Highland Fling (The McLaughlins) Read online

  He touched her cheek and winked. “Maybe even a bit more when you’re fully awake, aye?”

  “Aye.” She smiled. “I’m going to pick up a bunch of Scottish mannerisms, I bet.”

  “Undoubtedly.”

  It really hadn’t taken much to talk her into it. A couple days of leaving printed images of Scotland around the house. Having bagpipe music playing from his computer. Walking around in his kilt and nothing else—though that had led straight to the bedroom.

  And finally she’d given in and agreed to make the trip with him. He’d watched her excitement grow with every moment ’til the plane had taken off. Seeing her eyes alight now, he knew he’d made the right choice. She’d be safe with him. And that was his main reason for bringing her, or so he told himself.

  Within an hour they’d gotten off the plane and passed through customs. As they made their way to baggage, he thought to prepare her again.

  “My mother will be picking us up.”

  “I remember.” She nodded. “It’s really nice of her. I rarely do airport pickups for people, unless I owe them big time.”

  He grimaced “Right. Well, I meant that more as a warning. My ma is quite—”

  “Aleck, my darling boy!” His mother’s voice rang through the baggage claim area. “You’ve come home.”

  The rushing feet behind him had him and Delonna turning around.

  She was an older version of Kenzie, beautiful and full of energy, and about to fling herself into his arms. He dropped his carry-on just in time to welcome her.

  His heart expanded with love, his chest with a ragged breath as he wrapped his arms around the petite woman.

  “I’ve missed ya, Ma.” He squeezed her, kissing the top of her head.

  “Me too, son.”

  She squeezed him back, with a strength that was a bit shocking for such a small woman. Her grip relaxed some and she finally stepped away, peeking around him.

  “And you’ve brought your girlfriend after all, aye?”

  He winced as she pushed past him.

  “Give us a kiss, Delonna.”

  He tried to meet Delonna’s gaze and give her a silent apology, but Delonna was all smiles as his mother gave her a huge hug and kiss on the cheek.

  “Lovely to see you in person this time, my dear.”

  “Nice to see you too, Mrs. McLaughlin.” Delonna hugged her back.

  “Please, just call me Brenda.”

  Delonna looked confused for a moment, but then nodded. “All right. I’m sorry to hear your husband is having such a hard time.”

  “Och, he’s a bloody bear with this recovery.” His mother pulled away and grimaced. “I’m glad you ignored my protests and came to help anyway. I tell you, the first thing I’m going to do is go have meself a pint and leave you with your da.”

  Aleck laughed. “And I’ll not blame you one bit. You deserve a break.”

  “Don’t I ever.” She glanced at him and Delonna. “Well now, let’s find your luggage and be on our way.”

  On the drive from the airport, Delonna was vaguely aware of the chatter between mother and son, but her attention was more focused on the scenery outside her window.

  She was in Scotland. Scotland. It seemed surreal and completely overwhelming, but in a wonderful way. Even though she’d slept a good amount on the plane ride over, she was still pretty exhausted.

  Her mind screamed that it was morning here, but her body was in denial, figuring it was still the middle of the night.

  “Now we’ll get you two settled into your flat,” Brenda said, “then you can come have dinner with us.”

  “Our own flat?” Delonna shot Aleck a questioning look. She’d been under the impression they were staying with his parents.

  “Oh aye,” the mom continued. “You’ll not want to stay with us, our place is quite messy right now. The flat you both will stay in belonged to Aleck’s grandparents. Before they passed away six years ago, my father-in-law made it clear the flat was to be left to the grandchildren so they would have a place to stay anytime they visited.”

  Delonna stared at Aleck, seeing the faint smile and fondness in his eyes.

  “How very generous of them.”

  “Very much so. They loved their grandchildren. And we love that there’s a set place to stay when our children visit.”

