Coming Home to the Highlands, page 24
Owain placed his menu down. ‘Are we fighting? Because I’d like to know if we are. I have clearly annoyed you or upset you tonight. I apologise for bringing you here again. I just really like it and Niccolò knows about my allergies, so I know I’m safe to eat here.’
Olivia’s stomach knotted again but this time with guilt. ‘Of course. That’s reasonable. I apologise. I think I’m just a little overwhelmed by the engagement. It’s become this huge thing that I wasn’t expecting.’
Owain laughed. ‘Once you’re better reacquainted with my mother, you’ll realise that everything has to be a huge occasion. She’d throw a party when we get a new toaster if Dad would let her.’
Olivia smiled. He didn’t deserve her negativity. He’d done nothing but try to please her and make her happy and she was becoming a spoiled brat; something she had never been. ‘I’m sure it’ll all be lovely.’
‘I’m glad you think so because they want me to bring you home tonight so they can have a drink with us to celebrate.’
Olivia scowled. ‘But that’s what the party is for, surely?’
‘You’d think so, eh? But remember what I said about my dear mother and the new toaster? There’d be a pre-celebration for that too. She’ll have a field day with our wedding gifts.’ He laughed.
Olivia sipped her Champagne and inwardly panicked.
Later that night, Olivia lay awake in Owain’s bed as he slept on the sofa in his lounge area. Sleep evaded her, her mind whirred with images of Brodie and Matilda. They made a stupidly attractive couple, and she hated that fact.
Fiona and Hamish had been so warm and welcoming earlier. She regretted being so negative about everything. Owain and his dad had been off drinking whisky at one end of the vast living room and Fiona and Olivia were sitting by the roaring fire.
‘You’ve made us all happy by saying yes to Owain,’ Fiona had informed her. ‘He just adores you, and he was so worried that it was all too fast, but Hamish and I were a whirlwind romance too and we’re almost thirty-five years married this year. We must get together after the party to go wedding dress shopping. I know that’s something you would rather do with your own mother, but I hope I will be a good substitute.’ She had reached out and squeezed her hand and Olivia’s eyes had begun to sting. The realisation sinking in that neither of her parents would be there at the wedding. No dad to walk her down the aisle. As if reading her mind, Fiona had said, ‘I’m sure Hamish would be honoured to walk you down the aisle if you’d like. Unless you have someone in mind, of course.’
Olivia had cleared her throat and tried to compose herself. ‘That’s really lovely but I think perhaps I’d like my Uncles Innes to do that.’
Fiona smiled. ‘Of course, my dear.’
‘Would it be okay if Mirren comes dress shopping too?’ Olivia asked.
Fiona’s brow crumpled. ‘Your housekeeper?’
Olivia nodded. ‘She’s so much more than that to me.’
Fiona pasted on a smile. ‘In that case, of course she must accompany us.’
Now here she lay, staring at the ceiling, imagining how different it would all be if her parents were still alive. Would she even be getting married? She wasn’t sure, and that thought scared her.
23
The day before Christmas Eve was dull and rainy. There was sleet in the air and Olivia spent most of the morning wrapping Christmas gifts in her room. Mirren knocked on her bedroom door at around midday.
‘You’ve a delivery. Look at the size of this box! It was just dropped off by that nice courier chap. Anyway, I’ll leave you to your wrapping… and unwrapping!’
‘Thanks, Mirren!’ She closed her door and took the parcel to her bed.
Mirren was right, it was huge, and it had a USA postmark. Olivia eagerly ripped the paper off and opened the box beneath it. She pulled out the most stunning black velvet dress. It immediately brought to mind Marilyn Monroe and the fifties.
She held it up and gasped. ‘Oh, Nina, you’ve outdone yourself again!’ After she had placed the dress down, she took out the card that accompanied it.
To our dearest Olivia
We are so sorry we can’t be there to celebrate with you, but we wanted to send a little piece of us to be there in our stead. We hope you adore this dress that was designed especially for your engagement. We know that you will look like a movie star, and we can’t wait to see photos!
Much love to you and your husband to be.
