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Max was already at the boot, grabbing the bags and suit carriers and Emma helped them ferry everything in. There were lots of appreciative gasps and oohing and ahhing as they looked around the cottage which would be their home for the next few days.
‘Now who would like a cup of tea?’ asked Emma. ‘Or something stronger?’
‘Tea is great, thanks, dear,’ said Helen.
Emma walked into the kitchen, leaving them to go outside to explore and admire the setting. She felt Max’s hands snake around her waist from behind.
‘I have so missed you,’ he said, kissing her neck. She giggled and swatted him away, before turning to face him.
‘I know. It feels like weeks since we last saw each other, doesn’t it? I thought you were never going to get away from Aberdeen.’
He rubbed a hand over his jaw. ‘I know, don’t joke. It was touch and go for a while, but I said there was no way I could miss my wedding and that I would have to resign.’
Emma’s eyes widened. ‘Really?’
He flapped his hands. ‘Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I am here now and that is all that matters. Let me help you with this, then we’ll leave them to acclimatize. Maybe we could go for a walk?’ He dipped his head to kiss her, slowly to begin with then deeply . . . until they heard someone clearing their throat.
‘Sorry guys,’ said Lauren. ‘We’re all parched out here.’
‘Honestly,’ said Max, shaking his head at his sister. ‘I can’t even get two minutes’ peace away from these guys.’
‘How was the journey over?’
‘I have never heard three women talk so much. I don’t think they stopped for breath.’
Lauren shook her head at Emma and gave her a conspiratorial wink. ‘He is, of course, exaggerating that completely. We are all just quite chatty whereas my brother is silent and has no chat.’
‘Oi,’ said Max lightly. ‘I am here, and I can hear what you’re saying about me. I just don’t witter on for the sake of it. I choose my words carefully.’
Emma laughed. ‘I’ll whisk him away for a while and give you all a break from his sarcasm.’
‘Hallelujah,’ said Lauren gratefully.
‘Kirsty is doing dinner later on for everyone so we will meet there at about seven. It’s just up the road so nice and handy,’ said Emma.
‘Perfect, that is so kind of her.’ Lauren glanced at her watch. ‘That means Milly and I can go for a wee walk down to the beach and explore. Maybe dip our toes in the water and get a bit of sunshine.’
‘Yes, you can compare the water to the east coast and see which is colder?’
‘I think it will be the east coast. It looks like you’ve been getting all the warm weather these past few weeks,’ said Lauren.
‘Okay, let’s have a cuppa and then we can all do our own thing,’ said Max, gesturing at the kitchen. ‘What do you all want?’
‘Tea for me, please, bro,’ called Lauren. ‘Milly, honey, what do you want?’
‘The same, please. With two sugars.’
Emma followed Max out onto the decking. ‘Here you go, Helen,’ she said, taking her mug from the tray Max was holding. Helen was sitting with her eyes closed, enjoying the warmth on her face.
‘This place is incredible,’ said Helen. ‘Thanks so much for organizing it.’
‘You are very welcome. I just hope you have a good time.’
‘I am sure I will. I’m so happy for you both and I know you are made for each other.’
Emma smiled at her, hoping she was right.
An hour later she and Max walked down towards the beach towards the distillery so he could see where their big day would be.
