Epilogue
MAISIE
“And at the end of that round the Bannock Brainiacs are in the lead with twenty-four points,” Jamie announces, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. “But don’t worry, folks, there’s still everything to play for. No need to drown your sorrows just yet.”
The Pheasant is always busy on quiz night, but tonight the place feels especially alive. Early autumn has settled over the Highlands, bringing cooler evenings and quiet after the summer tourist rush, yet my little pub is packed as though it’s peak season. Locals crowd around tables, pints in hand and banter flying freely. My heart swells as I take it all in.
Jamie stands at the front of the room, microphone in hand, looking infuriatingly good in his jeans and rolled-up shirt. He’s never run a quiz before, but he’s got everyone hanging on his every word like he’s been doing it for years. I won’t let him do it every week—this is very much just a trial—but watching him up there, being his usual cheeky self and making everyone laugh... aye, I could get used to this.
“And before we crack on with round two,” he continues, “I’ve got a few announcements to make.” He pauses dramatically as everyone settles down again. “First up: Iona Stewart.”
Iona, sitting beside me at the bar, groans. “Oh God.”
“We’ve received multiple complaints tonight,” Jamie says solemnly, “about your relentless waving of that sparkly engagement ring.”
Everyone laughs. Lewis proposed to her in late summer, and she’s still on cloud nine about it.
“In other news, my brother Ally and his wife, Emily, welcomed another wee boy into the world just yesterday.” Cheers break out around the pub, and Jamie beams. “I’m told that baby and mother are both doing well, and Ally is... well, still Ally.” His comment earns another ripple of laughter.
Jamie looks at me again, his eyes softening for just a moment. “One more thing. Can we all take a moment to admire how stunning Maisie Kerr looks tonight? That lilac hair suits her perfectly—not that there’s any colour she couldn’t pull off.”
I wave to the crowd and give my hair an exaggerated toss. But Jamie’s clearly not ready to stop there.
“A lot of people across the globe adore her for her videos, but let’s not forget—she was ours first.”
The crowd lets out a collective “Aww,” while Da shouts, “Too right!” from where he sits with Elspeth.
I groan dramatically, my cheeks heating up. Jamie gives me a cheeky wink before diving back into the quiz.
He and I are figuring things out between us—how to run the Pheasant, snug, and beer garden while balancing staff schedules and our own sanity—but somehow it’s working. Jamie’s already more or less living with me upstairs above the pub. Lewis has even started dropping hints about turning Jamie’s old room at the Bannock Hotel into a proper guest room now.
“I still can’t believe you’re with my brother,” Cat, who is also perched at the bar, says. “I’m happy for you,” she insists quickly. “I just... can’t wrap my head around it sometimes.” She shakes her head like it baffles her completely.
“I can see it now,” Iona cuts in. “I couldn’t at first, but now I think they suit each other perfectly. Jamie’s met his match in Maisie—no one can keep him in line like she can.”
Cat cocks her head thoughtfully before admitting with mock reluctance, “That bit is true.”
I chuckle and stare fondly across the pub at my former nemesis, enjoying the way his eyes sparkle with every cheesy line he delivers.
“You know we’re practically family now,” Iona muses, pulling my attention. “What with our parents being together.”
I glance over at Da, who looks so relaxed sitting there with his arm around Elspeth’s shoulder, a pint in hand. It’s nice seeing him enjoying himself and relaxing. He’s earned it.
“Aye, it’s funny how things have turned out, eh?” I say. “Everyone’s found someone. Oh—sorry, Cat,” I add with a wince.
“Oh, that’s okay,” Cat says breezily, swirling her gin and tonic. “I’m not exactly looking to settle down or anything.” A mischievous twinkle lights up her hazel eyes. “That said, there is someone I’ve got my eye on.”
Iona, slightly flushed from her second glass of wine, leans in eagerly. “Oh, do tell!”
“Well...” Cat pauses for dramatic effect. “I might have a thing for a certain... bad boy.”
THE END