Under Scottish Stars Read online

  Praise for the MacDonald Family Trilogy

  UNDER SCOTTISH STARS

  “In Under Scottish Stars, independent single mother Serena Stewart returns to the beautiful land of Skye, looking for stability for her two small children—not romance with Malcolm Blake, who manages the hotel that Serena owns with her two brothers. Their ‘this can’t be happening’ relationship is engaging, and Carla Laureano reveals both Serena’s and Malcolm’s vulnerabilities as they fall in love when they least expected it. Under Scottish Stars is a satisfying romance that reminds readers that love doesn’t always go according to our agendas—and that can be a very good thing.”

  BETH K. VOGT, author of the Thatcher Sisters series

  “Under Scottish Stars is a fabulous read, filled with compelling characters, a delicious setting, and a romance that can only be described as . . . swoon-worthy. Carla Laureano’s third and final book in the MacDonald Family Trilogy exceeded all my expectations and truly shouldn’t be missed.”

  JEN TURANO, USA Today bestselling author of A Change of Fortune

  “Solid characters, brilliant dialogue, believable conflict, a setting you can taste—and, always, breath-stealing love scenes. No one writes a romantic hero like Laureano! Under Scottish Stars takes us back to Skye to explore poignant truths of single parenthood, family loyalty, the pursuit of dreams—and faith. A satisfying and stellar finish to the MacDonald Family Trilogy.”

  CANDACE CALVERT, bestselling author of Maybe It’s You and The Recipe

  LONDON TIDES

  “Achieving an aching depth and a resounding trueness within a heated yet baggage-ridden romance, author Carla Laureano has proven herself a storyteller who is not afraid to take her characters into the darkest regions of their own hearts. An excellent follow-up to Five Days in Skye, London Tides tugs and churns every emotion . . . right up until the lovely, hope-buoying end.”

  SERENA CHASE, USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog

  “At times lighthearted; at times heart-wrenching. Laureano has penned a delightfully romantic tale about the importance of finding home. If readers weren’t already smitten with the MacDonald brothers, they will be after London Tides!”

  KATIE GANSHERT, award-winning author of The Art of Losing Yourself

  “Another captivating story! London Tides is as compelling and engaging as Laureano’s award-winning Five Days in Skye. It’s deliciously romantic and filled with tension, wonderful characters, and vivid scenery. A must-read this summer!”

  KATHERINE REAY, author of Lizzy and Jane

  FIVE DAYS IN SKYE

  “Sweet and scathing, lush and intimate. . . . This story has guts and heart as well as the depth and heat necessary to satisfy any romance reader’s palate.”

  USA TODAY

  “From page one, Five Days in Skye captured my imagination and every minute of my pleasure-reading time. With enviable finesse, author Carla Laureano weaves romance, hope, healing, and faith into a spunky and sparkling tale that made me sorry to say good-bye to the characters and the alluring Isle of Skye. I look forward to reading more from this author.”

  TAMARA LEIGH, author of Splitting Harriet and The Unveiling, book one in the Age of Faith series

  “Five Days in Skye swept me away to Scotland! Against the craggy beauty of the Isle of Skye, author Carla Laureano weaves a story . . . of love between an American businesswoman and a Scottish celebrity chef. Fans of the movie The Holiday are sure to enjoy this contemporary romance. Laureano’s voice is deft, seamless, and wonderfully accomplished. An exciting newcomer to the world of Christian fiction!”

  BECKY WADE, author of My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours

  Visit Tyndale online at tyndale.com.

  Visit Carla Laureano’s website at carlalaureano.com.

  TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

  Under Scottish Stars

  Copyright © 2020 by Carla Laureano. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of woman copyright © vitaliymateha/AdobeStock. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of cottage copyright © Neil Warburton/Stocksy.com. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of stars by Hugo Kemmel on Unsplash.

  Designed by Eva M. Winters

  Edited by Sarah Mason Rische

  Published in association with the literary agency of The Steve Laube Agency.

  Under Scottish Stars is a work of fiction. Where real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales appear, they are used fictitiously. All other elements of the novel are drawn from the author’s imagination.

  For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Tyndale House Publishers at [email protected], or call 1-800-323-9400.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Laureano, Carla, author.

  Title: Under Scottish stars / Carla Laureano.

  Description: Carol Stream, Illinois : Tyndale House Publishers, [2020] | Series: The MacDonald family trilogy ; 3

  Identifiers: LCCN 2019058003 (print) | LCCN 2019058004 (ebook) | ISBN 9781496426291 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781496426307 (kindle edition) | ISBN 9781496426314 (epub) | ISBN 9781496426321 (epub)

  Subjects: LCSH: Domestic fiction. | GSAFD: Love stories.

