Fairytale Christmas on the Island (Scottish Highlands & Island Romance #4)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The vintage dress shop mannequin seemed to be putting up a struggle as Skye tried to get her pink ball gown off it from the window display. It was late afternoon and they’d changed the shop sign from open to closed until after Christmas.

Holly stepped into the window to help her, and together they wrestled the ball gown and the mannequin into submission.

‘Phew!’ Skye sighed. ‘That was tricky. I didn’t want to pull the dress in case I ripped it or dislodged the sequins.’

Holly tried not to laugh.

‘Giggle if you want,’ said Skye, starting to smile.

‘The mannequin wasn’t letting go without a fight,’ said Holly, putting an evening dress on it while Skye fluffed out the layers of pink organza on her ball gown.

Holly’s amber and gold gown was hanging on a rail ready to be worn.

‘I don’t know about you, but I’m buzzing with excitement.’ Skye sounded full of nervous energy which she was sure she’d dance off at the ball. All that waltzing while trying to keep in step and not trip over her dress was a lot to juggle, but she’d been watching videos showing how to dance while wearing a full–skirted dress.

Checking that everything was secure, they wrapped their dresses up carefully, turned the shop lights off, locked the door and drove up the hill to their house to get ready for the ball.

Lyle looked immaculate in his black dinner suit. He adjusted his black bow tie as he got out of his car to help Holly and Skye into the vehicle dressed in their finery.

‘You both look like princesses.’ Lyle’s compliment was genuine.

They wore vintage opera coats over their ball gowns. Skye’s coat was light pink and silver brocade, while Holly’s was gold brocade.

Their hair and makeup suited their individual styling, and Skye played up her wide blue eyes with lashings of mascara and soft pink lipstick. Holly emphasised her eyes with bronze and gold that went well with her amber and gold dress, and her chestnut hair was pinned up into a classy chignon. Skye’s long, strawberry blonde locks were pinned up at the sides but she kept the length around her shoulders and tumbling down her back. Both wore their tiara hair bands and clutched their evening bags.

The diamond bracelet was hidden under the long sleeves of Skye’s opera coat, but was due to be revealed when she arrived at the castle.

They’d opted to wear court shoes with lower heels for dancing, and these were in gold and pink to match their dresses.

Innis had offered to come down and give Skye a lift to the castle, but as he was one of the main hosts of the event, Skye had decided to go with Lyle and Holly.

The chatter in the car on the drive up to the castle was cheery, and only a few flakes of snow fluttered down from the clear night sky as Lyle parked in the castle’s busy car park.

The front entrance glowed in welcoming and the light from inside poured out into the snow–covered garden. The magnificent castle was aglow with lights and festive decorations extended out to the large Christmas tree outside the building and fairy lights were entwined through the greenery that was sprinkled with snow.

Music filtered out, and numerous people were arriving for the special event.

Lyle jumped out of the car and helped Holly and Skye step out into the cold night. Luckily, the snow had called a truce to allow guests to walk in without facing a blizzard.

Innis ran out from the doorway to escort Skye and welcomed all three of them inside. He wore his black and dark grey kilt with a white shirt, tie, waistcoat and cropped black jacket. His sporran was attached to his belt by a silver chain, and a skean dhu was tucked into his thick woollen socks that he wore with brogues.

The billowing opera coats hid their ball gowns, and it was only when Innis and Lyle helped Skye and Holly off with their coats near reception where they were carefully checked–in to the cloakroom by staff, that the full beauty of their gowns emerged.

Innis was silent for a moment, his heart reacting to Skye standing there smiling happily at him. Her sparkling pink ball gown and tiara hair band made her look like a fairytale princess.

Lyle acted likewise when he saw Holly wearing the amber and gold ball gown and tiara hair band.

‘Shall we go through?’ Innis said to Skye, offering her his arm to rest her hand as they entered the function room. The doors were open wide leading into the ballroom–size suite. The Christmas decorations and chandeliers added to the opulence of the room.

The buffet spread along one wall was already busy with guests helping themselves to the festive fayre, but no one was yet up dancing.

Ailsa, wearing her royal blue gown and tiara head band was there with Ean, chatting to Merrilees in her ice blue ball gown. Finlay was standing at her side, and noticed Innis nodding over to him. A signal they’d pre–planned.

‘Would you like to dance with me, Skye?’ Innis held out his hand to her.

Glancing at the empty floor, Skye saw that Ailsa and Merrilees were taking to the floor with Ean and Finlay.

‘I’d love to,’ Skye told him, more excited than nervous as the music changed to a festive waltz.

The three brothers as hosts, then beckoned Lyle and Holly, Rory and Rowen, and others to join in.

Soon, the dance floor was busy with couples waltzing around in their ball gowns, kilts and evening suits to the music.

