Page 85 of A Scottish Country Escape

We shook hands while he appreciated the interior of Paper Roses through a pair of warm hazel eyes that complemented the colour of his shaggy red hair.

He apologised again for turning up so suddenly, but I dismissed it. Grandma offered him tea or coffee, but he declined with a charming gap-toothed smile. ‘I’d love to, but I’m a bit tight for time.’

I pointed towards the street outside. ‘Then let’s go. I’ll show you where we’re holding next week’s shindig and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have.’

‘Sounds good.’

We stepped out onto the cobbles. Thankfully, the rain had moved off, leaving only a faint glisten on the pavements and trees; lemony sunshine was stippling through the branches now. At least the elements were showing Fir Haven for what it was: a pretty corner of Scotland, cradled by superb woodland and rolling fields.

I explained about the stalls that would be there next Saturday, selling everything from shiny glazed cakes to handmade jewellery, and the enthusiastic children’s entertainers who would be meandering about to keep the little ones occupied.

I then spoke of what the reserve meant to everyone in the area.

Dean agreed. ‘It’s beautiful. I did some research on the place after Lucy told me what was happening.’ Then he went onto mention its historical links. He’d really done his homework.

‘If I’d had more time today, I would have loved to have gone up there again for another visit.’

I blinked up at him. ‘You’ve visited the reserve already?’

With a big, shy smile, he confessed that he had. ‘I’ve actually bought a place just outside Tarron and when I was checking it out on Wednesday night, I took a drive over there.’

Snapshots of the neighbouring town, with its rocky harbour and long tradition of family-owned fishing vessels, leapt into my head. ‘And what did you think of the reserve when you saw it?’

Dean’s twinkly eyes burned with intent. ‘I think it deserves to be saved. It’s stunning.’

We wandered side by side along the main street. ‘The locals and the businesses here are so fired up about saving the reserve.’ I gestured towards the back of the wide street. ‘I had thought your stage would be good over there. Please say if you don’t agree.’

Dean stopped, his navy and white trainers slapping over the damp cobbles. ‘That’s great. I’ll be able to work the crowd from there.’

I hope there will be a crowd, I thought to myself, crossing my fingers behind my back.

Dean asked what time I would like him to arrive with his band. ‘The earlier the better, so we can get set up.’

But my concentration was suddenly failing.

A familiar figure was moving to my right on the other side of the road.

It was Dexter walking hand in hand with an animated Nadia.

My heart jolted as he smiled down at her. Then he glanced up and noticed me.

His happy expression dissolved.

He paused, a fidgeting Nadia by his side, and appraised Dean.

Then a plummy female voice rang out. ‘Dexter! Look at this!’

A tall brunette emerged from the jeweller’s at the foot of the road, all legs and ankle boots. I watched with morbid fascination as she tottered over to him and linked her arm through his.

‘Mummy, Mummy! Can I get some banana ice cream please?’

The woman turned her attention to Nadia. ‘Ice cream doesn’t contain many nutrients, sweetheart. How about some frozen yoghurt instead? Yum!’

Nadia pulled a disgruntled face while Dexter continued to stare across at me, his expression unreadable.

They were like a perfect glossy family that had just stepped out of a magazine. I swallowed my pain and from somewhere deep inside, managed to drag up a faint smile.

The brunette, Nadia’s mum, began talking to Dexter again. When she realised he wasn’t paying attention to her, her eyes followed his across the road.