Two Kinds Of Truth(17)

“Oh, stop it,” I say when my sides start to hurt from laughing. “You’re being a drama queen.”

He’s still hiding his eye behind his hands and pretending to be in pain. I lunge forward, to try and pull his hands away, to end his silly game, but as soon as I touch him, he jerks back and I lose my balance and fall on top of him. His strong arms enfold me and I end up flat against his chest. I feel his warm breath upon my skin and gaze into a pair of dazzling green eyes, pushing myself closer as the desire to kiss him consumes me. I lick my lips in anticipation and close my eyes.

To my horror, he pushes me away, and I sit bolt upright, feeling my cheeks burn. “Jamie, I’m so sorry. I thought for a second you were Callum.”

Jamie lifts himself onto one elbow and gives me a wide grin.

“Dinnae worry, Maddie. Nae harm done, eh?”

I try to smile, but the corners of my mouth just won’t lift, and I realise there’s this constant ache within my heart that’s quietly killing me. There’s so much I want to say, to explain, but before I get the chance, Jamie glances at his watch.

“Time’s moving on. It’s best we set off for home before it gets dark.”

“Oh. Yes. Of course. Even the goosanders have fallen quiet.”

“Aye, they’ll be heading for their nests, just like we should.”

I avert my gaze and pack away the picnic stuff, too aware that my courage has failed me.

***

As darkness descends, we drive back to the farm. It’s only just after four but already the light’s faded. Neither of us are quite so chatty this time around. I know it’s all my fault. I’m consumed with guilt that I almost, almost kissed Jamie.

A shiver creeps down my spine. All I want is to get away from my brother-in-law as soon as possible. From the corner of my eye I see him peering at me. What if he tells Callum?

We enter the farm via the main gates and Jamie kills the engine as soon as we reach the farmhouse. The moment the vehicle stops, I fling open the passenger door and go to jump out, but then I hesitate and turn back towards him.

“Jamie, about earlier.”

He shakes his head and I notice frown lines crease his forehead.

“Maddie, it’s cool. Ye dinnea do anything wrong, so stop ye worrying.”

I nod and slide out of my seat. A dark cloud’s hanging over my head, but maybe after a goodnight’s sleep it’ll disappear. There’s a bright orange glow from the downstairs windows, which makes the house seem warm and inviting, then a door opens, and the light spills out onto the path, the silhouette of a man blocking the doorway.

“Were you two planning on staying out all night?”

It’s Callum, and there’s an edge to his voice.

“Hi, it’s good to see you, too,” I say lightly, and hurry over to plant a kiss on his lips. There’s warmth in my kiss, but he doesn’t return it. Instead, he stares down at me and I can see his eyes are wide with frustration.

“Whatever’s the matter?”

Callum lets out a huff. “I thought you’d be back hours ago.”

“Really? But you knew we’d be late leaving because of the injured bull.”

“Aye, well, I didn’t expect you to be gone for over four hours. You only went to see a few wild birds. I returned from the market earlier than expected and thought you’d be home.”

I’m exasperated. “Well, I didn’t realise I had a curfew; you should have said.”

Footsteps approach from behind me and Callum glances over my shoulder. His demeanour changes instantly.

“You two had a good time?” he asks his brother.

“Aye, we did,” Jamie replies, “but I think we’re both ready for a wee dram. It’s biting cold out near the water and I cannae feel my toes.”

Both men laugh and Callum stands aside to let me pass.

I go inside while Callum waits for his brother.

“While we were out, Hetty visited and left us some goodies today,” I hear Callum say. “She’s even baked a clootie dumpling.”

“How is she?” I interrupt. “Is she still doing the cleaning and keeping you all up to speed with all the local gossip?”

Jamie takes off his coat and flings it over a hook.

“Aye, that she does, week in, week out, without fail, just like clockwork.”

I hear a squeaky floorboard and then the door leading to the kitchen is flung open and Alasdair comes bundling through.

“Maddie, did ye get the chance to see the goosanders?” he asks, excitedly.

I nod, “Yes, I did, and it was an amazing experience, thank you.”

“Excellent news, then let’s talk more about it over dinner tonight. Shall we say six o’clock?”

“Sure, why not. That gives me plenty of time to have a hot shower and change my clothes.”

“That’s settled, then, but come inside and have a cup of tea by the fire before ye go.”

I smile at him. “Oh, I’d love one. My fingers think they’re falling off with frost bite.”

“’Tis a wee bit cold for the English,” he cries and tips me a wink. “You’re lucky it isnae snowing, though.”

I take off my coat, hat and gloves and leave my boots by the kitchen door.

“I hear Hetty’s been to see you today,” I say, going over to the table and lifting the lid on the teapot to check it’s brewed.