London Tides: A Novel (The MacDonald Family Trilogy Book 2) (21 page)

Marjorie’s expression softened. She crossed the room and placed a hand on his chest. “I know you think I’m impossibly cruel, Son, and shallow. But I knew what kind of person she was from the first time I met her. I knew she would break your heart. And I was right.”

She could not have said anything to surprise him more. He looked down into her face and saw genuine concern etched there. His mother was worried about him? He’d always assumed her matchmaking was out of consideration for her image and social status. But the slump of her shoulders held weariness. The set of her jaw revealed pain.

“You haven’t been the same since she left you,” Marjorie said quietly. “And I’m afraid this time when she leaves, it will break you. I love you, Ian. I don’t want to see your love for this woman—as little as I can understand it—destroy you for good.”

He put his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him in surprise, and he gently put his arms around her. She might be meddling and sometimes cruel, but she was still his mother. She cared about him. She worried about him, even if she didn’t manage to show it properly most of the time.

“Mum, you have to trust me. She’s changed.”

“I know you think so. But people like that don’t change. You believe because they say you’re the one, you’ll come first in their lives.”

“Are we talking about Dad?”

Marjorie pulled away and wandered over to a picture on one of the polished antique tables. It must have been either Jamie’s or Serena’s idea to include the family photo in the decor, this one showing the five of them in Scotland, before she and Duncan MacDonald had divorced. Before Marjorie had forced the children to choose between their parents.

“I know you think I did the wrong thing. But I loved your father. More than you could ever know. I thought I could give up everything for him, and maybe I could have.” She turned toward him with a wry smile. “The problem was, he couldn’t give up anything for me. Scotland and his music always came first. His students always came first. When I realized we had been married twenty years, and he had never once been willing to sacrifice anything to make us a family … I couldn’t do it any longer.”

Ian felt as if he had been punched in the gut. He knew it was true. He had heard her say it before, and he had defended her to Jamie more than once. Hadn’t he seen how the divorce had affected her? When they’d moved to London, she hadn’t left her bedroom for a month. But somehow—

Somehow he had never made the connection between his father and Grace.

Would Grace’s work always come between them? Would she really be able to sacrifice the thing that gave her life meaning?

Or would she leave him again?

“I’m sorry, Ian. I really wish I could give my blessing. But, Son, some people are not cut out for marriage. I would be willing to bet that Grace is one of them.”

He looked out the window where she waited, camera in hand, gazing out over the twilit water. Recalled how she had stopped him in the middle of Piccadilly Circus to say she loved him, dissipating for the first time the shadow of the past between them.

“I can’t believe that, Mum. I appreciate your concern. But I love Grace. And I’m going to marry her.”

“I respect that. But you will do it without me.”

Ian pressed his lips together. It was what he had expected, but part of him had thought he could make her come around. “Very well, then. Jamie and Serena can represent my family. I hope someday you’ll realize what a mistake you’ve made.”

He strode from the foyer and joined Grace outside. “Come, sweetheart. Let’s take a drive before anyone misses us.”

She searched his face, her forehead creasing. “Is everything okay?”

“Fine. Better than fine. Let’s go.”

Grace climbed into the car, puzzled by the sudden frenetic energy in Ian’s body. “Are we leaving?”

“Not for long. Besides, the party will go until the wee hours. No one will expect us to stick around now that Jamie and Andrea have retired for the night.”

“That was your mother inside, wasn’t it?” Grace chewed her bottom lip. “I shouldn’t have come. I never meant to ruin what should have been a peaceful family occasion.”

“You didn’t ruin anything. I wanted you here, and everyone but Mum understands that.”

Grace soon realized he’d chosen a route that led away from the hotel. “Where are we going?”

“A little spot I like here.”

She flicked a glance at him. He’d never shown any particular desire to explore Skye, although he’d offered to show her around if she wanted to take photos. Her heart began to thud nervously against her rib cage when she sensed this was not merely a sightseeing trip.

