Page 77 of The Highland Fling

“I’m not some serial philanderer. I’m a man who, when I was young, married a woman I didn’t love because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. Now, though? I’m with Kirsty, and I’ve no wish to ever be with anyone else. We’ll be together for the rest of our days—I know we will. She makes my life complete, and I, hers.

“The world is a different place than it was when your maw fell pregnant with you. No one expects you to propose to Grace, and so you don’t have to put that kind of pressure on the relationship. You can just . . . see how things go. But she’s obviously special—the way you’re worrying proves that—so I reckon you’d be a fool not to give you and her a shot. If she’s someone you can imagine yourself spending your life with, don’t hold back because you think history is bound to repeat itself. It isn’t. You get to make your own choices and create your own future, Aidan.”

I take this in then offer a small smile, and this time, I don’t even have to force it. “That’s really helpful. Thanks, Da.”

“Is that you, Aidan?” Maw calls from the living room.

“Aye.” Closing the door behind me, I kick off my shoes then head through to see her.

Iona left a few days ago to spend Hogmanay with Richard, so Maw and I have the house to ourselves again.

Maw pauses her crime drama. “Are you hungry? I wasn’t sure if you were planning to eat here or not, but I made enough for you. Shall I go heat it up?”

“Thanks, Maw, but I can do that. You sit.”

On a whim, I cross the room and peck her cheek.

She laughs. “What’s this? I don’t normally get a kiss when you see me, unless you’ve been away travelling or it’s my birthday.”

“I know, but you’re a great maw, and I don’t always thank you for that.”

“Ha! Well, I do try.”

I collapse onto the sofa—the food can wait. “Can I ask you something? Sorry to spring this on you, but did you ever . . . I mean, after Da, did you ever think of looking for someone else?”

She peers at me curiously. “What’s brought this on?”

“Nothing—I’ve just been thinking, that’s all. First, Da left you, then a few years later, Ally’s parents died in the crash, and Mairi was your best friend. Don’t you get lonely sometimes?”

She scoffs. “In Bannock? Never. I can’t leave the house without bumping into someone who’ll stop me for a wee blether. Besides, not only have I got you and Iona to keep me busy, I’ve got those three lads in the hotel across the road, plus Cat in Glasgow—and now a granddaughter on the way, and then there’s the boy Emily is expecting. I’m quite happy, Aidan. Trust me.”

“I’m glad.” I nod and then, even though it’s not related, blurt out, “I’m going to go down to London. I need to see Grace.”

“Good. You be there for her, all right? She’s precious, and it can’t be easy for her at the moment with the news about her mother.”

I haven’t told Maw or anyone else what Viola said to me. I don’t want to gossip with others before speaking about it with Grace herself.

“Oh, and another thing,” I say, “if I were to move out, would you be okay with that?”

Maw chuckles. “Your head is all over the place today—I can barely keep up with these changes of topic. But yes, if you were to move out, I’d be absolutely fine. I really am happy, you know. Are you going to tell me what’s prompted these concerns?”

“Like I say, I’ve been thinking. But also . . . I’ve just come back from Da’s.” I scratch my neck. “He wants to be a part of the bairn’s life, and he and I have agreed to wipe the slate clean. I realise things are strained between you and him, but—”

“Oh, really!” Maw waves a dismissive hand. “You’ve not been worrying about this, have you?” She studies me, and there’s a warmth in her gaze. “You’re doing the right thing, trying to make amends with him. I don’t want my granddaughter being denied anything, and she should grow up knowing all her family. With any luck, she’ll be blissfully ignorant of quarrels that happened long before she was born.

“Please don’t go thinking you can only invite one or the other of us to birthday parties or other special occasions. It won’t be easy being in the same room as your father, but I’m sure I’ll manage, and Kirsty and their wee boy are welcome too. Although, come to think of it, I don’t suppose he’s very wee anymore, is he?”

I was spot-on earlier when I said what a great mother this woman is. She couldn’t be taking this any better. She addressed all of my concerns before I even had a chance to voice them. No doubt it will be hard for her initially—no one could blame her if there’s some lingering resentment there—but she’s putting my daughter first, and I love her for it.

“Archie wasn’t there today, but I saw photos, and aye, he’s getting tall.”

“They really do shoot up in their teens. Now, do you have any other big issues you want to talk about, or is that everything?”

“Er . . . that’s everything.”

“Good. In that case, I’ll take one more peck on the cheek, please, then I’ll go and heat up your dinner.”

Grinning, I oblige.