“What is she doing here?” he mouthed.
Instinctively, Skye raised her shoulders and her brows. “No idea,” she mouthed in return.
Rita eased Skye backward. “Let me take a good look at you now that I can see you.”
Skye turned her face away but her mother pinched Skye’s chin between her fingers, forcing Skye to look at her.
“Have you been crying? What has that no good McGuire done to you this time?”
“Nothing, Rita.” Callum’s voice held a terse edge to it.
Oh no. Skye glanced past her mother.
Callum rose from his chair.
Releasing Skye, Rita whipped around.
He strode toward them. “Not this time. And not the last time, either, when you subjected your daughter to months of tears.”
“You? What are you doing here, again? I was right to drop everything and come.”
“Mother, don’t.” Skye pushed past her and rushed to Callum. She placed her hand on his arm and whispered. “Let me handle this. Just go. I’ll see you in the morning, early. This changes none of our plans. None. Fetch me here at six-thirty?”
Callum nodded. “All right.” He wrapped his arms around Skye and kissed her before grabbing his briefcase and coat and making his way out of the room without another word.
“I can’t believe the nerve…”
Skye’s gaze narrowed, she was unable to hide the disdain in the look directed at her mother, or the tremor in her voice. “This is the last time you interfere in my life, Mother. I will not tolerate it. Not again. I’m not sixteen anymore and I’m quite capable of making my own decisions. Good ones.”
“Not from what I can see.” Rita’s glare challenged Skye.
With a huff, Skye stomped to the desk and lifted the telephone receiver.
“What are you doing? Who are you calling? That McGuire boy?”
“Ugh, you are too much, do you know that? Callum’s no longer a boy, he’s a man. A highly successful one with the most beautiful soul. You should be happy that he’s still in love with me.”
“Successful? I’ll bet he’s still working and singing in that pub. How can you call that successful? Really, Skye. Don’t lower your standards so.”
Skye shook her head. “You know nothing. Sixteen years can change many things.”
“Like what?”
She opened her mouth and then shut it. Much as she wanted, Skye couldn’t tell her that Callum was an oncologist. Mother may just put that fact together with Skye’s tears, her hoarse throat, and Da’s own cancer that he was her oncologist. The woman was way too perceptive.
Instead, she jutted out her chin, just a touch. “The best thing about Callum is that he loves me, unconditionally. Always has.” She pointed a finger at her mother. “You should know and understand about such a love—you had it with Da. But then again, you never did quite appreciate or realize the value of his love, did you?”
Rita pointed back. “You’re out of line, Skye. Behave yourself.”
“No. You’re out of line. You’re the one who needs to learn to behave.”
Skye pressed the button on the keypad for reception. They answered immediately. “Good evening. Please can you check if you have a vacant room for this evening? It’s for a Mrs. Rita Robinson.”
“Skye. What are you doing?”
“You’re going to your own room. And tomorrow you’re getting on a plane and flying back home to Sydney.”
“You can’t make me do that.”
“Oh, yes, I can. Watch me.”
“I won’t go.”
“Suit yourself, Mother. But you’re not staying in my suite that’s paid for by my employer. Just make sure you make the right decision. I know how much you hate Glasgow.”
11
Callum closed the door to his office. The next time he returned two significant events would have occurred in his life: he’d be a married man, and he would have just operated on his wife.
Skye looked up at him from the other side of Linda’s desk and ended her conversation with Callum’s receptionist. Love filled her eyes as she blew him a kiss.
“Skye. I didn’t know you were here already. Why didn’t you call me?”
“Linda and I were chatting. Besides, I know you had a lot to do this morning.” She wiggled her eyebrows, twirling the diamond ring around her finger.
Maybe they should tell Linda what was going on. He could see Skye was dying to. No. She’d have to find out next week.
It was bad enough he’d had to tell Tavish, but it was the only way he could get his car back. There wasn’t a chance he’d trust the Beetle to get them to Gretna Green. Besides, he wouldn’t want to take his bride in that old faunty.
Thankfully Tavish was so excited he let Callum off the hook for the balance of their arrangement—as long as Callum covered his petrol for the month. Callum suspected deep down his brother felt guilty for not telling Skye the truth about his relationship with Katie. He could’ve saved them two days of sleep-deprived nights and worry.
After he dropped Skye at Belles & Beaus, he’d fetch his BMW. Temptation begged him to join Skye as she shopped for a wedding gown. Doubts joined forces with temptation. Had he made the right choice for his own wedding attire? He shook off the negativity. Of course he had. “How did all the tests go this morning?”
“All right. It was a little disconcerting being fitted for the mask, but Linda was kind enough to come in with me, hold my hand, and explain what they were doing and why.”
Callum turned to Linda. “Thank you for taking Skye.”
“No bother. ‘Twas good to get to know your childhood sweetheart.” She gave the tiniest wink with her smile that made Callum wonder how much she’d already guessed. Why were women so perceptive?
“Everything has been arranged for Monday. You just go and do what you need to, Dr. McGuire. I’ll hold the fort.”
