Page 83 of Wishing Under a Starlit Skye
* * *
Lying there in Archie’s arms, breathing heavily with a hammering heart, Caitlin listened to the thud, thud, thud, coming from his chest as she rested her hand between his pecs.
‘Wow,’ he said. ‘I have no words.’ He kissed the top of her head as he traced his fingers down her side to her hip and back up to her arm.
This is what bliss truly feels like, she thought as she replayed over in her mind the way he had held her, and moved over her, the adoration in his eyes.
‘Hmm,’ was all she managed. She wanted to stay there, relishing the memories until she could live them for real all over again.
Archie manoeuvred and faced her. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,’ he whispered.
She smiled, feeling the exact same way. ‘I’d have to agree. Why didn’t we find each other sooner?’ she asked.
‘I think it’s all about timing. This is the right time for us. I know it might sound stupid, but I feel I have something to offer you now that perhaps I was too insecure and awkward to offer before. I was quite self-centred, maybe stuck in my ways too.’ Caitlin completely disagreed with that observation but allowed him to carry on without interruption. ‘Having Sophie in my life has changed me so much already. I appreciate things now that I didn’t before. It’s like she’s opened my eyes somehow and I’m so grateful. I’ve always found you so attractive. And I’ve always thought you were an amazing mum. But having the opportunity to get to know the real you has been…’ He shook his head. ‘I meant it when I said I love you. I hope that doesn’t freak you out because I know it’s fast. I mean, I know you said it too, but I don’t want you to feel pressured into—’
She stopped his words with a passionate kiss and when she pulled away, she said, ‘Archie, I meant it too. I feel like everything has fallen into place now. I think you’re right. It’s about the timing. I’ll be completely honest, I always really liked you as a person, but lately I’ve seen you through fresh eyes. And I don’t just mean the physical you… which I have to say I like very, very much,’ she said with a rush of blood to her cheeks. ‘I see you. And I love everything about you. Your kindness, your self-deprecation, the way you’re so patient with Grace and Sophie, the way you make me laugh…’ She sighed. ‘I think we have a real chance of happiness here.’
He smiled and cleared his throat before huffing the air from his lungs. ‘Wow… what did I do to deserve so much love in such a short space of time?’
She kissed him tenderly. ‘You were just you.’
He laid her back in the bed and worshipped her once more.
* * *
Archie and Caitlin walked through Glentorrin, hand in hand, towards Jules and Reid’s place to collect their kids and dogs, and this garnered smiles from the locals.
Morag waved from the doorway of the shop. ‘Och, you two are a vision of happiness,’ she called out. ‘You make such a lovely couple.’
‘Thanks, Morag,’ Archie replied with a smile at Caitlin.
They arrived at Jules and Reid’s and were greeted with hugs from Sophie and Grace.
‘Have you been good?’ Caitlin asked.
‘They have!’ Jules answered for them. ‘They’ve been a pleasure to have around.’
‘We’ve had fun haven’t we, Sophie?’ Grace said with her arm around the shoulder of the little girl.
Sophie jumped up and down on the spot. ‘It’s been fun! We played with the dogs, and we made cupcakes.’
‘Wow, you have been busy! Could you both go and get your things together and the dogs’ things too please? We’re going to Portree for fish and chips,’ Caitlin told them.
‘Yay!’ both girls cried in unison as they headed off with Evin to collect their belongings.
‘Thanks for having them, both of you. It meant a lot to have some alone time,’ Archie said with a glint in his eyes.
‘It’s no bother,’ Reid replied. ‘We know what it’s like trying to steal moments.’ He slipped his arm around Jules’ shoulder. ‘We’ll happily take them again for you.’
Archie grinned. ‘How about now?’ He laughed out loud, and the others joined in. ‘Seriously though, let us return the favour some time, okay?’
‘Thanks, Archie. We’ll take you up on that offer, I’m sure.’
29
After collecting their fish and chips, Caitlin, Archie, Grace, Sophie, and the dogs walked down the hill to Quay Street in Portree, with its pretty, multicoloured houses overlooking the water. The light breeze coming off the sea caused the boats in the bay to bob up and down and created a clinking sound as ropes and masts collided gently. It was a quiet, lilting, almost musical sound. They found a bench to sit on and eat their food. Bowie and Cleo had their own little wrappers of batter bits and little scraps of fish, so they all sat happily enjoying their feast in the evening sunlight.
As they enjoyed the view and munched on their evening meal, Sophie said, ‘I really, really miss my mummy. And I know I can’t go to Devon to see her but… I really, really like my new family.’ It was a comment that came out of the blue, but Caitlin and Archie shared a glance, and she could see the glassiness of tears in his eyes.
