The Skye Collection, page 115
‘Excuse me, madam.’ She looked up to find Dexter standing there, his hand outstretched towards her. ‘Would you care to dance to this rather fine song by eighties icons and heart-throbs Whaham?’
The way he overenunciated the band’s name made her giggle uncontrollably. ‘What’s with the silly voice?’
Dexter loosened his tie and then held his hand out again. ‘Fwhat on hurth could one possibly mean by that, by Jove? One is trying to himpress a pretty lass, alreet?’
She waved a finger at him, still laughing. ‘Erm, your accent slipped a little there, Dex, your Geordie is showing.’
He resorted to his normal voice. ‘Are you dancing or what, Treaders?’
She grinned up at him. ‘Are you askin’?’ she replied, mimicking his real accent.
‘I’m askin’,’ he told her, one eyebrow raised.
She stood and took his hand. ‘Then, why aye, pet, I’m dancin’!’
He pursed his lips, clearly trying not to laugh as he led her to the makeshift dancefloor. ‘It’s rude to take the Michael, dontcha know, madam.’
She continued grinning as he took her in his arms. ‘Aye, matey, payback’s a bitch,’ she replied.
He slipped his arms around her and pulled her as close as the baby would allow. ‘Did I mention how beautiful you look today?’ he asked as he smiled down at her.
Suddenly feeling a little shy, she looked away. ‘You might have mentioned something.’
‘Look, I know I’m always messing around and you don’t tend to take me that seriously, but I think the world of you and I hope you know that.’
She still couldn’t look him in the eye. Her own feelings would no doubt be visible for him to see if she did. ‘Of course. I feel the same.’
‘I remembered what that funny story was that I was going to tell you.’
Her eyes snapped to his. ‘Really? Go on then, what was it?’
He gazed down at her and lowered his face slightly. Something crackled in the air between them that both confused and excited her. He rested his forehead on hers and her heartbeat skipped. Was he going to say what she hoped he was? Was this it? Had she got it wrong all along? ‘I was going to tell you that—’
‘May I cut in?’ a familiar voice said. Millie inwardly screamed and they both turned their attention to Harry, who was now standing beside them.
With a slight glance, Millie realised that all eyes in the room were on them and a distinct feeling of tension hung in the air. Once again, she wanted to slap him for gate-crashing.
Harry spoke again, ‘I said, may I dance with the soon-to-be mother of my child?’ He pointedly glared at Dexter.
Dexter’s nostrils flared as he hesitated, his gaze darting around the room. Then he turned to Millie once more with a questioning look in his eyes. ‘Millie?’
She glared at him, wide-eyed, willing him to read her mind. Willing him to say no. She didn’t want this dance to be over yet. And she still wanted to know what this ‘funny’ story was, although from the hint he gave, it wasn’t funny at all. It was potentially serious unless she had read it all wrong. And that was possible, after all she’d read lots of things wrong in her time. But if she didn’t stay with him now when he was prepared to speak, how would she know? But she didn’t want to create a scene at her best friend’s wedding reception either.
Millie was frozen to the spot, very much aware of everyone watching the embarrassment unfold. She couldn’t speak.
She watched as hurt washed over Dexter’s features and he shrugged. ‘Yeah, sure, why not,’ he said, releasing Millie from his arms.
Her heart sank.
Millie grabbed for his hand. ‘Hang on! The funny story?’
He glanced at Harry and then back at her and gave a rather sad smile. ‘Maybe another time, eh?’ And with that he turned and walked away.
Harry’s hand slipped around her and he smiled down at her. ‘This is how it should’ve been. My mum was right.’
Millie glared up at him. ‘What do you mean your mum was right?’
‘About coming here. When I mentioned that I knew you were up in Glentorrin she said she was already aware, and that I should fight for you if I wanted you back, and now that I’m here and I’ve seen you with Dexter, I think she was right. She said you and he were getting closer.’
Millie sighed deeply and her heart followed. ‘Your mum is the reason you’re here?’
