Page 60 of A Scottish Love Story
‘It was worth waiting for,’ Roxie said as they got into the car. ‘The menu was extensive and everything I selected was delicious.’
‘Yes, I agree. It was Don who recommended it. I must tell him how good it was.’
‘Speaking of Don and Jenny, I hope no one has gone to too much trouble over a buffet meal. I don’t think I could eat another thing until tomorrow morning.’ Roxie tentatively patted her stomach.
‘It is a long while until then and lots to do. I had planned to take you to Logan Gardens, or to the lighthouse today. You could see the Isle of Man, as well as parts of England, Ireland and Scotland if you climb to the top. Blast Billy Brewster for spoiling my plans,’ he said, but his tone was not so bitter now and Roxie was glad.
‘Never mind, Ciaran, I have already had a lovely birthday as well as beautiful gifts from you and your mother.’ She glanced down at the lovely gold watch Ciaran had given her. ‘There will be other times when we can get away for a day once we’re married. I thought Tommy might have sent a birthday card, but I expect he’s forgotten.’
‘I wanted to make this an extra special day for you, my darling,’ Ciaran murmured. He drew her into his arms for a passionate kiss, before reluctantly drawing away with a sigh. ‘I’m afraid we must start on the homeward journey now or I shall be milking when we should be eating supper.’ He was tempted to tell her about the unexpected visitors he had arranged for a birthday surprise, but he kept silent in case anything else should go wrong.
Much later, when they turned into the Oaklands farmyard, Ciaran was glad he had not spoiled Roxie’s delight. She gasped incredulously as she recognised her brother’s car, and then at the sight of Tommy in the big farmhouse kitchen at Oaklands. On the other side of the table, drinking tea, was Maggie West. At her side, smiling shyly, was Harry, the young stockman who had worked so hard to help her make the Willowbrook sale such a success.
‘I can’t believe it,’ she said when she had finished hugging both Tommy and Maggie, and had told Harry how good it was to see him again. Ciaran grinned, relieved the visitors had found their way all right.
‘We made better time than we expected,’ Tommy said. ‘So, we have made ourselves at home as you instructed, Ciaran.’
‘Yes, we have just made a pot of tea,’ Maggie said. ‘I hope you don’t mind?’
‘Of course not. I’m glad you could come, all of you,’ he said, smiling at Harry to reassure him he was welcome. ‘I told Tommy to feel free to make yourselves at home.’
‘We didn’t expect you back so early, from what you told me of your plans,’ Tommy said, eyebrows raised in question.
‘No, I had intended showing Roxie a lot more of the Mull of Galloway but...’ His mouth tightened. ‘Things don’t always go to plan. My stockman told me this morning he had other, more important things on today, so we had to come back early to do the milking before we all go to my mother’s for a buffet meal.’
‘Ciaran, can I get them anything to eat? Toast, perhaps?’ Roxie asked. ‘We have had such a delicious lunch, so all I want is a drink of tea. You three have had a long journey.’
‘We left early and stopped for lunch on the way,’ Tommy said. ‘But I wouldn’t mind something to eat if it will be a few hours before we have our evening meal. We don’t want to look like gluttons when we get there.’ He grinned at Ciaran.
‘Don’t worry about that. Knowing my mother, there will be more than enough to eat. She is thankful she is on her own two feet again and able to make a decent spread.’
‘I did bring a Victoria sponge,’ Maggie said. ‘And I made a batch of cheese scones this morning before we set out.’ She smiled at Ciaran. ‘I remembered how much you enjoyed a sponge cake when you were down for the sale and it is very kind of you to invite me to your home, too.’
‘I am pleased to see you again, Maggie,’ Ciaran said with a smile. ‘And I knew Roxie would be thrilled to have you here. Is this your first visit to Scotland?’
‘It is, and I’ve been that excited,’ Maggie told him eagerly.
‘You must have got up early to bake before you set off, Maggie. You shouldn’t feel sorry for this man.’ Roxie winked at Ciaran. ‘He spends most of his time getting fed with us at the bungalow.’
‘Did you leave the baking in the car, Maggie?’ Tommy asked. ‘I’ll bring them in. I have a huge parcel in the boot for you, Sissy.’
‘And instructions from Lucy!’ Maggie reminded him hurriedly, shaking her head in exasperation.
‘Oh! I forgot I was supposed to keep it a secret.’ Tommy gave a repentant grin as he went out to the car with Ciaran and Harry.
‘I don’t know what kind of a surprise that can be,’ Roxie said. ‘And now I can’t wait to see.’
Maggie was standing behind Tommy and Ciaran so they didn’t see her mouth silently, ‘Wedding dress,’ and put a finger to her lips. She looked alarmed, but Roxie nodded and smiled. Then Maggie whispered, ‘There is a smaller box with a bridesmaid’s dress and a squashy parcel for your birthday, but she said I should warn you not to open that either in front of Ciaran and his mother, or you might feel embarrassed.’ She giggled like a girl and Roxie gave her a suspicious look. ‘She didn’t tell me what it was, but I’m guessing she’s made you a sexy see-through nightie.’ Maggie chuckled.
‘Oh, gosh.’ Roxie blushed. ‘I’m glad you warned me. I will drive up to the bungalow with Tommy in his car and leave you and Harry to come with Ciaran, then I can dash upstairs to my bedroom with the parcels while you are all being introduced to Amy and Jenny.’
Chapter 19
‘I must go and change now to get on with the milking,’ Ciaran said ruefully. ‘I am really sorry about this.’
‘The best-laid plans and all that,’ Tommy said drily. ‘We understand.’
‘Can I come with you?’ Harry asked eagerly. ‘I would love to see your cows and the farm.’