Nina and the team
Olivia covered her mouth and immediately picked up her phone. It was around 7 a.m in New York and she risked waking Harper, but she didn’t care.
‘Hello? Olivia?’
‘Harper! Oh, my goodness, I’ve just opened the dress! It’s stunning! I’m guessing you knew all about it.’
‘Ah, that’s great that it arrived in time. When I hadn’t had a message from you about it, I was getting worried. I’ll let Nina know later today. So, how are you feeling? Excited?’
‘Nervous more than anything. Tomorrow makes it all official. And I’m sad that you can’t be here for the party.’
‘Oh, honey, me too. I wish I could have made it, but I’m spending Christmas with my mom.’
‘That’s absolutely fine. I know Christmas Eve is a strange day to have an engagement party, but it was Owain’s mum that arranged it all.’
They chatted for a while about what they had both been up to and it simply compounded how much Olivia missed her best friend.
‘Summer has asked if I’ll go meet her folks over Christmas.’
‘Wow, things are getting serious with you two, eh?’
‘They really are. She’s amazing. So funny. You’re going to love her. I think she may be the one, Olivia.’
‘Aww! That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her in person. Video calls are nice, but it’ll be good to meet her properly. Is she able to come over in February with you?’
‘We’re trying to work something out. It’ll be so good to see you. Anyway, I’d better go wrap some more gifts.’
Olivia was suitably impressed and surprised at her words. ‘Wow, you’re wrapping gifts at seven in the morning?’
‘I sure am. I fell asleep wrapping last night, and I have tons to do before I head to my mom’s place. Have an amazing party and a wonderful Christmas. I’ll call on Christmas Day. Love you.’
‘Love you, Harper. Bye for now.’
She tried on the dress and unsurprisingly it fit like a glove. It was a gorgeous off-shoulder design that nipped in at the waist and flared out. There was a stiff petticoat for underneath and just as the letter had said, she felt like a movie star. At least that was one less thing to worry about.
Christmas Eve was crisp, and a layer of frost covered the castle grounds. Olivia went for a walk outside to clear her head and Marley tagged along. Once again, she thought about the prospect of not having him to live with her and it made her heart ache. Since being back in Scotland, he had been a constant in her daily life. Always there for cuddles or to offer a reassuring paw or lick. There must be a way to have him with us, she thought to herself.
As she wandered down to the chapel by the loch shore, she stopped and stared out at the water as Marley investigated a large rock at the edge of the water. A gentle breeze rippled the surface; something she used to think was a sign that Nessie was lurking there somewhere. She smiled as she remembered learning to skim stones there with Brodie and Dougie. She’d been reluctant at first, concerned in case she bonked Nessie on the nose. But Dougie assured her that Nessie was fast and could dodge them without much effort. Although she deliberately performed badly to begin with, just in case Dougie was wrong. She didn’t want to upset Nessie.
She also remembered a long hot summer when Brodie rowed them out on the little boat that always stood on the shore. They had ended up going round in circles for half an hour before they gave up and waded through the water to get back to dry land. The boat had eventually washed up on the beach with a bit of damage and had stood there ever since. These days, it was a favourite spot for birds who perched on it for a rest.
‘Hey, I thought you’d be out walking today,’ a voice said from behind her and then the expected paws in the middle of her back almost knocked her off her feet. ‘Bloody hell, Wilf! Get down!’
‘Hi, Brodie. Hey, Wilf,’ she said, bending to fuss the happy canine. ‘Yeah, I just wanted to get some fresh air. I’m quite nervous.’ Once Wilf had said hello, he ran off towards Marley and the two dogs chased each other around the water’s edge.
‘Nervous? How come? You’re already engaged, so this is just the official celebration. What’s there to be nervous about?’
Olivia stood and stared out at the water again. ‘I don’t know. Just last-minute jitters, I suppose. It’s a big step.’
Brodie nodded. ‘Aye. But if you’re happy, that’s all that matters. He does make you happy, Olivia, doesn’t he? I mean really happy?’
She turned to face him and saw genuine concern in his eyes. ‘You don’t need to worry. I’m fine. And yes, I’m very happy.’ As the words fell from her lips, she doubted them but gave a slight shake of her head to dislodge the intrusive thoughts.
