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When Denny saw Alec and Molly hugging each other she felt as if she’d walked into a glass window. She gasped. She couldn’t stop herself.
Noticing her, the couple stepped apart. But Denny knew what she’d seen. They were hiding something from her. Or trying to. But what?
“Hello.” Alec smiled. A phony smile as far as Denny could see. Well, he was a phony, just like her last boyfriend. Leave it to her to set her sights on another phony. Which made Denny feel ashamed of herself for being taken in. Again.
Denny stood there gawking at them. “Well?” she finally said. “Will one of you tell me what’s going on.”
“In a couple of months, we’re moving to America.” Molly’s buoyant voice revealed excitement and happiness.
“Not as a couple,” Alec said. “As good friends.”
Did they expect Denny to believe them? She felt like laughing, but instead tears pressed at the back of her eyes.
“I hope you’re both very happy together.” Denny forced her words out but could not form her mouth into a genuine smile.
“We’ll be living in Connecticut with my sister and her husband.” Molly glanced to Alec. “They have an updated barn with bedrooms and a bathroom,” she said.
“That’s wonderful.” Denny reminded herself she didn’t need a man. Men were nothing but pond scum if the past was the best predictor of the future.
Denny decided to make a speedy exit, but as she turned to leave so did Alec. He stepped aside to let her pass. More proof that he couldn’t wait to be rid of her. She felt like kicking him in the shins. Not that it would help her cause in any way.
He took her upper arm. “What’s your hurry?” he asked.
Was this guy for real? “Let go of me.” She wrestled out of his grasp.
He released her arm. “Sorry, lassie.” He seemed to be staring at a speck on her shoulder. “No offense meant.”
Denny felt mortified and stupid. She looked into Alec’s handsome face and saw round eyes and a gaping jaw. Clearly, she had misjudged his innocent action.
“No, I’m the one who’s sorry,” Denny said.
“Something going on I should know about?” Molly’s hands clasped her hips.
Alec looked from woman to woman. “I’m afraid Denny’s got the wrong idea about us.”
“As would anyone, my wee man,” Molly said.
Alec narrowed his eyes at her. “I’m not your wee little anything. And I’ll thank you not to call me that. Ever again.”
“Since when did you get to be so uppity?” Molly’s dimples deepened. “A fine couple we’d make.”
Alec rotated toward Denny. “It’s not what you think.”
Denny bristled. “And how would you know what I think?” Denny used her sternest voice. “I don’t appreciate being caught in the middle of a lovers’ spat.”
Molly burst into a peel of laughter. Which stoked Denny into wrath. As far as she could see, both Molly and Alec were ridiculing her. Well, what did she care? All she wanted was to bring her darling puppy, Rosie, home with her to her bookshop. To build a thriving business. Was that out of the question without her father’s financial support and business savvy? She needed to get her priorities in order—that was one thing for sure.
Maybe Alec and Molly would help her if she played her cards right, as they say. She tried to convince herself they were suited for each other. Maybe Denny would die an old maid, but so be it. She wouldn’t be alone if she had Rosie to keep her company. She needed to get things squared away with Gordon. But how?
“Any news about Amanda?” she asked without actually looking into Alec’s or Molly’s eyes.
They both answered, “No,” simultaneously, proving to Denny what she already knew. They were a couple, joined at the hip, soon to move to America to be wed. Denny let out a deep sigh and admonished herself for being so silly. She tried to remember if any man had ever loved her and couldn’t come up with a single name. Not down-to-the-bone love.
She gathered herself up and stood tall. No more victim mentality. She wandered into the dining room and saw it as the perfect place for a wedding. Maybe Alec and Molly would get married before moving to America.
She imagined a huge wedding cake decorated just the way she’d wanted. Buttery icing and white flowers to match her wedding dress. She knew it was ridiculous for her to be daydreaming of her own wedding. I mean, who was the groom and who would give her away? But she allowed her musings to meander. Maureen could be her matron of honor, and Amanda could be her flower girl. She smiled at the thought of it, then recalled Amanda was still missing. Who knew what kind of trouble the girl could get herself into if left on her own? But for all Denny knew, Amanda had hitchhiked into town and had been invited into a Scottish home with other teenagers for a meal. She was enjoying chatting with her new friends. Denny wished she’d had such moxie at that age instead of caring so much about what all the other kids thought about her. If honest with herself, she still did care. Too much.
“Have you two decided to wait to get married until you get to the United States?” she asked them. “This room would be a perfect venue for a wedding.”
Molly scanned the dining room. “Aren’t you sweet?” She sidled up next to Denny. “If we did, would you wish to be one of my bridesmaids?”
“I could. But I didn’t bring clothing that would match the other women’s dresses.”
“No matter. As long as you enjoy music and can dance the Highland fling.”
“What?” Denny had at a young age attended a local Highland Games with the family. Her father had insisted they go as a family even though Denny complained because she wanted to hang out with a friend who had a swimming pool in her back yard. But once at the Highland Games, much to Denny’s surprise, she’d thoroughly enjoyed herself.
“Alec and I have won competitions dancing together.” Molly stood on one leg and raised her other and bent it at the knee. Then she pointed to her foot on her raised leg to demonstrate her superb balance and grace.
“I can’t dance worth a hoot.” Denny felt clumsy even speaking about her awkwardness. “I have two left feet.”
“You at least like bagpipes, don’t you?” Molly moved closer. “And the fiddle and the stock-and-horn.”
“I love the bagpipe. But I’ve never heard of that last one.”
“But surely you know what an accordion is and a tin whistle, and a cittern—it’s like a small guitar, only better because it makes one want to dance. You won’t be able to stop yourself.”
Denny did not appreciate being put on the spot but kept a smile upon her face. “I like bagpipes best.” Denny felt a yearning every time she heard the moaning of a distant bagpipe.
But dance to one at Molly and Alec’s wedding with a fake grin plastered on her face? That was a different matter.
“Let’s put this foolishness to sleep.” Alec turned his full attention to Denny. “Molly’s pulling your leg. We don’t plan to be wed. Ever.” As he peered into her eyes, Denny felt herself melt. “How can I redeem myself?” he asked.
“Are ya daft?” Molly stepped closer. “Get her Rosie—whatever it takes. She loves that little pup more than she loves you.”
“But Gordon is a man not easily swayed.”
“How about a nice game of poker?” Molly’s grin spread wide. “He can never resist cards or betting. Am I right?”
“But what would I use for collateral to buy chips? I can’t compete with Gordon. He’s got money coming out his ears.”