The Skye Collection, page 99
The snow was a visual treat as Millie enjoyed the landscape beyond the glass from her first-class seat – Jules and Reid had insisted on the upgraded ticket they had sent her: if she was so determined to attend their wedding, she was making the journey in as much comfort as possible. The view was so picture-perfect Millie snapped photos on her phone. She saw villages strewn with coloured lights, children playing and building snowmen in the places where the flurries had been heaviest, and people laden with bags full of shopping as they waited for the train to pull into their stop.
As the train slowed approaching Scotland’s capital city, it was past one in the afternoon. Snow glistened on top of buildings and made the boughs on trees hang with its weight. It looked so Christmassy and beautiful. Walking in the damned stuff was another matter, however. Millie took slow, steady steps from the railway station towards her hotel, pulling her case behind her, and was out of breath by the time she reached the first corner of Princes Street Gardens and questioning her sanity for making the trip.
Luckily, there was a busker singing Christmas tunes as he accompanied himself on guitar. She stopped and listened with a smile on her face and a warm feeling inside. He sang of holly and mistletoe, Santa and Rudolph, and she was momentarily transported back to her childhood and the many school concerts she had taken part in.
The baby seemed to like the music too as Millie felt a tumbling and rolling in her belly, followed by the distinct grumble of hunger. The baby was huge now and her appetite had shot through the roof. She hadn’t seen her feet in months and had given up on opening the wardrobe, as just the sight of her size-twelve clothes was far too depressing. These days, she lived mostly in sweats and oversized T-shirts. She’d had to purchase clothes online for the trip to Skye, but the perfect dress for Jules and Reid’s nuptials had, so far, eluded her. Thankfully, Jules had decided against allocating a traditional chief bridesmaid role, meaning the pressure on Millie was somewhat reduced. However, every single wedding-appropriate dress she had ordered prior to her journey north had been returned after she discovered that nothing had been flattering to her changing shape. She wasn’t looking forward to attending the wedding wearing a tent, but she wasn’t about to miss it, that was for sure.
Princes Street Gardens was full to bursting with stalls selling woolly hats, festive treats and Christmas ornaments as Millie continued on. The smell of cinnamon and hot chocolate was incredibly enticing and she would’ve loved to browse a while, but the crowds of people looked far too intimidating to her in her pregnant state, suitcase and all. So she purchased a pretty and cosy hat from the closest stall, pulled it down over her ears and retreated from the bustling market to wander the wide pavements of Princes Street itself.
After a meander along the capital’s busy shopping street, she stood admiring the festive windows at Jenners department store. A jolly Santa stood surrounded by toys and Millie couldn’t help the bubble of anticipation she felt knowing she would soon be buying toys for her own little bundle. Since making her final decision to keep the baby she had regretted nothing, apart from the fact she had once contemplated ending the pregnancy. She knew there were difficult and challenging times ahead and that being a single mum wasn’t going to be a picnic, but plenty of women succeeded, and excelled, at the role every day so there was no reason she couldn’t. And even though the baby wouldn’t know a father’s love she already loved him, or her, enough for two.
She approached the store entrance and a smartly dressed man opened the door for her. She smiled her thanks and walked inside. A giant tree, that must have been over thirty feet tall, stood in the centre of the main mall. Millie wondered how on earth they managed to get the thing in situ. It was festooned with twinkling lights in red, gold and green, and filled the air with the aroma of fresh pine. More lights hung in icicle-like strands from the balconies, and Frank Sinatra sang about being home for Christmas.
Millie stood for a moment to soak up the atmosphere, a wide smile on her face. A buzz of excitement surrounded her as people hunted for gifts, most oozing festive spirit and singing along with Mr Sinatra, although some were slightly ruffled and perturbed, long lists clutched in gloved hands, muttering things to remember to themselves as they browsed the concessions for that perfect surprise for a loved one.