His eyes widened. ‘No! Well… not only my mum. She made me see sense, that’s all. Made me realise what she was going to lose… And what I was losing.’
Disappointment knotted her stomach. ‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, Harry. You really shouldn’t be here.’ She closed her eyes for a moment and let the fact sink in that Annette had told him she didn’t want to lose her grandchild and that was why he had made the long trek to Skye.
Harry chuckled. ‘I know. I sneaked in, shhh.’ She could smell alcohol on his breath, which irked her further.
‘Harry, please leave. Just go back to your camping pod, sleep off the whisky and then go home. Please.’
He cupped her face in his hands. ‘I won’t give up, you know. You’re mine. And this… this baby is mine. I won’t give you up without a fight. And if that means me and Dexter—’
She pulled out of his arms. ‘You will do no such thing. Please just leave.’
Harry stepped away from her and glanced around at the guests, some of whom were watching with intrigue and some with a distinct look of concern. Jules and Reid were across the room with Dexter, who had been joined by Isla. Millie smiled in their direction in the hope they would see she was fine.
‘I’ll see you later then,’ Harry said before turning away and making for the exit. Relief flooded Millie’s body as the door closed behind him.
A little shell-shocked, Millie stood statue-like for a few moments, but when she turned again, she saw Dexter with his arms around Isla. They looked so cosy, smiling as they danced. Millie had to admit to herself, even though she hated to do so, that they made a very handsome couple.
‘What was all that about?’ Jules asked as she slipped an arm around Millie.
‘Heaven only knows, Jules,’ Millie replied. ‘He won’t take no for an answer. And it turns out he may only be here because his mum told him to come.’
Jules gasped. ‘No way? What is he, five?’
Millie shrugged. ‘I suppose I should feel flattered that he came all this way to stay in a camping pod in winter under an assumed name.’
Jules’ eyes widened. ‘Blimey. Well, he’s either absolutely crazy about you, or just absolutely crazy.’
Millie giggled in spite of herself. ‘You got that right.’
The wedding reception ran on into the evening and more food was brought out to fill the long trestle tables that skirted the room. Dexter had obviously decided not to share his story with her; in fact, she felt he had been avoiding her since Harry had unceremoniously interrupted their dance. She had tried to catch his eye on several occasions but had given up. He’d spent a lot of the evening dancing closely with Isla. And when they weren’t dancing, they were standing together deep in conversation. Perhaps tonight wasn’t the time to find out if he had, or ever had had, feelings for her, especially not after what had transpired earlier. If Millie was wrong and his story was, in fact, a funny one, she would feel foolish for getting her hopes up.
The dancing had clearly created appetites in the partygoers; the queue for the buffet was a snaking line that doubled back on itself. But Millie had no appetite. In fact, she still had a little indigestion from her first round of food – a common occurrence she had experienced during pregnancy, although Harry’s unexpected visit hadn’t helped – and she was feeling rather wiped out. She stifled a yawn behind her hand as she watched people with plates piled high taking to the available seats.
Millie glanced at her watch and realised it was only nine o’clock. It felt more like midnight. But seeing Jules and Reid walking around, holding hands and chatting to their guests made her smile. They’d had a wonderful wedding, in spite of the interruption, and that was all that mattered.
‘Hey, sweetie. How are you doing? I’m so sorry, I feel like I’ve hardly spoken to you today,’ Jules said as she took the seat beside her.
‘No apology needed. You have just got married after all. But listen… I’m absolutely bushed and I wonder if you’d mind if I headed back to Dexter’s?’
Jules reached and squeezed her hand. ‘Not at all. But… I have something I want to tell you before you go.’
Millie fixed her attention on Jules, whose eyes were glassy now. She panicked a little. ‘Sure, is everything all right? Hey, why are you crying? What’s happened? Is it because of Harry?’ She shuffled closer.
Jules nodded. ‘No, nothing like that. Everything’s fine, don’t worry. I just… I feel a little guilty telling you this in light of your current situation, but you’re my best friend in the whole world and I can’t not tell you.’