“Like you always do, Linda. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Linda grinned and turned to Skye. “Maybe now’s the time to ask for a raise.”
“Maybe another time.” Callum slipped his arm into Skye’s. “We should go. You hungry?”
“Starved.”
“We can grab a sandwich from the hospital cafeteria on our way out. Is that all right?”
“Perfect.”
Seated inside the vehicle, their hunger tamed, Callum turned to Skye and took her hand in his. He thrilled at the feeling of the symbol of their betrothal against his skin. At last. “I have good news and bad news.”
Skye pulled a face. “Um, bad news first.”
“The Blacksmith’s Shop cannot help us with a wedding ceremony tomorrow.”
Disappointment carved its way into her expression as she stared at Callum.
A smile toyed with his mouth. “They can only help us tonight.”
She caught her breath, the reality of what he’d said sinking in. “We’re getting married tonight?”
Callum nodded, feeling his grin reach further across his face.
She flung her arms around his neck. “Oh, Callum. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted an evening wedding. It’s so enchanting.”
“I know. I remembered.”
Her eyes danced. “You didn’t ask for a booking for tomorrow, did you?”
He laughed. “No. But the fact that they had a cencellation for tonight did help. I hope you don’t mind leaving this afternoon instead.”
“The sooner the better, my love, but you had better start praying we don’t bump into my mother at the hotel when we collect my luggage.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing all morning?” He twirled a thick strand of her hair around his fingers.
“Planning a wedding, I hope.”
“And a honeymoon.”
“You remembered that, too?”
Allowing the lock to fall from his hand, Callum cupped her cheek. “What do you think?”
“You’ve booked us into a castle for our honeymoon?”
~*~
How did her mother always manage to get under her skin so? As much fun as shopping for a wedding dress on such short notice was, Rita Robinson gnawed in the back of Skye’s mind with each new gown she tried on. Mother had been wrong in her actions, so why did Skye feel so rotten about last night? Had she been too harsh in arranging a separate room? Or was it the fact that she was getting married without breathing a word to the woman who’d given birth to her? Or perhaps because she hadn’t confided in the one with whom daughters shared their heartaches, that she might be terminally ill. Imagine what she’d do with that information. She’d either not return to Australia at all, or she’d ship Skye back home, even if she had to do so in a crate.
A pent-up sigh demanded release. Skye obliged. Why were mother and daughter relationships so complicated? Or was it just this particular mother and daughter?
She had no choice. Once they got to Gretna Green, and she was alone, she’d call her mother. She should at least tell her that she was about to walk down the aisle with Callum. But she dare not tell her about the cancer.
“That one is spectacular on you, Miss Hunter.” The saleswoman smoothed the white lace hugging Skye’s body.
It was perfect. More than she’d ever dreamed of. Elegant. Sophisticated. Lace flared at her wrists and spilled halfway over her hands from the long sleeves that covered her arms like a second skin, vowing to do their utmost to keep her warm. Only the promise of a train followed her as she walked—perfect for the snowy weather. Wouldn’t want miles of fabric trailing behind in the snow.
Skye glanced over her shoulder at her reflection in the full-length mirror. A gold-edged chiffon band accentuated her waist, while tiny lace-covered buttons dotted the length of her back like the undulations of her spine.
“I agree. This is the one.”
She chose a long, white, hooded cape edged with soft, fluffy faux fur to keep her warm while outdoors, and white ankle-length high-heeled boots, trimmed in the same fur, for her feet. She decided against a veil—she had the cape. Besides, she had no father who would walk her down the aisle and lift the delicate fabric to kiss her goodbye as he gave her to the man of her dreams. Da would have given her away to Callum with his blessing.
She’d style her hair in a side-swept French bun—simple and easy to do on her own. Upon entering Belles & Beaus, Skye had noticed some delicate hair-decorations. She would choose an appropriate one before leaving.
With her choices made, Skye handed over Callum’s platinum credit card to the teller. He had insisted on paying for whatever she needed. Waiting for the transaction to go through, Skye retrieved her cellphone and dialed. She smiled as the call connected. “I’m ready.”
“So am I.” Callum released a throaty laugh that told Skye his response had nothing to do with the fact that he was already on his way. Her cheeks warmed at the thought of becoming his wife in every sense of the word. She couldn’t wait.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he added.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Skye cut the call, and then checked for missed calls. None. Messages? Zero. She couldn’t believe her mother hadn’t tried to contact her. What was she up to?
~*~
After opening the door of the BMW for Skye, Callum popped the trunk and placed the wedding dress, hidden from his sight in a protective garment cover, on top of his own outfit. At the back of the trunk lay his guitar case, and in front of that, the bridal bouquet he’d ordered. The beautiful white flowers peeked at him from the box they’d been specially packaged in for safe transportation. The florist had assured him more than once that the arrangement would survive the eighty-minute journey. It would take a little longer to get to Gretna Green, however. They still had to collect Skye’s things at the hotel.
He shot another prayer to heaven before sliding into the driver’s seat. Lord, please keep Rita Robinson out of our way.
