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He closes the distance between us and takes my hand, his touch gentle yet firm. “I’m so sorry, lass. I messed up this morning—badly. You were right: uncertainty is a part of life, and happiness requires taking risks. So . . . with that in mind, there’s something I wanted to say to you before you leave Scotland.”

Still holding my hand, he lowers himself onto one knee.

“Ally!” I gasp. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way.” His voice is low and calm. “You said this morning you’re not ready to love me, and I appreciate that. This isn’t a proposal—it’s a promise. I don’t want a decision from you, nor do I want you to wear a ring to prove you’re mine—nothing like that. I just want you to know, Emily Thomas, that I love you. Aye, that love isn’t yet reciprocated, and maybe it never will be, but I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to make up your mind about me—because you, Emily, are what I want more than anything.

“Would you consider coming back to Bannock with me and giving us another shot? We’re good together, and I believe—or maybe hope—that in time you may feel about me the same way that I feel about you. I know I’m not a finished product: I’ve got work to do. You deserve someone you can rely on, and all I can do is promise you that—”

“Stop!” I interrupt him. “You’ve said enough.”

“Oh? Sorry.”

He raises his eyebrows, and although his smile remains, his gaze is nervous. He’s laid his heart on the line, and I’m yet to say anything.

“Can you give me a moment?” I ask.

“Aye. Take all the time you need. If you want to go back to London and think it through, then—”

“No, I don’t need that long. Just . . . a minute or two.”

I hurry back down the stairs and grab Grace’s hand, pulling her away from the others, so we can have a quick whispered conversation.

“I think I want to go back to Bannock with him. Is that a terrible idea?”

Grace’s eyes twinkle. “Not at all! Do you know why I made David come off the motorway? Do you know why I arranged this with Ally? It’s because you and him are perfect together. Yes, I was the one warning you to take things slow, but Ally just said he’ll wait as long as it takes. I like him, Emily. He’s good for you.”

Her words warm my heart, but doubt soon seeps back in.

“But, Grace, you and David . . . you’re my family! Living in Bannock would mean living without the two of you. I . . . I don’t know if I can do that!”

“Honey, we’re not talking about you moving to the other side of the world. Yes, it’s a long drive, but do you know how long it takes to fly from London to Inverness? An hour and a half—that’s all! We’re going to see each other all the time. Besides, I’m a yoga teacher—I enjoy getting out of the stress and rush of London. I’ll be visiting you so much you’ll want rid of me!”

I laugh, and my heart skips with relief. “That could never happen! You’ll always be welcome in Bannock. So . . . do you promise you’ll visit?”

“I promise! Now, Ally’s up there waiting for you. Do you think maybe it’s time you gave him an answer?”

“You’re right.”

I give Grace a fierce hug then head up the stairs. At the top, I find Ally back on his feet, a hand rested on either side of his sporran. His strong stance is at odds with the vulnerability in his eyes.

“Like I said, Emily, I’m not looking for an answer now. I just wanted you to know how I feel.”

“Oi!” I put a finger to his lips. “It’s my turn to talk.”

He nods, his expression solemn.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose in my head what I’m going to say, all the time aware of the audience at the bottom of the stairs.

“I . . . I love you, Ally.”

Shit! Those words just slipped out. Ally looks as surprised as I am.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I . . .” I let my shoulders slump. “Crap, I think I did mean to say that. I still want to take things slow, you hear me? I’m in no rush to even think about getting married. But the truth is . . . I do love you.”

A smile spreads across Ally’s face, and he closes the distance between us, wrapping his arms around me. “Can I kiss you, lass?”

It’s the same question he asked me when we were kids, when he took me to the secret den on the top floor of the Bannock Hotel.