Page 62 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
‘Yes. There might be some handsome doctors there. Didn’t you say that you knew a doctor there?’
‘Um,’ she said uncertainly, now realising her mum really didn’t want her dad to come along. ‘I’m sure I did.’
‘There’s also a parcel being delivered this morning. Someone needs to be here for that.’
‘Well, okay, if you’re sure. But I’m really not all that happy about not coming with you.’ He scratched his head.
‘Dad,’ Jessica said soothingly. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll call you as soon as we know what’s wrong and I’ll take good care of Mum.’
‘Hmm, make sure you do. Don’t get all distracted by the first man in a white coat to come along.’
Why was she even having this conversation?The only man she wanted to talk to or look at was Reuben.
‘Right, come on then, Mum. Let’s go. Can you manage to get your jacket on, do you think?’
Catriona stood up and winced. ‘I don’t think I can, love. It’s awfully tender.’
‘Let’s just get your shoes on and get you in the car and I can pop a blanket over you. At least you’re dressed.’
She managed a small smile. ‘I know. I would have been the talk of the village if I’d still been in my pyjamas.’
As they made their way outside, her dad fussing around them, Jessica unlocked the car and made sure her mum was as comfortable as she could be. She then got in and started the engine. Lowering the window, she said, ‘I’ll call you as soon as we’re there and have seen someone.’
‘Thanks, dear. Look after her.’
‘Go back inside now and warm up. You’ve had a fright too.’
‘Oh, Jess . . .’ said her mum, her voice trailing away.
‘Is it painful, Mum?’
‘Well, yes, it is but it’s not that. The timing of it is awful. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow and I’ve got so much still to do.’
Jessica reached over and patted her mum’s knee. ‘Let’s just see what the doctor says. One step at a time.’
Chapter Forty-Two
Later that day, Reuben tried to call Jessica’s phone again, but it was switched off. He knew she was working at the bakery until lunchtime. Maybe she had been asked to stay on later as it was busy. He was longing to speak to her and hear her voice. In the meantime, he thought he would call Catriona and find out if there was anything he could take with him to help with Christmas Day.
‘Hi, Angus,’ he said when he picked up the phone after just one ring. ‘It’s Reuben.’
‘Oh, Reuben, I thought you were Jessica. I’m waiting for her to call. She’s at the hospital.’ Angus was talking quickly and sounded very flustered, which wasn’t like him at all.
‘What do you mean? Why’s she at the hospital?’ His mind immediately started to flood with questions as he wondered what had happened. Had she had an accident at work or fallen ill suddenly?
‘It’s Catriona. She had a fall earlier and hurt her arm. Jessica’s away up to Larbert with her. I’m just waiting for her to tell me what’s going on. They wouldn’t let me go with them, you see. Said something about Jessica wanting to check out the doctors or something like that.’
Reuben frowned. That didn’t sound right but then Angus didn’t sound like himself at all. He was clearly worried and very anxious. ‘Does Murray know? Is he with you?’
‘I’m supposed to tell him but I didn’t want to wake him up and I’m meant to stay in for a parcel.’
‘Okay,’ said Reuben. ‘I’ll phone Murray now and let him know what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll be with you soon.’
‘Thanks, son. I’d better get off the line in case they’re trying to get hold of me.’
‘Bye, Angus.’ Reuben ended the call and grabbed his jacket and car keys and let himself out of his flat. As soon as he got into the car, he called Murray to fill him in. ‘Sounds like your dad is in a bit of a state. He didn’t want to disturb you in case you were still asleep.’
‘Thanks for letting me know. I had no idea. Mind you, we did end up sleeping in a bit later this morning. Well, after a five o’clock start with the wee one. I’ll go and check on him now. You said Jessica would call when there’s news?’