Skye stared at him, her eyes bright. “Did you borrow your brother’s car for our—”
Callum burst into laughter.
Her eyes narrowed and creases formed on her forehead. “Oh, you…this was your car all along.” She punched him in the shoulder. Soft enough not to hurt; hard enough to let him know not to try something like that again.
“I’m sorry,” he managed as his chortles subsided. “Are you done shopping?”
“Aye.”
“Crowne Plaza Hotel?”
Pulling a face, she replied. “Aye.” She, too, was worried about running into Rita Robinson.
Callum slid the key into the ignition. “How fast can you pack?”
“Faster than my mother.”
“That fast?”
Skye snuggled against his arm, her hand smoothing the fabric of his jeans. Her touch on his leg fanned the flame of desire. The diamond sparkling on her finger reminded him that soon she’d be his wife.
“That fast. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you, Callum.”
He was beyond ”cannot wait.” He drew in a deep breath. Dare he ask the question that had burned on his lips since last night? He had no choice. It was an issue they couldn’t avoid, something that needed to be discussed.
“What about your career?”
She sat upright, turning her gaze from him and stared through the windshield. “I’m no fool. My chance has come and gone. Phantom of the Opera was my big break. Now it’ll be nothing but a haunting memory. I cannot kid myself that it will be anything less than months before I’d be ready to sing again…if at all.” Looking back at Callum, she attempted a smile. “Can we please cross that bridge when it comes? If it comes?”
He reached for her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Of course. It’s not like we’re strangers to crossing bridges together.” Turning the key in the ignition, Callum started the car and merged into the flow of traffic. “Have you contacted your boss yet? Duncan Boyd?”
She shook her head.
“Shouldn’t you do that? Give him fair warning to find a replacement and do some damage control on the promotions?”
“I will. Just not today. Or tomorrow. I want to enjoy my wedding day and first day of marriage to the full without having that conversation.”
“Fair enough.”
Back at the hotel, Callum and Skye sneaked inside and hurried toward the elevator, their furtive glances searching for a glimpse of Rita. Nothing. Reaching the end of the fourteenth-floor corridor unnoticed, they released a sigh and bundled inside Skye’s hotel room, laughing.
Skye pulled a suitcase from her cupboard, and set about packing. “How much should I take?”
“Why not take it all? It’s not like you’ll be coming back here to stay. You might as well check out now.”
“Do we have time?”
Callum smiled. “We have time.”
“Do you realize I’ve no idea what my new home is like?”
“Home’s where the heart is, Skye, but I have a feeling you’ll love it.”
With his help, it didn’t take long before a bellhop was pushing Skye’s luggage through the hotel reception. At least this would save Mr. Boyd a few hundred pounds. Little compensation, though, for losing his leading lady.
After checking Skye out, Callum rearranged the contents of the trunk, some items landing on the back seat, to accommodate his fiancée’s belongings. His fiancée. Sounded so good.
Soon they were cruising south down the A74 motorway, singing along to the yuletide tune playing on the radio. The afternoon’s wintery skies had darkened, and the BMW’s headlights reflected in the snow-covered verges.
Between the music, their voices, and the fact that Skye’s cellphone was in her bag at her feet, Callum almost never heard the ringing. He stopped mid-sentence and turned the radio’s volume down. Skye still continued singing a few more words.
“Your phone….”
Skye snatched her bag from the floor an
d rummaged inside until the ringing became louder. She’d found her phone.
Skye swiped the screen and held the device to her ear.
“Duncan…”
~*~
Just the conversation she didn’t want to have today. But perhaps it was best to get this over with. She’d certainly rest easier knowing the awful deed was scrapped from her checklist. “It’s good to hear your voice. How has your holiday been?”
“It’s been a great rest, Skye. Heaven knows how much I needed it. Especially with a busy and challenging year ahead.”
Great. Now she was about to make it even more challenging for him. Still, this wasn’t her fault. There are instances where one has no control, such as one’s health. “Oh, I forgot to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Duncan.”
He let out a howl. “Likewise. Now it’s almost time to wish each other a happy New Year.”
“Perhaps it’s best we do so while we’re on the phone. We might not get another chance.”
“Nonsense, Skye. I’ll see you bright and breezy Monday morning. It’s moving day, remember. And soon, it’ll be practice day. I bet you can’t wait to start rehearsals. The role of Christine is such a beautiful one, and highly sought after. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have signed you as my star.”
That was all she needed to hear. At least he shouldn’t struggle to replace me or my understudy should he choose to promote her.
“About that…”
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you Skye? It’s just nerves. It’ll pass, I guarantee.”
Skye grasped Callum’s hand. He squeezed it, letting her know he was there for her. With him by her side, she could do anything.
“No, it’s not nerves Duncan. I’ve been performing long enough to have overcome stage fright.” She closed her eyes and breathed, blinking away her welling tears. The show would go on without her. “I’m afraid I have some really bad news.”
12
I am so blessed to have this amazing man still in love with me. Thank you, Lord…
Glasgow Grace Page 11