A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Seventeen

‘It’s about finding pockets of time where you can do this. We can all find time in our day to do make changes if we want to,’ said the assertive voice speaking in Callum’s ear. ‘If you want to transform your life then you have to do it yourself. Step into your own power. Prioritise yourself and your connections.’

He was leaning on the kitchen counter, staring out the window and admiring the patchwork of fields in the distance. He didn’t think he would ever tire of the view — all that space and the vastness of the sky. The thought of being in a city had never appealed, yet he had tried it for a few years in his twenties, as he felt he had to. But it didn’t end well. City life wasn’t for him. In fact, he wanted to protect Daisy from busy, dangerous cities as long as he could. Although he knew, at some point, he would have to let her go. She would have her own life to lead. But the thought of not being able to keep watch over her completely petrified him. As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He turned to see Daisy glaring at him and, embarrassed that she’d caught him indulging in his guilty podcast pleasure, he pulled the pods from his ears and pressed pause.

‘Honestly, you tell me off for not replying when you call for me.’ Daisy flicked her hair over her shoulders.

‘You’re absolutely right. I should be available at all times at your beck and call, just in case you decide to holler.’ Stretching his arms up, he then placed his phone on the worktop.

‘Urgh.’ Daisy had looked at his phone and seen that it wasn’t a music playlist he’d had on. ‘Not another coaching session from one of those gurus again. Honestly, it’s like you’re permanently listening to them. Why don’t you let me make you up a playlist, then you can dance and connect with your inner creative. You need to have more fun. Like get out and meet a proper woman, rather than listening to all these voices in your head.’ She gestured at the ear pods. ‘Literally.’

Callum laughed. ‘Thanks for that, Daisy.’ He was always amazed at how much wisdom she possessed for someone who was so young. Yet it shouldn’t surprise him — her mother had been exactly the same. Isla had always been a free spirit, a woman who was wiser than her years. Part of the reason he listened to so many podcasts — apart from the fact he found them fascinating, particularly the self-help ones — was so he could get the female perspective on things now he no longer had Isla to talk to. Maisie was helpful with some stuff, and had been a good friend to him and like a surrogate grandma to Daisy, which they’d appreciated. Especially as his own mum didn’t live close by, although she was great at Facetiming and keeping in touch with Daisy. Having Maisie so close was an added bonus. She was a great storyteller, and so unassuming about how much she’d achieved in her ninety plus years. She always insisted that her good health was down to her daily dose of red wine.

‘Right,’ said Daisy, ‘just to let you know that I need to stay at school later today for the newspaper. One of the journalists from the paper is coming in to talk to us and give us some advice. Hopefully she’ll help us with the school newspaper.’

‘I’m sure you’ll probably be the one giving the advice.’

Daisy shrugged and gave a coy smile. ‘I will be on my best behaviour and just ask lots of questions.’ Then her expression changed, becoming a bit huffy. ‘That reminds me, parents’ night is fairly soon. It’s the week after the winter market. That’s going to be a treat.’

Callum nodded. ‘Yes, they’re both on the calendar. Which reminds me, do you need me to do anything for the market?’

Daisy shook her head. ‘I don’t think so. I will do some baking. All you need to do is just come and splash some cash.’

Callum nodded. ‘I can do that.’ He frowned when he realised Daisy’s brows were furrowed. ‘Is there something you’re worried about, or need to tell me about school and parents’ night?’

Daisy smiled weakly. ‘No, not really . . .’

‘ Daisy ?’

‘Everything’s fine. I’d better go or I’ll miss the bus.’

Over the years Callum had learned to pick his battles with Daisy, and he realised this was not the time or place to get into what was going on at school. He shrugged. ‘Okay. Do you want to text and let me know when I’ve to pick you up?’

‘Thank you.’ She gave him a hug. ‘See you later. By the way, I put the latest cake in the tin for you. Let me know what you think?’

Callum smiled weakly. He had been the guinea pig for Daisy’s vegan experiments since she announced her change of diet. It was fair to say that some were better than others. She kept telling him she was refining the art of how to make the perfect cake. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he didn’t think that baking was her forte.

Just then his phone started to buzz. ‘Hello?’

‘Hi Callum. It’s just me, Maisie. Do you mind popping by when you have a minute, please? I need help with the logs.’

‘Of course. I’ll pop up over in ten minutes if that suits?’

‘Oh thank you Callum. Where would I be without you?’

‘What are you doing today?’ Daisy pulled on her jacket.