  Classification: LCC PS3612.A93257 U53 2020 (print) | LCC PS3612.A93257 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6--dc23

  LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019058003

  LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019058004

  Build: 2020-05-29 09:34:28 EPUB 3.0

  To my single-mom friends, who do the hardest job in the world with grace and grit.

  You amaze me.

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Epilogue

  A Note from the Author

  Discussion Questions

  About the Author

  Preview of Five Days in Skye

  Acknowledgments

  IF THERE WERE AN AWARD for the most circuitous route to publication, it would probably go to this book! As many of you know, Under Scottish Stars was originally scheduled to be published several years ago, but when I changed publishers, I took the MacDonald Family Trilogy with me. That began the long and complicated but gratifying process of getting these books back out in the world. It also meant a—ahem—rather long wait for this elusive third book, and it’s hard to explain how glad I am to finally be able to share Serena and Malcolm’s story.

  The first acknowledgment must go to all the readers who embraced this series so warmly and hung in there for five long years for the final conclusion. I sincerely hope it was worth the wait! And if you’ve come to this series late, welcome. There’s a small but dedicated community that would love to discuss the merits of the MacDonald Family Trilogy’s heroes with
you!

  A big basket of thank-yous goes to

  The entire Tyndale fiction team, who embraced this series and worked tirelessly to give it a second life and expand its readership. I’m so grateful for all your hard work and enthusiasm.

  My original editor, Rachelle Gardner, and my Tyndale editor, Sarah Rische. Your combined efforts have undoubtedly made this book into the very best version of itself.

  My agent, Steve Laube. There’s no one I’d rather have with me in this crazy business. Your wisdom, humor, and integrity are always appreciated. Thank you for all you do.

  My fabulous friends and partners in literary madness: Elizabeth Younts, Laurie Tomlinson, Evangeline Denmark, Brandy Vallance, Cindi Madsen, Lori Twichell, and Amber Lynn Perry. Some of you talked me off the ledge during the writing of this book, and some of you were with me during the reedit/reissue, but many times that little chat icon is the only thing that keeps me going. That means my sanity—or lack thereof—is all on your shoulders. No pressure or anything.

  My fantastic family: Rey, Nathan, Preston, Mom, and Dad. Your love and support mean more to me than anything.

  My loving heavenly Father, who speaks to me most clearly through the pages of my own books. Help me listen.

  CHAPTER ONE

  THREE MINUTES INTO DESSERT, Serena MacDonald Stewart was checking the time on her mobile phone, concocting a quick escape. Half past eight. She’d already devoted two hours to the date that would never end. Could she pull off an emergency text message from her babysitter without tipping her hand?

  “Is there a problem at home?”

  Serena jerked her head up guiltily and gave an inward sigh at the disappointed expression on her date’s face. “No, no problem.” She returned her phone to the seat beside her and vowed to keep her mind on the man who had taken her out to this very expensive—and very long—dinner.

  “It’s hard leaving them behind, isn’t it?” he said. “Is this your first date since—?”

  “Since Edward died? No, it isn’t. But it doesn’t seem to get any easier.”

  The patient understanding playing across his handsome features made her feel even worse. She’d met Daniel Cameron on a committee for the school that her daughter and his youngest son attended. He’d struck her as kind and thoughtful, and she’d not had the heart to turn him down when he’d asked her out to dinner. At least he was easy to look at: dark hair, green eyes, nice build for a man she figured was pushing fifty.

  But there was absolutely no spark. Nothing. She couldn’t muster one single flicker of interest.

  Daniel leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I have to tell you, I haven’t dated much since my divorce either. I know you’re probably not supposed to bring up these things, but we both understand how it is.”

  Maybe not, considering she had no idea where he was going with this.

  “At this point, I think we’re simply trying to find someone we like and respect. You must be looking for a father for your children, especially with Max so young. Certainly, my children could use a better role model than their mother, especially considering my work keeps me so busy.”

  Oh no. Now she knew where he was going with this. She’d heard it too many times. “I didn’t ask you out because I thought we had something in common and find you attractive. I’m really looking for a mother for my children before it’s too late and I mess things up on my own.”

  Serena cleared her throat and made a show of glancing at her mobile again. “I really hate to cut this short, but my babysitter has to be home by half nine. Do you think we could—?”

  “Oh, of course. Yes. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.” He signaled the server for their bill. “I don’t suppose you have plans for next weekend?”

  “Actually, I thought I might take Max and Em to Edinburgh. There’s a Vermeer exhibit at the National Gallery.”

  He cracked a smile, which faded as soon as he realized she wasn’t having a laugh. “You’re really taking an eight-year-old and a three-year-old to an art museum?”

  “Of course. You have to start these things early. Max simply needs to learn to keep his hands to himself, but Em’s got a good eye for technique already. I think it would be an enriching experience. That’s part of why we appreciate the art program at Highlands Academy so much.”

