Page 29 of A Scottish Love Story
‘Yes. She thought I would have heard from Tommy, my brother. He and Gilda have got a baby boy. Gilda says he is two months premature, but they have already left the hospital. Why hasn’t Tommy let me know? I can never get him on his mobile and he never gets in touch. We were always the best of friends. He sent me lots of emails when he was abroad and phoned a couple of times. He had not been home long when he met Gilda. Nothing seems to have been the same since. My father urged him to wait a while before getting married — in fact they quarrelled over it.’
‘I see. I supposed he had known his wife before he went away and...’
‘No, he only met Gilda after he came home from Australia. That’s what troubled my father. He was so concerned that he changed his will just before their wedding.’
‘Would you like to take a few days’ holiday and go to visit them, Roxie? I could stay with Ciaran until you return.’
‘I think if they had wanted me to know, they would have sent word. Anyway, Gilda and the baby are staying with her parents.’
‘I have knitted one small jacket for Jenny’s baby. Would you like to send it to them with a card? Maybe it will let them know you wish them well?’
‘It’s very kind of you. Will you let me buy it from you?’
‘Of course not, dear. Or if you thought it wouldn’t be your gift if you didn’t pay, you can buy me the wool to make another for Jenny’s baby. I do enjoy the knitting. It helps me pass the time while I am not so active.’
‘Yes, I will do that. I will drive into Thornielee and buy a card. I can replace the wool at the shop where we went before.’
Roxie bought some pretty blue paper and wrapped up the lovely little garment with a baby card.
Amy never asked if she had received a thank-you letter from Tommy or Gilda. She would probably have seen a letter if onehad arrived, and she knew Roxie would have told her if they had phoned to acknowledge her gift, but there was nothing.
* * *
It was the beginning of May before Ciaran asked Roxie if she would like to go with him to the theatre again.
‘It’s their version ofThe Sound of Music. It will not be anything like the film, of course, but I thought you might enjoy the music. Daniel will be in it again.’
‘I would love to go, if you’re sure you want my company?’
‘Oh, Roxie, of course I want your company!’
Surely she must realise how much I miss her if I don’t see her for a day?he thought with a frown. Even half a day and he was looking for an excuse. He missed her smile. He missed her teasing. Oh, God, she had really got under his skin. He grasped her shoulders and turned her to look at him.
‘I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t enjoy your company, Roxie. I thought you must know that. Or would you be fishing for compliments?’ he asked with a hesitant smile.
It was indeed another lovely evening with just the two of them. The performance was excellent, including the children’s singing. Both Roxie and Ciaran sang with enthusiasm when the audience was invited to join in.
‘I don’t need fish and chips this time,’ Ciaran said on the way home. ‘But I will stop for some if you’re peckish.’
‘No, thanks. I’m not hungry. We have had a lovely evening without the chips.’
‘I’m glad you enjoyed it. They must put in a lot of work rehearsing.’
When he drew the car to a halt, Ciaran simply turned to her and drew her gently into his arms. Roxie found herself winding her arms around his neck and responding with a passion thatseemed to affect her whole body, in places she had never considered before.
‘It has been a wonderful evening, Roxie,’ he murmured softly as he nibbled her ear, before his mouth found hers again, and again... Reluctantly they drew apart. Ciaran sighed. ‘I expect Mum will have heard the car. She will be wondering why I’m keeping you out.’ Roxie opened the car door to climb out but she laughed softly.
‘Your mother is a wise woman and she was young herself once. I expect she knows the sort of things her son gets up to.’
‘I suppose you’re right, but I don’t want to let you go.’
‘I know.’ Roxie smiled and her eyes sparkled.
‘Is there any chance you might feel the same, Roxie?’
‘There’s always a chance,’ Roxie replied lightly as she gently closed the car door.
* * *
