“This is incredible. I had no idea this terrace existed.” In her opinion the restaurant had earned its reputation, and that was before she sampled the food. “How on earth did you get a table here at such short notice? Who did you bribe?”

“No one. I called and told them I needed a table for a special celebration. Turns out the chef is a fan. This table cost me an entire set of signed copies, and the promise that his name will appear in my next book.”

She laughed. “So does that mean that the murder victim is no longer called Callum?”

“He’s still Callum. But somewhere in there I have to introduce a chef. This table is okay for you? You’re happy being outdoors?”

“It’s perfect.” She settled herself in her seat, slid off her shoes with a quiet sigh of relief and gazed at the view. The surface of the lake sparkled in the late evening sunshine and a few sheep were grazing close to the shoreline. “I’ve read brilliant things about this place.”

She glanced around her, taking a proper look at their fellow diners. Their table was surely the best in the restaurant, tucked into a corner away from the rest of the guests. The terrace was strung with miniature lanterns, and candles flickered in the center of each table. It was the sort of place that stayed in the memory of the people who were lucky enough to eat here.

She had a feeling she wouldn’t be forgetting it in a hurry either.

She’d been worried she wouldn’t know what to say or what to do because it had been so long since she’d had dinner with a man who wasn’t Richard, but Brendan seemed so comfortable and relaxed she found herself relaxing too.

“You and Richard didn’t eat out much?”

“Generally I cooked.” He always said he preferred her food, but now she wondered if he was just saving money that he’d then spent on Avery.

She shut down that thought. She was not letting Richard or Avery intrude on this evening.

Tonight was special, and she intended to enjoy every moment.

A burst of laughter from a table close by made her turn her head, and she noticed a woman casting surreptitious glances in Brendan’s direction.

She seemed to be making a decision about something, and then she stood up and approached the table.

“I know this is an intrusion, but I just had to say I love your books.” Her face was scarlet. “Would you sign my menu? I’ll use it as a bookmark.”

To his credit Brendan was gracious and charming and signed the menu, and the woman returned to her seat flourishing her prize.

Brendan gave Milly a look of apology. “Sorry about that.”