When he finally pulled off the highway onto the verge, she drew in her breath. The sky was still light in the distance, showering the dark water with shades of orange and gold. He climbed out of the car, then helped her from the passenger side. When she shivered at the rush of cool air, he immediately draped his formal jacket over her shoulders. She nestled into his side beneath his arm and looked out onto the dark water of the Sound.

“Something tells me you didn’t bring me here to look at the scenery. And while I’d love to think this was just an elaborate way to get me alone, I rather doubt that as well.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple, then fumbled for the clasp on his sporran. “I was going to wait to do this. I didn’t want to take anything away from Jamie and Andrea, but now I simply can’t wait.”

She straightened when she saw the jewelry box in his hand. “Ian?”

For the first time in recent memory, he actually looked nervous. When he took her hand, his serious expression stole her breath. “I know this might seem sudden. But I fell in love with you when I was too young and too stupid to know what I had in front of me. I loved you when you walked away, and I’ve loved you every minute thereafter.”

Her hand drifted to her neck, as if that would help loosen the lump in her throat. She couldn’t manage a sound, but he didn’t look to be done yet.

“Grace, the only thing that has ever mattered to me is you. And if you will let me, I will spend the rest of my life making up the time we lost.” He sank down to one knee in the gravel and opened the box. “Will you marry me?”

She could barely process what was happening. He was wearing a kilt, a tuxedo shirt, and a very earnest expression, all the while holding a box that obviously contained a ring she couldn’t see clearly in the dim light. When she opened her mouth to reply, the only thing that emerged was hysterical laughter.

His expression turned to dismay. “Grace?”

She forced herself to be serious. “I’m sorry. You caught me off guard, Ian. I don’t need an elaborate set up or a fancy proposal. All I need is you.”

The lines of his forehead smoothed. “Does that mean …?”

“Yes. It means that I will marry you.” Her smile stretched so wide it threatened to permanently cramp her face. “It also means you can get up now.”

“Oh, thank God. The verge is gravel, and I’m not wearing trousers.” He straightened, then removed the ring and slid it onto her finger. “I love you, Grace.”

“And I love you.” She lifted her face to him, waiting for his kiss. His lips moved over hers softly, tenderly, and she barely dared to breathe as she drank him in. When he drew back an inch, she held her hand up so the ring caught the light.

“It’s different!” A delicate knot work band cradled the diamond, which was surrounded by dozens of tiny ones.

“Same diamonds, same metal, just remade. With a little added to the band for strength.”

Her vision swam in an unexpected wash of tears. He’d kept her engagement ring all these years and then had it remade into something new? Her heart felt too full to speak for several moments. “That might be the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

“That was the response I’d been hoping for.” He pressed another series of kisses to her lips, her cheek, the spot beneath her ear, and she pressed into him while his fingertips grazed her back beneath the jacket.

“I’m sorry I laughed at you. I didn’t take you for grand gestures and getting down on one knee and all that.”

“What can I say? I was moved by the moment.” His lips were brushing her neck in a deliciously slow path to her exposed collarbone. “You seem to bring out the unexpected in me.”

“You mean I broke the curse of the suit?” Her voice came out shaky. It was getting harder to think by the second.

His laughter rumbled in his chest, and she felt him smile against her skin. “I’m not wearing a suit now.”

“True. So perhaps we can thank the national menswear of Scotland.”

“Never underestimate the power of tartan.” His mouth found hers once more, conveying a level of need that mirrored her own, obliterating every last sensible thought. When he let her go, she almost moaned in frustration.

“We need to go back now, I think. While I can still act like a gentleman.”

She wasn’t quite sure she wanted him to be a gentleman, and that thought alone was enough to make her reach for the door handle. He waited until she gathered herself into the car, then shut the door behind her. She spent the time it took for him to reach the driver’s side to give herself a stern mental lecture. The ring on her finger changed nothing.

Except it changed everything. A thrill of excitement shot through her, mixing with terror. Could she do this? Could she finally be the person he needed? The person he deserved?

Then he leaned over to kiss her, sweetly and carefully, and she shoved down the fear. No. She wouldn’t let their past come between them. She wouldn’t let her own failures ruin what should be the best night of her life.

