by Hannah Ellis
“Thanks!” Isla thrust her glass at her. “You can definitely help with this. I’ll be slurring the words when I say my vows if I’m not careful. I like your dress too.”
Lexie chuckled. “I hear that re-using bridesmaid’s dresses is all the rage.” She glanced back the way she’d come. “I think I was followed, by the way.”
Kyle’s excited face appeared at the top of the steps.
“Oh my goodness, don’t you all look divine.” He paused, clutching his hands at his chest. “I don’t know who to hug first so why don’t you all come here and we’ll have a group hug?” He opened his arms wide, beaming at them.
Isla exchanged a wide-eyed look with Lexie, then gave Leana a gentle nudge towards him, at the same time taking a discreet step away. He pulled Leana and Elspeth into an embrace, while the rest of them looked on in amusement.
“It’s great to see you,” Isla said. “And you look really good too.”
“Oh, I know. I look very dapper, don’t I?” He looked down at himself and sighed. “And you should see Justin. I think I’m the luckiest man in the world today.”
“I think that’s supposed to be Logan,” Elspeth said.
“What are we all doing up here, anyway?” Kyle asked. “It’s crawling with men in kilts down in the castle. I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven!”
“I’m calming my nerves with champagne,” Isla said.
“I suppose I can get on board with that.” He took the bottle from Leana and drank from it, then grinned at them. “It’s so good to be back with you all. Being with my Mackenzie family feels like home.” He opened his arms again. “Come on, let’s have a proper group hug.”
Laughing, they all backed away from him.
Thankfully, Nelly appeared at the top of the stairs. “I want to get a few photos of you up here,” she said, looking to Isla. “Then I think you’re expected downstairs.”
“Oh my God!” Kyle crooned. “I’m so excited I think I might die!”
Chapter Forty-Three
The atmosphere in the banqueting hall in Eilean Donan Castle was magical. Even Arran stayed calmly on Rory’s lap, seeming to be mesmerised by the sudden hush as Isla arrived at the front of the room to stand beside Logan. The main lights in the room had been dimmed, making the effect of the candles around the room even more striking.
Gentle light spilled through the jars, splashing the colours from the sea glass onto the floor around them. The green and yellow puddles of light shimmered and flickered, making the whole room glow.
After walking down the aisle ahead of Isla, Elspeth had joined Rory at the end of the front row of seats. As the ceremony began, she was transfixed by the candles at the edge of the room.
She was pulled from her trance by Rory’s hand covering hers. Her heart began to beat faster and she was torn between the desire to pull away or to cling to him. That was her default state recently. She wanted to cling to everything she knew and loved, but she also wanted to run away and leave everything behind. When she didn’t respond to Rory’s touch, he withdrew his hand. A lone tear rolled down Elspeth’s cheek and her hand searched for Rory’s.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, so quietly she wasn’t even sure he’d hear. His fingers curled around hers, and she caught his eye for a moment. Part of her still loved him. She just didn’t love him enough. The feeling of needing to be around him all the time had vanished as soon as he’d moved in with them. Now she craved the opposite. She wanted time to herself, and she never seemed to get it.
As more tears pooled in her eyes, Elspeth switched her attention to the front of the room. If she was going to cry, she should cry at the beautiful ceremony, not at the mess she was making of her life. At the look of adoration on Logan’s face as he said his vows, Elspeth lost it completely and had to reach for a tissue. She leaned into Rory when he pulled her close, resting her head on his shoulder and smiling at Arran as he tucked into a packet of sweets, perched on Rory’s knee.
“I love you,” Rory said, planting a kiss at her hairline. It only made her cry even more, and she was holding a collection of soaked tissues by the time the ceremony came to an end.
“Are you okay?” Rory asked, while the guests filed out of the room behind Logan and Isla. There was a champagne reception in the courtyard while the room was set up for dinner and dancing later.
“Yes.” She forced a smile as she stood to follow the crowd out of the room. With her tears out of the way, she was determined to put her problems aside and celebrate with Isla and Logan.
“Let’s get a drink,” Rory said, with a hand on the small of her back.
She was halfway through her glass of champagne when Isla rushed across the courtyard towards her.
“I’ve just seen them taking the cake through,” she said, nodding towards the staff who were hurrying in and out of the banqueting hall. “Come on. I want to see it.” Grabbing at Elspeth’s hand, she dragged her along behind her.
The staff were still setting tables for the wedding breakfast, but the cake had been set up on a table at the side of the room.
“What do you think?” Elspeth asked when they stood in front of it. Even after the last-minute rush to fix it, she was still proud of how it had come out. But that didn’t necessarily mean Isla would like it.
“I love it,” Isla finally said, not taking her eyes from the cake. Her lips twitched slowly upwards. “I don’t know how you can sculpt marzipan so it looks like people, but it’s amazing. I love Jasper too, and the boat and the flowers. The sea glass is stunning. Everything about it is perfect.” She turned to face Elspeth. “Sorry, I made such a fuss about you making it.”
