There with You (Adair Family 2)

“You’re sure?”

I nodded. “The training is just so I know how to defend myself. I should have learned long ago.”

“Physical activity isn’t really your thing.”

I wiggled my eyebrows. “Depends on the activity.”

“Stop!” She laughed, pushing me away.

And just like that, we felt like Robbie and Ree again.

“I love you,” I said.

Her expression softened. “I love you, too, kid.”

Just like that, a weight lifted from my chest.

* * *

“So you were keeping it from me deliberately?” I whispered in pretend aggravation and not-so-pretend awe as Robyn led me into the foyer of Ardnoch Castle. I wasn’t sure you could call it a mere foyer.

“No, not deliberately.” Robyn made a face. “I just had to make sure I had my Regan back. I wasn’t kidding. It’s important to Lachlan that as few nonmembers have access to the estate as possible.”

When she’d said she’d give me the tour I’d been hankering after, I quickly fixed my makeup in case we met anyone famous. There was no hiding my bloodshot eyes, but I was too happy Robyn had forgiven me to fuss about it.

I nodded, my attention dancing from one thing to the next. “Holy cow.”

“Right?” I could hear my sister’s smile in that one word.

The huge entrance had polished parquet flooring that made the space seem like it went on forever. The décor was very Scottish and traditional, but amped up a million knots on the luxury meter. A grand staircase descended before us, fitted with a red-and-gray tartan wool runner. It led to a landing where three floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows spilled a kaleidoscope of light down it. Then the staircase branched off at either side, twin staircases ascending to the floor above, which I could partially see from the galleried balconies at either end of the reception hall. There was a huge hearth on the wall adjacent to the entrance and opposite the staircase, but no fire burned within. I’d love to see it all lit up during the winter months.

Opposite the fire sat two matching suede-and-fabric buttoned sofas with a coffee table in between. More light spilled into the hall from large openings that led to other rooms on this floor. There was a chatter of voices beyond them, and I eyed the doorways in curiosity.

“Members’ lounge rooms,” Robyn offered. “We’ll avoid those because it’s brunch and they’ll be busy.”

Damn. I was not above wanting to see a celebrity!

As usual, my sister read me and laughed. “You’ll spot someone famous at some point. And doesn’t Lachlan count, anyway?”

“Sure.” I shrugged. “But it’s amazing how quickly he just became the guy who’s marrying my sister. And calls her ‘Braveheart.’ Aww, don’t think I didn’t notice that. It’s adorable.”

“Shut up.” She mock scowled and gestured for me to follow her. She led me down a doorway next to the arches, through a wide, exquisitely decorated corridor. “The first room I’m showing you is the room I know you’ll love the most.”

We stopped at a large, solid wooden door that was propped open. Robyn peeked her head in and turned to me with a relaxed smile. “It’s empty.”

Since I was already looking beyond her and could see into the room, I almost bulldozed her to get inside. I grinned at the sound of my sister’s laughter.

Wall-to-wall, dark oak bookshelves, a large, open fireplace, comfortable armchairs, footstools, and sofas made up the library.

A castle library.

I was in heaven.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the fireplace let light in so it didn’t seem too dark. The plethora of table lamps aided in chasing off the gloom too. Luxurious velvet curtains at the windows pooled on the wooden floors, most of which were covered in Aubusson carpets.

And the bookshelves were filled top to bottom with books.

Ladders on rails allowed readers to climb to the top rows to select their reading material.

“It’s happening.” I raised my arms dramatically as I spun in the room. “I’m finally Belle.”

Robyn chuckled. “I knew you’d love this.”

While my big sister wasn’t much of a reader, I had gotten the bookworm gene from Mom. When I wasn’t kissing boys under the bleachers in high school, someone could usually find me there curled up with a good book.

“Can I live here forever?” I climbed a ladder to the top, spread out one arm, and began singing the song “Little Town” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

My sister veered between hysterical laughter and trying to shush me. Unfortunately, the harder she laughed, the louder I sang.

Then my eyes moved from her and caught sight of her fiancé leaning against the library doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes locked on Robyn. He wore an expression so fierce with love, it made me want to cry big, fat happy tears for her.

Instead, I abruptly cut off with an “Oops!”

Robyn stopped laughing and looked to the doorway. She gave her fiancé an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. Were we being too loud?”