Chapter 155

Dave had mostly travelled abroad during the month of December, so he could escape the all too often grey and dismal progression of the Highlands’ final month of autumn into winter. But spending the time with Lea at Brathellae had turned the normally cold and bleak time into something else entirely. The shorter days and longer nights were no longer an inconvenience but an excellent excuse to relax over a drink in front of a roaring fire. Or to spend long hours in bed, making love, then snuggling up in a cocoon of cosy warmth. And with winter and plenty of snowbound days heading their way, instead of feeling trapped and contained, he felt…free.

More open, more relaxed. More human and less of an emotionless workhorse machine.

The days at Brathellae belonged to Lea and him, no one else. Well, apart from Flossie but the old dog spent most of the time snoozing by the fire, only stirring for meals and comfort breaks. Aunt Elsie had extended her holiday and, apart from the occasional ground s