Page 53 of A Summer House on Arran (Scottish Romances #3)

A trickle of sweat made its way down Olivia’s forehead, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand.

She just hoped this wasn’t a mistake. Kitty’s small back garden had been transformed with colourful bunting and paper lanterns.

The barbecue was primed and ready to go, there was a large bucket crammed with ice and drinks, and the patio furniture had been wiped in preparation.

Olivia had even managed to pick a few wildflowers on her run that morning, which were in a vase on the table.

She still had to pinch herself: she was now in the north of Scotland, spending her last few days with Kitty before she flew back to New York.

‘How’s it going out here?’ said Logan, walking towards her. ‘Do you think we’re all set?’

Olivia nodded. ‘I hope so,’ she said with a nervous chuckle. ‘I just hope Kitty will be okay with all of this.’

Logan screwed up his face. ‘Don’t say that.’

‘Sorry,’ said Olivia. ‘I’m sure she’ll be delighted. You don’t think she suspects anything at all?’

He shook his head.

‘That poor boy is going to get a shock when he arrives home. He’ll think his house has been taken over.

’ Olivia knew how excited Kitty was that Cameron was coming home after his summer away.

When Olivia had suggested that she should cut her visit short to give them some space, Kitty had insisted she stay, telling her how much Cameron was looking forward to meeting her.

Logan brushed his hand over his chin. ‘Don’t worry, I thought of that.

I managed to get his number from Kitty’s phone and sent him a message to warn him.

He said he can’t wait to see his mum’s face.

’ Glancing at his phone, he smiled. ‘Kitty’s texted to say they’re just leaving the airport.

’ He took a breath. ‘I’m starting to feel nervous now. ’

Olivia smiled warmly at him. ‘It will be fine. How are the girls getting on inside?’

‘Ellen has them all under control,’ he said, raising an eyebrow.

Just at that moment, Granny Margaret appeared in the garden, closely followed by Isobel, Bella and Ellen.

‘In fact, I think I’ve got that wrong. Margaret looks like she’s in charge,’ he said drily.

Granny Margaret twirled around and clapped her hands together in delight. ‘Oh, I do love a summer party.’

Isobel rolled her eyes. ‘ Mum , you just love any kind of party.’

Ellen laughed. ‘I agree with that. I just hope the sun keeps shining.’

‘Right, do we have a plan?’ said Bella.

‘A plan?’ asked Logan in surprise.

Bella rolled her eyes. ‘Uh-huh. How will we know when they’re almost here? Are we staying in the garden and letting her come out, or should we be in the kitchen?’

Olivia saw the look of panic on Logan’s face. ‘Er, I don’t know. I hadn’t thought of that.’

‘Tsk,’ said Granny Margaret. ‘These finer details are vital.’ She shook her head in despair. ‘Right. Listen up, team. Logan, you message Cameron and ask him to give you a five-minute warning.’

‘Okay,’ he said, quickly pulling out his phone and following orders. ‘Done.’

‘Right,’ continued Margaret, ‘when we know they’re almost here, you, Logan, come with me, Ellen, Isobel and Bella, and we’ll wait here in the garden.’ She looked around to make sure they were all listening. ‘Olivia, you go and meet them out front and bring them round the side to the garden.’

Olivia nodded.

‘Then, when Olivia says, “Oh, it’s such a beautiful day,” that will be our cue to shout out. Capeesh?’

‘That sounds like a perfect plan,’ agreed Olivia.

‘Aye, well, I’ve organised a few bashes in my time,’ she said. ‘As soon as she gets here it will be chaos. Isobel, you and Bella sort the drinks. Logan, you turn on the barbecue. And the rest of us can mingle .’

‘What about the cake?’ asked Ellen.

‘What about it?’ Granny Margaret looked confused. ‘I take it you did bring it?’

‘Yes,’ said Ellen patiently. ‘I mean, when will we bring it out?’

‘Probably after the food?’

‘Okey-dokey,’ said Ellen.

‘In fact,’ said Granny Margaret, ‘it might be an idea to show it to me, just to make sure we’re all set. Did you bring candles and matches?’

Olivia choked back a giggle when she saw Ellen throwing her a look of exasperation. ‘Yes, I did bring candles and matches. Would you like me to show you them?’

Granny Margaret nodded her head. ‘I would.’ The two women disappeared back into the house and the rest of the party busied themselves, straightening cushions, arranging the pile of presents and cards, and making sure the bunting was hanging properly.

‘Right, that’s us all sorted in there,’ said Granny Margaret, closely followed by Ellen, who had a tight smile on her face.

Just then Logan’s phone beeped. He jumped. ‘Oh. That’s them just a few minutes away.’

Olivia watched as everyone suddenly started to flap and run about.

‘Come on. Action stations, everyone,’ commanded Granny Margaret with a brisk clap of her hands.

