Read Online Glasgow Grace by Marion Ueckermann - Free Book Online Page B

from the kitchen, interrupting the moment. They carried several white serving bowls and platters of food.
    A plump roasted turkey rested on the large silver platter that Mary held with both hands. She set it down beside the candlelit wreath decorating the center of the table.
    Robert brought two bowls—one with roasted potatoes and parsnips, the other’s three divisions filled to the brim with Brussels sprouts, carrots and peas.
    In one hand, Tavish balanced a platter of bacon rolls and chipolata sausages, and in the other he carried a silver gravy boat filled to the brim. The cranberry sauce for the turkey was already on the table.
    There was something about seeing the entire meal spread out at Christmas, watching Robert carve the turkey, that made this night so special.
    “Help yirselves,” Mary instructed.
    Skye licked her lips. “Hmm, is that chestnut stuffing?”
    Mary smiled, wiping her hands on her apron as she removed it. “Aye. Ah membered how yi luved it.”
    “You made it especially for me?”
    “Aye.”
    Her eyes stung. Skye reached for Mary’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so touched. Thank you.”
    The older woman’s mouth spread upwards. “Och…”
    Dinner was even tastier than Skye had expected, and the main course far more relaxed than the soup starters had been. As the night progressed, the party grew louder and merrier, Robert entertaining with his endless wit. They’d each donned one of the colorful plastic crowns tucked beneath the Christmas crackers they’d pulled, reading the corny jokes found inside and laughing even more.
    “Here’s a good one.” Callum chuckled. “What do vampires sing on New Year's Eve?” When nobody could guess correctly, he offered the answer. “Auld Fang Syne.”
    Everyone groaned, and then fell into fits of laughter again.
    Later, Skye sang “All I Ask of You,” gazing without shame into Callum’s eyes. When she finished the song, the McGuires insisted on another. She complied with her favorite, “Think of Me.”
    By the time they’d finished the delicious traditional Scottish Christmas Pudding, served with brandy butter and fresh cream, Skye feared the button of her slacks would pop right off.
    As midnight neared, they gathered on cushions and blankets they spread on the floor beside the tree. Callum played his guitar and they sang a few carols until it was time for the countdown.
    “Four…three…two…one… Merry Christmas!”
    Kisses and hugs abounded in the small family circle. If only she was alone with Callum—she could kiss him like she’d been wanting to all night.
    Playing Santa, Robert handed out the gifts nestled beneath the tree.
    Callum stood and held out his hand to Skye. “I should get you home.”
    Already? Did he want to leave to be alone with her? She glanced at her watch. Not that far past midnight. Perhaps he’s concerned that his mother doesn’t get to bed too late.
    Skye grabbed his hand, and as he pulled her to her feet, she noticed they were standing beneath a sprig of mistletoe. She hadn’t seen it on the roof before now. Should she say something? A smile teased her mouth. Why not?
    She leaned forward and whispered in Callum’s ear. He looked up, as did his family. The next moment the room hummed with chants of “Mistletoe. Mistletoe.”
    “Yiv goat tae kiss hur noo,” Tavish egged.
    Callum hesitated, and then with a broad grin wrapped her in his arms and complied. No doubt he’d been waiting all night to do that, too.
    “Callum?” A weak voice drifted across the tavern from the direction of the door.
    Callum stiffened in Skye’s arms.
    He groaned as he released her.
    “Wh—what’s going on?” The pitch in the woman’s voice raised this time.
    Skye stared into Callum’s eyes, afraid to ask, but needing to know. “Who is that?”
    “I can explain, Skye.”
    This couldn’t be happening. She looked beyond Callum to where a dark-haired beauty stood rooted, a shiny red bow wrapped in her raven locks. She ripped