  Delonna recalled the story of how Aleck’s parents had met. Very sweet, really. His mom, who was an American, had been backpacking through Europe and had met Rodrick McLaughlin. They’d fallen in love, eventually married, and she’d moved to Scotland. At some point they’d moved to America with their children, opening McLaughlin’s Pub on Whidbey, but then eventually the aging couple had moved back to Scotland. All the kids had stayed in the States, and Aleck had taken over the pub. It was just as successful now as it had been when it opened.

  Some of the sights outside her car window began to look familiar from the pictures she’d seen online. From the stunning, stone medieval-looking buildings and narrow streets, to what appeared to be Edinburgh Castle at the top of a large, rocky area.

  It took her breath away and her pulse pounded a little faster. She was in Scotland. The thought couldn’t stop resonating in her head. If someone had told her last week that she’d be here today, she would’ve laughed her ass off.

  “And here we are,” Aleck’s mom announced.

  A few minutes later they were climbing up the stairs of an older building. Brenda paused outside the door to the second level.

  “You’ve got your keys to the flat, Aleck?”

  “Aye, Ma.”

  “Get yourself settled and come down and see us soon, all right?”

  “Will do.” He kissed his mother on the cheek and then began ascending the stairs again, carrying both his and Delonna’s suitcases.

  “Which floor are we on?” she asked. “And here, let me carry my own case, Aleck.”

  “I’ve got it. And we’re just the next one.” He paused on the next landing and she opened the door for them to the hallway.

  They shuffled inside and moved in the dimness to the end of the hall. He unlocked the door and gestured for her to go inside.

  She stepped in and caught her breath as she glanced around what seemed to be the living room. The hardwood floors were shiny and sanded, the walls a soft eggshell white, and the cushiony couch and oversized chairs were a rich brown. Though it was clearly a smaller home, the layout made it appear spacious, clean and inviting.

  “Bedroom is off to the right. I’ll drop our cases in there.”

  She was tempted to follow him to see the room, but the view from the living room window had her veering that way instead. At the window she pressed her fingers against the cool, dated glass and stared outside.

  It was completely different from the trees and water sights of living on an island back home. It was a different kind of beauty. Older buildings, weathered and almost magical in a gothic way. The city seemed to shimmer with a sense of secrets and history.

  As she lifted her gaze to the end of all the buildings, she again found herself staring at Edinburgh Castle. So different than any castle she’d imagined, almost like a little cluster of buildings perched dangerously on a rocky hillside.

  “I’ll take you there sometime this week.” Aleck’s words caressed her ear as he approached from behind her. His hands went to her hips, pulling her back against him.

  “I hope so.” She leaned against him, still drowsy from the time change, and kept her gaze on the beauty outside the window. “This city is incredibly beautiful.”

  “It’s not Whidbey Island, but it has its own sort of historic beauty.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing.”

  “Mmm. Great minds and all that business.”

  He kissed the side of her neck and she sighed. “If you start that, then we’ll ne
ver get down to see your parents.”

  “Mmm. They’ll just assume we’re settling in.” He slid his hands up to cup her breasts and she moaned softly. “But there’s something else I’d like to settle into right now.”

  She couldn’t help but laugh at his cheeseball line, even as she was so tempted to just press herself back into him and surrender to the arousal rising inside her.

  “I want to,” she murmured, “you know I do. But I don’t want to keep your parents waiting after we flew across the globe to help them out.”

  He nibbled on her ear and then sighed. “You’re a good lass.”

  She turned in his arms and cupped his face. “Oh I’m no lass, I’m all woman.” She kissed him slowly. “And later, tonight, I’ll remind you.”

  He groaned, tightening his arms around her waist. “Shite, but you drive me a bit mad, luv.”

  “Well then we’re even.” She slipped out of his arms. “Hey, so your mom’s name is Brenda?”

  “Aye.”

  “Isn’t that the same name as that girl Colin—”

  “Was once engaged to? Aye. Probably another reason it didn’t really work out.” Aleck grinned. “Can’t quite imagine how that went, calling your mother’s name out in bed.”

