A Highland Home A Contemporary Highland Romance Book Two by Cali MacKay Page B

her father.
    Driving by the port, he caught sight of his little yellow mini-not many of those around. That meant Rowan was in town.  He parked, and with a quick look up and down the road, spotted her stepping out of a shop a few blocks up.
    Heading down the road towards him, a smile sprung to her lips-and by the gods, he was a goner. The fact that he could make her smile like that, the fact that the smile dancing on her lips and the light in her eyes were because she’d seen him… it only reinforced how he felt about her, how she made him feel.
    She closed the distance between them, giving him a quick hug, and in European fashion, a peck on the cheek, his pulse tripping to have her so close. “Fancy meeting you here.”
    “The yellow Mini’s hard to miss, and since it’s the only one in the area, I figured ye couldn’t be far behind.” He leaned back on his old ride, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “I spoke to my Ma-she’d like to have ye over for dinner if ye’re available tomorrow.”
    “I’d love to…” When she bit her lip and her brow furrowed, Angus knew what would be coming next. “Did you ask her? About my father?”
    That put a damper on his enthusiasm. How the hell was he going to deter her when it was the only thing on her mind? It’d be impossible to keep her from looking for her father. “Aye, lass. I asked, and she’d love to help, but unfortunately, she doesn’t really have a whole lot of information for ye. I’m sorry, aye? Yer ma didn’t give her any details.”
    She nodded and reached out to give his hand a squeeze. “Still. Maybe she’ll recall something once we start talking. And one way or another, it’ll be a start, even if it’s to cross her off my list of people I’ve spoken to.”
    He heard the emotion in her voice and saw the sparkle of unshed tears in her eyes, unable to imagine what an emotional journey it must be for her. It must be so difficult to try and stay positive and keep looking.
    His mother said Iona seemed scared before leaving for the States. The question was why? His Ma might be wrong, of course, but could he take that risk? And did that mean Rowan might be stirring things up when they should be left alone? Or was the threat long gone?
    “Aye, love. It’ll all work out for the best.” He managed a smile and was happy to see her eyes clear up, though he already felt horrible that he wasn’t being completely honest with her.
    “I’ve got good news.” She bit her lip again. “I bought the shop, so I can open a gallery and studio.”
    “Bought it? I thought it was for lease?” Bloody hell, the lass worked fast. It’d be impossible to keep her out of trouble.
    She cocked her head and a smile tugged at her full, kissable lips. “It was, but when I asked if I could purchase it instead, the owner was happy to sell-and for a good price too. I wanted to make a statement. I want people to know that I’m going to make this my home, and I won’t be driven away by their whispers and cold shoulders.”
    “Have people been giving ye a hard time?” His brow furrowed at the thought, and he now found himself worrying about how the locals would respond to her buying the shop. If things escalated, he’d not be happy.
    “I can deal with the locals, Angus. Let them talk all they want.”
    “Rowan, I wish ye had waited a bit. Ye probably haven’t even recovered from jetlag and ye’ve already bought a place.” He wanted to be supportive, but she had him worried, damn it. Did she not think things through?
    “And?” Her tone held an edge to it.
    “Listen, lass. The decision’s yers to make, and no one else’s. I’m not saying it was a good move or bad, I just think ye’re moving a bit quick, is all.”
    “Well, you’re right-it is my decision, and I’ve made it.”
    When she crossed her arms in front of her chest, he knew she was annoyed with him. “So ye have. How about ye let me buy ye a pint and some dinner to congratulate ye on yer