrosity roars like a dragon. But I dutifully don my pink helmet and get on the Harley, then latch my arms around Callum's midsection. And we roar across the tarmac. Soon, we're racing down the highway. We pass the limo, and Callum and I wave to the ladies and Derek as we leave them in our wake. During our first hour on the road, we stop twice so that I can, as Callum puts it, rest my "erse" and my "bagais." Yes, my balls do need a break from the vibrating engine.
An hour and fifteen minutes after our journey began, Callum turns off onto a side road. Not long after that, he turns down a gravel road the width of a single car where trees form a canopy above our heads. Eventually the forest opens to reveal a clearing around a small house. Callum parks near the porch steps and shuts off the Harley's engine. We both slide off the bike and remove our helmets.
"What is this place?" I ask.
"One of my mates from the fire station owns this cabin. He's letting us use it for the night."
"Aren't you missing your rehearsal dinner?"
"No. Kate and I decided not to have one. Instead, I'm spending time with my best mate."
I have no idea how to respond to that. He gave up going to a do with his family so we could repair our friendship.
When I follow him into the cabin, I get a surprise. The exterior looks like it could use a bit of TLC, but inside, the house is quite cozy and comfortable. Someone took the time to clean up the place and furnish it. One piece of furniture in particular grabs my attention.
"That's quite a table," I say. "Live edge is all the rage, isn't it?"
"Aye. I made that table, and a similar one that's in my house in Loch Fairbairn. Kate loves all my furniture."
Callum starts a fire, and the two of us sit down to watch the flames.
"Is this all that male bonding consists of?" I ask. "Have to say I'm rather disappointed. Shouldn't we beat each other up or something?"
"Donnae worry. This is only the beginning." He leans toward me, his gaze nailed to mine. "We have big plans for you, Lord Sommerleigh."
Chapter Twenty
Avery
I spent the night in an honest-to-goodness castle. Kate Wagner had taken me under her wing and showed me around Dùndubhan, which is both a stark, boxy medieval relic and a beautiful, elegant environment. Part of the castle is a museum, but it's closed for the weekend. Callum and Kate's wedding will take place here, on the grassy area behind Dùndubhan. Kate told me it's called "the green."
Even though Callum sort of shanghaied Hugh, I slept very well last night. Hugh needs to spend time with his best friend so they can reforge their bond. A night alone with Callum will seal the deal, Kate tells me. Since she's a psychologist, I believe her.
The next morning, I eat breakfast with several MacTaggarts, and some Brits too including Hugh's friends the Dixons and the Hunters. We eat alfresco in the gorgeous walled garden, then everyone heads out onto the green to finish setting everything up for the wedding this afternoon. Though Kate tells me I don't need to help, I assure her I'm happy to pitch in. The bride disappears through the garden, heading back to the castle proper so she can get ready for her wedding.
A woman I met at breakfast—Emery, wife of Rory MacTaggart—puts me to work arranging chairs for the ceremony and putting name tags on them. Everyone will have an assigned seat. I'm not slaving away alone, though. I meet a group of people who tell me they're "naturists," aka nudists, and they all work at a naturist resort in Oregon. Wow, I can honestly say I've never met nudists before. They seem like wonderful people.
We've just finished setting up the chairs, and I'm standing behind the rows to admire the beautiful altar and the wedding arch that's overflowing with flower garlands.
Hands cover my eyes. Not my hands.
"I have a surprise for you, darling," Hugh says. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
He removes his hands, then I hear a rustling sound right before he steps in front of me. Hugh is holding a garment bag slung over his shoulder. "I thought you should have something new to wear for the wedding and the ceilidh after."
"The what after?"
"Ceilidh. It's essentially a Scottish party with drinks and dancing—a particular sort of dancing. I can teach you the basics."
"Sounds like fun." I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. "Missed you last night."
"I missed you too, love." He kisses me, but then his brows wrinkle. "Where's Mum?"