Olivia had learned that she was not a woman to be messed with. Evidently so had everyone else, as they quickly took up their positions to wait.

‘ Shh , stay quiet,’ said Granny Margaret in a stage whisper.

‘Granny, you’re the one making all the noise,’ said Bella indignantly.

‘Och, wheesht,’ she replied crossly.

Olivia heard the sound of a car. She quickly skirted up the side of the house to wait outside for Kitty to arrive. Waving as Kitty pulled up, she couldn’t help but notice the huge grin on her friend’s face.

‘He’s home,’ Kitty said with a squeal as she jumped from the car and ran round to open up the passenger door.

‘Thanks, Mum,’ he said, laughing. ‘I think the whole street must know I’m back.’ Cameron towered over his mum, who was beaming proudly at him.

‘Cameron,’ said Olivia, ‘it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Olivia.’

Cameron reached out his hand to shake hers. ‘I’ve heard all about you. It sounds like you and Mum have had quite the summer.’

‘Indeed we have. And I can’t wait to hear about yours,’ she said warmly.

Kitty had opened the boot and was about to lift Cameron’s rucksack out.

Olivia winked at him.

‘Leave it there just now, Mum,’ he said, quickly catching on. ‘I’m really desperate for some fresh air. That was such a long flight and, er, I’ve missed the Scottish air. Can we go and sit in the garden?’

‘Of course,’ said Kitty, looking slightly bemused.

‘I’ve just been out there myself,’ said Olivia. ‘Come on, let’s go and sit in the sun and I’ll get you both a cup of tea. You must be tired, Cameron.’

He stretched and pretended to yawn. ‘A bit.’

Olivia led the way and, as they reached the gate, she said, ‘It’s such a beautiful day.’ Then she allowed Cameron and Kitty to pass through in front of her.

‘Surprise!’ everyone shrieked. ‘Happy birthday, Kitty!’

‘And welcome home, Cameron!’ they added.

Olivia watched as Kitty promptly burst into tears. ‘Oh my goodness,’ she said. ‘I can’t believe that you’re all here.’

Logan stepped forward and extended his hand out to welcome Cameron, then kissed Kitty on the lips. ‘Happy birthday,’ he said.

‘You’re meant to be in Loch Lomond just now!’

Logan chuckled. ‘That was a wee lie. I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you.’

Kitty dabbed her eyes with a tissue Olivia had passed her, as she hugged Cameron close on one side. ‘This is the best day ever,’ she said, looking around. ‘I just can’t believe you’re all here.’ She gestured to the Glasgow girls.

‘We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And as I’ve been saying, I do love a wee party.’ Granny Margaret looked around. ‘Right, team, let’s get this party started.’

Isobel took that as her cue to start dispensing drinks. Soon everyone had a cold beverage in their hand while Logan started the barbecue. As everyone moved around the garden, chatting and laughing, Olivia watched them all fondly.

The summer house on Arran had been a gift in so many ways.

It had been a shelter for her to hide and lick her wounds and figure out what came next.

Even when her worst nightmare came true, with Patrick turning up that day, she realised she didn’t need to keep running.

She was stronger and more capable and independent than she could ever have believed.

Most importantly, she had rediscovered her sense of self.

She had made wonderful friends in Margaret, Isobel and Bella.

Kitty was like the long-lost sister she never had.

In fact, the whole community had gathered round them both, empowering them to take the next steps in their lives.

Olivia often thought about Edie’s words of advice.

We owe it to ourselves to make the most of every day and be happy. Life is an incredible gift.

‘This has been wonderful,’ said Kitty as she walked over with a huge smile across her face. ‘Thank you, Olivia.’

‘Oh, you don’t have to thank me. It was definitely a team effort,’ she said.

‘I am going to miss you,’ said Kitty.

‘I know. Me too. But you can come and visit any time, and we’ll keep in touch. This is just the beginning.’

Kitty had promised to visit her as soon as she had saved up enough money for the flight.

Meanwhile, Isobel had set up a WhatsApp group called The Glasgow Girls .

Given the comments on that, she knew Margaret, Isobel and Bella would be out to see her too as soon as they could.

She’d had to remind them a few times that, no, the men did not all look like Brad Pitt or Channing Tatum.

As she watched Kitty grin at Logan with soppy adoration, she knew this was just the beginning of their story. It was wonderful to see Kitty so happy and in love with Logan, who couldn’t take his eyes off her.

The teaching job at the dance school was like a dream come true for Olivia. Her summer on Arran had really helped her find her true vocation in life. She absolutely loved it. She had a few interviews lined up for teaching in dance schools when she went home.

As she admired the vivid blue of the sky, as the sun continued to shine, she had a good feeling that things were just as they should be. She sensed happy times ahead. Most of all, Olivia had learned that the sun would always rise again, and indeed so would she.

THE END