“That’s okay.”
“You’re the best sister in the world,” Isla said happily.
“I heard that!” Leana said as she walked towards them.
Isla looped an arm around Elspeth’s waist and pulled Leana towards her at the other side. “I have the two best sisters in the world,” she said.
“Marriage seems to have changed you already,” Leana said mockingly. “Why are you being so nice? It’s unsettling.”
“Don’t worry, it’s only for today. I’ll be back to my usual self tomorrow.” Isla dragged them into a hug, which was interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind them. Kyle was standing with his hands on his hips, looking very serious.
“Don’t tell me you’re having a group hug without me?” he said with a frown.
“I guess not for much longer,” Elspeth said, then laughed with her sisters as Kyle wrapped his arms around the three of them.
After that, Elspeth spent most of the evening laughing, which felt like light relief. Away from work and home, she could let herself relax. Maybe it was the champagne, but everything started to feel better.
“It’ll probably be you next,” her mum said to her as the two of them sat at a table beside the dancefloor, late in the evening. Arran danced around with Rory, still full of energy and not showing any signs of waning.
“What?” Elspeth asked, peeling her gaze away from Rory and Arran to look at Christine.
“I reckon it will be you and Rory getting married next. That’s what I’d put my money on.”
Elspeth smiled lightly. “If Alasdair doesn’t ask Leana soon I think he’s going to be in trouble.”
“I think he’s already in trouble on that score, but I still think it’ll be you next.”
Elspeth wished she was as confident on the matter. Not long ago she’d have been delighted at the prospect.
“I need a rest!” Rory panted as he walked over and flopped onto the chair beside Elspeth.
Arran chased after him, then took Christine’s hand, pulling her up to dance when it was obvious Rory wasn’t going to swing him around the dancefloor any longer.
“I’m done in,” Rory said, relaxing further into the chair.
“You look it,” Elspeth said, automatically reaching a hand to his red cheek. A sheen of sweat glistened at his hairline and his shirt collar
was damp. As she went to pull her hand away, Rory took it and kissed her palm.
He looked her right in the eyes. “What you said this morning, about not knowing what I’m thinking …”
“We don’t have to talk about it now,” Elspeth cut in.
Ignoring her, he carried on. “I’ve been avoiding the subject because I didn’t want to believe it was real. You’ve been so stressed with work, and I was hoping that once things had calmed down again, we’d be able to figure things out.” She tried to interrupt but he wouldn’t let her. “I know you were used to parenting Arran alone, and it’s hard to have me around, making decisions and setting rules for him. I’m trying not to step on your toes, but I think it’s just going to take some time for us all to adjust.”
“That’s not the problem,” Elspeth said. “You’re a brilliant dad and a great boyfriend. And of course we’re all figuring things out still, but I don’t have a problem with you setting rules for Arran.”
His features looked pained. “I sort of wish I had some traits which were driving you crazy – at least then I’d know how to fix things.”
“I know it sounds really cliché, but it’s really not you. And I wish I could tell you exactly what the problem is, but I just feel a bit of a mess.”
“I don’t want to move out,” he said, lowering his voice and leaning closer. “Do you think we can work things out?”
“I’m not sure,” Elspeth said.
“Do you want to try?” he asked. “Because I’d honestly do anything to work things out. I’ll stay in the spare room and we can take some time and see if we can fix things.”
She nodded slowly.
“You want to try?” he asked with an uncertain smile.
“Yes. I can’t promise anything, but I’d like to try.” Partly she wanted to try for Arran’s sake, but she also wasn’t quite ready to give up on them yet.
Slowly, she moved closer until her lips met his. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d kissed, but his lips were familiar and comforting.
“Can I push my luck and ask you to dance?” he said with his nose beside hers.
“Go on then.” She interlocked her fingers with his and followed him to the dancefloor as the music slowed.
“Never in a million years would I have put those two together,” Logan remarked as he swayed with Isla in the middle of the room. Isla followed his gaze to Nick and Lexie who were dancing nearby. Nick twirled Lexie under his arm then pulled her into his chest, both of them laughing and beaming at each other.
“They look so happy,” Isla said.
“Yeah.” Logan smiled as Sherry and Keith waltzed past them. “I’m glad Sherry made it,” he said. “She feels like family.”
“Aye. She seems to have had a great day. She’s been chatting to everyone.” Isla grazed her fingers across the back of Logan’s neck. “I had a great day too.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “I should have realised you wouldn’t want a big wedding. As soon as I saw all the guests sitting in here, I knew it wasn’t your thing. I’d wanted everything to be perfect, but I didn’t really think it through.”
“It was perfect,” Isla said. “And I’m glad you didn’t think too much about what I would want.”
“I should have asked you instead of barrelling on with everything.”
