‘We’ve all been out on a limb at some time or another but there’s always someone to talk to or hang out with. There’s something about this place and the people…’ Julia looked between all the girls.

‘And you never want to leave!’ everyone chorused, causing Ella to laugh.

‘Anyway, what’s all this?’ Felicity pointed towards the pad in front of Julia.

Julia tapped her pen on the pad. ‘Brainstorming… The Lakehouse. Flynn is stressing. Look at this place, packed out. This is what we need at The Lakehouse.’ Eleni twizzled the notepad towards them all. ‘So far, we’ve got a big fat nothing.’

Callie and Ella glanced at the blank page.

‘Flynn needs to buy the front page of the Scottish Daily Mail and print a voucher for a free meal,’ joked Ella. ‘Just imagine how many readers will see that ad.’ She sipped on her wine whilst everyone around the table stared at her.

‘Ella, you might be on to something there,’ Julia looked impressed and jotted down Ella’s idea. ‘I’m going to mention that to Flynn.’

‘Swot!’ teased Callie. ‘Ella saves The Lakehouse.’

‘And I’ve not even officially worked my first shift yet.’ Ella grinned, putting a smug look on her face. ‘And maybe he could organise for a couple of well-known faces to dine at The Lakehouse.’ Ella was on a roll. ‘A few photos on Instagram and people will start rolling in. Zach Hudson for instance,’ Ella almost tripped over her words. ‘He would be perfect to attract the diners.’

‘Exactly, but Zach is still in Africa with Rory,’ replied Julia.

Ella was tugging on Callie’s jumper. ‘Zach Hudson is not in Africa, he’s just walked into the pub alongside Rory!’

They all spun round to witness Meredith screaming as she set eyes on her future son-in-law for the first time in months. ‘Fraser, Fraser,’ she bellowed. ‘Quick! Rory’s home, he’s back and Zach, Zach’s here too.’

With a wide grin and a suntan to die for, Rory held out his arms and Meredith fell into them and hugged him tight. The whole of the pub erupted in applause, leaving Rory to raise his hand in the air and wave at everyone around.

‘I can’t believe you’re back,’ Meredith was stumbling over her words with excitement. ‘Why didn’t you say you were coming?’

‘Any chance of a pint from my favourite landlady?’ He grinned, heaving the rucksack from his back and leaning it against the bar. ‘It’s been a long journey home.’

‘Fraser, get the boys a pint,’ ordered Meredith, her voice still shaking with excitement. ‘Look at you,’ she held his hands before turning towards Zach. ‘Welcome back to Heartcross.’ Taking Zach by surprise, she hugged him too.

‘When Rory invited me back for a few days, how could I resist?’ He grinned, shaking hands with Fraser who was completely flabbergasted by their sudden arrival.