Making her way in the lift up to the coffee shop, Millie chose a lemon and ginger infusion, and a crumbly croissant, and sat and she watched the shoppers bustling around. Now, on the sound system, it was the turn of Eartha Kitt, trying to convince Santa, in song, that she had been a good girl and was worthy of some rather extravagant gifts.
Millie thought back to last Christmas and how she had hunted for the perfect gift for Harry, just like the shoppers who surrounded her now. She had settled on a monogrammed satchel in real leather that had cost her a fortune. Luckily, he had loved it and had used it for work every day to transport his laptop. A twinge of sadness tugged at her, but just at that moment the baby kicked, as if to remind her of what Harry had done. She smoothed her hand over the large protruding bump and sighed.
‘Goodness, you look ready to burst. When are you due?’ a well-dressed, elderly lady on the next table asked.
‘Not for another six weeks,’ Millie replied as her cheeks warmed.
The lady rolled her eyes. ‘Gosh, you’re braver than I am. I don’t think I would be Christmas shopping, or travelling at all, to be honest, in your condition. You youngsters, are so fearless these days.’
Millie felt anything but fearless, if the truth be told. She was terrified of what lay ahead. ‘It’s more of a necessity, to be honest. I need to find a dress for a wedding I’m attending on Christmas Eve.’
The lady gasped. ‘And you chose Edinburgh? Like I said, very brave.’ She sipped on her tea and then added, ‘Actually, my friend, Carole, works here as a personal shopper. I’m sure she’d be able to help you. I’ll drop her a text message. What’s your name, dear?’
Millie smiled. ‘I’m Millie, and that would be fantastic! Thank you. I need all the help I can get.’ She giggled.
The lady took out her phone and tapped at the screen. A couple of moments later, the phone pinged. ‘Ooh, that was good timing. She’s on her break just now. She says you should go to the maternity department in half an hour and she’ll be happy to help.’
Millie’s heart soared at the kindness of the stranger. ‘Thank you so much. I can’t tell you what a relief that is.’
Once she was finished her herbal tea, Millie located the maternity section of the department store and was greeted by the personal shopper the kind stranger had arranged for her.
Carole, a lovely older lady, with perfect make-up and not a hair out of place, fussed around her. She brought numerous dresses for Millie to try and helped her in and out of each one. Eventually, Millie stood before the mirror in a wine-red dress with an empire waistline that caused the fabric to skim lightly over her bump.
‘Oh, Millie, you look stunning. Absolutely stunning,’ Carole told her with watery eyes.
Millie stared at her reflection, eyeing the lace-covered top part and liking how it sat against her new curves. ‘Do you really think so?’
‘I really do. It’s as if it was made just for you.’ Carole had a point. The fabric wasn’t too bulky or heavy, like some of the others she had tried, and the colour was perfect. She had seen design photos of Jules’ burgundy and cream rose bouquet and the wine-coloured Mackinnon tartan waistcoat, in Strathmore fabric, that Reid would be wearing, and she knew this was the dress.
Armed with her dress, and a few small extra gifts for her Scottish friends, Millie eventually arrived at the hotel. There was another beautifully decorated tree to behold just inside the glass doors and this time The Darkness were singing about bells. Millie loved the song and stifled a giggle at the lyrics, and, of course, the reminder of Dexter.
Once she had checked in and ordered her breakfast for the following morning, the receptionist –a young man in his early twenties, wearing a pristine white shirt, a tartan waistcoat and trousers – insisted on carrying her case and shopping bags up to her room and depositing them inside for her. With instructions for her to call down if she needed anything at all, he left, closing the door behind him. She contemplated room service but was simply too exhausted, so she showered and collapsed into bed without even turning on the TV.
She lay there, eyes closed thinking about the days to come. Tomorrow she would see Jules for the first time in months. Her best friend had made a sneaky surprise visit when it was time for Millie’s twenty-week scan and had held her hand as they watched the baby on the screen with tears in their eyes and giddiness in their bellies. Unfortunately, on that particular day, baby was feeling rather shy and wouldn’t reveal its sex, so there was a huge surprise to come. Although Millie didn’t mind that; discovering the sex was something to look forward to, and all she cared about was that he, or she, was healthy.
