by Lisa Hobman
She tucked the folded chair under her arm and made her way home. She had already been in to Dunbar and purchased some beach themed cushions, fairy lights and a couple of seat pads for the little bistro set she spotted inside the hut. A buzz of excitement travelled through her veins at the thought of helping Mac to surprise his beloved uncle.
*
The surprise was in full force. Cassie had met Mac at the beach hut which he’d finished painting and she handed over the things she had bought. Mac put up the solar fairy lights and Cassie placed the cushions on the chairs and a glass jar with some wild flowers on the table. The deck chair was placed aptly on the front decking and when they had finished they stepped back to admire their handiwork.
Mac folded his arms across his chest as he stood beside Cassie. ‘What a team we make, eh? Look at that. It’s like something oot a magazine. Rab’s going to think we replaced his old hut with a new one when he sees this.’
He was right. And it looked as magical as she had hoped. The extra solar lights had been placed inside with the solar panel fed through a gap in the wood and attached to the roof so they would illuminate as the sun descended. She had also brought some little battery candles from home to finish the place off. It looked like somewhere you’d find a couple in love having a cosy romantic evening.
‘Right, you stay here and hide and I’ll go get him. The sun’s going down so it’s perfect timing. Won’t be long,’ Mac told her as he jogged towards the slope that stretched away from the beach.
Cassie sat on the sand and waited, watching the sky going through a rainbow transition as the sun began to set.
Within half an hour she glanced to her right and saw Mac leading his uncle towards the hut. He had a hand held over his uncle’s eyes and a huge grin on his face. She couldn’t tell who was more excited, Mac or the man whose surprise this was.
‘No peeking, uncle, we’re nearly there. Just mind your step,’ Mac said as Cassie stood ready for the reveal, butterflies flitting around inside her.
‘What are you up to, lad? You’ve been gone all bloody day. I knew you were up to something. I just knew it. You’ve not bought me a surfboard, have you? If you have, you’ve wasted your money. I’ve told you I’m no interested in surfing, son,’ Rab insisted as they arrived.
‘Haud yer weesht Rab, eh? Now… open your eyes.’ He lowered his hand from his uncle’s face. ‘Tadaaaa!’
Rab’s jaw fell open and he placed both hands on the side of his face. Cassie’s eyes welled with tears as she watched the same happen to the older man. The beach hut was completely transformed and just as they had hoped, the fairy lights had all illuminated in perfect timing. It looked wonderful. Enchanting even.
Rab shook his head. ‘What the… I… oh my word… I can’t even…’
Mac laughed and put his arm around his uncle’s shoulders, kissing the side of his head. ‘We wanted to do something special for you, uncle Rab. Do you like it?’ His voice trembled as he spoke and this triggered an overspill of tears from Cassie’s eyes.
‘Like it? It’s… it’s bloody wonderful, son. You’ve done me proud. Both of you.’ He wiped his eyes and shook his head. ‘Me and your dad used to come here with your granny and papa. We’d spend hours playing on the beach whilst they sat here reading the papers. Your granny used to pack us a picnic even though we only lived up in the village.’ He laughed lightly at the memories, his eyes filled with affection for his passed parents. ‘It was better to have a picnic down here than go home. Then your mum and dad used to bring you here when you were wee. I’ve so many happy memories of being here with you all. You in your swimming trunks chasing your mum wi seaweed. Your dad trying to teach you to play Frisbee. Where does the time go, eh? I’ve been meaning to do some work on it. I can’t thank you enough, son. It’s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Your granny and papa would be overjoyed and so would your mum and dad. And Cassie, bless your heart. You’re a lovely lass. And I appreciate this more than you know.’ His voice cracked and he pulled first his nephew in for a hug and then Cassie who tried to wipe away the relentless tears now cascading down her face.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Coldingham was feeling more and more like home as the days passed. All thoughts of leaving and moving somewhere else were pushed to the back of her mind. She had Sally to chat with and they had become quite close since Sally hosted her and Mac for dinner. She had shared coffee and cake with Gordon from the antiques shop who turned out to be a novelist in his spare time. And she and Mac had settled into a nice routine of platonic friendship—all thoughts of kisses long forgotten. All was right with the world.
