A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Fifty-Three

The next day, knowing her dad wholeheartedly supported her decision to go back, Beth caught the early ferry back to Brodick. She stood on the deck and breathed in the salty air, feeling so much more relaxed than she did on this journey only a few months ago. The thought of seeing Callum again, even if it was just briefly, filled her with resolve. She felt as though she was going home.

An hour later, having dumped her bag at the flat, she went for a walk along the promenade by the sea. There was a soft breeze — and she enjoyed the feel of it on her face. It felt as though a lot had happened in the space of a few days. She smiled as she noticed a wee boy walking past on the opposite side of the road wearing a Santa hat. It was Saturday, and she was relieved that she didn’t have to go into the office straightaway. They would be closing soon for the Christmas break, and Jim had insisted that he would be on hand to cover anything urgent.

Most of all she was desperate to see Callum. She’d let him know that she would be heading back this morning, though hadn’t specified which ferry she’d be catching. She didn’t want him to feel any pressure to be there to meet her. Instead she’d texted him from the flat to let him know that she’d arrived.

Kirsty had also kept in touch, kindly asking after her dad, and making sure she was okay too. Beth was looking forward to catching up with her soon. She had missed work, and was grateful Jim had been so understanding. Beth thought about her routine of going into the office and seeing the kids at school — she realised how important that part of her week had become to her. For the first time she was actually looking forward to the New Year and her new routine. As long as her dad was okay, then she would be too.

It was still quiet as she walked past the bakery. She decided to get a takeaway cup of tea to enjoy in the winter sunshine. She settled herself on a bench overlooking the sea and pulled her hat over ears. Aside from a few dog walkers, it was peaceful. She enjoyed listening to the sound of the lapping waves. Putting her face up to the sunshine, enjoying the feel of gentle warmth on her face, she felt contented and calm. She was grateful to have a bit of space to reflect on all that had happened since she’d taken that call from Margaret, telling her about her dad. She knew the next day would give her a chance to recharge her batteries before she went back to the mainland on Christmas Eve.

A few minutes later she happened to look up and saw a familiar figure coming out of the bakery. It was Alessandro. It was too late for her to pretend that she hadn’t seen him. He was making his way straight towards her. She sighed. He really was the last person she wanted to see.

‘Good morning,’ he said. ‘How are you?’

She frowned. ‘Fine, thanks.’

He didn’t sit down, instead lingered next to her. ‘I thought I would come over and say goodbye. Just in case I don’t see you again.’ His voice was strained.

Beth was surprised. ‘Where are you off to?’

‘I’m leaving the hotel after Christmas.’ He shrugged. ‘I have been offered a new job in Edinburgh. It’s time for a change.’

Beth almost felt sorry for him. He seemed to have lost his swagger and bravado. Then she remembered how out of line he’d been that night in her flat. ‘I hope it goes well. Good luck.’ She tried to hide her discomfort and longing for him to leave.

‘And to you. I hope this new beginning has been everything that you wanted.’

Beth was distracted by the person walking along the path towards her. She grinned when she realised who it was, jumping up from the bench. ‘Thanks Alessandro. Good luck, and I hope it’s a fresh start for you too.’ She gave him a tight smile, then strode away from him.

‘Hi,’ she said. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

‘You’re really here,’ said Callum in delight. ‘I’m so pleased to see you.’ He reached down to hug her. His hands lingered on her shoulders, then he looked over and frowned when he saw Alessandro. He looked questioningly at her.

Beth shook her head and rolled her eyes. ‘He’s leaving to go to a new job in Edinburgh. He just came over to say goodbye.’ She couldn’t take her eyes off Callum.

‘Ah, I see.’ He looked delighted to hear that Alessandro was going away. ‘It’s good to see you.’ He focused his eyes on her.

Excitement fizzed in her stomach as she leaned towards him. ‘You too.’

‘Listen,’ he smiled cheekily, ‘if you’re not doing anything then I know this great wee place that does coffee. Can I take you there?’

‘Do you mean like on a date?’ asked Beth coyly.

He grinned. ‘That’s exactly what I mean.’

At that moment Beth would have followed him anywhere. ‘Sounds great.’

‘Shall we?’ Chewing his bottom lip, he held out his hand.

Beth slipped her hand easily through his — he gripped it. She liked the feel of his skin against hers. Holding hands felt like the most natural thing in the world. It was like coming home. She looked up at him and caught his gaze. Dipping his head towards her, he grazed her lips with his — lightly, then more firmly. She could feel the delicious anticipation of what else was to come.

‘Welcome home,’ he said.