  “Okay, that’s just gross. I didn’t go there.”

  “No need, I did it for you,” he said cheerfully.

  “You’re so weird.” She laughed and went to find the bathroom. “Let me freshen up a bit and we can head down.”

  Dining with Aleck’s parents was very much like having a meal with the rest of the McLaughlin siblings. The realization sank in through dinner as they ate and chatted away. Conversation was always fast and entertaining.

  “So how is your new hip, Da?” Aleck asked.

  “Ah, it’s not so bad, son. Can’t complain.”

  Brenda snorted, rolling her eyes at her husband. “Can’t complain, can ye? All you’ve done is complain.”

  “Maybe if you wouldn’t be pecking around so much like a mother hen—”

  “I’ll peck all I want, I’m your wife.”

  Delonna bit her lip to keep from laughing and exchanged an amused glance with Aleck.

  Aleck cleared his throat. “Are you up and walking much?”

  “Aye. Doctor’s orders, of course. Hurts like bloody hell, some moments, but gettin’ stronger every day.” His dad paused. “You needn’t have come, but I’m glad you did, son.”

  “I wanted to come,” Aleck said quietly. “You’d have done the same. And it was actually a blood match in deciding which of your offspring would make the journey.”

  “And clearly you won that match, and look, you’ve even brought a girl.” His dad beamed at Delonna.

  Awkward. She felt like she was about sixteen years old and getting judged by her prom date’s parents.

  Aleck looked equally uncomfortable. “I did. Delonna works with me and was in need of a holiday.”

  His dad cleared his throat. “Oh, aye, of course. So you’re…ehm, let’s see, you’re friends?”

  Delonna held her breath. How the hell was he going to answer that? You didn’t screw your friends every possible chance. But they weren’t a couple, were they? She snuck a glance at Aleck and was stunned to see his neck was turning red. Interesting.

  “We’re, uh, well we’re—”

  “Oh for goodness sake, it’s none of our bloody business, Rodrick,” Brenda interrupted in exasperation. But then she paused and her gaze swung to Delonna. “That is unless you’re about to surprise us with another grandchild?”

  Delonna nearly choked on her beef. “What? No.”

  “Shite, really, Ma?”

  “No!” Delonna emphasized, a little panicked now.

  “I was just askin’,” Brenda said innocently, her eyes dancing. “And don’t be swearin’ at your mother.”

  Aleck glanced Delonna’s way, shooting her a silent apology.

  “Well, no need to rush on a baby,” Rodrick said cheerfully. “We’ve got little Ben now to tide us over for a bit. And I cannot wait to meet the little lad on our next trip to the States.”

  “You’ll love him. Your grandson is adorable,” Delonna said quickly, latching on to the chance to change the subject from a potential baby in her uterus.

  Brenda beamed. “Aye, we’ve seen him when we had a Skype session with Sarah and Ian last week. He’s got the McLaughlin green eyes, he does.”

  “He really does.” Delonna glanced at Aleck. Ben’s eyes were the same beautiful shade as his uncle’s.

  He caught her gaze and her stomach did a little dance as something silent passed between them. There was a shuffle of movement and they both swung their attention to Aleck’s dad who struggled to get out of his chair.

  “What are you about? We’ve just sat down,” Brenda said in exasperation.

  “I need to use the bathroom,” he grumbled, a sheen of sweat breaking out on his brow.

  Aleck brushed aside his mother who tried to rise, and moved to his dad’s side instead, helping the older man despite the protests.

  Delonna watched the two and saw the same stubbornness in father in son. They were similar in not only appearance, but also personality, she’d begun to realize.

  She took a moment to glance over Rodrick, and had an idea what Aleck would look like in a good twenty-five years or so. His father must’ve been around sixty. His hair was mostly gray now, though still held a fair amount of black. His face was weathered, but still handsome. His forehead wrinkled in an area that showed he might be prone to scowling just as much as his son. Though there were lines around his mouth that said he didn’t hesitate to laugh as well.