Although it was Saturday she was sitting at her laptop reading Gordon’s latest historical fiction and had been completely sucked into the plot about the Border Reivers and their antics. There was a knock on her door and she glanced at the clock as Cliff skipped about barking excitedly at the prospect of visitors. Mac wasn’t due for another hour. He had finally managed to convince her it was time for her second surfing lesson. She was a combination of terrified and excited about the prospect of actually getting out on the board this time. She stood from her seat and went to open the door. But when she did she sighed heavily. Seth stood there in jeans and a sweater, looking casual and handsome. His square jaw line was graced with a hint of stubble. His hands were behind his back and he smiled when he saw her.
‘Hey. Sorry to turn up unannounced. I just thought it might be nice to see you. I was right. You look radiant, darling. Oh… I brought you these.’ He held out the huge bouquet of roses he had been secreting behind his back. ‘I know how you love old-fashioned flowers.’
How could a flower be old-fashioned, she wondered? ‘Seth, why are you here?’
‘I was just tying up some business in the area and thought I would come and take you for lunch.’
‘I’m not free. I have plans.’ The elderly couple who lived further down the lane passed by and waved at her. She waved back and smiled. Such lovely people.
He sighed and clenched his jaw as he glanced over his shoulder. ‘Are you going to make me stand out here like some door to door salesman?’
‘You can come in for five minutes, Seth, but that’s it. Whatever you have planned is pointless. I’ve told you I don’t know how many times now that we’re through.’
She reluctantly stepped aside and he walked in to the kitchen and as he glanced around in the same displeased way as the last time he said, ‘Vina says you like me looking more casual and unshaven. So I thought I would come and show you that one of us is making an effort to get things back on track.’
She snorted with incredulity. ‘I don’t think I have any need to make any effort to get something back on track that’s permanently derailed, Seth. Look, just go.’
‘Aren’t you interested to know why I’m in the area? What business I’m finalising?’
She shook her head. ‘Not really.’
‘That bit on the side of yours is interested in selling his plot. He’s demanding three times the market value. Cheeky swine. But I figured it’s worth it. I can build us our dream home seeing as you seem to love it here so much.’
Her skin prickled. She was pretty sure that Mac was willing to do no such thing. But she was equally worried about why Seth was pushing it. ‘He’s not my bit on the side. He’s my friend. Not that it’s any of your business. Look you need to go. You can take the flowers too. Give them to your mother. Or Vina. Or, hey, maybe give them to your bit on the side, hmm? I’m sure Pippa will be over the moon.’
Ignoring the mention of his dalliance he sighed. ‘She misses you. They both do. Neither can believe you’re dragging this whole thing out. But I’ve told them I’ll do whatever it takes, Cassie. You belong with me. You’ll realise that soon.’
A shiver of unease travelled her spine. Was he having some sort of mental breakdown? Was he delusional? She knew Vina’s feelings on their collapsed relationship as she was in constant contact by text message from wherever Harry had whisked her off to. She had
expressed concern again over her brother’s strange behaviour and had made it clear that even his mother was beginning to worry and had tried to fix him up with no end of eligible young women who were from his family’s own circles. But he would hear none of it. According to Vina he was constantly talking as if things were normal between them. They were anything but! And the more she looked at him standing in her home with a wild look in his eyes, the more she questioned her own sanity for allowing him in.
‘Please, Seth, just go. There’s nothing between us anymore. I just want you to carrying on with your life and let me carry on with mine.’
He stepped closer to her until she was backed against the kitchen work surface and she swallowed hard, wishing that Mac would turn up in that inimitable way he had to save the day. ‘Seth… don’t.’
He reached up and cupped her cheek in his palm. ‘We’ll be together soon, poppet. Just you and me. No interruptions. Nothing to stand between us. You’ll see.’ He leaned closer and she clenched her eyes closed and turned her face away, forcing the inevitable kiss to land wetly on her cheek.
Her stomach roiled with a combination of fear and repulsion. And in a low voice she whispered, ‘Either you move or I’ll kick you in your family jewels.’
