‘Okay,’ said Ben, clearly puzzled. ‘I was not expecting you to say that at all. I had no idea he was a blast from the past.’
Rosie shook her head and gave him a wry smile. ‘I don’t think you would want to know what I got up to when I was your age.’
‘That is very true.’ He shrugged. ‘And no wonder Bella was reluctant to tell me how the truth came out about Ash. She said she would save the story for another day. So she knows?’
Rosie nodded. ‘Yes, and for that I feel bad. I didn’t want her to keep it a secret from you but I felt I needed to tell you myself.’
‘But what’s the big deal, Mum? You’re single and I’m assuming he is single too? Why not have a summer fling?’
Rosie breathed a huge sigh of relief as she realised that she had been worrying unnecessarily. ‘I was just worried you’d be hurt. I know how upset you were about your dad and I separating.’
Ben leant forward and clutched his mum’s hand. ‘Mum, you’re an adult and what you do is entirely up to you. Are you happy?’
Rosie smiled. ‘Very. It wasn’t at all what I expected to have happened this summer.’ Privately she hoped that it was perhaps more than just a summer fling but she would never voice those words aloud. She knew she just had to make the most of it while it lasted.
‘Wow, no wonder you weren’t too fussed about me staying in Brodick,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘I thought you would be really upset.’
Rosie didn’t reply for a moment, trying to work out how she could diplomatically answer. ‘Um, I am happy with whatever you want to do, dear. I’m sure there are more attractions in Brodick than there are here.’ She looked at him knowingly.
Ben gave her an amused roll of his eyes. ‘True. Any other secrets you want to tell me? It’s certainly been quite eventful by the sounds of things?’
‘No,’ said Rosie, airily. ‘Certainly not from me anyway. But watch this space. You just never know what might happen next.’
Chapter Forty-Seven
Luke was up early the next morning and went for a run. Now he had been back to London he had returned a little more prepared than he had been when he had first arrived in Kildonan. It looked set to be another beautiful day and he couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the sea which was shimmering with the rays of the sun. He had messaged Rosie last night to apologise for the surprise visit. He hoped that he hadn’t made things awkward for her and her son.
When he got back to Beach Cottage, he briefly glanced to Creel Cottage but there was no sign of life, although Rosie’s car was still there. He knew he would have to wait for her to get in touch with him when she wanted to. She had sent him a quick text last night telling him Ben was staying over. He had a quick shower and had just pulled on a fresh t-shirt and pair of jeans when he heard the doorbell. His heart skipped a beat. He hoped it would be Rosie. Luke opened the door. ‘Oh hello,’ he said, his face lighting up when he saw Rosie standing there. ‘I am so happy to see you but so sorry for putting my foot in it yesterday.’ He groaned.
‘Good morning,’ she said, grinning. ‘I hope I’ve not woken you up but I thought you may like some scones. Fresh out the oven.’
‘Fresh scones? Rosie, you are too good to be true.’ She was wearing a floaty pink sundress and biting her bottom lip. ‘That is so kind. Do you have time to come in? I could make you a coffee?’
Rosie glanced up and nodded. ‘I would love that.’
It was warm in Luke’s cottage and they walked to the kitchen where she put the scones on the worktop.
’About yesterday and my bad timing,’ said Luke. ‘Is everything okay with Ben?’
Rosie reached up and kissed him fully on the lips. ‘Yes. I was just about to tell him about you when you arrived. It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind these past few days.’
Luke reached over and brushed the hair from her eyes. ‘In that case, I think we should talk,’ he murmured, before kissing her back. ‘Grab a seat and I’ll make the coffee,’ he said, reaching for a blue dish of butter on the counter. ‘I’ll let you sort the scones.’
‘That’s a deal,’ she said.
Luke poured the coffee into two pottery mugs. ‘Shall we go outside?’
Rosie followed him out onto the decking. ‘Tell me how Linda was and how was London?’ she said, taking a sip of coffee.
‘She was much better than expected,’ said Luke. ‘In fact, she told me to get myself back to Arran as soon as possible to get the book finished. She also said she hadn’t seen me looking so relaxed and happy for yonks.’
Rosie smiled shyly at him and he pulled his chair closer to her. He yawned again and clamped a hand over his mouth. ‘Sorry. Being back in London has obviously sucked the energy from me. It was a bit of a culture shock. Anyway, how are you doing?’ he asked, his eyebrows knitting together. ‘Is everything okay with Ben? What brought him back?’
Rosie gave a small laugh. ‘Mm, not sure where to even start. It has been quite the week since you left.’
He smiled lazily as he realised he could sit and listen to Rosie talk for ever. ‘What’s been happening?’
‘Well, Ben came to tell me some news.’
