Page 106 of The Highland Game
“Da?” I gape at him.
He clears his throat again (a common theme when he’s nervous) and reaches out to take Elspeth’s hand in his. “Aye, well, we’ve been seeing each other for a wee while now.”
“How long is a wee while?”
“Three months,” Elspeth says.
I blink. Once, twice—and then sputter incredulously. “Three months? And you didn’t think to mention this earlier, Da?”
He shifts awkwardly in his chair. “I wanted to be sure it was serious first. And . . . well, I didn’t want you thinking I was trying to take your maw’s place.”
A flicker of tenderness rises in my chest. Bless him. “Seriously, Da, I’m twenty-seven! I know you loved Maw with all your heart, but she’s been gone for a long, long time now. And, well, I like the idea of you having company, of not getting lonely.”
Da’s eyes search mine, “So . . . you’re not upset?”
“Not in the slightest.” I give them both an earnest smile. “I think it’s wonderful.”
Da and Elspeth both light up with matching smiles, while Jamie’s hand finds mine under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Well,” Jamie interrupts with a cheeky grin aimed squarely at Elspeth. “I had my suspicions something was going on between you two, but I didn’t realise it was a full-blown relationship.”
Elspeth’s eyes twinkle mischievously and she glances at Da. “To tell the truth, it’s been rather thrilling, meeting up in secret. Not an easy thing to do in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Sneaking around teenagers.” She winks playfully.
Da groans good-naturedly but doesn’t deny it, and honestly? Watching these two beam at each other does weird things to my heart. It suits them.
“There’s something else,” Da says, fixing his eyes on me once again. “With my health the way it is, I’ve been thinking it might be time I semi-retired. I’m not talking about giving up the Pheasant altogether, mind—just gradually transitioning more responsibility over to you.”
My heart skips. This is what I’ve wanted, for both me and Da. It’s time he slowed down a bit, and I wouldn’t mind having more of a say around here.
Jamie gives my hand another squeeze.
“Thanks, Da,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “That means a lot. More than I can say. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Da nods, just the once, his expression steady but his eyes glistening ever so slightly. It’s not like him to show emotion, but I see it there now.
He glances between me and Jamie, his brows lifting slightly. “Now, the future is for the two of you to decide, of course. I’ve no intention of telling you how to live your lives or manage your businesses. That being said, I do wonder if there might be something to be gained by the two businesses working together instead of competing against each other.”
Jamie tilts his head, curiosity written all over his face. “Go on.”
“Think about it,” Da says. “The three places—an outdoor space, a small cosy indoor space, and a rowdy, fun pub—each offers something unique. They don’t have to work against each other. I’m just saying, there might be a way of teaming up. Something to think about anyway.”
I turn fully towards Jamie, searching his face for some clue as to what he’s thinking. “Do you think that could work?” I ask softly.
He looks at me then—really looks—and that slow, devastating smile spreads across his face. The one that makes my insides do somersaults and is utterly my undoing every time.
“Aye,” he says simply, his voice low but certain. “I do.”
Something inside me ignites, excitement bubbling to life in my chest.
“There’s plenty to consider,” Da chimes in, ever the voice of reason. “And no shortage of details to sort through. But there could be real benefits to pulling together.”
“Well, then,” I say, unable to keep the grin off my face. “Let’s schedule a meeting with Emily and Lewis. The six of us can sit down together and see what we can come up with.”
Da gives me an approving nod, while Elspeth beams happily.
“One last thing,” my father adds. “Maisie, you won’t want to be living with your old man forever.”
I frown. “Is this your way of kicking me out?”