Murdo smiled at Geneen. ‘Shall we?’

Geneen, wearing her new deep blue gown, was happy to dance with Murdo.

Rory wore a classic dinner suit, white shirt and tie, and his ruffled blond hair had been tamed and slicked back. Clasping Rowen’s hand, he walked with her on to the dance floor and they began to waltz around with the others. Rowen’s dress was a confection of cream and gold sparkle and her hair was pinned up in a chignon.

All the ladies wore tiara style head bands or glittering clasps in their hair, raising the bar for their evening at the fairytale ball.

A couple of their farmer friends accompanied Rosabel and Primrose. They’d both restyled their pink and yellow ball gowns and joined in the dancing.

‘You look beautiful, Skye,’ Innis told her as they waltzed around.

‘Thank you again for the bracelet.’ It sparkled on her wrist.

‘Would you like to get something to eat from the buffet?’ he offered.

‘Yes, I haven’t had dinner.’

Escorting her over to the buffet, they helped themselves to the various delicacies, as did other guests. Nairne had created a buffet catering for a wide range of tastes. The savoury selection, especially the mini quiche, made from Lyle’s recipe, were enjoyed along with Scottish salmon dishes and turkey with all the trimmings. Lyle had contributed cakes and his Yule logs, and Brodrick’s ice cream was proving to be popular. Innis’ cakes and chocolates were part of the buffet menu too.

Chatting to friends and acquaintances, Skye felt what it would be like to be with Innis, as a couple, and she liked how it made her feel.

When they’d finished eating, Innis’s eyes sparked with the type of mischief Skye often saw in herself.

‘Are you feeling daring?’ Innis whispered to her.

Skye looked up at him. ‘Daring?’

‘Yes.’ There was a challenge in his tone.

Skye picked up on it and was now intrigued. ‘What did you have in mind?’

‘Come with me,’ said Innis. ‘We won’t be long. Then we’ll come back down for the dancing.’

‘Back down? Where are you taking me?’

Innis clasped her hand and hurried away with her while her heady giggles trailed behind her.

He took her up the private staircase, along the corridor, past his suite, and stopped at the door leading up to one of the turrets.

‘Hold tight to me and close your eyes.’ He picked her up and she put her arms around his shoulders as he ran up the stairs of the turret and emerged through a doorway on the roof.

Trusting him, even when she felt the cold air against her bare arms and shoulders, she snuggled into him and kept her eyes shut.

She felt him place her down gently while keeping his protective arms around her.

‘Okay, you can look now.’

Skye blinked as she opened her eyes and saw that they were standing in a private but secure part of the castle’s rooftop. The view of the castle’s estate, the forest, the sea shimmering like silver in the distance, looked magical.

The vast sky arched overhead and was scattered with stars, with one bright star outshining them all high above them.

‘You’re quite safe. We need access to the roof, but stay close to me.’

He saw her shiver, from excitement, the thrill of where they were, and the icy air. Taking his jacket off, he draped it over her shoulders and wrapped his arms around her.

She pressed her back against his strong chest and gazed in awe at the view of the island. ‘It’s like a fairytale,’ she murmured.

‘It is. Our fairytale.’

She smiled and leaned back into him, looking up at the glittering stars. ‘That’s the North Star. It’s the brightest one.’

‘You once told me that you’d wished upon it,’ he confided. ‘And I decided to make a wish on it too.’

‘You made a wish on the North Star?’ She tilted her head to look round at him.

‘I did. Ean encouraged me—’

‘Ean encouraged you to wish on the star?’ she cut–in. ‘I thought it was only Holly and me that did things like that.’

‘You inspired me to try.’

His words warmed her heart.

‘Are we allowed another wish, or have we both used up our quota?’ he said.

‘I think we have, but we could make a wish together,’ she suggested.

‘I know what I want to wish for.’ His tone sounded full of love for her.

‘So do I.’

‘Let’s make our wish and hope it comes true,’ he said.

Gazing up at the North Star they silently made their wishes, that were the same if only they’d known — to have a happy and loving life together.

Skye couldn’t help but shiver in the freezing cold breeze that blew through her hair. Her tiara hair band kept the stray strands away from her beautiful face.

Innis turned her around and looked at her. Those amber eyes were lighter, filled with love for Skye. ‘I have to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you,’ he said.

‘I’ve fallen in love with you too.’

He leaned down and kissed her.

‘We’d better get back to the ball before they send out a search party,’ he joked.

Letting him lift her again, she clung close as he walked to the doorway and down the turret stairs. He should’ve put her down in the upstairs hallway, but Skye’s rascal elements were rubbing off on him, and he walked down the staircase leading to reception, causing quite a stir.

He finally placed her down at the doorway of the function room.

‘Where were you two?’ said Finlay.

