Page 51 of A Summer House on Arran (Scottish Romances #3)

Kitty’s eyes snapped open at seven o’clock on the dot.

Logan was lying next to her fast asleep, and she leaned gently across to kiss his lips.

He stirred briefly but didn’t wake. The prospect of everyone coming together today to celebrate was exciting.

She was thrilled that she and Olivia were able to host a party to thank everyone for their support.

Hop and Scotch had won the competition, and Kitty wasn’t sure who was more excited — the adults or the kids.

Their celebrations had gone on until late and everyone had gone to the ceilidh, which had been great fun, albeit exhausting.

Kitty and Logan had sneaked off before it finished.

Ellen had insisted she wanted to stay until the end with Olivia, who had managed to master ‘The Eightsome Reel’ and ‘The Dashing White Sergeant’ in record time.

Kitty couldn’t wait for all their friends to gather with them later for a celebratory barbecue.

She wasn’t sure why she had worried about Ellen’s visit.

Her friend had slotted right in, and she and Olivia had hit it off immediately.

Kitty contemplated a quick shower, but when Logan opened his eyes and pulled her towards his chest, she decided there was no real rush to get up after all.

‘Great night,’ he said. ‘In fact, what a brilliant day. Well, aside from that pillock turning up.’

‘Yip,’ said Kitty. ‘Mind you, Olivia seemed to be okay. Just as well she had the kids to distract her.’

‘That dance was incredible. She’s clearly brilliant at what she does.’

‘I know. Thank goodness the kids won. They all deserved to after the amount of hard work they’d put in.’

Logan gently wrapped a lock of Kitty’s hair around his finger. ‘They were so excited.’

‘I know. She made such an impact on them. And me . . . I’ll miss her,’ admitted Kitty. ‘I’ve got a lot to thank her for.’ Her voice threatened to crack as she realised the significance of Olivia and Logan coming into her life. ‘Logan . . .’

‘Uh-huh,’ he said, his voice sleepy.

‘Thank you for helping me realise it’s okay to take chances . . . and that I’m more resilient than I think.’ She took a moment to gather herself. ‘I feel like I can grab life again, and perhaps be a little more like you.’

‘In what way?’ he asked, hoisting himself up on his elbow to look at her properly.

‘More adventurous and free-spirited.’

‘Mmm.’ He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘I’d say you’re already both of those.’ He dipped his mouth to kiss her. ‘Can I make a confession?’

Kitty blinked. ‘Okay . . .’

‘Don’t worry, it’s a good confession.’ He took a deep breath. ‘I want to be more grounded and calm. Like you. I feel so happy when I’m with you, Kitty.’

Kitty smiled and relaxed back into his arms. She could tell how sincere he was. His words came from the heart. Neither spoke as they lay there, content holding each other. Then she hooked her leg over his and pulled him even closer.

* * *

That afternoon everyone was in a joyful mood as they gathered in the garden of Lilybank Cottage.

Logan, Ellen, Olivia and Kitty had all worked as a team making a huge salad, prepping meat and taking blankets and chairs out to the garden to make sure the guests had somewhere to sit.

Despite the cloudy morning, with rain threatening to fall, there were now only a few fluffs of white in the sky.

The fresh breeze from earlier had also disappeared — it was now still and pleasantly warm.

James, Fergus and Kirsty’s husband, Steve, insisted they would help Logan with the actual barbecue.

‘Because that’s not a cliché,’ said Amelia, rolling her eyes and kissing Fergus on the cheek.

Kitty loved seeing how smitten her cousin was, and how much Amelia kept him in check. It was refreshing to watch. ‘I guess they like to think they’re being useful,’ she said, smirking.

Pudding was a choice of Kitty’s brownies or Ellen’s vanilla cheesecake, and Edie also arrived with a huge box of meringues and several punnets of strawberries.

Meanwhile, Granny Margaret, Isobel and Bella had arrived with several bags of clinking bottles, insisting that they had to bring something.