  “Certainly.” Now he looked as uncomfortable as she felt.

  Serena put two and two together. “You were part of the petition to cut the arts and music program in favor of more academics.” Surely he knew she’d been lobbying against that very petition with the private-school board for the past month.

  “I just think we’re better off emphasizing math and science, especially for girls, given the current competitive business environment.” He placed his credit card in the folder and handed it back to the server, seeming glad for an excuse not to look Serena in the eye.

  “And I think we’re doing the world a disservice by not emphasizing the development of creative thinkers. But of course, I have a master’s degree in art history and worked as a gallery curator for years, so I might be a little biased.”

  “Oh?” His eyebrows lifted. “I’d no idea you worked.”

  She couldn’t tell if it was simply a way to steer the topic away from his faux pas or if he was concerned about the fact she might want a career. “I gave it up before I had Em. It was somewhat . . . incompatible . . . with raising children.”

  Now he looked relieved. “I think that’s admirable. Too many women put their own fulfillment ahead of their family’s needs.”

  She should leave it alone. She knew she should. It wasn’t as if this date were going anywhere. Yet she’d spent far too much time swallowing her opinions on the subject. She looked him directly in the eye and said, “It’s probably not as common as men who bury themselves in the office and expect their wives to take on sole parenting responsibility.”

  And that was the nail in the coffin of a date already on life support. It made for an awkward drive home, though they both attempted a polite stream of chitchat. As they parted at her front door with a cordial handshake—he was smart enough not to go in for the kiss, at least—she figured it was for the best. Daniel wasn’t a bad man, even if he did have rather conservative opinions on gender roles. He was intelligent, successful, and responsible. He simply lacked the level of imagination Serena required in a mate. She’d already had a marriage that felt like one long business transaction, and she wasn’t about to jump into another.

  “Did you have fun?” Allie, the teenage girl who babysat for Serena on occasion, popped up from the sofa in the reception room, a book in hand.

  “It was nice, thanks.” Serena reached into her clutch and took out several banknotes, which she handed to the girl with a smile.

  Allie stuffed the money into her pocket and picked up her purse. “They were super easy tonight, by the way. Let me know when you need me again.”

  “Thank you, Allie. I’ll ring you.” Serena let the girl out the front door and watched until she got into her car and turned on the ignition. This little section of Nairn near the Moray Firth was quiet, almost rural, but her mum instincts wouldn’t let her rest until she knew the girl was safely on her way. When Allie backed out of the drive, Serena stepped back into her house, locked up, and kicked her patent-leather heels onto the rug.

  Nice dinner or not, that had been a waste of stilettos.

  Serena quietly climbed the sweeping staircase to the upper floor and peeked into the first room she came to. Max was sleeping sprawled the wrong direction on his single bed, one pajama leg shoved up above the knee, his fine dark hair wild from his restless sleeping habits. She didn’t move him—getting her three-year-old son to sleep was enough of a challenge without disturbing him—but merely covered him with his duvet, tucked his giraffe, Mr. Spots, in beside him, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Next door, eight-year-old Em was hunkered under a purple floral covering, only the top of her head visible. Serena kissed her good night as well and tucked
in the duvet more securely before continuing down the hall to her own expansive bedroom.

  Serena’s mobile buzzed in her handbag, and she yanked it out before it could go to a full ring and wake the kids. A quick glance at the screen showed a familiar number: the home of her younger brother, Jamie.

  “Checking to make sure I got home safely from my date?” she said with a wry smile.

  An American-accented female voice answered, “No, but the fact that you picked up answers my next question.”

  Serena laughed at her sister-in-law’s wry tone. “Hi, Andrea. I just got back.”

  “So the hot date was not so hot?”

  “Barely lukewarm.” Serena shimmied out of her pencil skirt and peeled off the body shaper she’d worn to make the old garment fit, then kicked it halfway across the room. The date had been a waste of Lycra too. “He was nice, but—”

  “No sparks.”

  “Not even a flicker. I’m beginning to think I’m asking too much.” She yanked on her flannel pajama bottoms over her cotton knickers and grimaced at the marks the stiletto heels had made on her feet. “Maybe at my age, I should be looking for someone stable and boring.”

  “Oh, please. You’re not even forty yet, so I don’t want to hear ‘at my age.’ Besides, you’re just going through what we all went through.”

  Serena put her mobile on speaker so she could slide off her jacket and wrestle out of her silk blouse. “Which is?”

  “Dating the boring, safe guys while you’re waiting for the one who curls your toes and sweeps you off your feet.”

  “Please stop right there. I don’t need any more evidence of how you and my brother can’t keep your hands off each other.”

  “I already apologized for that, and you really need to learn to knock.” Andrea laughed. “It’s not as if I came to Scotland intending to fall in love with a client, you know. Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. What time are we supposed to be at your house tomorrow for supper?”