New Year's Unspoken Longing

At Ardnoch Castle's glittering New Year's Eve, Arro Adair, the youngest Adair sibling, aches for Mac Galbraith, her brother's best friend and ex-bodyguard. Their age gap and Mac's loyalty to her brother keep them apart, but a vulnerable moment leads to a passionate kiss. Mac, burdened by guilt over his estranged daughter and his own sense of unworthiness, pushes Arro away, insisting nothing can happen between them. Arro's heart shatters, but she masks her pain, vowing to remain friends. The fireworks outside mirror the turmoil within, as both are left longing for what they cannot have, setting the stage for years of unresolved tension and yearning.

Wedding Joy, Hidden Pain

Years later, Arro stands as bridesmaid at her brother Lachlan's wedding to Robyn, Mac's daughter. The Adair family is reunited, but Arro's heart is raw from Mac's recent, humiliating rejection. The wedding is a swirl of love and hope, but Arro is haunted by what could have been. Mac's speech for his daughter is moving, and Arro's bitterness is tinged with reluctant happiness for him. The family's joy is shadowed by Arro's private grief, and the complex web of relationships—siblings, lovers, friends—tightens, as Arro and Mac are forced into each other's orbit, unable to escape the pain of what they've lost.

Estrangement and Family Ties

Arran, the prodigal Adair brother, returns, stirring old wounds and new suspicions. Arro's relationship with her brothers is tested as she tries to hide her heartbreak. The family's history of loss and resilience is palpable, and Arro's longing for connection is mirrored in her brothers' struggles. The Adairs' love is fierce but complicated, and Arro's attempts to move on are thwarted by Mac's constant presence and the unresolved tension between them. The family's unity is both a comfort and a source of pain, as Arro grapples with her place among them and the secrets she keeps.

The Note Arrives

Arro receives a threatening note, echoing the words of a past stalker who terrorized her family. The message is a copycat of the ones that once targeted Lachlan, and Arro's sense of safety is shattered. The Adairs rally to protect her, but the fear is real and isolating. Mac, despite their estrangement, is determined to keep her safe, reigniting the unresolved emotions between them. The note is a catalyst, forcing Arro to confront her vulnerability and the dangers that still lurk in the shadows of her family's fame and history.

Shadows of the Past

Mac's past resurfaces when a childhood friend warns him that those involved in a decades-old murder are dying under suspicious circumstances. Mac's guilt over his role in the crime and his fear for the Adairs intensify. He investigates, uncovering connections between the deaths and his own history. The threat feels personal, and Mac's need to protect Arro becomes urgent. The past and present collide, as Mac's secrets threaten to engulf them all, and the line between protector and danger blurs.

Work, Sexism, and Threats

Arro throws herself into her work as a forest engineer, facing sexism from a new assistant, Duncan. The job is her refuge, but the threatening notes escalate, and paranoia seeps into her daily life. Duncan's hostility and the arrival of more notes make Arro question everyone around her. The professional and personal merge, as Arro's competence is undermined not just by misogyny but by the very real possibility that someone close is out to harm her. The tension mounts, and Arro's isolation deepens.

Protection and Confession

With the threats escalating, Mac insists on guarding Arro, forcing them into close quarters. The unresolved pain between them erupts in a confrontation where Arro demands answers for his rejection. Mac confesses his deep-seated belief that he is unworthy of her love, shaped by a lifetime of abandonment and guilt. Arro, exhausted by anger and longing, tells him she deserves more than to be put on a pedestal or used as a means for his self-punishment. The truth is raw and painful, but it cracks open the possibility of healing. The forced proximity becomes a crucible for their relationship.

Christmas Temptations

A Christmas spent together with family brings Arro and Mac dangerously close to giving in to their passion. A near-confession of love is interrupted, leaving both unsatisfied and aching. The holiday is bittersweet, filled with longing and the ache of what remains unsaid. The family's warmth is a balm, but Arro and Mac's private torment simmers beneath the surface, threatening to boil over.

The Weight of Rejection

Arro recounts to her friend Eredine the night she tried to seduce Mac, only to be rejected in a way that left her feeling humiliated and small. The pain of that night lingers, fueling her anger and self-doubt. Eredine's support is a lifeline, but Arro is trapped in a cycle of guilt and resentment. The rejection is not just romantic but existential, shaking Arro's sense of self and her ability to trust.