‘We wouldn’t have dreamed of turning up empty-handed. This is just a few wee bits and pieces to help get the party started,’ said Isobel, unpacking what looked like most of the Co-op’s alcohol aisle.

They set up a makeshift bar in the kitchen and busied themselves making sure everyone’s drinks were topped up. When Kitty had last been inside, Bella was teaching Edie and Amelia how to make cocktails. The latest one was a Long Island iced tea.

Outside, Alex was sitting in a shaded corner of the garden, playing what looked like a very intense game of cards with Ellen. Amy and Kirsty watched in fascination.

‘Your dad is very good at this,’ admitted Ellen, sounding not best pleased. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve had such a challenging game.’

‘And that’s saying something,’ said Kitty with a grin. ‘Ellen practically does this for a living back home.’

Kirsty gave her a quizzical look.

‘She works in a care home, she’s renowned for being the queen of cards.’

Kirsty and Amy chuckled.

When everyone had eaten all they could manage of sausages and burgers and salad and buns, Olivia tapped her spoon against her glass, which made a tinkling sound.

‘Speech,’ said James. ‘Everyone gather round.’

The group moved closer to Olivia, who had walked over to stand next to Kitty.

‘I just want to say a big thank you for welcoming us both this summer. The past six weeks have felt like six months. But in a good way,’ Olivia added hurriedly, to peals of laughter.

‘You have all embraced us with your warmth and friendship. I will always be grateful for that, and want to thank each and every one of you for making this summer so special. Not least because of the success of Hop and Scotch last night. That was a real team effort.’

‘Hear, hear!’ said Edie, raising her glass.

‘Cheers,’ said Granny Margaret. ‘This has been some weekend, eh? Olivia, just wait till you come to Glasgow. You’ve not seen anything yet.’ There was a ripple of laughter.

Olivia gulped. ‘That sounds ominous.’

‘Och, don’t worry, love. You’ll have a great time.’

Kitty looked at the smiling faces around her. ‘I just want to echo what Olivia said. Thank you all. It has been the best summer, and I can highly recommend a summer house share.’

Just then Kirsty caught her attention. ‘Dad’s got something for you,’ she said.

Alex moved forward with a package for her. When she opened it, she gasped with pleasure. ‘Did you do this, Alex?’

‘Yes, dear.’

It was a watercolour of the bay in Brodick. ‘It’s perfect. I will always treasure it and think about the great times we had in class.’

He beamed with pleasure. ‘I wanted to give you something to remember Arran.’

She felt her voice crack with emotion. ‘I will never forget any of this, or any of you. And don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it.’

* * *

It was after nine when everyone finally left, including Logan, who had an early start the next morning. He hugged Olivia tightly. ‘Until the next time,’ he said.

‘You bet. You’re not getting rid of me that fast.’

He drew Kitty to him and hugged and kissed her. ‘Until we meet again,’ he said with a laugh.

‘Indeed. I will see you in Perth at the weekend.’ They were meeting at his sister’s for lunch, then having a night in Dunkeld before she drove back to Rosemarkie.

‘That’s us offski too, girls. Thank you for a lovely day and for a brilliant weekend,’ said Bella. ‘Liv, we’ll see you in Glasgow soon. Be ready to paint the town red.’

Kitty glanced at Olivia, who looked fairly petrified.

‘Bye for now,’ they chorused as they disappeared down the path. ‘Logan, are you coming with us or not?’

Logan also looked mildly terrified. He looked at Kitty and shrugged. ‘Wish me luck.’ He kissed Kitty one last time and then walked after the trio.

Ellen nudged her. ‘You have got it bad,’ she said, grinning. Her eyes were bright, and it was great seeing her looking so relaxed. A weekend away had clearly done her the world of good.

‘I do. I’m not going to lie,’ said Kitty, her heart swelling.

‘This has to be the best summer I’ve ever had,’ admitted Olivia, who sat down on one of the patio chairs and closed her eyes.

Kitty watched her friend’s face relax as she sank back against her seat.

Things were starting to slot into place for them all.