Millie sighed. ‘Please don’t ever feel like you have to keep something from me, regardless of what my situation is. You can tell me anything at all, so come on, what is it?’
Tears spilled over from Jules’ eyes. ‘We’re going to announce it tonight, now that we know it’s really happening… Millie, I’m pregnant! Can you believe it?’
Millie burst into tears and pulled Jules into her arms. She knew how desperately Jules had wanted to be a mum and how it hadn’t worked out when she and Laurie had tried, mainly due to his illness. But this was a dream come true for Jules and Reid and the news was simply glorious. ‘Jules, darling! That’s incredible. Oh my word, I’m so, so happy for you. Our babies are only going to be a few months apart. How wonderful!’
Jules squeezed her tightly. ‘I know. I’m beyond excited. Evin is over the moon at the prospect of being a big brother and has been bursting to tell everyone. Bless him, he’s done so well at keeping the secret, even though it’s been hard for him. And Reid… he cried. He was overwhelmed and so happy about being a daddy again.’ She went rigid and pulled away, her eyes filled with horror. ‘Oh, Millie, I’m sorry I didn’t—’
Millie gasped. ‘Don’t you dare apologise for Reid’s reaction! Of course, he’s happy! And so he should be! It’s absolutely brilliant. And I’m so excited for you both. At least I won’t be a new mum entirely on my own now!’ The thought that she would be hundreds of miles away threatened to put a dampener on her mood, but she shook her head to dislodge the intrusive thought. ‘This is going to be amazing. Should I stay here until you make your announcement? I don’t want to abandon you.’
‘Don’t be silly. Everyone will know I told you before them. You’re my best friend. Only stay if you want to.’ The friends hugged. ‘If you are going to go back to the cottage, though, let me walk back with you. We can announce it later.’
Millie stood. ‘Absolutely not! This is your special day and I’ll be fine on my own. I’ll take it very steady, I promise. I’m not in a rush and I think the cold air will do me good as it’s so warm in here. And anyway, you have your big announcement to make!’
Jules stood too. ‘But—’
Millie placed her finger on Jules’ lips. ‘Nope. You stay here, Mrs MacKinnon. Please. I refuse to spoil your party.’
‘Well, let me get Dex to—’
Dexter was still avoiding her and the last thing she wanted was to force him into spending time with her when he didn’t want to. ‘Honestly, Jules, honey, I’ll be absolutely fine. Now go and dance with your husband and announce your wonderful news.’
Jules smiled. ‘Mrs MacKinnon… I do love that name. But not as much of the thought of being called Mum by two wonderful children.’ She pulled Millie into another hug. ‘Now, go get some rest and then you’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for Santa. Are you sure I can’t walk you back though?’
‘No, I have my mobile, so I’ll be absolutely fine. Don’t worry. And I intend to go straight to bed, after I’ve let Nigel out.’ She hugged her best friend one last time. ‘Thank you for such a wonderful day. You are the most beautiful bride and you’ll be an incredible mum. Well, you already are, of course! I’m only sorry about the Harry business.’
‘No apology needed, honey. None at all. Merry Christmas.’ Jules kissed her cheek.
‘Merry Christmas. Oh and have a wonderful honeymoon.’
‘I still have no idea where we’re going, Reid is keeping it so quiet, but I’ll try to pop round before we set off. Although who travels on Christmas Day? We must be mad.’
‘Think how quiet it will be! Sounds like bliss to me.’
‘What are you and Dex doing for Christmas Day?’
‘He has promised me turkey and all the trimmings. I posted up a rather yummy Fortnum and Mason Christmas pud, so at least we have that.’ She giggled.
‘Hey, he never ceases to amaze me, my big brother. Is he taking you home on Boxing Day?’
‘The twenty-seventh, I think. It’s only fair he has a few beers on Christmas Day without the worry of driving all that way.’
Jules hugged her again. ‘I can’t tell you how special it’s been to have you here.’
