Before they could object, Hamish disappeared back into the shop and reappeared with a serving dish covered over with tin foil. ‘Courtesy of Meredith.’ He nodded towards the Grouse and Haggis pub standing opposite. ‘She thought you may appreciate a home-cooked meal after such a long journey.’

‘Both you and Meredith are superstars. This is just what we needed, thank you.’ Callie took the dish from Hamish’s hands. ‘This is perfect!’ She beamed.

Ella was taken back; she’d only arrived literally a few moments ago, and everyone was so welcoming. The familiarity of being with Callie and the welcoming warmth of everyone brought tears to her eyes. She flapped a hand in front of her face. ‘Look at me, I’ve come over all emotional. These are happy tears. Everyone is so kind.’

‘That is what Heartcross is all about.’ Callie gave her a warm smile. ‘Let’s get you settled in. Just wait until you taste Meredith’s home-cooked food, it’s out of this world.’

Hamish hurried back into the shop to serve a couple of children patiently waiting for ice-cream, and Ella turned back towards Callie. ‘Is everyone this lovely in Heartcross?’ she asked.

‘You better believe it.’ Callie smiled as she took a peep under the tin foil. ‘Lasagne, and it’s still warm. I’m famished.’

They climbed the short, steep steps to the upstairs flat, and Ella followed Callie into the tiny hallway which led into the living room. ‘Woah! I wasn’t expecting that.’

The magnificent view through the French doors was simply breath-taking. Ella abandoned her suitcase and placed her bag down on the settee before standing in awe. Heartcross Mountain was towering in the background, the River Heart tumbling over the rocks, and the town of Glensheil standing tall in the distance. ‘I feel like I’m in a different country.’

‘You are,’ laughed Callie, opening up the French doors which led out on to a tiny balcony. There were two bistro chairs, a handful of potted plants and pastel floral triangular bunting draped above the doors. ‘This place was a great find. The rent is reasonable, there’s two bedrooms, one bathroom and a small kitchen. It’s tiny, and for the time being all mine… and yours.’

‘How long have you been here?’ asked Ella, pulling out a chair and folding her arms on the railing. ‘I could wake up to that view every morning. It beats looking out on a street full of cars and overflowing bins.’

‘It is pretty spectacular, isn’t it? I’ve been here around eight months now. At first I was staying with Julia at the B&B, but I needed my own space, and to cut down on her amazing full Scottish breakfasts every morning, which weren’t doing my waistline any good.’ Callie patted her stomach with a chuckle.