Page 19 of A Christmas Wish on Arran
Daisy leaned down to kiss Ruby on the head. ‘Bye Rubes.’
Callum sighed as she slammed the door and flew up the lane. Inwardly he was glad she was growing up and becomingmore independent, but he was starting to realise that he felt a bit discombobulated. For as long as he could remember, Daisy had been his sole focus in life — he’d put his life on hold. Maybe he needed to make an effort to get out more. That podcaster was right. He needed to prioritise himself and make some connections. Looking down at Ruby, who was gazing up at him in adoration, he tried to reason with himself that she was the only female companion he needed. But then the voice in his head reminded him that he’d been hiding himself away for far too long now. It was in Daisy’s interests for him to become less introverted. He didn’t want people to think she was the poor girl who lived with the weird farm man. Before he could change his mind, he picked up his phone and sent Fergus a text.
Fancy a beer sometime soon? Callum.
He didn’t have to wait long for a reply.
How about tonight? 6 pm at the Inn?
Callum did a quick calculation in his head. That should give him enough time to collect Daisy from school and drop her off home. He was sure she’d be delighted at the thought of having the house to herself for a couple of hours. He smiled as he typed his reply.
See you there. Looking forward to it.
He pulled on his jacket and walked briskly towards Maisie’s cottage. She was already outside in the back garden having stacked up her basket with logs.
‘Dearie me.’ She huffed and puffed. ‘It’s harder work than you think.’
‘I know, and I’m glad you phoned me Maisie. Though you should have called me before you gathered them all up. I could have done that for you and brought them in, save you getting cold.’
‘Oh don’t worry about that. I’m not an invalid. It’s good to keep busy.’
Callum shook his head fondly at her. She was fitter and more agile than lots of folk he knew in their fifties.
‘Thanks for that croissant the other day. It was delicious. And the flowers you and Daisy gave me are beautiful. Look,’ she pointed at the kitchen window, ‘aren’t they lovely?’
Callum nodded as he looked at the jug of multi-coloured flowers that brightened up the space. ‘Did you have a good day?’
‘Yes. Met the girls down at the hotel and we had a nice lunch. Along with a gin or two.’ She grinned wickedly. ‘There’s still life in me yet.’
Callum didn’t doubt it. She was a force of nature, and he hoped that he would grow old as gracefully as she had.
‘Which reminds me, are there any nice ladies on the scene that you want to tell me about?’
He shook his head and grunted.
‘You know that it’s okay to move on with your life son. Life has to go on.’
He looked at her — she stared back at him earnestly. ‘I know Maisie. I guess it’s just all about the timing. But I am going to meet some friends for a beer tonight. I was going to ask if it was okay if Daisy pops in to see you for a while.’
‘Of course,’ she chuckled, ‘I’m sure she’ll be quite happy having an empty house.’
‘Yes, maybe for a while, until her stomach starts to rumble.’
‘Just tell her to come to me if she’s hungry. I’ll be making a pot of stovies later.’
‘That’s almost worth me cancellingmyplans for.’ Callum’s mouth watered at the thought of her comforting dish made from potatoes, meat and onions. ‘Mind you, has she told you that she’s gone vegan?’ Callum remembered that she wouldn’t be able to eat the stovies.
‘Aye, well, she didn’t turn down one of my sausage rolls when she was in the other day.’ Maisie chuckled. ‘Don’t worry,I will see what she says, and if she decides against it, I’ll make her some toast and cheese. Though I guess she can’t have that either can she?’ She frowned. ‘I guess I could do beans on toast. Anyway don’t worry, she’ll be fine. As long as she doesn’t start trying to convert me. She will have no chance! Either way, I will send some stovies back with her so you can have them when you get back from the pub.’
‘Maisie, you are an angel. Thank you.’
She blushed and clapped her hands. ‘Och, away with you. Now, if you don’t mind lifting the basket of logs in, I will let you get on with your day.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘A Place in the Sunis on soon.’
Callum knew that was his cue to get the job done and exit. He loved that she didn’t mince her words and wanted to get on with watching her favourite television programme. He did as she asked, then left her in peace and walked back towards the farmhouse, whistling as he walked. He genuinely was looking forward to going out later. Maisie was right. He needed to make the effort and make a change. Otherwise he would be alone and potentially miserable forever. Life did have to move on.
Chapter Eighteen
Through the office window, Beth could just about see the waves, grey and frothy, against the heavy, dark November sky. Jim had just left to head home. He and Freya and the boys had a pizza and movie night planned.
