Page 64 of A Christmas Wish on Arran
That made Beth smile. Normally she hated Christmas songs that played for weeks on end, it made her want to scream. But somehow this year she didn’t mind. There was something quite magical about them.
‘How long do I have you for?’ He reached over to clasp her hands.
She blushed. ‘Well, I’m booked to go back on the first ferry on Christmas Eve, and I don’t have any other plans. So . . .’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘We’d better make the most of our time then.’
‘When does your mum arrive?’
‘Christmas Eve. And I amveryorganised. In fact I think I’ve done it all. The food shopping and the present wrapping. Daisy is at Zola’s today, and tonight actually. A sleepover.’ He blushed. ‘She did want to come and see you, but then decided she would let me have some time with you. She even insisted on taking Ruby with her. Apparently the girls are taking her for a long walk, which is a first.’
Beth felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of having an uninterrupted bubble of time with Callum where they could just be together. They didn’t need to think about hospital visits orschool runs or anyone else. Just them. ‘I would like to see her before I go, if there’s time.’
‘And you can tomorrow. But I’m going to insist that I have you to myself for as long as you’ll let me today.’ He finished his coffee and set down his mug. ‘What do you fancy doing now?’
She couldn’t stop herself from grinning. ‘I can think of a few things.’ She stood up and pulled on her jacket, smiling playfully at him. ‘Shall we?’
He caught her hand and pulled her to him, kissing her firmly on the lips. ‘Oh Beth, I’m so glad you’re here.’
‘Me too. I can hardly believe it.’ Her lips were tingling from his kiss. She knew that he was waiting for her to invite him back to her flat. But she was determined to make their time together last. That meant drawing out the anticipation of what would happen next.
They opened the door and stood outside in the fresh breeze. ‘What now? What do you fancy doing first?’ He rubbed his hands together. ‘It’s chilly, isn’t it?’
She chuckled as she looked at the longing in his eyes. There was nothing more she was looking forward to than spending the rest of the day curled up with him in the warmth of her flat.
‘I have a feeling that I know whatyouwant to do Callum Thompson.’
He held up his hands and laughed. ‘I am at your beck and call and will do whatever you want me to.’
He brushed his hand against her waist, and it took all of her willpower not to succumb to the way he was looking at her.
‘Okay then. This way.’ She pointed at the row of shops along the road. ‘Shopping. I need to do some Christmas shopping. And then I’ll show you my flat.’
He groaned and kissed her again. Then she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the shops.
* * *
The following day Beth had to reluctantly drag herself away from Callum’s side. They’d had an intense twenty-four hours making up for lost time, and she couldn’t remember when she last felt so light and free and happy. He really was the best Christmas gift she could ever have dreamed of.
They had collected Daisy and Ruby from Zola’s at lunchtime, then spent the afternoon walking on the beach. There had even been another flurry of snow which seemed extra special so close to Christmas. There was just enough to leave a white and sparkling dusting on the sand. Beth looked up at the hills which were blanketed in snow from the heavier fall last week. It all felt quite magical. Then they had gone back to the cottage where Callum had lit the fire and turned on the Christmas lights. He insisted on cooking dinner for her before she left, and she’d watched him as he put the finishing touches on the table. It was scattered with tea lights, and each setting had a cracker.
Daisy sat down at the table. ‘It really feels like Christmas, doesn’t it? Did you see the snow earlier? Do you think we’ll have a white Christmas?’
It was lovely to hear her so excited about Christmas and Beth smiled fondly at her. ‘Maybe . . .’
‘I’m so excited that Gran is coming tomorrow. It’s just a shame that you won’t be here too Beth.’
Beth nodded. ‘I know. But hopefully I’ll be back before too long, and I can meet her another time.’
Callum checked his watch. ‘It’s just about ready.’
‘It smells amazing,’ said Beth.
‘Well, it’s not quite standard festive food, but at least we have a fancy table and everything else is Christmassy.’
‘What are we having?’ asked Beth.
Callum walked over from the stove and set a huge pot down on the table. ‘Vegan chilli.’
