Every move they had rehearsed was perfect, and the crowd sang along and cheered, which seemed to buoy their mood. Their final move finished with a bang and they stood still, as practised, while the crowd erupted in screaming applause. Olivia had taught them to hold it for that extra moment longer. Despite their excitement and the audience’s response, they kept still.
‘Go, guys!’ she yelled, and watched as they relaxed and smiled, running around the stage excitedly hugging each other. There was just one more act to follow, then the judges would decide. In less than an hour they would know who the winners were.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Kitty’s eyes snapped open at seven o’clock on the dot. Logan was lying next to her fast asleep, and she leaned gently across to kiss his lips. He stirred briefly but didn’t wake. The prospect of everyone coming together today to celebrate was exciting. She was thrilled that she and Olivia were able to host a party to thank everyone for their support. Hop and Scotch hadwonthe competition, and Kitty wasn’t sure who was more excited — the adults or the kids. Their celebrations had gone on until late and everyone had gone to the ceilidh, which had been great fun, albeit exhausting. Kitty and Logan had sneaked off before it finished. Ellen had insisted she wanted to stay until the end with Olivia, who had managed to master ‘The Eightsome Reel’ and ‘The Dashing White Sergeant’ in record time.
Kitty couldn’t wait for all their friends to gather with them later for a celebratory barbecue. She wasn’t sure why she had worried about Ellen’s visit. Her friend had slotted right in, and she and Olivia had hit it off immediately. Kitty contemplated a quick shower, but when Logan opened his eyes and pulled her towards his chest, she decided there was no real rush to get up after all.
‘Great night,’ he said. ‘In fact, what a brilliant day. Well, aside from that pillock turning up.’
‘Yip,’ said Kitty. ‘Mind you, Olivia seemed to be okay. Just as well she had the kids to distract her.’
‘That dance was incredible. She’s clearly brilliant at what she does.’
‘I know. Thank goodness the kids won. They all deserved to after the amount of hard work they’d put in.’
Logan gently wrapped a lock of Kitty’s hair around his finger. ‘They were so excited.’
‘I know. She made such an impact on them. And me . . . I’ll miss her,’ admitted Kitty. ‘I’ve got a lot to thank her for.’ Her voice threatened to crack as she realised the significance of OliviaandLogan coming into her life. ‘Logan . . .’
‘Uh-huh,’ he said, his voice sleepy.
‘Thank you for helping me realise it’s okay to take chances . . . and that I’m more resilient than I think.’ She took a moment to gather herself. ‘I feel like I can grab life again, and perhaps be a little more like you.’
‘In what way?’ he asked, hoisting himself up on his elbow to look at her properly.
‘More adventurous and free-spirited.’
‘Mmm.’ He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘I’d say you’re already both of those.’ He dipped his mouth to kiss her. ‘Can I make a confession?’
Kitty blinked. ‘Okay . . .’
‘Don’t worry, it’s a good confession.’ He took a deep breath. ‘I want to be more grounded and calm. Like you. I feel so happy when I’m with you, Kitty.’
Kitty smiled and relaxed back into his arms. She could tell how sincere he was. His words came from the heart. Neither spoke as they lay there, content holding each other. Then she hooked her leg over his and pulled him even closer.
* * *
That afternoon everyone was in a joyful mood as they gathered in the garden of Lilybank Cottage. Logan, Ellen, Olivia and Kitty had all worked as a team making a huge salad, prepping meat and taking blankets and chairs out to the garden to make sure the guests had somewhere to sit. Despite the cloudy morning, with rain threatening to fall, there were now only a few fluffs of white in the sky. The fresh breeze from earlier had also disappeared — it was now still and pleasantly warm.
James, Fergus and Kirsty’s husband, Steve, insisted they would help Logan with the actual barbecue.
‘Because that’s not a cliché,’ said Amelia, rolling her eyes and kissing Fergus on the cheek.
Kitty loved seeing how smitten her cousin was, and how much Amelia kept him in check. It was refreshing to watch. ‘I guess they like to think they’re being useful,’ she said, smirking.
Pudding was a choice of Kitty’s brownies or Ellen’s vanilla cheesecake, and Edie also arrived with a huge box of meringues and several punnets of strawberries.
Meanwhile, Granny Margaret, Isobel and Bella had arrived with several bags of clinking bottles, insisting that they had to bring something.
‘We wouldn’t have dreamed of turning up empty-handed. This is just a few wee bits and pieces to help get the party started,’ said Isobel, unpacking what looked like most of the Co-op’s alcohol aisle.
They set up a makeshift bar in the kitchen and busied themselves making sure everyone’s drinks were topped up. When Kitty had last been inside, Bella was teaching Edie and Amelia how to make cocktails. The latest one was a Long Island iced tea.
Outside, Alex was sitting in a shaded corner of the garden, playing what looked like a very intense game of cards with Ellen. Amy and Kirsty watched in fascination.
‘Your dad isverygood at this,’ admitted Ellen, sounding not best pleased. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve had such a challenging game.’