“Ready? I imagine it’s late enough, we could avoid most of the questions.”

“Until morning at least.” She held her hand up to admire the sparkle of the impossibly large diamond, once more touched by the thought he’d put into it. It must have taken weeks. “Wait, how long ago did you have this made?”

“Over a month ago.”

More than a month. Which meant just after she’d told him she loved him. Her heart clenched. So much faith in her, so much willingness to accept her back. It struck her with the deep conviction that she didn’t deserve him.

And the deep determination to try.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ian woke early, showered and changed, and then paced the perimeter of his room while waiting for the clock to show something approximating a reasonable hour. He could only guess what his family would say when they glimpsed the ring on Grace’s finger. Muriel and Serena would be pleased. Mum, on the other hand …

Ian had made it clear that he intended to marry Grace, and Mum had made it equally clear she wouldn’t support that decision. Whether she came around or not was irrelevant. He wasn’t going to let anything else steal more of his time with Grace than he had lost already.

When the clock finally clicked over to 7:00 a.m., he gave up and knocked on Grace’s door. It swung open immediately.

“Good morning,” she said, bracing her shoulder against the doorframe. She was already dressed, her hair tucked under her signature cap, though she actually wore a touch of makeup today.

“Sleep well?” he asked, moving in for a morning kiss.

“Not at all.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and combed her fingers through the short hair at his nape, sending shivers down his spine. This woman was most definitely going to be the death of him. “It must have been the weight of this rock on my hand.”

His heart lifted at her teasing tone. Part of him had worried that in the light of morning, she would regret accepting his proposal. Had she not been a captive here without a car or public transport, he might have questioned whether she’d be waiting for him at all.

“If we go down now, we might have some time to ourselves before the others wake.” He nuzzled her neck, inhaling the scent of her skin and wishing he didn’t have to share her so quickly. He wanted to keep the news of their engagement to himself for a little longer.

She pulled back with a smile. “I’m hungry. Let’s go see what there is below.”

Coffee, tea, and pastries awaited them, along with most of his family. Serena and Muriel already sat at one of the larger tables by the window, Em and Max positioned between them.

“Morning,” Muriel greeted them brightly. She looked as cheery and healthy as always. Maybe they had been making too big of an issue over a little fatigue. “You two are up early.”

Ian pulled out a chair for Grace at the table for two beside the others, just close enough to talk. “It’s so bright here compared to London. I barely slept. I forget how it is up north.”

“Mmm.” Serena hid her smile in her teacup.

“What?”

“You didn’t think we’d miss the ring, did you?” Serena shot a significant look at Grace’s hand on top of the table.

Grace quickly whisked her hand into her lap. “Don’t make a big fuss over it, please. We don’t want to draw attention away from the newlyweds. And your mum—”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Muriel said, her voice a touch stiff. “Marjorie left last night, and the happy couple started out at dawn. They have a flight out of Inverness this morning.”

“Besides, you deserve to celebrate your news.” Serena rose from her chair and pressed Grace into an awkward hug. “Congratulations. I’m so pleased for you two.”

Grace’s expression turned to surprise, and Ian suspected the fleeting glimmer in her eyes were tears. At that moment, he’d never loved his sister more. He put his arms around Serena and kissed the top of her head. “Thanks, Sis.”

Serena squeezed him back. “Be good to her, Ian. I want to see both of you happy.”

Muriel replaced Serena and patted his cheek. “About time you two figured it out. Be happy and well. And don’t tarry on your way to the altar.”

He choked down his laugh, even as gratitude toward the women in his family filled him. No warnings, just sincere congratulations. And by Grace’s expression, she was equally touched.

Other guests began to file into the room: family and friends, some of whom Ian didn’t know particularly well. The ones who noticed the ring on Grace’s hand offered hearty congratulations, though there were as many surprised looks as smiles. After an hour of lingering over pastries and rapidly cooling tea, Ian couldn’t take it any longer.

