Page 53 of A Scottish Love Story
‘Yes, I hadn’t thought of that either. I expect we shall encounter a few little inconveniences until I can get the plaster off and manage to walk again, but I have promised Mr Morgan and Mr Whittaker that I shall not try to rush things. They have arranged for the physiotherapist to visit me at home to show me and Anne the exercises I should do and what I must avoid in the beginning.’
‘Whatever the problems I’m sure we shall find a solution,’ Roxie said reassuringly.
‘Here we are chattering about me when all I want is to talk about you and Ciaran, and your wedding. Have you decided when it will be yet?’
‘Not an exact date. We’ll see you back on your feet and feeling like dancing, first.’ Roxie chuckled.
‘Oh, don’t consider me, my dear. If I know Ciaran, he will want to make you his wife without delay. His father was just the same. Once the Baxter men make up their minds, they’re very impatient.’ Roxie hoped guilty colour was not staining her cheeks, after last night.
‘Everything has happened at once. If you are making good progress, my friend Lucy and her family will be up here on holiday at the beginning of September...’
‘Oh, surely I shall be well by then.’ Amy smiled. ‘And your brother? Have you heard from him since you returned?’
‘I certainly have.’ Roxie grinned. ‘I phoned to tell them about your accident the morning we arrived back. They were shocked of course, but Ciaran was a real hit with the two women, Maggie and Beth, who were helping with the catering. They couldn’t do enough for his comfort. He can be very charming.’
‘Another Baxter trait.’ Amy smiled. ‘Did he meet your brother?’
‘He did. I was so pleased. They seemed to get on really well, in spite of Tommy not sharing Ciaran’s interest in pedigree cows. Tommy phones for a progress report every evening so he can tell Maggie and Beth how you are doing. He has promised to come up for the wedding to give me away, and he will bring Beth and Maggie with him. Ciaran has told him he must bring a busload of the friends who helped with the cattle-dressing too, but I think he was probably joking.’
‘I’m pleased to hear it will be a proper wedding. I did hope he wouldn’t want to rush you to a register office.’
‘I don’t think he considered anything like that. He does say it is a long time to wait until September, though, but he understands my first priority must be to see you fully recovered, and hopefully without any pain.’
‘I have no pain lying here and it is wonderful. I know it might be different when I have to put weight on my leg again, but Mr Whittaker says he can almost guarantee I shall be able to walk well, and without pain. It will be like a miracle if he’s right. But, Roxie, dear, I am delighted you will be married up here. Ciaran is my only son and you’re already as dear to me as any daughter could be. Whatever happens, I want you to set a date for a September wedding, whether or not I am completely recovered. That is three, maybe three and a half months, depending on the date, but it is surprising how time flies when there are arrangements to make. It is so exciting. I can’t wait to be home and hear all your plans. Oh! There goes the bell. It must bethe end of visiting already.’ Amy looked disappointed, but Roxie knew she must be tired.
‘You should have a rest now, then you will be fresh for Jenny’s visit tonight. I have not had a proper conversation with her since we came back, and Ciaran and I have not discussed any plans yet. I know my friend, Lucy, will want to be my matron of honour, because I was her bridesmaid. I thought Jenny might agree to be a matron of honour too, especially as Ciaran will be asking Don to be best man.’ She sighed regretfully. ‘I had better go now before the nurse throws me out.’
She bent to kiss Amy’s cheek and felt her fingers squeezed in response.
* * *
Roxie had not been back very long when the phone rang. As she had guessed, it was Ciaran.
‘Mum telephoned to tell me not to go in tonight. She sounds in good spirits?’
‘Yes, she is. She is eager to talk about the wedding, and is pleased we shall be getting married up here and not in Derbyshire. So am I really. It would not be the same without my... well, without either of my parents.’
‘I can understand that, but I am glad Tommy will be coming and bringing some of your friends.’
‘Oh, yes, so am I, but I was not expecting we should have a big wedding. We’ll talk about that later. How is the heifer?’
‘She is fine, on her feet and chewing her cud, and the calf is a fine heifer calf so it has been a worthwhile afternoon.’
‘I am glad about that.’
‘Will you also be glad if I join you for our meal again, even if it is without champagne?’
‘Of course I will, and I don’t need champagne to make me happy.’
‘You’re a girl in a million, and you’re my girl.’ He chuckled. It seemed to have become his favourite phrase.
‘Your mother is expecting to see you at lunchtime tomorrow. The nurse will be here too. Her name is Anne Munro and that is what we have to call her.’
‘Mmm, we shall need to mind our p’s and q’s then, but I’m sure I shall manage to steal a kiss before I leave.’ He laughed out loud. ‘I can almost see you blushing so charmingly, my dearest Roxie.’
‘I shall deal with you later, Ciaran Baxter. I am going to prepare some food for us now. See you later.’
* * *
