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I’d assumed Aidan would be in or, if not, that Elspeth would be around. As a chef, she works most evenings, but the Bannock Hotel’s restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it’s Tuesday today. If she’s not at home, I’m not sure where she might be, and nor do I have any idea where I’m likely to find Aidan.

Oh God. I came from London to see him face to face. I’d hoped to surprise him like he did me, but I suppose I’ll have to call him and arrange a meet-up. It’s not how I imagined it.

I take out my phone and tap his name. I wait, but . . . it rings out. It doesn’t immediately go to voicemail, like when I try Emily or David. Instead, he simply doesn’t pick up.

Bloody hell, what’s going on today? Where is everyone?

Emotions bubble up in my chest, but I push them back down before they can overwhelm me. I won’t cry—I refuse to. I’ll remain composed, no matter what.

Turning, I gaze across the road at the Bannock Hotel. I could go in there and see if I can speak with Emily, but there’s a good chance I’d bump into one of the McIntyre boys first or maybe even some hotel guests. I don’t want to break down in front of them, and right now, I’m only just managing to hold myself together.

No, I decide to try my brother instead. At his, the only other person I might have to deal with is Johnny, and I can cope with that.

I head to their pretty little cottage on the lane by the river, but David’s car is nowhere to be seen, and there are no signs of life from within. Even though my gut tells me no one is home, I try the brass knocker. Their place remains still and quiet.

Tears sting my eyes, but I brush them away.

Stay in control, Grace. You’ll just have to go to the hotel.

I trudge back, trying my best to avoid puddles. The journey up here and the argument with Mum have drained me completely. I’d hoped Aidan might wrap me in his arms and make everything okay. It seems it’s not going to be that easy.

As if to kick me while I’m down, the hotel’s reception has been decked out for Valentine’s Day. Fairy lights twinkle on the walls, a beautiful floral arrangement sits on the front desk, and heart-shaped balloons float on either side of the entrance. These bob and sway when the door swings closed behind me.

The decorations drive home to me what a fool I’ve been. Aidan and I should be together right now, celebrating our romance just like other couples across the country. Instead, earlier today, I was seriously considering breaking up with him, thanks in no small part to Mum’s subtle but persistent interference. I’ve been so blind.

There’s no one at reception, but behind the desk is a door to a small office. I know Emily and the McIntyre brothers sometimes work there, so I call out, “Hello?”

Several seconds pass. Then, “Grace?”

I’m so busy staring at the office door I don’t notice Jamie appear from the restaurant. I turn to him and do a double take. His chestnut hair is neatly styled, and he’s dressed in a kilt, waistcoat, and jacket, topped off with a crimson cravat. I associate the youngest McIntyre brother with practical jokes and winding people up—I forgot he scrubs up well when he wants to.

“Jamie! Why are you looking so smart?”

He glances down at himself then grins. “Aye, not too shabby, right? We’re opening the restaurant tonight, even though it’s normally closed on a Tuesday. Emily suggested we put on a special Valentine’s menu and charge a bit more than usual. To justify the additional cost, we’re throwing in a few extras here and there, and since I’m waiting tables, I thought I’d get my legs out as a wee bonus for the diners. That wasn’t actually one of Emily’s suggestions, but it’s a good idea, don’t you think?”

Even though I’m damp and dishevelled from the rain, and at an emotional low, I let out a soft laugh. “You’re just hoping it’ll get you some decent tips, aren’t you?”

He winks, and I manage a smile, but then—as if from nowhere—a sob bursts from my lips.

“Shit! What’s wrong?” Jamie steps closer, his brow furrowing. There’s no sign of his usual playful demeanour—he’s all seriousness.

“I’m sorry.” I sniff and attempt to pull myself together. “Everything just got a bit much there. Is Emily about? I was hoping to speak with her.”

Jamie grimaces with regret. “Er, I’m afraid not. Let’s get you a seat. Come on, through here.”

He beckons me into the office, drags out a chair from under the desk, and gestures for me to sit. I do, small tremors shooting through my body. I sense that a full-on breakdown is imminent, but I’m trying my best to hold it back. This is so embarrassing—I don’t know Jamie well enough to cry in front of him.

“Right,” he says in a low voice, “so . . . Emily isn’t here, but Elspeth is. She’s in the kitchen with Lewis, getting things ready for tonight. She always knows what to say, and she’s a great hugger too. I’ll go get her.”

“Wait!” I swallow down my emotions. “Can you and I just chat for a while?”

As awkward as this is with Jamie, I’d like to compose myself before seeing anyone else, especially Aidan’s mum.

He’s already set off for the door, but he stops and raises his eyebrows. “Er . . . sure. If that’s what you want. I mean, to be honest, I am a wee bit out of my depth here, but . . . aye, let’s talk.” He perches on the desk, fidgets with his hands, and attempts an encouraging smile.

Normally, Jamie would sooner tease someone than reassure them. There’s something sweet about his discomfort, and strangely, it helps to calm my nerves, even though he himself is far from relaxed.

Wiping at my eyes, I meet his smile with a weak one of my own. “Thanks. And sorry about the tears. It . . . hasn’t been a great day.” I take a moment to gather myself. “So . . . Emily. If she’s not here, where is she?”