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‘It would do you good to have a break,’ said Steve, his tone adamant. ‘Plus, I could do with your help in case I forget anything about the menu. You know what I’m like.’ He saw her staring at the spreadsheet on top of the notes. ‘Bring it with you and I’ll even treat you to a coffee in the café.’
For a moment she wished she and Steve could just go for a walk deep into the forest like they used to. The dark green woods, complete with pine needle carpets, were peaceful and meditative and if you knew where to go you could see waterfalls with mossy green backdrops. It was a special place.
The island was popular with tourists all year round yet depending on the day you could walk for miles and maybe only see one person if one at all. There were so many walking trails that they used to love exploring and that was when they had their best chats, and she would confide in him and tell him what was on her mind. They had been on one of their long walks when she had told him about her discovery in the loft. Steve had been shocked but as supportive as ever and told her he was there to listen whenever she was ready. But there hadn’t been much chance to talk properly lately what with the guests and the wedding.
She gave herself a shake. She was being selfish. This wasn’t the time for unburdening herself. Focusing on Emma’s wedding was key. ‘Okay, deal,’ she said. ‘I’ll come and make sure we’re on track for the big day on one condition.’
‘What’s that?’
‘That you buy me cake, too.’
Steve walked over and took her in his hands and gazed into her eyes. ‘Are you okay, love?’
She wanted to collapse into his chest and go to sleep. ‘I’m fine, honestly. It’s just a bit mad around here isn’t it. Always something going on.’
He nodded. ‘That’s why I get worried about you as you do so much for everyone.’
‘I’m fine,’ she said, her voice trembling. She moved forward until their foreheads touched.
‘Where’s Amy and Becky?’ whispered Steve.
‘Upstairs, I think. Becky wanted to show Amy her dress for the wedding.’
He kissed her and for a few blissful moments she was able to forget everything that had been threatening to engulf her. Then they heard Amy and Becky clatter downstairs and she pulled away.
‘The kids seem to be happy she’s here, don’t they?’
‘Yes,’ she said, rolling her eyes and laughing. ‘What’s not to love?’
‘Hey, lovebirds,’ said Amy, as she followed Becky into the kitchen. Reaching for an apple from the fruit bowl on the kitchen table, she took a loud bite.
‘What are you up to, sweetie?’ Kirsty asked her daughter.
‘I’m off paddle boarding with the gang.’
‘Okay, well just be careful as there’s a wee bit of swell out there this afternoon,’ said Steve.
‘Don’t worry, I promise that I’ll be careful,’ she said, absent-mindedly picking away at the frayed edge of her jumper sleeve.
Kirsty took a breath, trying to ignore that familiar sense of worry that gnawed away at her whenever the kids did something even slightly risky. She needed to distract herself otherwise she’d start wittering on like a highly-strung parent.
‘Amy,’ she said brightly. ‘Steve and I are heading down to the distillery.’ Then she remembered its new manager which made it even more pressing that Amy should come along. ‘I’m sure you’d like to see where Emma’s big day will take place?’
Amy nodded. ‘Sure, that sounds good. If at the very least to check out the local whisky.’
Kirsty clocked Steve raising an eyebrow at her.
‘What?’ she mouthed innocently.
‘I didn’t realize you were so into whisky,’ said Steve to Amy.
Amy tapped her nose. ‘I’ll have you both know that I became very partial to a wee dram or two when I was away.’
‘Really?’ said Kirsty in surprise.
‘Yes. Don’t look so surprised. It was almost expected of me. There’s a tendency to think that all Scots drink whisky, so I didn’t want to let anyone down. So, I thought why not, I’ll give it a go and found I actually quite liked it.’
‘The Canadian whisky?’