She gave a small shake of the head. “I like that you push me out of my comfort zone sometimes. I would never have chosen a big wedding, but I’ve honestly loved every minute of it. I’d do it all again tomorrow if I could.”
“I was actually planning on spending most of tomorrow in bed.” He licked his bottom lip and gave her a flirty smile.
“That sounds good too.” She sighed and closed the gap between them. “Can you believe it’s more than five years since the first time we danced here?”
Logan pressed his cheek against hers. “Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and sometimes it feels like another lifetime.”
“I know what you mean.” She inhaled the scent of him, feeling utterly content in his arms. The first time they’d been there together, Logan had told her he loved her and she’d felt as though she’d never be happier than she was in that moment. But five years later, she was sure she’d outdone herself.
As the song came to an end, she drew back, gazing into his eyes just as she’d done the first time they were there. “I love you, Logan Donnell.”
He lowered his head until his forehead touched hers. “I love you too, Isla Donnell.”
A note from the author
Dear reader,
Thanks so much for reading Finding Hope at the Loch. For those of you who have also read my Hope Cove series I hope you enjoyed catching up with Tara and James in this book. I always enjoy interweaving storylines, so interweaving the two series was a lot of fun.
This part of Tara and James’s story fits in between books 6 and 7 in the Hope Cove series.
I’m very happy to tell you that there will be another Loch Lannick book releasing at the end of August 2021. There will also be a new Hope Cove book in May 2021.
Keep reading for more information on upcoming releases …
Don’t miss the next book in the Loch Lannick series …
Fragile Hearts by the Loch (Book 8)
How long does it take to mend a broken heart?
Jess expects life on the Isle of Skye to be calm and peaceful. But when she falls for her colleague things quickly become complicated. Rory comes with a whole load of baggage, but she just can’t seem to stay away from him.
When Elspeth is forced to take a break from work, she evaluates what her future holds. As her relationship with Rory begins to feel irreparable, they’re forced to admit it might be time to move on.
Leana’s trip to America should be a relaxing, romantic getaway. Instead, she learns that she and Alasdair have different ideas about their future. As she travels home alone she reflects on what’s truly important to her.
Sometimes it takes almost losing the one we love to make us realise what we really want …
Available here: https://mybook.to/LochBook8
Winter Wishes in Hope Cove
Hope Cove book 7
A warm and uplifting winter romance
All Emily wants for her wedding is a low-key celebration with family and friends. But with a best friend like Josie, it’s no surprise that there’s a touch of drama to the day.
Meanwhile, Tara is dealing with problems of her own. In a bid to face up to her past, she sets out to make amends with her estranged father and reunite with her half siblings. Thankfully she has James to support her when times get tough.
For Lizzie, a career opportunity feels like a dream come true. But her excitement is thwarted when Max announces a different vision for their future.
As the friends come together to celebrate the start of a new year, there’s laughter, love and baked goods aplenty.
What more could anyone wish for?
Available here: https://mybook.to/HopeCoveBook7
Also by Hannah Ellis
The Hope Cove Series
The Cottage at Hope Cove (Book 1)
Escape to Oakbrook Farm (Book 2)
Summer at The Old Boathouse (Book 3)
Whispers at the Bluebell Inn (Book 4)
The House on Lavender Lane (Book 5)
The Bookshop of Hopes and Dreams (Book 6)
Winter Wishes in Hope Cove (Book 7)
The Loch Lannick Series
Coming Home to the Loch (Book 1)
The Castle by the Loch (Book 2)
Fireworks over the Loch (Book 3)
The Cafe at the Loch (Book 4)
Secrets at the Loch (Book 5)
Surprises at the Loch (Book 6)
Finding Hope at the Loch (Book 7)
Fragile Hearts by the Loch (Book 8)
Always With You (Standalone novel)
The Friends Like These Series
Friends Like These (Book 1)
Christmas with Friends (Book 2)
My Kind of Perfect (Book 3)
A Friend in Need (Book 4)
The Lucy Mitchell Series
Beyond the Lens (Book 1)
Beneath These Stars (Book 2)
All of Hannah’s books can be found here:
http://Author.to/HannahEllis
Hannah has also written a series of children’s books aimed at 5-9 year olds under the pen name, Hannah Sparks. You can find the first book in that series here: https://mybook.to/WhereDragonsFly
About the Author
When she’s not writing, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and kids. She loves to read and also enjoys yoga and jogging. And tea … she really loves a good cup of tea!
Hannah can be found online at the following places:
Twitter: @BooksEllis
Facebook: @authorhannahellis
Instagram: @authorhannahellis
Website: www.authorhannahellis.com
Feel free to contact Hannah at any of the above or email her at this address:
[email protected]
If you’d like to be kept up to date with news about Hannah’s books you can sign up to her mailing list through her website:
www.authorhannahellis.com/newsletter