‘Getting a breath of fresh air.’ Innis’ reply made Skye smile, and she squeezed his arm as she linked hers through his.

Innis swept her on to the dance floor and they waltzed around under the chandeliers and twinkling fairy lights.

The sparkle on the fabric of Skye’s dress glittered under the lighting as she danced with Innis. The organza felt as light as air and the sequins and crystals on the bodice reflected on her lovely pale skin. She’d always imagined what it would be like to dance at a ball. The experience outshone her dreams, especially as she was waltzing around with Innis. He looked so handsome in his full dress kilt wear, and although she’d managed to dance in the ball gown without faltering, she felt his strong arms guide her smoothly.

Skye saw that it was snowing outside as they waltzed by the windows that had a view of the castle’s back garden and forest estate beyond. It created the perfect atmosphere as they danced.

She smiled at Holly and Lyle dancing by, pleased that her sister had found romance this Christmas.

Enjoying the dancing and the buffet until after midnight, the evening finally came to a close with a slow dance.

‘I’m looking forward to having Christmas Day here tomorrow,’ Skye told Innis as he held her close.

‘It’s officially after midnight, so you know what that means,’ he said.

Skye frowned.

Innis leaned down and kissed her. ‘Merry Christmas, Skye.’

She felt his kiss linger. ‘Merry Christmas, Innis.’

A few of their friends smiled, noticing the love between them, nothing hidden. Skye and Innis were clearly a couple in love.

As the ball finally came to an end, people filtered out of the castle and headed home.

Innis walked Skye to Lyle’s car. Lyle accompanied Holly.

‘I had a wonderful evening,’ Skye told Innis. She glanced up at the castle’s turret where they’d shared their feelings on the roof. It was their secret, for now, but she doubted she’d be able to keep such a magical moment to herself for long.

Innis smiled at her. ‘I’ll see you for Christmas at the castle.’

Driving Skye and Holly away, they all waved to Innis as he stood there in his kilt with the snow falling all around him, backed by the glow of the magnificent fairytale castle.

Christmas morning in Skye and Holly’s house was filled with squeals of delight as they exchanged presents. Still in their pyjamas and slippers, they sat near the Christmas tree and opened each gift with as much excitement as they’d had since they were little.

Makeup, perfume, hand knitted items and an extra sewing box for Skye were included along with a few vintage items such as a fifties vanity set for Holly.

As the invitation to have Christmas Day at the castle had been a last minute gesture, Innis had told them that no gifts were required. But Skye and Holly had plans to spoil Innis and Lyle with hand knitted jumpers, hats and scarves that they were going to make for them soon.

The morning flew in and they got ready for Lyle picking them up. They were due to arrive at the castle around lunchtime. They’d brought their dresses with them from the shop the previous day. Skye had decided to wear the pink brocade dress and Holly opted for the red velvet.

‘You look lovely in that pink brocade,’ said Holly.

‘And your red velvet dress is so Christmassy.’

Holly smoothed her hands down the soft velvet. ‘Can I borrow your red wool coat?’

‘Yes, I’m wearing my cream one.’

Holly heard a car pull up outside and peeked out the window. ‘That’s Lyle.’

Grabbing their coats and bags, they hurried out to the car.

Lyle wore a smart suit and as always, the drive to the castle was cheery. Lyle had secret gifts for Holly that he planned to give her privately later — a top of the range food mixer that was great for baking, and a vintage floral teapot like the ones in his tea shop she’d admired.

Christmas Day dinner at the castle was traditional. Innis, Finlay and Ean welcomed their guests to join them at their private table near the Christmas tree. The warmth from the fire added to the festive ambience.

‘You look beautiful, as always,’ Innis whispered to Skye as everyone exchanged Christmas hugs and handshakes.

Skye was seated beside Innis and throughout the meal they chatted to each other and to those around the table. It was a Christmas to remember, Skye thought, at times sitting back and taking in the romance and friendship of the day.

‘Do you usually celebrate Christmas like this?’ Skye said to Innis.

‘Usually our parents are home and we celebrate here like a family along with the guests,’ he said. ‘But this year there’s romance to celebrate along with Christmas.’

Dancing was once again part of the festivities, and although Skye mainly danced with Innis, everyone danced with everyone else, and Christmas ceilidh dances were thrown into the mix as befitted the Scottish castle.

‘Wheee!’ Skye squealed linking arms with Innis and then Finlay. She was glad she’d worn her comfy court shoes so that she could keep up with the whirling and twirling.

Innis wore his kilt, though not the full kilted finery from the ball, but still quite formal. As the day wore on, he took his jacket off, and his white ghillie shirt that laced up the front displayed his strong chest, especially after the lively ceilidh dancing.

