A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Forty-Nine

‘What is it? What’s happened?’ Beth asked in a panic.

‘He’s been taken to hospital. They think he’s had a heart attack.’

‘Oh God, is he okay?’ Beth’s mind was spinning, her heart was racing. Could she be on the next ferry? How long would it take to get there? Her eyes were darting around as she tried to remember where she’d parked the car.

‘He’s okay love. But he’s in hospital just now and they’re keeping an eye on him. He said I wasn’t to make a fuss and not to ring you. But I knew you would want to know. I would want my Isobel to know if it was me.’

‘Thank you, Margaret. You did the right thing.’ She took a breath to steady herself. ‘I’ll be over as soon as I can. I just need to check the ferries, then I’ll get on the next one.’ Beth was aware that Edie was still standing there, watching her in concern. She pulled a face.

‘He may never talk to me again, but I know I would want my family with me if I was in hospital,’ said Margaret. ‘I mean, the staff are nice and all that but it’s not exactly homely, with all the comings and goings. It’s a wonder anyone gets any sleep with the racket they all make. Anyway, I knew you would want to know.’

She nodded. ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can Margaret. Which hospital is he in?’

‘The Queen Elizabeth. I know you’ll be in a tizz love so don’t worry, you just focus on getting yourself over when you can, and I will text you the number of the ward he’s in. I’ll be here waiting until you get here.’

‘Thank you.’ Her voice was about to break. ‘I really appreciate this.’

‘Take care my love, I’ll see you when you’re here. And take your time. Your dad will want you here in one piece.’

‘Thanks.’

She ended the call. Then she promptly burst into tears.

‘Oh, Beth, my dear,’ said Edie. She pulled out a tissue from her pocket and handed it to her.

‘Sorry.’ Beth dabbed her eyes. ‘I’ve just had a bit of a shock.’

‘What’s happened?’

‘It’s my dad. He’s had a heart attack. He’s in hospital.’

Edie placed her hand on Beth’s shoulder. ‘I am so sorry.’

Beth took another shuddering sob and pointed in the direction of her car. ‘I need to go and get the ferry.’

Edie glanced at her watch. ‘Take a few breaths dear. There’s no rush. You still have plenty of time to get the one just after four.’

Reassured, Beth pulled out her phone. ‘Okay. Please let this work.’ She quickly opened the ferry app, praying that technology wouldn’t let her down, that there would be space for her car.

Edie watched her anxiously, clearly thinking the same thing. ‘All sorted?’ she asked hopefully when Beth looked up at her.

‘Amazingly yes. Thanks Edie. Knowing the time of the next one really helped. I completely panicked there and didn’t know where to start.’

‘Okay,’ said Edie firmly. ‘You are booked on the ferry. What do you need to do now?’

Beth nodded, thankful that Edie was there and asking her about the practical details. Her head was spinning, she was too wound up to think about what she needed to do next. Think, Beth. ‘Er, I need to go back and grab some things from the flat. And let Jim know.’

‘Now make sure you take it easy dear, and don’t be speeding back to Brodick. You have plenty of time. The priority is to get to the terminal. Once you’re parked and waiting, then you can call Jim. I know he’ll want you to put your dad first. Okay?’

‘Thank you, Edie. I’m so glad I bumped into you. I would probably be wailing on that bench,’ she pointed to the seating area on the grass, ‘not sure what to do or where to start.’

‘That’s okay dear. I just hope your dad is okay. First things first though, get your overnight bag, then take it from there.’

Beth nodded. Edie leaned in and gave her a quick hug.

Then she steeled herself and walked quickly to her car. As she drove back round to the flat, she tried to keep her mind distracted with the things she needed: her laptop, chargers, toothbrush, pyjamas and a few changes of clothes, in case she needed to stay for a few days. She bit her lip as she thought of her dad, vulnerable and lying in a hospital ward. He had always hated anything to do with hospitals, and she knew he’d be scared. The sooner she got to him, the better.