“Shall we go pack? We’ll be driving through the night if we don’t leave soon.”

“Good idea.” Grace stood and tossed her napkin on the table before shooting a look to Muriel and Serena. “Shall we come say good-bye at the house?”

“Please do.” Something sympathetic surfaced in Serena’s expression, but she said no more.

When they reached Grace’s door, Ian asked, “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? I can’t blame anyone for being surprised you would marry someone like me.”

He placed his hands on her waist to keep her from turning away. “You mean, a talented, beautiful, sexy, intelligent, and witty woman? Frankly, the idea I wouldn’t want you is an insult to my intelligence.”

“Good one.” She lifted her face for a kiss, which he was more than happy to supply. “Let me pack. I’ll knock when I’m finished.”

Ian had already hung his clothing from the day before in a garment bag, so now he folded his pajama bottoms and shaving kit into the suitcase and then sat on the edge of the bed to wait. After a moment’s hesitation, he pulled out his mobile and texted Jamie.

Asked Grace to marry me. (She said yes.)

Anxiety churned in his stomach while he waited for the return text. And then came a handful of messages, one after another.

Congratulations! About time! We love Grace.

Well, not all of us. Was Mother furious?

Andrea says you need to text a picture of the ring.

Ian laughed softly at the last one.
Mum knows I was going to ask and refuses to attend the wedding. Thanks for the support. Tell Andrea I’ll work on the pic.

When Grace knocked a few minutes later, he showed her the message thread, and she laughed too. “I adore your family. Even if Jamie and Andrea are so in love it hurts to be around them.”

“Very true. I guess we need to start working on obnoxious levels of happiness.”

“I’m getting there. Now let me have your mobile.”

He handed over the phone, and she snapped a picture of her left hand, then sent it back to Jamie. A few seconds went by before the reply came in.
Well done, man. Andrea says it’s perfect.

“It is,” she murmured. “Now let’s go before I feel the need to say it’s perfect because you had it designed for me or because you gave it to me or some such nonsense.”

“Nonsense?”

She stretched up and kissed him quickly. “Anything you gave me would be perfect. Just not
this
perfect.”

His laughter rang out in the hall. He picked up his bag and one of hers and followed her down to the lobby below.

“Are you sorry to be leaving Scotland?” she asked.

“No. It was good to be back, but my life is in London. Our life together is in London.”

A strange expression crossed her face. Then she smiled. “Let’s get to it, then.”

By silent agreement, they took a leisurely route home, even knowing it would get them back to the city in the wee hours of Monday morning. They stopped for lunch in Fort William, walking the cobblestone streets hand in hand, chatting about everything and nothing, kissing on a random street corner and getting asked if they were newlyweds.

“Newly engaged,” Ian replied. Grace knew she should have been embarrassed, but she laughed. Nothing could dampen her happiness at the moment, especially after all the teasing she’d done about his aversion to public displays of affection.

When they finally arrived in London and Ian parked in front of her building, dawn had broken over the buildings, the light giving a bright crown to tops of dusky gray-and-white stone. In her sleepless, bleary-eyed state, that somehow seemed significant.

“Sure you can climb the stairs?” he asked when he carried her bags to the top of the interior landing. “You look asleep on your feet.”

“My feet aren’t touching the ground, yada yada, insert overblown romantic sentiment here.” Grace grinned up at him. “I blame you for my newfound sappiness.”

“For that I will gladly take the blame. Call me when you wake up?”

“You might need to wake me for supper.”

He kissed her gently, and too briefly for her liking, then waited as she put her key into the lock. She whispered good-bye, then carefully tiptoed her way into the flat with her bags.

She needn’t have worried. The lights were already on, and the kettle bubbled in the kitchen. She dropped her luggage with a thud. “Ash? I’m back!”

Asha emerged from the bathroom, toweling her dark hair dry. “What are you doing here? I thought you didn’t get in until later!”

“We ended up driving. How was your weekend?”

“Oh no, don’t try to divert me. How was
your
weekend?”

