Two Kinds Of Truth(28)

“What happened to ye,” Jamie asks, pointing to my filthy jeans. I look down and see streaks of dried mud running past my thigh, right down to just below my knee.

I shrug. “Nothing much. I just had a fight with a tuft of grass.”

He chuckles, and I’m about to confess all about my good Samaritan when Callum calls my name and I see him heading from the cottage towards us.

“Hey, you’re back,” he says. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

I nod. “Yes, very much, and to be honest, it was quite an eyeopener.” He pecks me on the cheek then turns to his brother. “Have you finished up for the day?”

“Aye, I have, and I’m making the most of it.” He throws a tennis ball down the yard for the dog, who shoots off like a bullet out of a gun. I laugh, and so does Jamie.

“He’s fast,” I say.

Jamie grins. “That he is, and he’s intelligent, too.”

The dog comes back with the ball in its mouth and drops it at my feet.

“Och, he likes ye,” Jamie teases, and I roll my eyes and grin. I crouch down to pick up the ball, but Callum kicks it out of my reach.

“Hey, what did you do that for?” I moan. “I wanted to play.”

“Never mind the damn dog, we’ve got to decide what we’re going to do with the rest of our holiday.” The words have no sooner left his mouth when his phone rings. He reaches into the back pocket of his jeans and removes it, peering at the screen.

“I’ve got to take this,” he says and pushes a button, placing the phone to his ear.

“Hello. Yes, this is Callum McKinley speaking.” His voice, his tone, is now sweet, like honey. He can be such a charmer and I move closer, curious to learn who’s on the line, but he walks away from me, although I can still hear his every word.

“Uh-huh, are you sure? So, when did this happen? Yes, of course. Leave it with me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

He swivels around, his face a picture of pure joy, his elation so infectious that I smile back at him.

“Who was that?” I ask, “on the phone.”

“It was Lord Fornhill’s solicitor. By all accounts, his lordship has sacked Bradley. The solicitor says the millionaire wishes to come back to the firm.”

He scratches his head, clearly unable to digest the unexpected conversation he’s just had, then he looks back at me.

“Apparently, he’s seen Bradley for the conniving scumbag he is and requested that I run his account.”

He beams at me and I’m genuinely pleased for him.

“That’s fantastic news, honestly; I’m so thrilled it’s all worked out in the end.” My smile fades. “But does this mean we’ll be leaving straightaway?”

He shakes his head. “No, of course not, but I’ll have to set off early Thursday morning.”

He does a sideways glance at Jamie, who then jumps to his feet.

“Right. I’ll…er…leave ye to discuss yir plan of action,” Jamie says, and strolls off, the dog close at his heels.

“But tomorrow’s Wednesday,” I huff at Callum. “It doesn’t give us much time.” A wave of sadness washes over my entire body, and I guess it shows in my face, because he comes closer.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be gone forever. Why don’t you stay here and I’ll come back once everything’s sorted?”

I force my lips into a pout. “And how long will that take?”

“Not long. Just a few days. I’ll be back after the weekend. Stay here and unwind. Keira won’t mind running the shop for a few more days, surely? She loves it.”

I seriously don’t know what to say. Part of me wants to stay, but the other wants to return with my husband.

“But, Cal, there’s no point me being here on my own. This trip was supposed to help us reconnect. It isn’t right me being here without you.”

He shakes his head. “Maddie, I insist. There’s no point in us both being dragged back to work. Enjoy your time away and get to grips with the great outdoors. We’ve got the rest of our lives together, so a few days apart won’t hurt. And besides, this place is good for you. Already you’re far more relaxed than I’ve seen you in ages.”

“Okay,” I whisper, without an ounce of enthusiasm. “If that’s what you want.”

He nods, “It is. And this way, everyone’s a winner,” and his cheeks dimple into a smile. “Come on, let’s go inside and tell granda the good news.”

***

“I’m telling you, you could have knocked me over with a feather.”

Granda lets out a chuckle. “Well, it dinnae take Bradley long to show his true colours. And what a bonus. Fancy Lord Fornhill askin’ for ye personally.”

It’s after supper, and I’m sitting in one of the red Chesterfield sofas, listening to Callum talk tirelessly about his return to favour. I snuggle down. The leather is soft against my skin and the room warm and cosy. A fire roars in the hearth. The orange and red flames dance wildly and the heat has turned everyone’s cheeks pink.

The room reminds me of something out of Country Life magazine. It’s quaint with its large picture windows and classy antique furniture. The floor is highly polished, covered in thick colourful rugs, and the pristine curtains are made of raw silk. I’m aware it’s down to Hetty keeping everything spick and span. I’ve yet to meet her. She’s like a ghost, invisible, and I swear she only comes out at night. Yet, when I went into the kitchen earlier, I found a mountain of goodies she’d brought up from the village.