durable twill, it was similar to Iain’s utility kilts, but with more bells and whistles. Removable cargo pouches attached to loops at the belt and could be moved from hips to back to front depending on convenience. Metal latches for small tools like a tape measure attached to various points and could be adjusted. The pleating was kept to a minimum but would allow for easy movement.
“How do I get one?” Iain asked.
“I have one waiting for you made to the measurements of the kilt you lent me.”
“I’ll pay top dollar.”
“It’s on the house. I can’t wait to begin marketing them online. I expect to attract a younger generation to the kilthood.”
Iain and Mr. Timmerman exchanged a handshake. Girls and a few lads marched toward them in neat lines from the smallest to the tallest, turning and leaping in unison. At the front was Anna, performing the same moves but backward as she faced her pupils.
Smiles dominated, and in the back, Gabby’s smile was incandescent. Anna had been right to steer the girl back to dance. On the opposite side of the street, Gabby’s father surveyed the organized chaos with a stern expression. Iain could tell the moment Gabby’s father spotted her because his face softened, not into a smile perhaps, but into an expression Iain had seen often enough on his da’s face. It was combination of love and pride.
Anna drew even with him, her attention briefly settling on him. Relief banished the uncertainty he sensed in her eyes. With a start, he realized she too knew their time together was short. The street and sidewalks were full of people, yet in that pinprick of time, it was the two of them standing on opposite sides of a vastness neither one could breech.
She broke the connection and concentrated on leading her dancers like the Pied Piper. Iain took a step back, then another, retreating from the parade to the accompaniment of “Scotland the Brave.” Irony was his specialty.
After arriving back at Stonehaven, he checked in with the contractors and confirmed the vendor stalls and stage would be ready by the morning. Another shower followed to prepare for the whisky tasting party. He was straightening his sporran when a knock sounded on his bedroom door.
“You disappeared this afternoon.” With her shoulder propped against the frame and her arms crossed, Anna emitted both exasperation and affection.
She was lovely in a strapless bodice and full skirt, both in emerald green. An intricate gold brooch held a length of green and black plaid draped over her shoulder in a traditional touch. Her red hair was pinned up loosely, tendrils curling around her face and at the nape of her neck.
“I needed to make sure we stayed on schedule here.” The lameness of the excuse made him wince a smile. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She performed a graceful twirl into the room. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself. Are you ready?”
“I hope I don’t embarrass you during the waltz.” He took her hands and rubbed his thumbs along the soft skin of her palms. Steely strength in a delicate package.
“Don’t worry, I’m not easily embarrassed. As long as you don’t spin and show everyone what you don’t wear under your kilt, I’ll be happy.”
He groaned. “That was one time, and it was hot. I am covered tonight.”
“That’s a darn shame.” She tilted her head back to grin up at him. “I had inappropriate plans to take advantage of you in some dark corner.”
His laugh was half-hearted. “Will you respect me in the morning if I admit that I’m terrified of a bloody dance?”
She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and tugged him toward the door. “No need to be scared. We’ll muddle through it together. I won’t leave you hanging, I promise.”
Her lighthearted promise reminded him of other promises made, and his mood spiraled further into nerves and dread.
A crowd had gathered outside of the venue. Most of the men were in their finest Scottish regalia and the women were in fancy dresses with vibrant touches of plaid. Dr. Jameson stood at the door, a whisky-soaked smile on his face, and greeted everyone as they entered. Anna knitted her fingers with Iain’s and drew him forward.
While they had done nothing to hide their relationship, neither had they flaunted it through town. Iain’s surprise was doused by a flooding warmth that made him stand taller. Any man would be proud to be at Anna’s side and thankful to be invited into her bed.