In a group photo that Murdo took of them all and then shared with them, Skye saw herself fit into Innis’ world. Her heart squeezed just looking at the lone wolf who didn’t want to be alone any longer. Snatched moments throughout Christmas Day and into the evening, enabled Innis to reveal that his intentions weren’t like those of his brothers when it came to romance — and getting engaged. Skye always felt she had a mind of her own, and though mercurial in character, her instincts never let her down. Everything that Innis suggested suited her perfectly.

Marriage would be on the cards at an appropriate time, though it seemed that they’d tie the knot before Finlay and Merrilees and Ean and Ailsa. Again, nothing jarred Skye’s senses with this plan. Her parents had met and married within a short time of meeting and had enjoyed a long and happy marriage, something she longed for too. Besides, she’d known Innis for a while now.

‘The future is what we make it,’ Innis whispered to her as they stood beside the Christmas tree gazing out at the snow.

‘Yes, it is,’ Skye agreed, feeling a heady mix of excitement and romance.

Watching the snow falling outside the castle windows, Skye felt that her future was here with him. She would still have her shop with Holly. Nothing would change her love for vintage fashion. And Innis would continue with his cake shop, adding the extension and enjoying his chocolatier work.

‘Would you like to dance with me before I drive you home?’ said Innis.

‘Yes.’

They danced to a popular Christmas song from the past, and then Innis escorted her outside into the cold night, helped her into his car, and drove her back down to the coast.

This allowed Lyle and Holly to have some private time as he drove her home.

Skye glanced back at the castle, smiling at the wonderful Christmastime she’d had there.

The trees that bordered the forest road were covered in white frost and sprinkled with snowflakes that glittered in the starlight.

Innis pulled the car over for a few minutes so they could admire the view of the wintry sea. All along the coast, and the curve of the bay down by the harbour and main street, was covered in snow.

‘The snow falling over the sea looks magical,’ said Skye.

‘I’ve always thought that too. I love this island.’ Innis leaned close and kissed Skye. Then they snuggled close for a while, watching the snow and the sea before he dropped her off home.

During the next couple of days, more sledging was enjoyed on the slopes by Skye, Innis and the others.

Then it was time for Innis to reopen his cake shop, and although Skye and Holly kept their dress shop shut for a few days longer, the shops and businesses in the main street sparked back into busy mode. Lyle reopened his tea shop and Holly spent quite a bit of time there learning new recipes with him.

At the end of a busy day at the cake shop, Innis wrapped up warm, locked the cake shop and strode up the hill in the snowy twilight.

The only footprints on the hilltop were his. He breathed in the crisp, fresh winter air, and gazed out at his favourite view of the island.

He could see the lights glittering along the main street. And there was his cake shop, aglow with the night display lights illuminating the cakes and chocolates in the window.

The vintage dress shop was still unlit, but he pictured Skye sitting cosy by the fire at home knitting. She’d shown him the classic pattern for the cream Aran knit jumper she was knitting for him. Perhaps he’d see her later, or let her relax snug by the fireside.

Gazing out at the view, the breeze blew through his hair, refreshing his energy after the hectic day. There was something invigorating about locking up his shop for the evening and bounding up the hill to see the view he never got tired of.

The scent of the snow mixed with the sea air. He breathed it all in.

Before leaving, he took a long, lingering look at his favourite view of the island.

Whack!

A snowball hit off the side of his shoulder.

Innis heard the impish giggling before he glanced round at the figure challenging him to a snowball fight.

Skye, wrapped up warm against the winter’s night, wearing the pink woolly hat without the fairy lights, had another snowball in her mitts.

‘Why you little scallywag!’ Innis shouted, trying not to laugh.

Seeing the humorous but hunter’s look in those wolf eyes, Skye made a run for it to avoid being caught.

‘Yes, you’d better run, Skye.’ His voice sounded deep in the cold air. ‘You know what will happen when I catch you.’

‘Promises, promises,’ she shouted as she ran away.

Her furry boots slowed her down. That was her excuse. But within moments Innis caught her, swept her up in his strong arms, swung her around and then placed her down gently. He kept his arms around her though. He wasn’t letting her go, not ever.

‘I promise I’ll always love you,’ he said, gazing at her with love–light in his eyes. ‘I promise never to break your heart.’

‘Those are promises I’ll hold you to,’ she said, smiling up at him.

Innis leaned down and kissed her, sealing the promises he’d made.

Then they stood together gazing out at their favourite view of the island. He stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her shoulders, shielding her from the cold breeze. Skye leaned back against him, and looked out at the snow covering the island, the hill, the countryside, the sea and the little shops in the main street, seeing their future together.

And there, shining bright in the twilight sky, was the North Star.

They smiled as they stood close, happy that both of their wishes had come true during their fairytale Christmas on the island.

End