Page 72 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
“Finally!” Keira exclaims the second she sees me. “We were starting to think you weren’t coming.”
She jumps to her feet and grabs my arm.
“I had appointments,” I reply. “A depressed cat and a dog with stomach problems. Sorry if that doesn’t count as an emergency in your world.”
Emma gestures toward an armchair.
“Hey, Mary. Sit down.”
“We have a problem!” Keira blurts dramatically as she collapses back onto the couch.
I roll my eyes.
“Obviously.”
I settle into the armchair across from them and cross my legs.
“So? What is it this time? Maggie wants to marry off Hamish? Ragnar bit someone?”
Keira shakes her head.
“We want to throw a baby shower for Jane.”
I stare at them, waiting for the rest.
Nothing comes.
“And?”
“And Mom is absolutely refusing,” Keira adds.
“Ah.”
I sink deeper into the chair while eyeing the plate of freshly baked scones on the table.
“Let me guess: Isobel thinks it’s vulgar, American, and against every sacred Scottish tradition she inherited from her own mother.”
Emma nods.
“Almost word for word. She says back in her day, people waited until the baby was born before celebrating anything. That it’s tempting fate. And that Jane should adapt to Scottish customs now that she lives here.”
“Jane is seven months pregnant,” I say calmly. “And she’s American. Baby showers matter to her, don’t they?”
Keira practically explodes.
“That’s exactly what I told her! But she refuses to listen. She says if we give in now, soon everyone will want baby showers and Scottish traditions will disappear.”
I suppress a smile.
“Your mother has always had a flair for drama.”
I lean forward and grab a scone, taking a large bite without ceremony.
“Mary, this is serious. Jane hasn’t said anything, but I know she’d love a baby shower. Her family’s in America. She can’t fly home for one. We’re all she has here.”
Emma leans toward me.
“We need you to convince Isobel. Or at least help us find a compromise.”
