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On my stroll down the streets of Loch Fairbairn, I bump into a few people I know. We say hello and smile at each other. Aye, I do love my home. But that doesn't change the fact that I need to expand my horizons. An entire world full of new places and new people awaits me out there.
I've just passed by my cousin Kirsty's metaphysical shop, which isn't open right now. It's after five o'clock. I would've liked to get her opinion on my plans to visit America, but that will have to wait. Kirsty went to university in England, so she might be able to help me convince my brothers to let me go on holiday alone.
The following day, Lachlan and Rory try one more time to talk me out of going to America. I understand their concerns, and I even appreciate that they want to look out for me. But I am a grown woman. And my one serious relationship crashed and burned, leaving me confused and saddened by the loss of someone I had thought I would spend the rest of my life with. Trevor wasn't the right one after all. So, I will go elsewhere to hunt---um, look for a different sort of man. No, I shouldn't use the word hunt if I mean to get my brothers on my side in this matter. That sounds like I'll be scouring seedy clubs for a "hook-up," as my new sister-in-law Erica would say. I'm looking for a good man, not a one-night lover.
Thinking about Erica spurs me to pay her a visit. I arrive at the farmhouse to find Lachlan putting up fencing for the chickens I can see waddling about in a temporary fenced enclosure.
He waves to me and calls out, "Madainn mhath, Jamie. We weren't expecting to see you today."
"I came to see Erica."
He sets down the implements he'd been using and saunters over to me, where I've just stepped out of my car. "You want my wife? If you're planning to get her on your side with the barmy American man-hunt idea---"
"Och, Lachie, ye make it sound like I mean to brainwash her. Erica is very clever, and I need some advice from a woman."
"Dinnae expect Erica to condone your plan, just because of, ah..." Lachie winces and scratches his cheek. "How we met."
I roll my eyes. "Honestly, everyone knows the story of how you met Erica when you were trolling underground clubs for an anonymous shag. But that's not what I want her advice about."
Lachlan twists his mouth into a disapproving expression. But then he sighs, and his shoulders flag. "All right, go on."
Though I didn't need or want his permission, I decide not to harass him anymore. When I walk into the house, I find Erica in the kitchen with their wee bairn, my nephew Nicholas.
She notices me and smiles. "Hi, Jamie. What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping for a bit of advice. I'm sure Lachlan told you about my plan."
"Yep. My husband isn't too happy about that, but I told him he needs to stop treating you like a child just because you're the youngest sibling."
For a couple of seconds, I can't speak. "You don't think I'm insane?"
She laughs softly. "No, sweetie, I don't. You are a very smart cookie, and besides, you'll be with Aidan when you go to America. Probably won't meet a lot of single men in the wilds of Michigan, but who knows. I never thought I'd meet the love of my life in an underground club in Chicago."
"Thank you, Erica. Can I help you with your cooking?"
"Why don't you hang out with Nicky in the living room while I whip up lunch?"
"Aye, I'd love to spend time with my nephew."
My lunch with Erica and Lachlan is lovely, but I never imagined it would result in me getting what I wanted. But that very evening, that's what happens. I've been staying with Rory in his castle, Dùndubhan, for a while now. This evening, Rory and I are in the sitting room enjoying hot cocoa. All right, I'm drinking cocoa. Rory prefers to sip whisky.
Then Lachlan bursts into the room. "Did ye tell her yet, Rory?"
My most taciturn brother turns his head to look at Lachlan. "I thought I was meant to wait for you."
"Well, I'm here now. So, tell the lass."
Rory faces me. "Lachlan, Aidan, and I had a teleconference earlier and reached a decision. You may go to America, but you will travel on my jet."
"Our jet," Lachlan corrects. "We share it. Or have ye conveniently forgotten that?"
"Aye, fine, our jet."
Did my brothers actually just agree to let me go to America? I think they did. "When can I leave?"
My brothers glance at each other again, and Lachlan sighs heavily. "Tomorrow morning."
"I'd rather leave tonight. Maybe my Prince Charming is waiting for me in America."