Whilst she was there, Jules had insisted Millie registered with Doctor MacT in Glentorrin as a temporary resident for her December visit, just in case. And arrangements had been made for her to stay with Dexter at Lifeboat Cottage for the wedding, where he now resided. Dexter had also insisted that he take her home after the wedding, seeing as she point-blank refused to put him out by coming to collect her beforehand.
‘You absolutely can’t travel home on the train when you’re about to give birth. Think of the trauma of the other passengers if you go into labour, not to mention your own!’ he’d insisted on the phone. He had a point, so she had capitulated on that one. He was of the opinion she shouldn’t be making the journey either.
During the visit, on Jules’ insistence, they had decorated the smaller bedroom at the Mistford cottage in a pretty sage-green and had put up photos of Millie’s friends and family, including Annette and Dale. Jules had said the cottage was hers for as long as she chose to stay, and that it was important the baby felt at home. Harry, of course, had been true to his word and had no involvement at all. Millie could’ve spent time dwelling on that fact but chose to put it out of her mind, seeing that his parents had been so wonderful, accompanying her to check-ups when needed. And for that she was extremely grateful.
The next thing Millie knew she was waking up in her plush hotel room to the sound of someone knocking on her door. She waddled to open it and was greeted by the same young guy from the night before.
‘Good morning, miss. Breakfast is served,’ he said with a smile as he walked in and placed the tray on the small table by the window.
‘Thank you so much. I’m starving.’
The young man smiled, nodded and let himself out.
Millie took a seat before the tray of delicious-looking, and smelling, delights. Thankfully the morning sickness had long since passed and as she chewed and revelled in the flavours of the sausages, hash brown, bacon, baked beans and grilled tomatoes, she gazed out of the floor-to-ceiling window at Princes Street below her. It was only seven o’clock, but already the city was waking from slumber. The coloured lights strewn along the buildings were still illuminated as the sun snoozily rose above the horizon. The sky overhead glowed pink, orange and purple and the distant castle stood guard, silhouetted on its rocky outcrop above the city. The dusting of snow that had fallen overnight topped off a postcard-worthy vista and despite everyone’s reservations she was glad she’d stuck to her guns and made the journey.
Once she had eaten and showered, Millie dressed and gathered her belongings. Her train was due to leave in an hour and she wanted to make sure she arrived in plenty of time.
The journey to Inverness from Edinburgh was another scenic delight. Over three hours the stunning, snowy panoramas drew Millie’s attention, and the book she had bought at the station received little consideration.
Jules had been adamant that she would pick her up from Inverness so that she didn’t have to bear another train journey across to Kyle of Lochalsh, but Millie hadn’t really minded any of it. She had enjoyed the peace and pampering that came with first-class travel and made the most of it, knowing that once the baby arrived, she would no doubt be unable to afford such luxuries.
When she alighted the train at Inverness, she was suddenly grateful that she didn’t have to wait for another connection. The wind whipped around the platform and nipped at her ears and nose. The snowfall had been much heavier in the northern city and she was glad she’d bought her hand-knitted hat. She made her way through the other passengers and was eventually engulfed in familiar arms.
‘I’ve missed you so much!’ squealed Jules as she held on tight.
‘I’ve missed you too. It’s so good to see you,’ Millie replied, closing her eyes and fighting off tears.
‘I’ve missed you too,’ an equally familiar but male voice said, and Millie looked over Jules’ shoulder to see Dexter, a warm twinkle of genuine affection in his eyes. ‘You’re glowing, Treaders. Pregnancy suits you,’ he told her.
‘Dex!’ She launched herself at him and almost knocked the man off his feet. ‘What happened to you? You look all… skinny!’
Dexter grinned and his cheeks coloured. ‘Oh, away with you. I’m still heavier than I should be, but work is certainly keeping me busy. That and Reid keeps making me go for long walks with that daft dog.’ He rolled his eyes, but it was clear there was no force involved.
