A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Fifty-Four

It felt amazing to be sitting next to Callum, to be with him in person after almost a week of phone calls and messages that had grown in intensity. Something between them had shifted, and she felt their connection more strongly than ever. His foot brushed against hers as, under the table, he tapped it in time to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You , which was playing in the background.

‘Like this song, do you?’ She smiled.

He grinned lazily. ‘I was just thinking how apt the lyrics are.’

That made Beth smile. Normally she hated Christmas songs that played for weeks on end, it made her want to scream. But somehow this year she didn’t mind. There was something quite magical about them.

‘How long do I have you for?’ He reached over to clasp her hands.

She blushed. ‘Well, I’m booked to go back on the first ferry on Christmas Eve, and I don’t have any other plans. So . . .’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘We’d better make the most of our time then.’

‘When does your mum arrive?’

‘Christmas Eve. And I am very organised. In fact I think I’ve done it all. The food shopping and the present wrapping. Daisy is at Zola’s today, and tonight actually. A sleepover.’ He blushed. ‘She did want to come and see you, but then decided she would let me have some time with you. She even insisted on taking Ruby with her. Apparently the girls are taking her for a long walk, which is a first.’

Beth felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of having an uninterrupted bubble of time with Callum where they could just be together. They didn’t need to think about hospital visits or school runs or anyone else. Just them. ‘I would like to see her before I go, if there’s time.’

‘And you can tomorrow. But I’m going to insist that I have you to myself for as long as you’ll let me today.’ He finished his coffee and set down his mug. ‘What do you fancy doing now?’

She couldn’t stop herself from grinning. ‘I can think of a few things.’ She stood up and pulled on her jacket, smiling playfully at him. ‘Shall we?’

He caught her hand and pulled her to him, kissing her firmly on the lips. ‘Oh Beth, I’m so glad you’re here.’

‘Me too. I can hardly believe it.’ Her lips were tingling from his kiss. She knew that he was waiting for her to invite him back to her flat. But she was determined to make their time together last. That meant drawing out the anticipation of what would happen next.

They opened the door and stood outside in the fresh breeze. ‘What now? What do you fancy doing first?’ He rubbed his hands together. ‘It’s chilly, isn’t it?’

She chuckled as she looked at the longing in his eyes. There was nothing more she was looking forward to than spending the rest of the day curled up with him in the warmth of her flat.

‘I have a feeling that I know what you want to do Callum Thompson.’

He held up his hands and laughed. ‘I am at your beck and call and will do whatever you want me to.’

He brushed his hand against her waist, and it took all of her willpower not to succumb to the way he was looking at her.

‘Okay then. This way.’ She pointed at the row of shops along the road. ‘Shopping. I need to do some Christmas shopping. And then I’ll show you my flat.’

He groaned and kissed her again. Then she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the shops.

* * *

The following day Beth had to reluctantly drag herself away from Callum’s side. They’d had an intense twenty-four hours making up for lost time, and she couldn’t remember when she last felt so light and free and happy. He really was the best Christmas gift she could ever have dreamed of.

They had collected Daisy and Ruby from Zola’s at lunchtime, then spent the afternoon walking on the beach. There had even been another flurry of snow which seemed extra special so close to Christmas. There was just enough to leave a white and sparkling dusting on the sand. Beth looked up at the hills which were blanketed in snow from the heavier fall last week. It all felt quite magical. Then they had gone back to the cottage where Callum had lit the fire and turned on the Christmas lights. He insisted on cooking dinner for her before she left, and she’d watched him as he put the finishing touches on the table. It was scattered with tea lights, and each setting had a cracker.

Daisy sat down at the table. ‘It really feels like Christmas, doesn’t it? Did you see the snow earlier? Do you think we’ll have a white Christmas?’

It was lovely to hear her so excited about Christmas and Beth smiled fondly at her. ‘Maybe . . .’

‘I’m so excited that Gran is coming tomorrow. It’s just a shame that you won’t be here too Beth.’

Beth nodded. ‘I know. But hopefully I’ll be back before too long, and I can meet her another time.’

Callum checked his watch. ‘It’s just about ready.’

‘It smells amazing,’ said Beth.

‘Well, it’s not quite standard festive food, but at least we have a fancy table and everything else is Christmassy.’

‘What are we having?’ asked Beth.

Callum walked over from the stove and set a huge pot down on the table. ‘Vegan chilli.’

‘Oh.’ Daisy’s face flushed.

Beth glanced over and caught the girl’s eye. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Um . . . Uncle Callum . . .’ Daisy began.

‘Yes?’ Callum furrowed his brow as he started spooning rice into bowls.

‘This is lovely. Thank you. But the thing is . . . are we having turkey at Christmas?’

He looked up at her. ‘Well Gran and I will be, but I have a special nut roast thing for you.’

‘Oh . . . Do you think that . . .’

Beth understood what was going on in Daisy’s mind. She just hoped Callum did too.

He winked at Beth. ‘Yes, of course I think you can have turkey, Daisy. I’m just amazed that it’s taken you this long to ask.’

Daisy smiled in relief and picked up her glass of water, clinking it against Beth’s. ‘Phew. Just as well. This vegan business is tough.’

Callum sat down and smiled across the table at Daisy, then Beth. In that moment, it felt like a moment to treasure. She felt as though she belonged. They felt like a family.

‘I’d like to make a toast.’ Callum picked up his glass. ‘I want to wish you both a very happy Christmas. I feel very lucky right now. Like all my Christmases have come at once.’

Beth’s cheeks flushed and she could hear Daisy giggling. ‘Cheers.’ Beth lifted her glass.

‘Here’s to a Christmas to remember and happy times ahead,’ said Callum.

Ruby barked, seemingly in agreement, and wagged her tail.

Beth could feel tears gathering in her eyes as she thought about how much life had changed for her in the past two months. It was okay for her to move forward with her life, to be happy and to look ahead with hope. She felt as though all her wishes had finally come true. ‘It’s certainly not a Christmas I’ll ever forget,’ said Beth happily. ‘Here’s to a Christmas to remember on Arran and I hope all your wishes come true. Happy Christmas everyone.’