Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Our eyes met, and I saw a sadness in hers that mirrored my own. A moment of deep connection thrummed between us, and I reached out to squeeze her hand. “Merry Christmas, Sloane.”
She squeezed my hand in return. “Merry Christmas, Roe.”
“What whisky is this?” Brodan asked, frowning as he smelled it.
Gifts had been exchanged before dinner, and I was almost brought to tears by the Adairs’ generosity. Not only had every couple given me a gift, they’d given Sloane, Callie, and Walker something too. I now had everything from perfume to a spa voucher to take home with me.
My gifts of a book about screenwriting and a bottle of his aftershave had delighted Brodan. He was impressed I’d guessed correctly what he’d worn. I’d nearly burned my nose off in a fragrance store trying to find the damn scent, but it was worth it to see that boyish smile.
However, he’d told me he wanted to wait until we were alone to give me his gift, so I was stuck in anticipation throughout dinner. As for dinner, it had been a tasty, raucous affair. Skye and Vivien interrupted it a few times, their parents jumping up from their seats mid bite to run upstairs to check on them. Eilidh and Lewis squabbled over who had the most mashed potatoes while Callie watched on in bemusement. Arro had one glass of wine and almost crash-landed in her dinner from tiredness, so Regan got up to make her an extra-strong coffee.
There was teasing and conversation among the Adairs, and they pulled me, Sloane, and Walker into it as if we’d always belonged there. I learned Regan was studying to get a business degree so she could open a preschool in Caelmore, an excellent idea since we were sorely lacking in that department. Arran regaled us with the latest stories from the Gloaming. I saw Sloane eyeing Walker a few times, especially as he was seated on Callie’s other side. He was soft with Sloane’s daughter in a way he wasn’t with anyone else, and I had to admit I could see why that might intensify Sloane’s crush on him.
It was chaotic and joyful, and I’d never had a Christmas dinner like it.
Now the adult after-dinner drinks of whisky and Baileys (for those who didn’t drink whisky) had been served.
“It’s Tobermory, I think,” Thane said in answer to Brodan’s question.
“We drink Macallan,” Brodan replied, indignant.
“It was a gift. I thought we’d try it.”
“We don’t just drink Macallan,” Lachlan added. “I quite like a bit of Talisker.”
“Aye, Talisker is nice,” Mac agreed.
“I prefer a peatier whisky,” Walker offered. “Like Caol Ila.”
“Nah, too smoky,” Arran disagreed.
“Exactly.” Walker glowered at him.
I looked at Sloane and mouthed, “Seriously?”
She hid a smile behind her glass of Baileys.
“Hey, that’s an idea.” Brodan stared at Lachlan like he’d been struck by lightning. “You and I should open a distillery.”
Lachlan snorted. “Aye, I’ll just hand over a few million pounds to do that, shall I?”
Brodan shrugged. “We can afford it.”
“Arsehole,” Arran teased.
His brother flashed a middle finger at him as he continued to talk to Lachlan. “Seriously, Lachlan. An Ardnoch whisky promoted by the famous Adair brothers. Folk will eat it up. And we could create a whisky that we all can agree on.”
Lachlan considered it, while my heart beat a little faster for Brodan. He was genuinely excited by this idea. “Do the research, bring me the numbers and what’s required, and we can talk.”
“Really?” Brodan grinned, definitely excited.
His eldest brother chuckled. “Really.”
“Must be nice to throw a few million away on a distillery,” Arran said jokingly and raised his glass. “To pricks with too much money.”
Walker clinked his glass off Arran’s.
Lachlan and Brodan stared at each other, shrugged, and then raised their glasses too, making us laugh.
Thane, however, raised his and said seriously, “To men who worked hard for every penny and brought prosperity back to the place they call home.”
“Aw, big brother.” Arran launched himself at Thane, hugging him hard.
“Get off!” Thane shoved him away, laughing.
“Don’t spill your whisky!” Regan yelled from across the room, noting the friendly tussle.
“Don’t worry, it’s not Macallan,” Brodan called back.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake, I’ll find you the bloody Macallan,” Thane huffed and stalked toward the kitchen.
“Thanks, big bro,” Brodan called after him.
“You’re awful to him. The both of you.” Lachlan shook his head, smirking.
“He’s just so easy.” Brodan smirked.
“Be nice to your brother, Brodan Adair,” I warned.
He turned to look at me, eyes glinting beneath the Christmas lights. “I tell you what, I’ll be nice if you come with me.”
“Where?”
Holding out his hand, he insisted, “Just come with me.”
I gave Sloane a bemused look before placing my hand in Brodan’s. He began leading me through the living room, and my cheeks flushed for no reason at all.
“Are you leaving, Uncle Brodan?” Eilidh yelled from her spot on the floor with Callie. They were building the Lego version of the house from the movie Home Alone.