Highland love's redemption

Chapter 3:

A month later, after New Year's, I landed in Glasgow with a suitcase packed with remnants from both my life and his. I pulled on the sleeve of his pullover, seeking a bit of warmth as the freezing cold weather made its presence felt in the airport.

I awaited Fiona, who was supposed to pick me up as agreed last week. Sending reassuring messages to my parents and a few friends, I suddenly felt a presence beside me.

"Eleanor?"

Fiona stood there with a small sign in her left hand, presumably bearing my name. Nodding, I allowed her to pull me into a warm embrace.

"Welcome to Scotland dear, I am so happy to see you !"

Her contagious happiness brought a smile to my face, though 'happy' wasn't exactly how I felt. I felt relieved. Stepping outside the airport, a peculiar thought crossed my mind - "Welcome home." I felt strangely at home in this country I had just landed in. Whether it was the novelty, his influence, or a gut feeling telling me I made the right choice, I decided not to dwell on it.

We drove nearly four hours to the ferry and another 1.5 hours to the village. Fiona, as expected, chatted away, sharing more about her "little family." She spoke of John, her husband, and the twins' activities. Sconser was a small town, and they needed a car to reach the nearest town for school and kids' activities.

This Saturday afternoon they were with John in the house. Aila had her dance session this morning while Callum had played football in Portree.

She told me about her son Lachlan, how he was always working hard with the farm and how he would be happy to have a hand to help with the kids. I asked about their mother and Fiona's mood shifted.

"Oh dear, Izzy is not here anymore. She's long gone. This is why we need you here. My son won't admit it, but he needs a hand. He can't do this on his own."

She decided to change the subject and I did not ask what had happened as I knew if she wanted to tell me she would have.

As we drove farther on the island, the road got more and more narrow leading eventually to a private bumpy road. Green fields were surrounding it and I could see in the distance that we were not far from the coast.

The atmosphere was serene, peaceful as often secluded areas are. Getting out of the car, I breathed the fresh air and enjoyed the quiet surroundings. The only sounds were distant cows, until a door creaked open, revealing a man with broad shoulders approaching us with a friendly expression.

" It's nice to meet you Eleanor. "

I reciprocated the courtesy, complimenting the house. The two-story not-so-white-anymore house stood before me, with two barns in the distance. I directed my attention back to the door, where two shy kids with dark brown hair stood. I waved with a smile, and John unloaded the car.

Fiona welcomed me inside as John left my suitcase in the hallway.

" I am going to look for Lachlan, be right back "

John disappeared outside as the sun began to dive in the horizon.

Callum and Aila, the twins, were still silent and barely talked when I introduced myself.

"Come on, loves, you can do better than this. Don't be shy."

I made a sign with my hand, signalling that I didn't mind.

" We need time to know each other, right ? "

I looked down at the kids with a smile, hoping to get a reaction. The little boy smiled and seemed to hesitate before talking.