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‘You’ve got to go to Aberdeen,’ she said matter-of-factly.
‘Just for the night. It’s urgent otherwise I wouldn’t even entertain it. But I promise I’ll be back tomorrow for our couple of days away,’ he said.
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ said Emma.
He hesitated, evidently tempted to say yes, but instead shook his head. ‘Thank you, but you have this time with your sisters while you can.’
‘I’ve had this week with them. It will be fine — honestly, I can come with you.’
‘I would love that but seriously, when will you get a chance like this again with the girls, Emma? Amy could be leaving soon and it’s not often that you get to see each other.And anyway, if you did come you would be stuck in the hotel room just waiting for me.’
She sighed. ‘Sure, okay, I suppose you’re right.’ Emma did a double take as he slipped his T-shirt over his head and pulled off his boxer shorts. ‘I do need to have a shower first though, so stay where you are. That is unless you have somewhere better to be?’ he teased.
His smile made her heart do a little flip. Emma pretended to think about it before flicking the water on again and pulling the screen back so he could join her.
Chapter Forty-Five
Amy knew Kirsty was right and that her advice was well-intentioned, but she couldn’t help feeling annoyed as she walked down towards town to collect Dad for the lunch.
Was she making a rash decision? Based on very little and a bit of a brief fling, if it even was that, with James? Nothing had even happened with him. Yet. She had a feeling that it was just a matter of time. Especially after last night and the dance they had together. He had pulled her close and she daren’t look up at him as she knew that if she did, she would want to kiss him. When she left the reception, he had dropped a playful kiss on her cheek. Every nerve tingled from his touch, and she had lain awake most of last night thinking about him. A voice calling from behind jolted her out of her daydream.
‘Hey, Amy, wait up.’
She turned round to see Steve jogging towards her. ‘I didn’t realize you were heading this way, or I would have waited.’
‘I needed to stretch my legs and we’re out of milk, so Kirsty sent me. I think she maybe wanted to get me out the way,’ he said smiling. ‘She’s abittetchy. I think she’s tired from the wedding.’
They walked together in companionable silence for a few minutes, both enjoying the late morning sunshine.
‘I’ve been a bit worried about her,’ Amy said with a sigh. ‘I get the feeling there’s something on her mind . . .’ When Steve didn’t respond, she continued talking. ‘It’s been a busy time for you both with the wedding, hasn’t it? And Dad? And it will soon be business as usual! When do the next guests arrive?’
‘The day after tomorrow,’ Steve said, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
‘Here’s an idea. I think Kirsty could really do with a break and a couple of days away from everything. She always has a lot to juggle, and she seems tired. It could do her no end of good?’
Steve hesitated, slightly distracted by his thoughts. ‘She does need a rest. I know she has a lot on her mind . . . but I don’t know. Leaving Meadowbank might stress her out. You know what she’s like about the guests.’
Amy waved her hands dismissively. ‘Just tell me what needs doing. I can easily hold the fort for a few days and I’m sure Becky and Tom can lend a hand. What could possibly go wrong?’
Steve chuckled. ‘Oh Amy, don’t even ask that. Thanks for the offer. Let me think about it and make a plan, okay? In the meantime, don’t say anything to Kirsty as she’ll fly into a panic and make excuses as to why it’s not a good idea.’
‘True. Okay, the offer is there if you would like it. I mean, perhaps James might help too if I asked him. Seeing as he is Mr. Hospitality . . .’ she added hastily.
Steve gave her a sideways look. ‘Mmm and so how are you feeling about James? Seems like you’re getting along fairly well?’
She paused before answering, gathering her thoughts. Even hearing his name being said made her pulse quicken. ‘It feels like I’ve met a long-lost friend . . . like we have never been apart, and I feel the same way I did for him all those years ago which seems weird. Except it’s more than that. It feels right.’
Saying those words out loud made it all seem real. With the heady feelings she had of excitement and anticipation, it was as though she was a teenager again. ‘However, James aside . . . I did say to Kirsty I was thinking of staying on. Not for him but to give a hand and also help support Dad. He was great yesterday but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll all of a sudden be back to his “normal” self . . .’
Steve looked at her quizzically. ‘Is this something you’ve been considering for a while?’
‘Yes,’ she said, ‘even before I came back. Things didn’t feel right anymore, and I started feeling a bit restless again. A lot of that was to do with Mum dying. It just didn’t feel the same when I went back after the funeral, and I tried to get on with things and build a life . . . but . . .’ Her voice trailed off. A cool breeze had sprung up which she was grateful for as her cheeks were flushed in the heat.
‘It’s a lot to think about and a big decision, Amy. One that only you can make. We would love to have you here, but you need to do what’s right for you.’
Amy felt her shoulders sag in relief. Steve was right and she appreciated his supportive words. She was glad he wasn’t trying to tell her to do one thing or the other. However, her gut instinct told her that staying on Arran was the right thing to do, regardless of James being there.
* * *
