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‘How did things go in Aberdeen, then? Sounded stressful?’
‘It was a bit hairy at times. But to be honest I was more worried about getting here on time, Emma. Thankfully, everything is now in place for the trial.’
Emma knew how important client confidentiality and discretion were so didn’t ask him anymore. She was just thankful that the trial wouldn’t take place until they were back from their honeymoon.
He slung his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. ‘For the record though, there was no way I would have let work get in the way more than it already has. Just in case you have any doubts. As I said, I would have quit rather than miss our big day.’
Emma’s heart soared as she listened to him and she knew she needed to open up and tell him what was on her mind, but she couldn’t. It was as though the words were stuck inside her. As they walked, she thought about how wonderful he was and how much she loved him.That is why, the voice in her head said,you need to be honest with him. He deserves to know the truth.
‘Mum is so excited about the wedding and it’s great seeing Lauren happy too.’
Emma nodded. It had been a tough few years for them all. Max’s father had died suddenly, the victim of a hit and run car accident in Edinburgh. Not long afterwards, Lauren finally found the strength to tell Max and her mum that she was gay. Neither were particularly surprised about it, and were just pleased she was able to be herself. Around about that time she and Max met and started dating. At the time, his mum told him it was great to remember that life had pockets of joy and that she was able to start smiling again because her kids were happy.
Emma was in awe of her mother-in-law-to-be. She was always so kind, graceful and diplomatic and admitted to Emma that the last thing she wanted to be was a burden or overbearing to her kids. But Emma knew she was delighted that Lauren and Milly had recently moved to North Berwick, and she was always so happy to welcome Max and Emma when they visited. ‘Lauren does look fab and so happy, and your mum is always so great too, isn’t she?’
Max kissed the top of her head. ‘Yes, I mean she misses Dad, but I know she is so excited for us and about the wedding. The only thing she gave me a lecture about was the lack of honeymoon.’
Emma rolled her eyes. They had agreed to make the most of their time on the island, especially as Amy was back for such a short time. After the wedding they planned to enjoy a couple of days with their family and friends before spending two nights at a boutique hotel on the other side of the island. After that they would return to work with plans to have a longer honeymoon in Asia in the winter months when they both tended to crave sunshine and a break from the bleak and very cold Scottish winter. ‘Did you tell her our plans, though?’
‘Yes, but she thinks we both work too hard. She’s just looking out for us,’ said Max. ‘Anyway the main thing is that we will be married, and you’ll be my wife. It will be great having some time with family and friends and then we have our days away at the end of the week to look forward to.’
‘Yes,’ bristled Emma. ‘You may find by then you are ready for some peace and quiet.’
Max laughed.
Emma felt so secure and loved as they strolled along together and despite the voices in her head, she knew now was not the time to tell him her news — not now they had just been reunited and were in this lovely bubble. The clock was ticking though. She promised herself that tomorrow was another day.
Chapter Thirty-Three
The next night, Amy sat on the terrace of the Ship Inn pub, enjoying the spectacular views across the bay. She had to pinch herself. Who would have thought her life could have changed so much in a matter of weeks? She couldn’t quite believe that she was here.
In some ways so little had changed on the island, yet so much had. She needed to work out what to do. Could this really become her home again? Is that what shereallywanted? Or should she return to Vancouver?
It was so good seeing Emma and Kirsty and she was glad she could be here for them both, especially when she’d been so absent for the last few years.
She was also worried about Emma and really hoped she would find time to talk to Max soon. The wedding was just two days away, yet Emma admitted earlier that she was trying to find the right moment to talk to him . . . Amy wondered if there ever would be a right time.
She could also tell Kirsty was harbouring some stress over something other than just Dad. Perhaps she was worried about the thought of the kids leaving and her empty nest, but Amy’s intuition told her it was more than that. And she also felt bad about Dad and all the challenges he was facing, but also grateful she was here and able to spend time with him.
Could shereallyjust pack up her belongings and head back to Vancouver again without a backward glance? She’d left some of her belongings with Josh, but if truth be told she didn’t really need them. It was just a few items of clothing and books which could easily be donated to the charity shop. Amy had always preferred to travel light and, whether consciously or subconsciously, had packed with a view to not returning. Josh’s daily messages to her reminded her that although he missed her, she had to do what was right for her.
Amy jumped as she suddenly realized James was in front of her.
‘Hello there,’ he said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. He smelt of citrus aftershave and wore a crisp white T-shirt with dark jeans. ‘Sorry,’ he said gently. ‘I didn’t mean to startle you.’
‘Hi!’ she said. ‘Sorry, I was miles away.’
‘Well, I don’t blame you. The view is amazing, isn’t it, and what another glorious night. You’d think we were living on a Greek island in the height of summer.’
She nodded and stood up. ‘What can I get you?’
James looked as though he was about to argue but thought the better of it. ‘Just an Arran Blonde, please,’ he said.
She laughed and put her hands on her hips. ‘It’s lucky that I know what you’re talking about, James. Others may have taken that the wrong way.’
He laughed. ‘That is very true.’
She returned with two bottles of the pale ale and watched as he poured them into glasses. ‘Cheers,’ she said, clinking her glass against his.