Therapy and Self-Discovery

Mac, urged by friends and his daughter, begins therapy to confront his lifelong patterns of guilt, self-loathing, and fear of abandonment. Through painful sessions, he unpacks his childhood traumas, his role in past violence, and his failures as a father and partner. The process is grueling but transformative, as Mac learns to reframe his narrative and see himself as worthy of love. The therapy is a turning point, offering hope for change and the possibility of a future with Arro.

Copycat Stalker Escalates

The copycat stalker's actions escalate from notes to physical threats, culminating in a near-fatal car attack on Arro. Mac saves her, but is injured in the process. The danger is real and immediate, and the family is on high alert. The police investigation intensifies, and suspicion falls on various suspects, including Arro's misogynistic coworker and a vengeful ex. The crisis forces Arro and Mac to rely on each other, even as their emotional wounds remain raw.

Facing the Truth

With the threat contained, Mac and Arro finally have the honest conversation they've avoided for years. Mac reveals the depth of his therapy and the changes he's made, while Arro admits her lingering fears and the pain of loving someone who once made her feel desperate and small. They agree to try again, slowly, with open eyes and hearts. The family's support is unwavering, and the possibility of happiness feels real for the first time.

The Past Comes Hunting

Just as peace seems possible, Arro is lured to a remote work site by her vengeful ex, Guy, who reveals himself as the true stalker. A violent confrontation ensues, and Arro must fight for her life, drawing on her newfound strength and the self-defense skills Mac taught her. The trauma is immense, but Arro survives, and Guy is arrested. The ordeal cements Arro's resilience and the depth of her bond with Mac.

Healing and Second Chances

As Arro and Mac recover from their physical and emotional wounds, they move in together and begin planning a future. The family's support is steadfast, and the couple finds joy in the ordinary moments—shared meals, lazy mornings, and the promise of a home together. The past is not forgotten, but it no longer defines them. Therapy, honesty, and love pave the way for healing and the courage to hope again.

Ceilidh Night Reckoning

At the annual Ardnoch ceilidh, Arro and Mac make their relationship public, facing down gossip and judgment with pride. The night is a celebration of love and resilience, culminating in a passionate encounter that is both a release and a reclamation of their story. The family's acceptance is a balm, and Arro and Mac's commitment to each other is sealed in laughter, desire, and the promise of forever.

Love, Loss, and Survival

A final act of violence nearly takes Mac from Arro, but in the face of loss, Arro confesses her love, refusing to let fear or pride keep her from the truth. Mac survives, and the ordeal cements their bond. The couple moves forward, planning a life together, building a home, and dreaming of a family. The scars remain, but they are a testament to survival and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

Moving Forward Together

In the aftermath, Arro and Mac find peace in each other and their family. They plan a double wedding with Arro's brother and his fiancée, embracing the chaos and joy of their blended lives. The past is honored but no longer holds them captive. Together, they face the future with hope, humor, and an unbreakable bond, knowing that whatever comes, they will face it side by side—always.

Characters

Arrochar "Arro" Adair

Arro is the youngest Adair sibling, a forest engineer who balances strength and vulnerability. Her lifelong love for Mac is both her greatest joy and deepest pain. Arro's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to demand respect, confronts sexism at work, and refuses to be defined by rejection or trauma. Her relationships with her brothers are complex—she is both protected and stifled by their love. Arro's psychological arc is about reclaiming agency, learning to trust again, and finding the courage to love without losing herself. Her resilience in the face of danger and heartbreak is the heart of the story.

Mackennon "Mac" Galbraith

Mac is the Adair family's head of security, Lachlan's best friend, and Robyn's estranged father. Scarred by a childhood of abandonment and guilt over a violent past, Mac believes he is unworthy of love. His relationship with Arro is fraught with longing, self-sabotage, and fear. Therapy becomes his path to healing, as he confronts his demons and learns to see himself as deserving. Mac's arc is about breaking cycles of shame, embracing vulnerability, and fighting for happiness. His love for Arro is transformative, pushing him to become the man he wants to be.

Lachlan Adair

Lachlan is the family's patriarch in all but name, a former Hollywood star who saves the family estate by turning it into an exclusive club. His protective instincts shape the family's dynamics, and his marriage to Robyn brings both joy and complexity. Lachlan's relationship with Mac is brotherly and deep, and his support is crucial in Mac and Arro's journey. He embodies the Adair values of loyalty, sacrifice, and fierce love.

