Page 50 of A Scottish Love Story
‘They’re probably all fine, but I wanted to give you a special treat.’
It was a delicious meal, even without the champagne. They had a table in an alcove screened by tall green plants so no one saw when Ciaran clasped her hand and kissed each of her fingers as he gazed into her eyes, sending silent messages of love.
* * *
Their high spirits were rather chastened when they reached the hospital and the nurse in charge waylaid them on their way to Amy’s room.
‘We tried to telephone you earlier. I’m afraid we may have to keep your mother in a little longer than we planned, Mr Baxter.’
‘Oh? Has she had a relapse?’ Ciaran asked anxiously.
‘We don’t think so, but she had a restless night so she is in low spirits today, not at all like her usual cheery self. She mumbled something about having a wonderful dream and she’s been disappointed since she woke up. The nurse on duty thoughtmaybe the medication had affected her, but we’ve checked in case she’d been given more than she needs. Some medication can have that effect, but she is on a low dose since she seems to tolerate the pain better than many patients.’
‘Perhaps we can cheer her up,’ Ciaran said optimistically. ‘We have something to show her. I am sure it will please her.’
‘I do hope you’re right, Ciaran,’ Roxie said worriedly. ‘I would hate to upset your mother when she has had so much to contend with already. Do you think I should wait out here?’
‘No! No, my darling girl. She will want to see you as much as she wants me, maybe more. She thinks the world of you, Roxie.’ He took her hand and squeezed gently, aware of the nurse’s sharp eyes watching them. ‘Pin on your usual bright smile and we shall see for ourselves.’ He turned to smile at the nurse. ‘I promise we shall not stay long if Mum seems tired or upset.’ The nurse nodded uncertainly.
Amy did look weary and pale as they entered her room. She turned her head listlessly to see who was entering and her eyes brightened immediately.
‘Roxie! You have come back to us,’ she said, unaware she was repeating her earlier greetings.’ Ciaran pressed Roxie’s hand and grinned. ‘You see, it is you who matters more than her only son.’
‘And you have come with Ciaran, my dear. How wonderful. I-I thought...’ She frowned, looking confused. ‘I thought Ciaran told me... and I was so happy. Then I knew I must have dreamt it when I woke this morning. You went a long way away...’
Ciaran bent and kissed her cheek.
‘Dear Mum, I think you have been having bad dreams, as you did after your first operation, due to the medication. Roxie has been to Derbyshire to help her brother with the sale of his dairy herd — but you knew that. It was before you fell and were rushed in here. They allowed me to see you for a few minutes before they operated and I told you Roxie had travelled back with me inthe lorry. I told you she has promised to marry me. You seemed pleased, but you were very groggy due to the medication they had given you for the pain. Maybe you don’t remember?’ Ciaran broke off uncertainly.
‘I don’t know what day it is or how long I have been here...’
‘Not very long. It was a tricky operation so you must be patient.’
Amy looked from one to the other.
‘You’re both looking very smart. Is that just to visit me?’
‘We’ve been for a celebration lunch, Mum, and to choose an engagement ring. We wanted you to be the first to see it so we can make it official and tell Jenny and Don. Show her your ring, sweetheart.’
Roxie held out her hand, smiling shyly. Amy clasped it with surprising strength as she looked up into Roxie’s eyes.
‘It is true? I didn’t dream it, then? I thought you had gone away?’
‘It is true,’ Roxie said. ‘We have discovered we love each other very much, in spite of our arguments.’
‘Oh, my dear Roxie, I am so happy. No wonder you look so pleased with life, son.’ She smiled happily up at Ciaran. ‘You’re a very lucky man.’ She turned to Roxie. ‘I can’t tell you how much joy it gives me to welcome you as one of the Baxter clan, Roxie.’
A little while later, the nurse came in to do the usual checks.
‘I think a visit from your family is proving better medicine than anything we can give you,’ she said with a smile. ‘But I think Mr Morgan will insist on you staying at least one more day with us. If you continue to improve, you will be able to leave the following day in the ambulance, complete with a wheelchair, which you will need for a while until the wound heals completely. The physiotherapist and your nurse will advise you on that, though.’
Both Roxie and Ciaran noticed how quickly Amy became weary in spite of her joy.
‘I feel so guilty that we are both so happy while you are lying here tired and in pain,’ Roxie said softly, leaning closer.
‘Ah, my dear child.’ She patted Roxie’s hand affectionately. ‘I would go through it all again to see you both so happy. Apart from any physical attraction, I believe you are well matched in your interests and the courage you show when coping with life’s difficult times. These things are so important in a long and happy life together, yet some young people fall at the first hurdle.’
‘I think you are getting tired now, Mum,’ Ciaran said gently. ‘I believe Don is coming to see you tonight, so we shall leave now and let you have a little sleep.’
