Page 32 of Christmas at the Scottish Lodge
‘How did you get hurt?’ Mairi asked, fighting worry.
‘He was skiing Devil’s Run. His first run should have been a doozy, like one of the ones he used to do all the time,’ Scott said, clearly unaware that his words were grating on his hero who was shooting him daggers.
‘You should go,’ Jed ordered. ‘Before I ask Bear to bury you with his bones.’
Scott chuckled, his young face brightening. ‘He went so fast, just like when he was competing. I thought he was going to make it all the way down.’ He skimmed a hand in the air zipping it right and then left. ‘But something went wrong and he lost control.’ He slapped his palms together making Mairi flinch, bringing back memories she’d tried to forget. ‘He’s been through worse.’ The boy’s eyes sparkled. ‘His knee got a bit bashed, that’s all.’ He shrugged, looking unconcerned. ‘Turbo always said you have to “accept that pain is all part of the joy.”’
‘Aye, well, I’m discovering Turbo was an eejit.’ Jed winced.
‘You also said he was your better half,’ Scott shot back, amusement filling his young face.
‘You skied down Devil’s Run?’ Mairi asked before Jed could respond. She didn’t know whether to be impressed or horrified. From what Jed had said to her earlier, this was big news. Perhaps even the first step to reclaiming his talent? She just wasn’t sure where that left them…
‘Aye, part of the way.’ Jed sighed. He bent to unhook one of his boots and whimpered.
‘You should probably get that checked out.’ Mairi grabbed a bag of peas from the freezer and handed them to him.
‘Thanks,’ Jed said, applying it to his knee without looking at her.
‘You’re not going to be much help with afternoon tea,’ Douglas said. ‘I think it’ll just be you and me serving, lass.’ He turned to her.
‘I’ll help,’ Scott said eagerly, his attention swivelling back and forth before it landed back on the stack of mince pies and cakes. ‘I’m starving and I’m guessing it might mean I get extra goodies.’ He grinned cheekily. ‘Besides, that way Turbo will owe me. I’ll take lessons as payment.’
‘There will be no lessons. I can walk which means I can carry and serve,’ Jed grumbled as he attempted to get up, his face contorting with pain.
‘Not very well,’ Scott said, indicating he should sit. Watching as Jed slumped back into the chair, his expression weary.
‘My boy’s right. It might be better to rest that leg, lad. Especially if you want to be ready for the Winter Wonder Ski Championships – they’re only six days away,’ Scott’s dad advised as he appeared behind them looking serious. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but I was looking for Scott.’ He gave his son an affectionate shoulder squeeze. ‘I’m a doctor, so I know what I’m talking about.’
‘He does.’ Scott nodded enthusiastically.
‘I’d suggest rest and ice,’ Adam said. ‘I’ll keep you company, maybe sing you a song so you heal faster.’ He winked at Jed who went paler. ‘I’m looking forward to being served by my son for a change. I’m planning on getting used to it,’ he teased. ‘And I can’t wait to tell his mum.’
‘Da,’ Scott muttered, gritting his teeth.
‘How about you all move to the sitting room and we’ll serve you there?’ Douglas suggested, shooing them with his palms just as Midnight and Bear came scampering into the kitchen, yapping excitedly and wagging their tails when they spotted Jed.
‘They can’t be in here!’ Mairi yelped. Greer would have a fit. She might even call health and safety on them.
‘We can take them with us,’ Adam said, offering Jed an arm, which he grabbed, clearly keen to leave the madhouse behind.
Mairi watched as he limped from the room, leaning on the doctor without looking back.
‘Looks like my da has made a new friend,’ Scott said proudly. ‘He’s good at that.’ A few moments later, they heard the tinkle of piano keys. ‘That’s my da too,’ he said less enthusiastically.‘He loves playing the piano and singing. Drives me and my mam mad.’
‘Sounds like he’s quite the talent,’ Douglas said, winking. ‘I used to drive my wife mad too.’ He gave the boy a sad smile. ‘Those are the best kinds of relationships. If you’re ever lucky enough to find one, hold on with both hands.’
Mairi sighed. If that were true, then she and Jed were meant for each other. At least they should have been. How had it gone so spectacularly wrong – and how was she supposed to hold onto something that kept slipping through her fingers? ‘Shall we take everything into the–’ she began nodding at the door.
‘I thought afternoon tea was served at three o’clock prompt,’ Greer complained, stomping into the kitchen and wrinkling her nose before patting her palms over her starched black trousers. ‘I’ve been sitting in the dining room for the last half an hour and there’s no sign of any food or drinks.’ She straightened her narrow shoulders and looked down her nose at them before her attention strayed to the cakes.
‘Aye, sorry. We thought it would be nice to serve it in the sitting room today,’ Douglas said, sweeping an arm towards the exit as he gathered up a couple of the flasks of peppermint mocha and indicated to Scott that he should bring the rest. ‘Mairi decorated in there earlier and it’s looking wonderfully festive. Why don’t I show you where to go? We can scoop up any stray guests on the way.’
‘Aye, I suppose,’ Greer grumbled. ‘There’d better not be any animals in there, though.’
Mairi pulled a face as Douglas expertly guided the older woman out of the kitchen, before starting to make a third flask of peppermint mocha.
When Mairi found her way into the sitting room ten minutes later, she saw Douglas and Scott had already made the guests comfortable and they were all holding festive cups, saucers and plates. Greer was sitting beside the roaring fire glaring at the dogs who were lolling on the ground beside Jed and ignoring her. He had one leg propped on a stool with the bag of peas lying over it.