Robyn Penhaligon Adair

Robyn is Mac's daughter and Lachlan's wife, a former police officer whose arrival in Scotland catalyzes the family's transformation. Her reconciliation with Mac is hard-won, and her strength inspires those around her. Robyn's insight and empathy help both Mac and Arro heal, and her presence is a reminder of the power of forgiveness and new beginnings.

Thane Adair

Thane is Arro's second-eldest brother, an architect and devoted father. His relationship with Regan, despite a significant age gap, mirrors the central romance and challenges family expectations. Thane's protectiveness sometimes borders on overbearing, but his love is unwavering. He is a stabilizing force, offering both tough love and gentle support.

Regan Penhaligon

Regan, Robyn's sister and Thane's partner, brings warmth and healing to the Adair family. Her own traumas and triumphs parallel Arro's, and her friendship is a source of strength. Regan's journey is about embracing love after loss and building a blended family with grace and humor.

Arran Adair

Arran's return to Ardnoch stirs old wounds and new hopes. His restlessness and secrets add depth to the family dynamic, and his eventual decision to stay signals healing and the importance of home. Arran's arc is about facing the past and choosing connection over escape.

Brodan Adair

Brodan, the family's movie star, is both a source of pride and concern. His struggles with fame, identity, and belonging mirror the family's larger themes. Brodan's support for Arro is steadfast, and his own journey hints at future stories of redemption and love.

Eredine Willows

Eredine is Arro's close friend and confidante, a Pilates instructor with her own hidden past. Her empathy and wisdom provide Arro with a safe space to process pain and anger. Eredine's guardedness and eventual openness reflect the story's themes of trust and vulnerability.

Guy Lewis

Guy is Arro's ex-boyfriend and the true antagonist behind the stalking. His misogyny, entitlement, and violence are a stark contrast to the healthy masculinity Mac strives for. Guy's actions force Arro to confront her fears and fight for her life, catalyzing her final transformation.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Shifting Perspectives

The novel alternates between Arro and Mac's perspectives, allowing readers to experience the emotional complexity and misunderstandings that drive the plot. This structure deepens empathy, exposes hidden motivations, and builds tension as each character's internal struggles are revealed. The shifting viewpoints also highlight the impact of trauma, therapy, and healing, making the love story as much about personal growth as romance.

Foreshadowing and Echoes

The story is rich with echoes—notes, threats, and violence that repeat patterns from the past. The copycat stalker's notes are literal echoes of previous trauma, while Mac's fear of repeating his father's failures and Arro's dread of abandonment are psychological echoes. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense, as early hints of danger and unresolved pain set the stage for later revelations and confrontations.

Forced Proximity and Protection

The escalating threats force Arro and Mac into close quarters, breaking down emotional barriers and compelling them to confront their feelings. The bodyguard trope is subverted, as Arro learns to protect herself and Mac learns to accept help. The motif of protection—physical, emotional, familial—runs throughout, challenging traditional gender roles and highlighting the importance of mutual support.

Therapy as Narrative Catalyst

Mac's journey through therapy is not a side plot but a central device that drives character development and the romance. The sessions are depicted in detail, showing the slow, painful process of confronting and reframing trauma. Therapy is both a plot device and a thematic statement: love alone is not enough; healing requires work, honesty, and professional help.

Family as Both Haven and Pressure

The Adair family is both a source of strength and a crucible of pressure. Sibling bonds, parental legacies, and the demands of loyalty shape every decision. The family's history of loss, resilience, and public scrutiny is a constant backdrop, influencing the characters' choices and fears. The family's acceptance is hard-won, and the story interrogates what it means to belong, to forgive, and to move forward together.

Analysis

Always You is a contemporary romance that transcends its genre by weaving together themes of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel is about two people—Arro and Mac—who are shaped by loss, guilt, and the fear of not being enough. Their journey is not a simple arc from longing to fulfillment, but a nuanced exploration of how past wounds can sabotage present happiness. The story's modernity lies in its refusal to romanticize suffering: therapy is not a last resort but a necessary, ongoing process; love is not a cure-all but a catalyst for growth. The novel interrogates toxic masculinity, the dangers of silence, and the importance of agency—especially for women navigating both professional and personal threats. The Adair family's warmth and chaos provide both comfort and challenge, illustrating that true belonging requires honesty and vulnerability. Ultimately, Always You is a testament to the idea that love, to endure, must be chosen again and again, in the face of fear, pain, and the shadows of the past. Its lesson is clear: healing is possible, but only when we dare to face ourselves—and each other—with courage, compassion, and hope.

Last updated: December 24, 2025