Millie kissed her cheek. ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.’
As the Ronettes sang about a sleigh ride, Millie retrieved her cosy wrap and gloves and pulled them on before pushing through the exit. As she began to walk steadily away from the village hall, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
‘Finally. I thought you were never going to leave.’
Millie spun around to see Harry standing there. ‘What the—?’ In the street light, she could see his nose was pink and his breath was clouding before him.
He stepped closer. ‘I wanted to see you. To apologise again. Just in case I don’t get to see you tomorrow.’ The sadness in his expression made her stomach twinge with guilt.
‘You must be freezing. How long have you been out here?’
He shrugged and wrapped his long coat tighter around himself. ‘After we danced, I went back to the pod to grab my coat and came right back. I’ve a hip flask to keep me warm,’ he said, holding up the little silver receptacle. ‘I’ve been here a few hours, maybe… I think. I didn’t want to risk missing you. Not after our conversation earlier.’
Snow began to fall again, fast and heavy, and she shivered. ‘Harry, that’s ridiculous. You’ll catch your death.’
He smiled. ‘I know. But I couldn’t come back in, could I? I wouldn’t have been welcome. Dex made that very clear, and maybe I should’ve taken more notice. I don’t know what I expected really, but let’s say the reception was icy, and I don’t mean because of the fake snow and Christmas theme.’ He smiled, trying to make light of the situation, but when Millie didn’t respond, he continued. ‘Look, coming into the reception was stupid, I know. And waiting out here isn’t the best idea I’ve had either, but I had to see you. I wanted to explain about my mum. She’s not the main reason I’m here. In fact, she didn’t actually know I’d come. She merely told me I had to fight for you and show you how serious I am about us making a go of things. And I suppose this is how that manifested itself. So, please don’t be angry with her. I’ve hurt her enough.’ He swallowed hard and held out his elbow. ‘It’s not safe for you to walk alone now, it’s snowing again. Can I escort you back to the cottage?’
She nodded and he took her arm and linked it through his.
He paused for a moment before telling her, ‘I meant what I said about wanting you back, you know. Every word.’
Millie sighed heavily. ‘Did you? Or did your mum inadvertently guilt you into it?’
It was his turn to sigh now. ‘I’ve already told you she didn’t know I was coming. I only told her tonight by text, and she’s been trying to call me to give me a rollicking ever since. You should hear some of the voicemails.’
‘Well, I hope you understand how you coming here wasn’t necessary. I said I would talk to you when I returned home. You should have been patient with me. I don’t need the added stress right now.’
He stopped and turned her to face him. Snowflakes settled in his hair and on his shoulders. He was handsome, that much was true, but he wasn’t Dexter. ‘I can’t be patient, Millie. I want to know if the rest of my life will include you. I’ve apologised, what more can I do to make you see that I’m serious?’
‘You can give me some breathing space, like I asked. You hurt me so badly, Harry. It’s not something I can just forget. I have to be sure in myself that I want to risk my heart again.’
He cupped her cheek in his leather gloved hand. ‘I wish you could believe me when I say I won’t ever hurt you again. What happened before was… I’m angry with myself. We had such a good thing before…’
‘Before I got pregnant?’
‘Before I ruined things.’
She shook her head and turned to walk again, the snow on the ground was getting deeper now and her feet were numb with the cold. She needed to take some indigestion medication, and to sleep. She didn’t have the energy for this. Not now.
Harry caught up to her as she stepped onto the path to the front door of Lifeboat Cottage. ‘Wait, Mills. I wanted you to have this to open in the morning.’ He removed a square, gift-wrapped parcel, about the size of a CD but a little thicker, from inside his coat and handed it to her.
She took it. ‘Thank you. I’m afraid I didn’t get you a gift. I didn’t know I’d be seeing you.’
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. ‘You saying you’ll take me back will be the best gift of all.’
‘Harry—’
He closed his eyes. ‘I know, sorry. Space. Of course.’
