Page 9 of The Highland Fling

He beckons us inside then embraces me and Mum. “It’s great to see you both.”

“And you, Johnny.” The relief in Mum’s demeanour mirrors my own. “What a beautiful home you have!”

The living room and kitchen are open plan, with wooden beams, tartan soft furnishings, and a wood-burning stove that must be so cosy in the winter. The whole place has a rustic charm.

“It really is stunning.” I go over to the window and peer out at the river flowing by, rippling and glimmering, a family of ducks bobbing in the water. “Inside and out!”

“Thank you. I’ve seen some great wildlife out there.”

David surveys the interior. “It is a nice home, but now that I’m going to be living here rather than just visiting, we may need to switch things up a bit. For example, don’t you think some purple would really make this part of the room pop?”

“David!” I reprimand, laughing despite myself. Sometimes I honestly can’t believe him. “Johnny’s only just getting used to the idea of you moving in. I wouldn’t talk about redecorating quite yet.”

“I can’t help it!” David shrugs. “I’ve got a good eye for these things.”

Johnny chuckles and gazes at my twin with what I can only describe as adoration. As much as I’m going to miss David, I’m so glad these two have found each other.

“Oh, before I forget, I got you this.” I hand Johnny the wrapped box I’m carrying. “It was to thank you for agreeing to take my brother in. Trust me, if I’d known you hadn’t actually agreed, I’d have got you something bigger.”

Johnny smiles and opens the present. It’s a jigsaw puzzle of Tower Bridge, the Shard standing tall in the cityscape behind it. “Aw, this is lovely! Thanks, Grace.”

“I thought it’d be nice for you to have a bit of London up here, plus it’ll pass some time on a rainy day.”

“I got you boys a little thing as well,” Mum says, “but please, open it later.”

It’s no doubt something pricey. With her everyday expenses, Mum watches the pennies, but for a special-occasion gift? She likes to splash out. As judgemental as she can be—towards me, especially—she can also be incredibly generous.

“Thanks, Viola.” Johnny places the items on the kitchen work surface then, from a cupboard, takes out a bottle of Glen Garve whisky and four glasses. “We’d better celebrate David’s move with a wee dram, eh?”

“That would be lovely,” Mum agrees.

Johnny starts to pour then suddenly stops. “Hang on a minute—sleeping arrangements! I’m so sorry but, Grace and Viola, as I didn’t know you were coming, I’ve not got anything organised.”

“Relax!” David walks over and pats his partner’s back. “Mum can take the spare room—I’ll set it up. As for Grace, she wants to catch up with Emily. If there’s an empty room at the hotel, I’m sure she’ll be welcome to it. Otherwise, she’ll be fine on the sofa for a night.”

“Oh.” Johnny looks at me for confirmation. “Is that all right?”

I smile and nod. “Yes.”

Emily doesn’t yet know I’m in Bannock this weekend. Given my trip was arranged last minute—David having only sprung his news on me two days ago—David suggested I keep my visit a secret and surprise her on arriving here. I’d agreed, not realising he was also going to keep it a secret from Johnny.

“Okay, great.” Johnny finishes pouring the whiskies and hands them out. “Well, here’s to David’s move to Bannock being a success!”

We respond to his toast by raising our drinks, but when I go to taste mine, it’s like the champagne all over again. The whisky’s sharp, smoky smell hits me, stinging my nostrils and turning my stomach.

Trying hard to maintain my composure, I put down my glass. “Sorry, but after a day spent in the car, I’m feeling a little light-headed. Is it okay if I step outside?”

“Of course.” Concern etching his features, Johnny shows me to the back door.

To the rear of the cottage is a small garden with a rowan tree whose branches stretch over the river. Beneath the kitchen window, a wooden bench provides the perfect spot from which to enjoy the view.

“Is there anything I can get you, Grace? Some water or . . . ?”

I shake my head and take a seat on the bench. “I just need a minute. Thanks, Johnny. You go back inside—I’ll be right in.”

Johnny does as I ask, but David comes out in his stead and sits beside me.

“How are you doing?”