Grace couldn’t help the grin that sprang to her face. “Good. The wedding was gorgeous, as you’d expect. Weather was surprisingly good for Scotland, which you wouldn’t expect.”

“And?”

“And this happened.” Grace held up her left hand.

Asha’s expression turned from surprise to shock to joy. She let out a squeal and launched herself at Grace. “Oh my, congratulations, Grace! That’s amazing! Let me see it again.” She grabbed Grace’s hand and twisted it for a better view of each side of the ring. “Well. That is impressive. You’re wearing the Crown Jewels on your ring finger.”

Grace blushed. “It’s rather showy, isn’t it?”

“Oh, it’s stunning. What a gorgeous setting. I never would have imagined you wearing a diamond that big, but somehow it feels like you. He had it made, didn’t he?”

“From my first engagement ring,” Grace said.

“That may be the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” Asha dragged her over to the sofa and pulled her down beside her, tucking one leg up beneath her like a little girl. “So how did he do it? When? Did he get down on one knee?”

“He did. He took me for a drive, but it was already getting rather dark. Proposed overlooking the Sound. And then I laughed at him.”

“You did what?” Asha screeched. “Why do you do these things to the man?”

“I didn’t mean to! He took me by surprise. He was telling me how much I meant to him, and then he got down on one knee, and I kind of panicked. I didn’t take him for a down-on-one-knee sort of man.”

“Oh, he is. Even I could tell you that. Grace, he’s waited for you for
ten years
. He had your old engagement ring remade. You don’t think he’s going to make a statement of some sort?”

“Well, after I apologized for laughing at him, I said yes, and the rest is history.”

Asha sighed happily. “Best story ever, with the exception of the fact it didn’t happen to me. So, have you talked about a date?”

“Not really.”

“Didn’t do a lot of talking after that, hmm?”

Grace laughed, but the heat returned to her cheeks. “Not really. I’m pretty sure he wants to get married as soon as we can. There are details to work out.”

“Like what?”

“Like my job in London, wedding guests …”

Asha fell silent. “Do you think your parents would come?”

“I doubt it. The last time I called, they didn’t pick up the phone and didn’t return the message. It was never Mum, you know, but she’ll go along with what Dad wants. She has no choice, really.”

“I don’t understand your dad. It wasn’t enough to lose one child, so he had to drive the other away.” Asha grimaced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“No, it’s okay. That’s exactly what he did. He’s never really gotten over the fact I ignored his ultimatum and followed in Aidan’s footsteps. Stubborn Irish pride.”

Asha grabbed Grace’s hand and squeezed. “None of that now. Don’t let them spoil your happiness.”

Asha was right, but the doubt and the heaviness had crept in, stealing a little of her joy. She knew exactly what her father would say, if he bothered to talk to her. She had no family pride or loyalty, or she wouldn’t have run off to America against his wishes. He’d say her current problems were the results of her rebelliousness. And he certainly wouldn’t believe that she was settling down now.

He was wrong. Her father might never forgive her, but God was giving her a second chance, of which she had barely dared to dream. She wouldn’t start that second chance with negativity. She held tight to Asha’s hand. “Of course this means you have to be my maid of honor.”

“Well, of course I will. Who else would it be? I’m already picking out shoes in my head.” Asha laughed and pulled her into a tight hug. The words she whispered into her ear were serious, though. “I love you, Grace. I’m so proud of you. You deserve your happiness. Now go take it.”

“I don’t know what I would do without you, Ash.” She hugged her one more time. “So now he and I need to set a date. Autumn or winter, I’d think. I get the impression neither of us are up for anything elaborate.”

Asha’s expression shifted. “I didn’t want to bring this up now, but I don’t want you to be disappointed later. I certainly don’t want you to change your plans for me.”

“What is it, Ash?” Grace’s stomach was getting more nervous by the second.

“I just got my leave approved. I’m going back to India in six weeks.”

“What? That’s great! So you’ll be able to go for the opening of the Pune TB clinic at the end of September, yeah?” Asha had been invited by CAF months ago, but she’d almost given up on getting the requisite time away from work.