Millie took in the bear of a man and couldn’t quite believe how different he looked. She patted her belly. ‘I think we’ve swapped places.’
Dexter laughed heartily as he took her suitcase and bags from her. ‘Oy, cheeky. And anyway, you’ve a good excuse. Can’t say the same for me.’
Jules linked arms with her and nudged her. ‘Do you want to go eat before we set off or shall we just go?’
‘I would really love to just get to Glentorrin and relax, if you don’t mind. It’s already been a long day.’
Jules stopped walking. ‘I hope it’s okay that you’re staying with Dexter at Lifeboat Cottage.’ She cringed.
Millie shrugged. ‘Of course, it is. I have loads to catch up with my old drinking buddy, don’t I, Dex?’
Dexter laughed. ‘Aye, so long as you’re not the one doing the drinking. I reckon I could have a few beers for you though.’
Millie scrunched her face in mock indignation. ‘Hmm, well, I hope you’ve got a good supply of chocolate, not just bloody greens.’
Dexter feigned shock. ‘Chocolate? Me? Never touch the stuff.’ He winked and she laughed. She’d missed them both so much.
7
Dexter drove them the two-hour trip from Inverness to Glentorrin in his Jeep, and the two women sat in the back catching up. They both agreed that, even though they spoke regularly by video call, there was something special about repeating news with each other face-to-face. Jules regaled Millie with the wedding plans and how, with two weeks until Christmas Eve and the big day, everything was almost ready. Glentorrin Church would be adorned with seasonal flowers and Father McAllen was marrying them at noon. Evin had prepared his best man’s speech but wouldn’t give any hints about it, and he had ordered a dickie bow for Chewie, who he was intent on bringing to the ceremony. She glowed when she spoke, her excitement oozing from every pore and Millie was ridiculously happy for her best friend.
‘Ooh, ooh, do you want to see my dress?’ Jules asked eagerly. ‘When you come round to ours, I can show you it if you like.’
Millie grinned. ‘Of course I want to see. I’ll show you mine too. I only bought it yesterday.’ She cringed at the admission.
‘Wow, that’s what you call cutting it fine, Treaders,’ Dexter chipped in with a chuckle from the driver’s seat.
Millie huffed. ‘Tell me about it. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve ordered, tried and returned before finding one that would make me look less like an elephant.’
‘Hey, we’ll have none of that. You look glorious,’ Dexter replied. ‘You’re bloomin’!’
Millie glanced up and caught his reflection in the rear-view mirror. There was a tinge of pink to his cheeks. ‘Thanks. I’ll pay you later.’ She giggled.
‘So, have you heard from that heartless barstool lately?’ Jules asked. She wasn’t one for swearing and her replacement profanity made Millie laugh, in spite of the subject matter.
‘Not for ages, no.’ She really didn’t feel like talking about Harry.
‘Good. I wonder what his mum and dad think about everything now,’ Jules said with a shake of her head.
‘I’m pretty sure they expected him to have come around to the whole idea by now. Well, I know Annette certainly did. Melanie, his sister, has kept in touch regularly, offering pregnancy tips and advice, but she says Harry leaves the room any time my name is mentioned.’ She glanced down at her knotted fingers.
Millie’s admission caused her best friend to gasp. ‘What? Seriously? How can he be so damned cold? Doesn’t he realise he is 50 per cent responsible for this situation?’
Millie shrugged. ‘I guess he thinks if they don’t talk about me, it’s not really happening. Annette and Dale were so disappointed in him. They’re such lovely people and I’m grateful to them for being so kind to me when they could’ve been quite the opposite. They’ve bought all sorts for the baby, but they won’t bring it around until after the birth in January. Superstitions apparently,’ she said with wide eyes. ‘But they still insist Harry will change when the baby arrives. But the fact that his sister was the one to tell them about the baby speaks volumes.’
‘I reckon I’d tell them to forget him changing,’ Dexter scoffed. ‘If you ask me, he’s a prize tw—’