‘Good. I’m happy for you. And I’m sorry again that I can’t be there.’
Olivia shrugged. ‘It can’t be helped. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely evening with Matilda.’
Brodie scrunched his nose. ‘Yeah… I’m having doubts about that. I think I was a bit rash to agree to a date. I should have stuck with my original plan of steering clear of romance. I’m definitely not ready.’
Olivia’s heart skipped but she tried to ignore it. She had made a commitment. ‘Well, if you end up not going out, you’re still welcome to come to the party.’
Brodie stopped and fixed his gaze on her for a moment. ‘I’ll bear that in mind. Thank you. And if I don’t see you tomorrow, Merry Christmas. Come on, lad,’ he called to Wilf and turned to leave. ‘Oh, by the way, I’ve left you a wee gift under the tree in the drawing room. It’s nothing much but I thought you might like it.’
‘Oh! But I didn’t get you anything, I’m so sorry.’
‘Nah, nae bother. Anyway, Merry Christmas, Olivia.’
‘Merry Christmas, Brodie.’
‘You look absolutely stunning,’ Owain’s mum told her as she greeted them at the door. ‘That dress is gorgeous.’
‘Thank you, Fiona. Nina designed it especially for tonight.’
‘Well, you certainly have the best friends! Now come along, both of you, you’re a bit late and lots of people are already here. Niccolò has set the food out in the dining room. I’m not a fan of buffets but it does smell rather divine.’ Fiona turned and gestured for them to follow.
‘So Niccolò’s catering this party?’ Olivia asked, surprised.
‘It was supposed to be a surprise, but then I was worried about telling you after what you said the last time we were at his restaurant. I hope it’s okay?’ Owain cringed.
Olivia plastered on a smile. ‘It’s absolutely fine. I just never imagined Italian food as buffet food.’
Owain put his arm around her shoulders. ‘Oh, he can do anything where food is concerned. Just you wait and see.’
The great hall was alive with chatter and when Laird Hamish spotted them, he took to the centre of the room and clinked his glass. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so happy to announce that our guests of honour, Owain and Olivia, have arrived. Please join me in welcoming them!’ A round of applause travelled the room as Olivia and Owain stood there, like fish in a bowl. All eyes on them.
Once the applause died down, a ceilidh band began to play music from the corner of the hall and a few of the children in attendance started to dance around, much to the adults’ delight. Olivia was relieved to have the spotlight located elsewhere.
‘You do look beautiful,’ Owain said with a kiss to her forehead. ‘And that dress is a masterpiece. I must thank Nina when I meet her in February. How are the plans for the soft launch going?’
Olivia nodded. ‘Really well. Bella has been amazing. She has everything running like clockwork. I really don’t know what I would have done without her. I’m so glad Brodie suggested I get an assistant.’
‘Oh, yes, Brodie. Where is he? I thought he’d be here?’
‘He has a date,’ she said and immediately took a sip of her drink and gazed around the room. ‘Oh, look! Bella and Skye are here. I must go and say hi.’
Owain kissed her and then wagged a finger at her. ‘You’re mine for a dance later, though.’
‘Absolutely!’ She hurried off to her friends.
‘Wow! Look at you! You look like Marilyn Monroe in that frock,’ Skye said as she hugged her.’
‘She’s right and I don’t like to agree with her,’ Bella said with a wink. Skye pulled out her tongue. ‘And this place is rather swanky, eh? You know how to pick ’em.’
‘Thank you both for coming. There aren’t that many people here that I recognise. I definitely need more friends.’
It was true. As she glanced around the vast space, she didn’t see many people she knew. Owain had a lot of friends but most of them couldn’t make it due to prior commitments, so the majority of people at the party were friends of Fiona and Hamish. It appeared that Owain had been right about his mum and her parties. Olivia was shocked at how many people had turned out on Christmas Eve, but then the McPhersons were definitely known for their hospitality, so their engagement party was probably just a Christmas do to most people in attendance.