‘I’d choose the former if I were you. She’s a feisty one that lassie,’ came a voice from over by the door.
Seth stepped away and turned to see who the intruder was. ‘And who might you be?’ he growled.
‘Rab Mackenzie. This here is my house and I’d appreciate it if you’d get out right now. The lady asked nicely, but I’m not so polite.’
Cassie’s heart pounded in her chest and gratitude swelled from deep within her. She wanted to hug Rab and thank him for saving her from this deluded idiot.
Seth sniggered. ‘I was just about to leave so there’s no need to get your incontinence pants in a knot, old man.’ He turned back to face Cassie with a strange hunger visible in his stare. ‘I’ll see you soon, darling. Don’t forget me, hmm?’ The chance would be a fine thing, Cassie thought.
The unwelcome guest walked away and passed Rab without so much as a second glance. Cassie breathed a sigh of relief.
‘I’m guessing he was the ex that Mac told me about?’ Rab said as he watched Seth leaving.
Cassie nodded and rubbed her hands over her face. ‘He can’t keep turning up like that. It’s not fair. He’s scaring me.’
‘If he does it again you need to go to the police and get a restraining order. He’s got a slate loose that one.’
‘Thank you so much for turning up when you did. It seems to be a habit of mine now, being rescued by your family.’
He smiled. ‘Aye well, you’re becoming like family anyway so we’re just looking out for our own.’
Cassie’s eyes welled with tears. ‘That’s so sweet, Rab.’
He walked into the kitchen, closer to where she stood. ‘I should apologise though, I don’t make a habit of just walking in on my tenants. I just recognised the chauffeur-driven car from Mac’s description and I got worried.’
Cassie held up her hands. ‘Oh gosh, don’t apologise. I’m so grateful.’
His cheeks tinged with a little pink and in that moment she saw the striking family resemblance with Rab and his nephew. He cleared his throat. ‘Anyway, I came to say that dinner is at the beach hut tonight. It’s a thank you on me. Wear something warm and be there for 8pm, okay?’
She grinned. ‘Ooh, that sounds lovely. Thank you. I’ll definitely be there.’
Chapter Twenty-nine
Mac
Standing before the tiny mirror in the caravan’s bathroom, Mac ran his fingers through his shaggy hair and examined his beard, which was probably too long now really. He shrugged, figuring it was only dinner with his uncle. He pulled on his jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, grabbed his fleece hoodie and left the van just before eight.
The sky was a stunning array of purples and oranges and there was a nip to the air, but he was used to being out on the surf in winter so it didn’t bother him—in fact, it made him feel alive and vital. Some of his surfing buddies were just leaving the beach with boards tucked under their arms, their jovial chatter carrying on the breeze.
One of the group spotted him and waved. ‘Hey, Mac. Where’ve you been, mate? Not seen you for ages. Got a new woman?’ Jack McMurray asked as he walked towards him on the slope.
Mac reached out and gripped the offered hand, shaking it vigorously. ‘Hi, mate. Nah. Just been busy, you know? Had a few lessons down here but been helping Rab out too. He’s been a wee bit off it lately.’
‘Oh no, I hope he’s on the mend now? Look, the rest of us are having a gathering here next Saturday night. Beers and a bonfire—the usual. You’d better make it. Nine sharp, buddy.’ Jack slapped him on the back and the rest of the group voiced their agreement.
Mac grinned, liking the sound of a beach party. ‘Sounds good. All being well, I’ll be there. Laters guys.’ He waved as the group carried on in the opposite direction to his destination.
As he stepped onto the beach and looked to his left he caught sight of the fairy lights illuminated around the hut. It looked like something out of a romance movie. Not that that was a bad thing, but he was having dinner with a sixty-two-year-old man, not some blonde bombshell.
As he approached he saw that the door was open and someone was inside, candles flickered in the dim light of the evening. In the amber glow he could see it wasn’t Rab sitting there after all. The closer he got he recognised the petite blonde. Cassie? He invited her too? Well I suppose she did help with the hut and he thinks highly of her.