‘That was Maisie. I’ll go and help her with the logs and then I’ve a few work calls to make.’ Callum hadn’t yet told Daisy about the job Edie had asked him to do. He planned to make a start on drawing up a few ideas for that today and was really looking forward to it.

Daisy leaned down to kiss Ruby on the head. ‘Bye Rubes.’

Callum sighed as she slammed the door and flew up the lane. Inwardly he was glad she was growing up and becoming more independent, but he was starting to realise that he felt a bit discombobulated. For as long as he could remember, Daisy had been his sole focus in life — he’d put his life on hold. Maybe he needed to make an effort to get out more. That podcaster was right. He needed to prioritise himself and make some connections. Looking down at Ruby, who was gazing up at him in adoration, he tried to reason with himself that she was the only female companion he needed. But then the voice in his head reminded him that he’d been hiding himself away for far too long now. It was in Daisy’s interests for him to become less introverted. He didn’t want people to think she was the poor girl who lived with the weird farm man. Before he could change his mind, he picked up his phone and sent Fergus a text.

Fancy a beer sometime soon? Callum.

He didn’t have to wait long for a reply.

How about tonight? 6 pm at the Inn?

Callum did a quick calculation in his head. That should give him enough time to collect Daisy from school and drop her off home. He was sure she’d be delighted at the thought of having the house to herself for a couple of hours. He smiled as he typed his reply.

See you there. Looking forward to it.

He pulled on his jacket and walked briskly towards Maisie’s cottage. She was already outside in the back garden having stacked up her basket with logs.

‘Dearie me.’ She huffed and puffed. ‘It’s harder work than you think.’

‘I know, and I’m glad you phoned me Maisie. Though you should have called me before you gathered them all up. I could have done that for you and brought them in, save you getting cold.’

‘Oh don’t worry about that. I’m not an invalid. It’s good to keep busy.’

Callum shook his head fondly at her. She was fitter and more agile than lots of folk he knew in their fifties.

‘Thanks for that croissant the other day. It was delicious. And the flowers you and Daisy gave me are beautiful. Look,’ she pointed at the kitchen window, ‘aren’t they lovely?’

Callum nodded as he looked at the jug of multi-coloured flowers that brightened up the space. ‘Did you have a good day?’

‘Yes. Met the girls down at the hotel and we had a nice lunch. Along with a gin or two.’ She grinned wickedly. ‘There’s still life in me yet.’

Callum didn’t doubt it. She was a force of nature, and he hoped that he would grow old as gracefully as she had.

‘Which reminds me, are there any nice ladies on the scene that you want to tell me about?’

He shook his head and grunted.

‘You know that it’s okay to move on with your life son. Life has to go on.’

He looked at her — she stared back at him earnestly. ‘I know Maisie. I guess it’s just all about the timing. But I am going to meet some friends for a beer tonight. I was going to ask if it was okay if Daisy pops in to see you for a while.’

‘Of course,’ she chuckled, ‘I’m sure she’ll be quite happy having an empty house.’

‘Yes, maybe for a while, until her stomach starts to rumble.’

‘Just tell her to come to me if she’s hungry. I’ll be making a pot of stovies later.’

‘That’s almost worth me cancelling my plans for.’ Callum’s mouth watered at the thought of her comforting dish made from potatoes, meat and onions. ‘Mind you, has she told you that she’s gone vegan?’ Callum remembered that she wouldn’t be able to eat the stovies.

‘Aye, well, she didn’t turn down one of my sausage rolls when she was in the other day.’ Maisie chuckled. ‘Don’t worry, I will see what she says, and if she decides against it, I’ll make her some toast and cheese. Though I guess she can’t have that either can she?’ She frowned. ‘I guess I could do beans on toast. Anyway don’t worry, she’ll be fine. As long as she doesn’t start trying to convert me. She will have no chance! Either way, I will send some stovies back with her so you can have them when you get back from the pub.’

‘Maisie, you are an angel. Thank you.’

She blushed and clapped her hands. ‘Och, away with you. Now, if you don’t mind lifting the basket of logs in, I will let you get on with your day.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘ A Place in the Sun is on soon.’

Callum knew that was his cue to get the job done and exit. He loved that she didn’t mince her words and wanted to get on with watching her favourite television programme. He did as she asked, then left her in peace and walked back towards the farmhouse, whistling as he walked. He genuinely was looking forward to going out later. Maisie was right. He needed to make the effort and make a change. Otherwise he would be alone and potentially miserable forever. Life did have to move on.