Page 8 of The Highland Fling

David drives us past these places then turns right down a side street that runs parallel to the River Garve. The cutest cottages flank this lane, their stone exteriors brightened by doors and window frames painted in vibrant colours, as well as by the blossoming flowers in their modest but well-maintained gardens.

My brother pulls up outside the fifth home along on the left. The cottages on this side back onto the water and must have the most gorgeous views from their windows.

“Well, this is Johnny’s place.”

I can’t believe it. “It’s like something out of a storybook.”

“It really is special,” Mum agrees. “What a delightful little town this is! I can’t wait to explore it more.”

The champagne the other day wasn’t just for celebrating David’s news. I think it was also intended to loosen me and Mum up so we’d agreed to help him with the move. Of course, I didn’t touch the drink, but I was hardly going to miss today. It’s a major milestone in my twin’s life.

Admittedly, there were times during the ten-hour car journey here I regretted my decision. Stuck in a small box on wheels, I couldn’t escape Mum’s probing questions or her unwanted advice. But despite the journey dragging on forever, we’re here now, and it’s still light, thanks to the long Scottish summer days.

I get out and do a few stretches, my body stiff. Mum inhales the crisp, refreshing air and lets out a contented sigh. This is my first time seeing Johnny’s cottage, but it’s her first visit to Bannock.

From the back seat, she and I grab the gifts we brought to mark the occasion, but we leave everything else in the car for now. David clicks open a small wooden gate then leads the way to a green door and bangs the brass knocker. He grins back at us excitedly.

The door opens, and Johnny’s handsome face lights up when he sees David. But, taking in me and Mum, his smile falters. “Grace! And . . . Viola!”

“Hi, Johnny.” Suddenly uneasy, I glance at my brother. “Er . . . David, you did tell Johnny that Mum and I were coming, didn’t you?”

Johnny doesn’t rush to assure me he was expecting us, which tells me he wasn’t. Great. Not exactly what you want after travelling all day.

“Surprise!” David says brightly, throwing his arms wide.

A moment passes. Then another. Johnny’s brow furrows with confusion. A knot tightens in my stomach.

I’m all too familiar with my brother’s flair for the dramatic, but surely even he wouldn’t . . .

“Oh God. David, tell me Johnny knows you’re moving in with him?”

From the way Johnny’s eyes widen at my words, I’m going to take that as a no.

I grab David’s shoulder. “What are you thinking? You can’t move in with someone without speaking to them about it first!”

“Now, now! Let’s all stay calm.” Mum’s tone is mild, but she wears a tense expression. “David, this does seem a little . . . irresponsible. Johnny, I’m incredibly sorry about this.”

David holds up his hands in a placatory manner. “Hey, let me clarify! Johnny and I have been talking a lot, and Johnny, you’ve said on several occasions you wished we lived in the same place. Right?”

“Er . . .” Johnny blinks his blue eyes. “Aye.” He looks dazed.

“You told me your cottage feels lonely when it’s just you in it. You said I light it up whenever I visit and you hate it when I have to leave. Your exact words were, ‘I wish we could live together.’ Remember?”

“Aye.” Johnny bites his lip and nods. “I remember.”

David’s enthusiasm finally wavers. “Oh, crap. Have I messed this up? I thought you’d be happy. Everything has been going so well, and I was so sure you’d be pleased I decided, what the hell, I’ll surprise him. But I’ve obviously misjudged the situation. I’m so, so sorry.”

David takes a step back, forcing me to do the same.

His throat bobs. “This is really awkward, especially with my mum and sister here. If you’d rather just end things and never see me again, then—”

“What? No! This . . . is amazing.” The corners of Johnny’s lips twitch into a smile. “It’s a bit of a shock, but . . . a good shock. A brilliant shock.” He reaches for his boyfriend’s hand.

David inhales a shaky breath then throws himself into Johnny’s arms. “You had me so worried!”

My knot of anxiety unravels as Johnny—who’s literally the sweetest guy—hugs and kisses my brother, who’s also lovely and wonderful but has, at times, been known to be “a bit much”. I’m so glad this didn’t end up being a disaster.

“Where are my manners?” Johnny says. “I’ve left you all on the doorstep. Come in, come in!”