Page 47 of Highland Stars
“I didny mind at all, lass.” I give her shoulders a squeeze, then release her. “I’m feeling a bit emotional myself. It’s been more difficult to be here than I’d anticipated.”
Makenna twists and squeezes me around the middle.
I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her back. “I’m glad you’re here.”
The smile she aims at me is small but filled with tenderness. “Me too.”
Hope ignites, setting off miniature sparklers in my chest.
We’ve just stepped back into my house when my phone buzzesin my pocket. I pull it out and smile as Makenna collapses on my couch. I’m glad she’s making herself at home.
MAM
We’re having family dinner tonight. Please bring Makenna. Everyone wants to meet her.
We’re having mince and tatties, and your da’s out now buying ice cream.
MALCOLM
I’ll ask her. But I think she’s tired. She’s still recovering, and we’ve had a busy day.
MAM
Alright. Just let me know. And FYI, I’m being carefully gluten-free. Jenny told me everything I need to do.
MALCOLM
I appreciate that, Mam. I’ll ask right now and get back to you.
“Mam messaged asking if we’d like to come for dinner. She says everyone wants to meet you, so I’massuming everyone but Fiona will be there.”
Makenna perks up from her collapsed position on my couch. “I’d love that. I really enjoyed your mom and hoped I’d get to see her again.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it? I’m sure we could arrange another time for you to see mam.”
“I’m up for it. I’m excited. I’d love to meet everyone.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yep. Totally sure. Ask her if we can bring anything.”
We. I know she didny mean anything by it, but I like that she said it. It sounded so very right.
“I’m sure she’ll say no, but I’ll ask.”
I let mam know and as suspected, she didny want us to bring anything. Then I opened my email and found news from the hospital.
“I have to go work tomorrow, and stay overnight, but then they accepted my holiday request. So I’ll be off for three days. What should we do?”
“Oh, yay! That’s so exciting. Well, I’d planned to go to Fort William and tour around there. I know it’s almost two hours from here, so when Mai and I made our plans, we found this amazing tree house we were going to stay in. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” She laughs. “Maybe that’s dramatic, but it’s really cool.”
“Had you booked it and canceled? Maybe it’s still available.”I sit on the couch by Makenna and pull my laptop from the coffee table.
“Yeah, maybe. But it only had one bed. We were just gonna share it.”
“Was there a couch? I could sleep on a couch for a night or two, so you get to stay at the cool tree house.”
“Um. I think there was, but that’s really not necessary. I’m sure there’s somewhere else.”
