The Scotland Sweetheart

Two : Hot Cocoa and Hot Maintenance Men

Elsie smiled as she pulled up in front of her cottage home for the next few months. The beautiful white home contrasted from the green rolling hills littered with purple heather flowers. She stepped out of the car only to be met with crisp spring air. She closed her eyes and took a long deep breath. This was paradise. She made her way to the front door and pulled out the golden key from her purse. She carefully unlocked the door and slowly opened it. She smiled as she took in the home. She made her way find the whole home whitewashed with accents of lavender and peach. She skimmed her hands over the smooth wooden kitchen counter top as she marveled over the vintage kitchen appliances. She picked up a knick knack of a flying pig as a loud knock sounded from the front door. She jumped almost dropping the porcelain pig and quickly turned around to find a woman about her mother's age with firey red hair. She smiled to her immediately recognizing her picture from the rental service, Mrs. Ferguson. She carefully set the pig down as she waved her inside. Mrs. Ferguson shut the door and said,"I saw ya' car pull up and thought I'd come by and say hello. Also if you need anything our home is just on up the hill." Elsie went to her and held out her hand only for Mrs. Ferguson to pull her into a hug. Elsie chuckled as she said,"Thank you. It means the world that you let me rent this place out. Its absolutely beautiful." Mrs. Ferguson pulled away and waved the girl off. She ushered the two of them to the kitchen and put on a pot of tea. Mrs. Ferguson smiled and said," I'm glad you like it, dear. Now I know you just got off your flight so I want you to relax and drink some tea. I'm a bit of a cook and made way too much soup last night so there's a pot of tattie soup, perfect for a cold spring day like today. Get plenty of rest and if you need anything me and my son are just one call away. Our numbers are on the phone directory." Elsie's stomach betrayed her and let out a loud growl, as she thought of a big pot of soup. She gave Mrs. Ferguson an embarrassed look as she awkwardly giggled. Mrs. Ferguson let out a loud cackle and headed back towards the door. Elsie followed her and said,"Thank you again, Mrs. Ferguson. Maybe next time you'll join me for a cup." The older woman nodded and nodded her a quick goodbye before making her way back home. Elsie smiled at the small home before sitting in a nearby leather armchair. She relaxed into the chair and said," This is the best decision I've ever made. Take that mother."

Elsie sat by the fire in her pajamas hunched over a warm cup of cocoa. She closed her eyes as the warm notes of Frank Sinatra roamed through the air from the nearby radio. She opened her eyes as a loud knock came from the door. Her eyebrows scrunched in confusion as she stood and looked to the clock on the wall. It was almost ten o'clock at night, who could be out here at this hour. She pulled on her nearby robe as another knock sounded from the door. She sinched her robe and opened the door to find a very tall man. His bright red hair was messily moused back and his chin and cheeks were covered in a light stubbly layer. His smile caught her off guard and made her weak in the knees. This man was a God. He cleared his throat and said,"Sorry for bothering this late, Lass. I forgot to bring by some wood for the fireplace earlier and the lights were still on so I thought I'd bring some by." Elsie tried to speak to the man but nothing came out. This man has struck her speechless. She looked to find a small bundle of wood in his hands and quickly moved out of the way for him. He carefully made his way inside, slipping off his work boots before walking to the metal box by fire. She couldn't help but stare at his butt as he squatted and filled the metal box. Elsie shook herself out of her trance and said," Thank you for bringing some by. I really appreciate it." He stood and dusted off his hands before he turned to look at her. She could feel his eyes roaming up and down her body, making her self consciousness kick in. She sinched the robe tighter as he said,"Just doing my job Ms.-" Elsie stepped forward and held out her hand to shake. He happily took it and gently shook it as she said," Elsie Jar, but I prefer just Elsie, Mr.-" He chuckled as he gave her another big smile, making her knees turn to jello again. He began to pull his hand away as he said,"Watson Ferguson but everyone but Ma calls me Watts." Elsie smiled up at him as their hands fell to their sides. He shoved his handed in the pockets of his jeans as he said," If you need me or Ma don't be afraid to call. If it's more of a maintenance issue my number is over there on the phone. I'll bring wood around in the evenings for ya' every night." Elsie just nodded as she followed him to the door. He opened the door as she said," Thank you for the wood and offer. You and your mom both have been very sweet-. Oh, wait I washed your mom's pot." He gave her an odd look as she ran off to kitchen, making him chuckle. He watched her quickly bring back his mother's soup pot. She handed him the pot and he put it under his arm as she said," Sorry about that. Anyways, thank you again. I guess I'll see you tomorrow." He nodded and bowed his head slightly as he made his way to a black truck. She closed the door and leaned against it as she let out a dreamy sigh. She had to be dreaming. A hunky, Scottish land lord with perfect green eyes and scruffy cheeks. This was like alot of her books, too much like her books. She couldn't help but ask herself if this was karma. She let out a sigh before she went back to her hot chocolate by the fireplace. She rolled her eyes and said," I'm so utterly screwed."