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Will wasn’t one to hold a grudge. If Calum hadn’t stepped in that day at school and Arran had succeeded in beating Will up, Will would probably have found a way to forgive and forget anyway. Even if Calum couldn’t.
‘You had other things on your mind.’ Will waggled his eyebrows.
‘What did he say?’ asked Rhona.
‘Ah, he apologised for stuff he said a long time ago. We were silly teenagers but it hurt. And I’m glad he came and spoke to me. I’ve always felt bad about it, like it was actually my fault.’
‘No, Will. It’s never the victim’s fault.’ Calum reached out and put his arm around Will’s shoulder. ‘He had no right to bully you like that, even if we were teenagers. Nor should I have reacted the way I did.’
Will chuckled. ‘Ah, Calum, you always were a lot fiercer than me, quiet but strong, and the best mate I could have.’
A lump swelled in Calum’s throat and he gave Will a pat. ‘Thanks.’
‘I’m so relieved it’s worked out,’ said Rhona.
‘Let’s hold off judgement until later.’ Calum’s gut roiled. ‘This boat trip could go pear-shaped. Our families have been warring for a long time. It’s a big ask, shoving them into a confined space together for the afternoon and hoping they’ll get on like best buddies.’
‘They wouldn’t have agreed to do it if they didn’t want to try,’ said Will.
‘Exactly,’ Morven said. ‘They both value their children and they want to do what’s best for both of you.’
‘Keep it short,’ said Will. ‘Just in case. You know, baby steps.’
Calum peeked at Rhona again.
She squeezed his hand. ‘We can do this.’
‘Listen,’ said Will. ‘Speaking of baby steps, and while we have you here, we have something to ask you.’ He looked at Morven, who nodded, then at Calum.
‘Oh yeah?’ Calum frowned.
‘We’d like you to be Angus’s godfather.’
‘Oh… Right. Wow.’ Calum’s chest swelled and Rhona hugged his arm. ‘Yeah, sure I will. It’s an honour.’
He embraced Will and they clapped each other on the back.
‘Excellent,’ said Will.
Calum gave Morven a peck on the cheek and ran his thumb over Angus’s peach-fuzz head. ‘I look forward to being your godfather, little man.’
They’d reached the entrance to the jetty and Rhona tugged on his arm. Standing by the boat were his parents, next to Alister and Judy. Calum swallowed. They were talking, though none of them appeared overly thrilled. Maybe this meeting would sink before they even got aboard.
‘We should go,’ he said.
‘Good luck.’ Morven took Will’s arm. ‘We’ll leave you to it.’
Will cast his eyes towards the boat. ‘Yes, good luck.’
‘Come on, Will.’ Morven dragged him away.
Calum and Rhona exchanged a look.
‘Here goes,’ she said.
‘At least we’ve got each other. Though it’d be a lot easier if our families were onboard too.’
Together, they strolled hand in hand towards their parents. Numbness spread up Calum’s arm and over his shoulders. He rolled them, bracing himself.
