*

The pub is standing room only. I’ve never seen it so busy. I recognise far fewer faces than usual, and assume that much of Urbost and their extended families must be here too. Everyone looks like I feel – sweaty and tired and manky – and the whole lounge smells like a peat bog.

‘Large white wine, is it?’ Charlie says to me, lip curled in disapproval.

‘Thanks, Charlie.’

‘Aye.’ He nods towards the pool table. ‘Your man’s over there.’

When Will sees me and gives me a wave and that sexy grin, I grin straight back, not even caring that I probably look worse than I feel.

‘I’ll help Charlie,’ Miko says with a smile.

‘Shit!’ Kelly says, gripping my elbow. ‘There’s David Campbell. Now that you’ve nabbed the only eligible bachelor on this whole island, he’s my last option. Come on.’ She’s already pulling me along in her wake. ‘He’s so hot. First time he’s been back in God knows how long and look at the bloody state of me.’

I laugh. ‘You look great, Kelly.’

David is standing with Cora, Euan, Will, and a woman I don’t recognise. When we reach them, Will steps forwards to put an arm around my shoulders.

‘Guys, I’d like you to meet Maggie. My girlfriend.’ He winks at me. ‘Maggie, this is my sister, Heather, and my good mate, David.’

I can feel my cheeks burning as Heather pulls me into a tight hug and squeezes my hands. ‘Oh, I’ve heard all about you, Maggie. Will won’t shut up. It’s like a miracle: the eternal bachelor finally lured out of his hermitage. For a moment there, I was worried he’d end up with one of his sheep.’ Her laugh is as fast and high as her voice, her smile generous. She’s like a female version of Will: pale skin, dark hair, and bright blue eyes.

‘Maggie, can we get you a drink?’ Euan says.

Will’s already told me that the Morrisons always hire workers from Lewis for the harvest, but the immaculate Euan and Cora stand out like sore thumbs in the dirty, jubilant pub. The absence of Euan’s son, Iain, is also obvious, and when I look at Euan, always so genial, so doggedly affable, his arm around his smiling wife, I only just manage not to give him a hugely inappropriate hug.

‘I’m fine, thanks. Charlie’s getting me one.’

‘It’s a good thing you did, you and Kelly,’ Euan says. ‘Helping Charlie out today. No one ever wants to ask for it.’

‘Especially if they’re Charlie MacLeod,’ David says. He laughs and offers his hand before kissing me on both cheeks. ‘Very pleased to meet you, Maggie.’

Kelly wasn’t exaggerating. Isla’s golden child is just that: tall and broad, with thick fair hair and a jawline so chiselled I immediately want to give a teenage giggle.

‘I’m glad you’re making my main man here happy,’ David says.

‘Oh, very good, Campbell,’ Kelly scoffs. ‘Is that what passes for smooth patter around Charing Cross these days?’