I experienced a pang of longing watching Harley smile at her mother’s affection and cuddles. Even as poorly as she felt, she was happy to be in her mum’s arms. It wasn’t like I wanted kids right this second, but after watching how well Callie and Lewis had adapted to parenthood, I thought it might be nice to have kids in my late twenties. While I still had energy like they did. Mum hadn’t been too bad when she had Mor because she was still pretty young, but Dad was in his forties and I remember the new-baby tiredness hitting him hard.
Problem was, I’d have to meet Mr. Right soon if I planned to start having children in the next few years. Despite everything, Fyfe’s face still popped into my head at the thought. It hurt. Now I knew for a fact he wasn’t my Mr. Right. I had to keep looking.
“Have you heard from your friend Jasper?” Callie asked as Harley snuggled her face against her mother’s neck and closed her eyes.
I brushed my knuckles over her soft but slightly reddened baby cheek before I answered, “No. I tried texting and calling, but I think he’s blocked me.”
“I’m sorry, Eilidh.”
“There’s a part of me that’s so mad at him for treating me this way … but another part of me that just wants to give up trying with him. I’m tired of chasing after people who don’t want me.”
Callie searched my face, considering. “I think inhiscase, perhaps it’s time to let go. In the case of certain other people … I never told Lewis this, but I saw the way Fyfe looked at you at our wedding and I knew.”
My pulse leapt. “Knew what?”
“It’s not just an attraction for him, Eilidh. He watched you that night and it … well, it reminded me of the way I catch Lewis looking at me.”
This time that flicker of hope terrified me. “Callie, don’t.”
Whatever she heard in my voice caused regret to flash over her pretty face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to muddle the waters with my observation.”
“It’s fine.” I was a wee bit breathless as I tried to coach my heart to ignore what she’d said.
“Harley Adair?”
We both glanced up to find an attractive man with dark blond hair and a warm expression standing in the middle of the reception. He dressed similarly to Fyfe and wore an expensive shirt and suit trousers, the shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows showcasing strong forearms.
Who the heck was he?
Callie stood up. “That’s us.”
I followed, grabbing Callie’s large bag filled with baby stuff.
“Dr. Cameron Phillips.” The doctor held out a hand to Callie, his gaze flickering to me.
“Nice to meet you, Dr. Phillips. This is my daughter Harley. Oh, and this is my sister-in-law, Eilidh. Is it okay if she accompanies us in?”
“Of course. Nice to meet you.” Up close I could see his eyes were a light hazel. Very nice.
I gave him a flirty smile without thinking about it. “You too.”
His eyebrows rose ever so slightly, and I saw a small smile curl his lips before he turned, gesturing for us to follow.
“You must be the new doctor all my customers have been talking about,” Callie observed. This was news to me.
“Customers?” The doctor held open the door to the back of the clinic and we filed past him. He smelled good.
“I run Callie’s Wee Cakery with my mum.”
“Oh, the bakery. I’ve heard amazing things. I just haven’t had a chance to pop in yet.” Dr. Phillips turned to Harley. “Now, how can I help this little beauty?”
I watched as the doctor examined my niece, talking softly to her in a soothing, calm voice. He was great with her and she even offered him a small, tearful smile by the end.
“Oh, you’re a heartbreaker, aren’t you?” Dr. Phillips looked up at Callie with a sympathetic smile. “Seeing her like this must be hard. But it is just a cold that’s taking a wee bit longer to shift than we’d all like. She’s very congested. I’m going to give you a prescription for saline nasal drops and a nasal aspirator. Harley will definitely not appreciate the experience, but it should help clear the congestion right up.”
“Okay, thank you, Doctor.” Callie cuddled her daughter into her chest as the doctor filled out the prescription.
“So, what made you move to Ardnoch?” I asked nosily.