Uncle Innes was standing chatting to Laird McPherson and Kerr was there, with Adaira fussing over him, much to Kerr’s evident annoyance. It was clear their so-called relationship wasn’t going to last much longer. Mirren and Dougie looked lovely all dressed up. Mirren was in a gorgeous dress that Olivia’s mother had given her a few years earlier. And Dougie was wearing a kilt and jacket. He looked very dapper and a lot like an older version of Brodie, she thought. There he was, popping into her head again. In a way, it was a good thing he wasn’t here. She would only be reminded again of how handsome, sweet and kind he was these days. It would almost have been easier if he’d still been an obnoxious shit.
Everyone was having a wonderful time. The music was now playing over the fancy sound system that Owain had insisted his parents get installed a few years prior. It was music that was certainly more to Olivia’s taste. She had spent most of the evening with her friends, as Owain had been off mixing with people she didn’t know. Olivia was sipping on her third or fourth glass of Champagne on an empty stomach and bobbing up and down to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Gypsy’ while remembering what Brodie had said about watching her dance all those years ago. Skye had gone off to the loo and Bella had gone dashing after her a few seconds later.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and when she turned around, she came face to face with Brodie. Her heart sank before it began to race.
‘Oh. You came.’
He nodded. ‘I hope that’s okay? I decided to cancel my date. Definitely not ready for all that. Not yet.’
‘Ah, right. Was she okay about it?’
He bobbed his head from side to side. ‘Not especially. She said I’d messed her around. Which I suppose I had. Hey, have you heard what’s playing?’
‘Fleetwood Mac…’ She nodded. ‘“Gypsy”,’ she said with a smile.
‘Ballerina Olivia, my very own gypsy.’ His smile was tinged with sadness.
‘Ah, Brodie! You came. Put it there, old chap!’ Owain said as he held out his hand.
Brodie shook it. ‘Aye, couldn’t miss it.’
‘Well, you’re very welcome. Olivia darling, I just have one little job to sort with the catering and then I’m going to make a speech, I hope you’re ready.’ He grinned.
‘Oh, you don’t need to make a speech, Owain,’ Olivia said, her cheeks already heating in embarrassment.
He patted his breast pocket. ‘The deed is already done. I won’t be long. I’ll leave you with your friend here for a little bit.’ He kissed her cheek and walked away towards the dining room.
‘Sorry to ditch you too but I could really do with going to get a drink,’ said Brodie. ‘Can I get you one?’
Olivia nodded. ‘Why not? More bubbles on an empty stomach. What could possibly go wrong!’
Brodie laughed and headed off towards the bar.
‘Are you okay, darling girl?’ Uncle Innes asked as he arrived beside her.
She nodded and forced a smile. ‘I’m fine. In fact, I’d like to ask you something.’
Innes nodded. ‘Of course. Anything.’
Olivia inhaled and straightened her spine. ‘You’re so very dear to me and as Mum and Dad can’t be here, I was wondering… would you do the honour of giving me away at my wedding?’
Innes opened and closed his mouth as Olivia observed his eyes becoming glassy. He cleared his throat. ‘Really? I would be absolutely honoured. Thank you for asking me. I hope I can do you proud.’ He pulled her into his arms, and she closed her eyes briefly. He pulled away. ‘I must go and… I mean… I think I have something in my eye.’ He turned and dashed away. Olivia smiled as she watched him go, happy that he’d said yes.
A few moments later, Bella and Skye returned. ‘Sorry about that, Bells was being chatted up by this guy who was old enough to date her Granny Isla.’
Bella laughed hysterically. ‘Oh, god, he had this hair piece that reminded me of my old boss. I think if the two toupees got together, they could have really cute baby toupees!’
Olivia joined in with their laughter and felt herself relaxing. It could also have been the copious amounts of Champagne, but who knew?
There was a clinking of glass and Hamish’s voice could be heard loud and clear this time. When Olivia turned around, she saw he had a microphone.
‘Ooh, here we go, Olivia, speeches!’ Skye said with a nudge to her shoulder.
‘Good evening again! Now that everyone is here, I think it’s time we made things official. My son is around here somewhere, aren’t you, Owain? I know he has a few words to say, but as I have the microphone, I think I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few words myself.’