She looked pretty in her chunky Aran sweater and scarf with cartoon dogs printed on it. Her hair was loose and fell in soft waves around her shoulders. He tried to stop noticing things like that about her and instead cleared his throat, gruffly asking, ‘Hi, Cassie. Where’s my uncle?’ He sat down opposite her at the little bistro table.
She cringed. ‘I… erm… think we’ve been set up.’
He shook his head as he glanced out the door behind him for signs of Rab. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, when I arrived a few minutes ago, I found this card and these pizza boxes.’ She gestured to the items on the table that he hadn’t noticed until now. ‘Oh, and a bottle of fizz chilling in a sand castle bucket full of ice.’ She handed the card over to Mac.
‘Sand castle bucket? Original.’ He frowned as he slipped the card from its envelope. He opened it and squinted to read:
Mac and Cassie. You made my day by doing the hut. But I think you should enjoy it too. So I arranged for some pizzas and wine to be delivered. Consider this a thank you from me and a chance to get to know each other a bit better. Enjoy! Rab
Mac chuckled and shook his head. ‘The bloody cheeky… Hey, are you okay with this? We can just call it off if you prefer?’
Cassie feigned horror. ‘And waste good pizza and wine? No way. Get pouring mister.’
He reached over to the side shelf and picked up the bucket and the two glasses that Rab had left there. ‘I had nothing to do with this, just so you know.’
‘Mac, I didn’t think you planned it. You don’t strike me as the romantic evening type.’
Affronted by her comments Mac scowled. ‘Hey, I can be very romantic, actually.’
‘Okay, so what’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for a woman?’ She held her glass out as Mac fired the cork from the bottle out on to the sand.
He poured the bubbling liquid in to the two glasses. ‘I once had a sea glass necklace made for my mum. And I was only eight. Admittedly my uncle Rab helped but…’
She pursed her lips. ‘As sweet as that is, your mum doesn’t count when it comes to romantic gestures you dufus.’ She laughed.
He fell silent for a while, remembering back to Sally’s words at the dinner party, ‘You’ve had plenty of opportunity. You’re just far too picky.’ He huffed. ‘Okay so I’ve never really had a serious girlfriend. But that does
n’t mean I don’t have romantic ideas.’
Cassie gasped. ‘You’ve never had a serious girlfriend? Really?’
He scrubbed at his beard. ‘I’ve just never… I don’t know… met anyone I wanted to put that much effort in with. I want something special. Not some throwaway fling. I want what my folks had. Something real, you know?’
Her gaze softened and the flickering flames of the candles reflected in her eyes. ‘I totally understand that.’
He sat up straighter. ‘I’m not a virgin though. Don’t be thinking that.’ He took a huge gulp of his drink and almost choked on his own blunt words and the bubbles.
She burst out laughing. ‘I never even asked!’
‘Aye well, I don’t want any rumours starting.’ He grinned.
‘Oh, is that what you think of me then? That I’m now the local rumour mill?’
He laughed too. ‘Well, you do go for coffee at the antiques shop. And Gordon is the biggest gossip of them all.’ He opened the boxes of pizza and the smell of melted cheese and herbs wafted through the air causing his stomach to growl. ‘Bloody hell these smell amazing.’
Cassie reached across and picked up the paper plates and napkins left in the hut by Rab, before grabbing a slice from the box. ‘You’re so right.’
Mac paused with his slice half way to his mouth and tilted his head. ‘About the pizza or Gordon?’
She tried not to laugh but failed. ‘Both.’
Once their laughter had subsided they sat in silence for a while just munching, drinking and enjoying the sound of the waves swooshing towards the sand. It was a comfortable, companionable silence and Mac realised how easy Cassie was to just be with. Maybe this friends lark was a good thing after all.
‘What was it that drew you to Seth? If that’s not being too nosey?’ Mac eventually asked, intrigued to know the truth.
She sighed and placed her pizza back on its plate and looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘I think it was the fact that he was so totally different to me. I was timid and quite shy. A bit of a loner as well as being clumsy. Whereas he was so confident and knew exactly what he wanted. And he tends to get what he wants too.’