Page 172 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
The collective excitement is contagious.
Half an hour later, a massive bonfire crackles in the field west of the castle. Dozens of people gather around the flames, some sitting on blankets, others standing with drinks in hand. Children weave between the adults laughing loudly.
Someone pulls out bagpipes.
Someone else a fiddle.
Another a bodhrán.
The music begins, lively and joyful.
I let myself get swept up in it all, laughing with my cousins. The cool night air wakes me up a little. Firelight throws dancing shadows across people’s faces.
There’s something magical about this scene.
All these clans together.
Music echoing through the Scottish night.
The warmth of so many people gathered in one place.
I automatically scan the firelit faces.
Still no Finn.
He really must be asleep.
Good for him.
I decide to enjoy the evening.
A man I don’t know offers me a glass of whisky. I accept with a grateful smile and sip it slowly while listening to the conversations around me. Everyone’s talking about tomorrow’sGames, the competitions, friendly bets over who’ll throw the caber the farthest.
The music grows louder and faster.
Couples begin forming to dance.
And suddenly I hear my name.
“Mary!”
I turn around.
My cousins are approaching laughing, and with them?—
Jamie MacNeil.
My heart jumps.
This time from genuine happy surprise.
“Jamie! You’re still here? I thought you’d disappear as fast as possible after today!”
He laughs, looking relaxed and happy.
“And miss the best night Glenfield’s had in years? Are you kidding?”
Cameron nudges me toward him.