  “Be back in a moment,” Aleck called out as they disappeared down the hall.

  “He’s rather good with his father,” Brenda murmured.

  Delonna nodded. “He is.”

  “Much more patient than I am.”

  “Well, you’ve had a lot on your plate. I’m sure you’re much more patient than you give yourself credit for.”

  Brenda took a sip of the beer in her hand and gave Delonna a considering look. “How long have you known my son?” she asked.

  Shifting in her seat, Delonna gave a small smile. “Oh, well, a few years, I suppose. I’ve worked at the pub for a while now.”

  “Aye.” Brenda nodded, her speculative gaze missing nothing. “I’m quite surprised he brought you here, honestly.”

  “I am too. It’s not cheap—”

  “It’s not the money, so much. It’s just that you’re the first woman I’ve ever seen Aleck spend anytime with besides his sister or sisters-in-law.” Brenda paused, her brows drawing together. “There was just Cassie, but that was ages ago.”

  Cassie? Was this the ex Kenzie had begun to mention last week? The girlfriend from Aleck’s past?

  Before she could ask, or his mom could elaborate, the men began to return from the bathroom. Delonna could hear the slide of the walker in the hallway.

  Brenda stood and went to pull out her husband’s chair. Despite all the bickering from earlier, it was sweet to see the kiss she pressed against her husband’s temple when he was seated again. And the way he caught her hand and pressed a kiss to the knuckles.

  Delonna’s heart warmed a little, and she turned her attention back to her food, feeling almost intrusive on the tender moment.

  When dinner had ended, they sat in the living room for a bit, chatting, before the evening began to wind up.

  “Did you want a break, Ma?” Aleck asked. “We’ll stay with Da if you wanted to head to the pub for a pint?”

  Delonna had assumed his mother had been joking, but glancing at Brenda, she saw the other woman was clearly considering it.

  “Not tonight, son,” she finally said. “But if you don’t mind coming over tomorrow, it’ll give me a chance to run t
o the grocer.”

  “Of course we will,” Delonna answered, before Aleck could. “We’ll bring breakfast. Find a bakery with something tasty.”

  “Oh, if you’d pick up Starbucks, that’d be lovely!” His mother’s eyes lit up.

  “Starbucks?” Delonna repeated, a little surprised.

  “Aye, there’s one on the Royal Mile, not far from here. I do enjoy a good mocha.”

  “Oh, of course. We’ll grab some, um, Starbucks.”

  Delonna couldn’t help but smile. She’d come all the way from the Seattle area and her official first breakfast in Scotland was going to be from Starbucks.

  “But I’m sorry to say that we’re a bit tired tonight,” Brenda murmured. “Why don’t you kids go out and have some fun. Visit your cousin at his pub.”

  “Your cousin owns a pub too?” Delonna glanced at Aleck.

  “Aye. It’s all in the family.” He gave a lazy smile. “And I did promise we’d stop by if possible.”

  “Well I’m game if you are.”

  “Go,” Brenda encouraged. “Have fun.”

  “Have a pint for me,” Rodrick agreed. “Your ma is being quite stingy on allowing me my drink.”

  “You can’t be mixing alcohol with your meds, luv.”

  “Bah. I’ll not believe that for a moment.”

  “Right, then.” Aleck hesitated. “Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “Go.” Brenda waved them away. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The pub, it turned out, was within walking distance. The autumn night was chilly, but dry fortunately. Really, the climate didn’t seem altogether that different from the Pacific Northwest.

  Delonna was still drinking it all in, and glanced up in surprise as Aleck caught her hand, lacing his fingers through hers.

  “You were quite charming with my parents.”

  “Was I?”

  “Aye.”

  “Well, they’re lovely people.”

  “They can be obnoxious. Like with that grandchild comment.”

  “Oh yes.” She grinned. “That part where they not-so-tentatively threw out there that you may have knocked me up?”