Page 75 of The Highland Fling

I reach for the doorbell then hesitate again. I’ve never actually been here before. Da has invited me on multiple occasions, but I’ve always preferred to meet him somewhere neutral, like a pub or café. Until now, I haven’t wanted to see the space he shares with his partner and other son.

I tell myself to grow some balls and stop being such a baby, then I ring the bell and take a few deep breaths. For a moment, I wonder if Da might be out, so I don’t have to go through with this, but I’m being pathetic again. Besides, there are lights on, and the car is in the drive, so someone is definitely home.

Through the frosted glass, I spy a figure approaching. The lock clicks, the door swings open, and . . . it’s Da himself. At the sight of me, his thick grey eyebrows shoot up.

“Aidan! This is a surprise.”

“Hi, Da. Happy New Year.”

He breaks into a wide grin and claps a hand onto my shoulder. “It’s great to see you, son. Really, it is. Come on in!”

“Er, as long as I’m not intruding? I’m sorry for showing up unannounced.”

“Don’t be silly. Make yourself at home!”

“Thanks.” I step inside and pass him a bottle of whisky. “This is for you. I thought I might be the first-foot.”

Tradition dictates the first visitor to a house on New Year’s Day must bring a gift. Whisky represents good cheer for the year ahead.

“Thanks, son. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it. I’ll enjoy this.”

He leads me into the living room, where his partner, Kirsty, sits in an armchair.

“Look who I’ve got here,” Da says.

Kirsty rises to her feet, fidgets with her hands, and attempts a smile. “Hello, Aidan.”

I’m not sure what the appropriate greeting is, but I doubt either of us is up for a hug, so I simply incline my head. “Hi, Kirsty.”

This is my first time meeting her, unless you count the occasion fourteen years ago when I spotted Da with her and Archie in a play park. But . . . that wasn’t really a meet-and-greet kind of situation. I saw red that day and shouted at Da, demanding answers, not caring that there were children about. Kirsty hurried Archie away before I could say a single word to either of them, and I’ve not seen them again since.

Over the years, Da has tried on several occasions to introduce me to them, but I’ve always refused. Iona catches up with them every now and again, though—she’s proved to be more forgiving than me. Maybe I can finally follow her example and let bygones be bygones.

Glancing around the plush room, I say, a little stiffly, “This is a lovely place you’ve got.”

A chandelier-style light hangs from the ceiling, a luxurious rug lies across the wooden floor, and high-end furniture adds to the air of elegance. My gaze settles on the mantelpiece, where several photos show Da and Kirsty with Archie, who has the same fiery-red hair as his maw. That day at the park, he was just a toddler. By the looks of it, he’s now almost fully grown.

“Thank you, Aidan.” Kirsty gestures towards the sofa. “Have a seat. Can I get you a tea or coffee?”

“I’ll take a tea, please. Thanks.”

With another smile, she leaves to go prepare that, and I sit.

“Well . . .” Da settles into an armchair. “It really is fantastic news about the bairn. It can’t be long now, eh?”

“She’s due the twenty-second of April. It feels like no time at all since Grace told me, so I bet the next few months go fast too.”

“They probably will. It’s exciting, though.” Da pauses then adds, “Did Iona mention I’d spoken with her? I’m keen to be a part of your daughter’s life, if you’ll let me.”

“Aye, that’s why I’m here.”

“Good. Well . . . I’m glad you’re finally meeting Kirsty. Archie’s over at a friend’s, but I could call him and ask him to come back, if you’d like to meet him too?”

“No, there’s no need.”

Da’s expression falls. “Oh, right. Of course.”

“What I mean is, let him hang out with his friend. I can meet him another time. Maybe sometime soon?”