Highland love's redemption

Chapter 15 (2)

The pub was alive tonight, buzzing with laughter and the soft sound of a guitar. I held the door open for Eleanor as she stepped inside, her cheeks rosy from the brisk wind outside.

"There they are!" Douglas's voice boomed across the room, drawing everyone's attention our way. He was behind the bar, grinning as usual. "Good to see you, Lachlan! And Eleanor, welcome back to the chaos."

Eleanor smiled back, and I felt a swell of pride in my chest. She always handled herself so well, even when thrown into situations like this.

Alastair waved us over from a table near the fire, where he and Graham were already having pints. "About time you two showed up," he called, smirking. "We were starting to think you'd gotten lost."

"Not a chance," I replied, guiding Eleanor toward them. "Eleanor knows this place as well as any of us by now."

Alastair stood up, extending a hand to Eleanor. "Nice to finally meet you properly. Lachlan's been singing your praises since day one."

Eleanor shook his hand, her smile bright. "Oh has he? Hope it's all been good ."

Graham, sitting beside Alastair, chimed in, "Only the best. It's great to see you again, Eleanor. You've done a real number on Lachlan here. He hasn't been this pleasant in years."

"Oh, stop it," I muttered, feeling my face heat up. "I'm not that bad and since when are you guys talking that much?"

Douglas came over with a tray of drinks, handing one to each of us. "Not that bad, he says. I reckon Eleanor's the only one who could handle your moods, Lachlan. It's that French charm of hers, isn't it?"

Eleanor laughed, a sound I could listen to forever. "Maybe it is," she said, glancing up at me with those warm, brown eyes. "Or maybe I just have a knack for handling grumpy Scotsmen."

Alastair chuckled. "You'd have to, being around this one. Lachlan's the grumpiest among us, and that's saying something."

I rolled my eyes. "You're all full of it. I'm not nearly as grumpy as you."

"Oh, come on, mate," Douglas said, grinning. "You're just in denial. Eleanor, what's it like dealing with him every day?"

Eleanor smiled at me, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, it's not so bad. Once you get past the gruff exterior, he's really just a big softie. "

I couldn't help but smile back at her. She had this way of making me feel like I was the only person in the room. Just then, the door swung open again, and Eilidh swept in, her face lighting up as she spotted us.

"There you all are! Sorry I'm late," she exclaimed. "The girls were giving the babysitter a run for her money."

"Eilidh, this is Eleanor," I said, introducing them. "Eleanor, this is Alastair's wife, Eilidh."

Eilidh gave Eleanor a warm hug. "It's so lovely to finally meet you properly, Eleanor. I've heard so much about you."

Eleanor returned the hug, looking genuinely pleased. "Likewise, Eilidh. Lachlan's told me about your daughters. They sound like quite the handful."

Eilidh laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, they are! But I wouldn't have it any other way. They're spirited, like their father. Isn't that right, Alastair?"

Alastair shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face. "What can I say? They take after me."

Eilidh leaned closer to Eleanor, her voice dropping to a mock whisper. "You know, Lachlan and Alastair are quite similar. Both act all tough and grumpy, but really, they're just big softies. Don't let them fool you."

Eleanor laughed softly, nodding. "I've noticed that."

Graham grinned, raising his glass. "To Eleanor, then. The only one brave enough to put up with Lachlan's moods. Cheers!"

The group raised their glasses in a toast, and I couldn't help but join in, even if they were making me the butt of the joke.

As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed easily. Douglas leaned over at one point, a teasing grin on his face. "You know, Eleanor, you're far too good-looking for this bloke. Must be mad or incredibly patient to stick around."

Eleanor just laughed, shaking her head. "Or maybe I see something in him that the rest of you don't."

"That's it, Eleanor," Eilidh said, nudging her playfully. "You've got him figured out. The rest of us are still trying to see what you see in him."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, alright, that's enough. I think Eleanor's heard quite enough about how grumpy I supposedly am."

"Oh, we're just getting started," Eilidh teased, her eyes sparkling. "But we'll give you a break, Lachlan. For now."

I glanced at Eleanor, who was looking at me with a soft smile. The warmth in her gaze made my heart skip a beat, and for a moment, it was just the two of us and I had one wish: to take her away, have her fpr myself and myself only.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter and stories, and I found myself thinking that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to fall into place. As we left the pub, walking under the starry sky with Eleanor by my side, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be.