And there she was, stealing the breath from his lungs as always. The solidity from his legs. Giving him so much to be thankful for. The future was luminescent, like his wife. Although, there was something more understated about Cherry today. A short black skirt still showed her tanned legs, but she wore a long-sleeved white blouse, and her face was make-up free. She radiated a natural glow, and it would take a strong man to look away.
Sean’s thumb traced the inside of his wedding ring, as if to assure himself it was real. He smiled at her.
‘Morning. I made you a coffee. It’s on the side.’
Coffee in hand, she came over and leaned into him. He swung his arm around her. God, it felt good to do this.
Soft cobalt eyes framed by vulnerable lashes met his. ‘Thank you. I need this today.’
‘You okay? You seem a bit on edge.’
‘Just a bit nervous. I want to do you and your dad proud. I know this sounds daft, given that I never met him, but I sense his presence.’
‘You do?’ Jesus! What was she doing, telling him this at 8 a.m.? It was enough to give him a breakdown before the day had begun. His dad had been right there with him since he’d woken up, and now it was like the three of them were standing in the room together. Jimmy clapping Sean on the back and telling him he was proud of the man he’d become.
‘I hope that’s not a ridiculous thing to say, or cheeky, seeing as I never knew him, but I’ve heard so much about him. And there is so much love for him in this house. In here.’ She placed her palm over Sean’s heart, causing him to bite down hard on his inner lip. If he got emotional today,he might never stop, like the rain hammering down outside. It was going to be one of those on-the-edge type of days.
‘That means a lot, Cher. It’s not cheeky. You feel what you feel. Dad was a powerful presence.’ He could see his father chuckling proudly at him, at how far gone he was for Cherry. Because, far from it being a weakness, his father saw being in love with a strong woman as an achievement in life.
‘A powerful presence, like his son,’ Cherry said, palm warm through his shirt.
And there she was, lassoing his heart with her words. He pulled her into an embrace, arms across her chest, so they were both gazing out to the beach. In silence he held her, always wanting it to feel like this. Like she was his to love and protect. Cherry might be an independent firecracker of a woman, but she needed him. He knew that.
‘Sean, listen.’ Foreboding laced Cherry’s imperative, like when his mum was about to tell him that an old person she knew had died.
‘Mmm,’ he mumbled into her hair. ‘I’m listening.’
‘Connor is confirmed for the tourney today. There’s no clause in his advertising contract that says he can’t be seen gambling at the distillery.’
‘Great. He’s a massive name. Thanks for getting him on board, Cher. It’s going to mean a big deal for the charity.’
‘Och, it was mainly Alicia. There is one other thing I have to tell you.’
He wished he could see her face to check for a sign of what was going on. ‘Aye? You alright?’
‘I’m fine. It’s Campbell Duff.’
‘What about him? He’s not dead, is he?’
Cherry laughed. ‘No, he’s not dead. I didn’t tell you this yesterday because I wasn’t sure how to broach it, but when Imet him, he said he wants to take us out to dinner after the tourney, in exchange for money to the MND charity.’
Sean broke from her, and she turned to face him. He was aware he wasn’t exactly radiating happiness, but he needed to hear more about this.
‘It’s in Edinburgh, at the Balmoral,’ she said, clearly knowing this add-on was not going to soften the blow.
‘The Balmoral?’Of course.‘Is he flying you there in his helicopter?’
‘Yeah, that’s the idea. But he’s invited you, too.’
Sean laughed, but it was hollow and mirthless. ‘The fuck he wants me there. And the fuck I am going.’
Cherry moved so that her back was to the window and she faced him, a little tense, as if she was about to reveal the kicker. ‘The thing is, the amount he’s willing to pay is £150k.’
‘Aye, right. You believe that?’
‘Yes, I do. He’s honourable when he needs to be.’
‘When he needs to be. Like when he wants something.’ Sean moved to walk away then spun back almost immediately. ‘Cherry, this is all manner of fucked-up. I’ve spent the last two months being pulled through the wringer and back again by my wife, who maybe did but probably didn’t, but actually did, want to be my wife. Yes, it was my choice, and yes, I want to raise money, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Not even for a million quid to the charity am I flying to Edinburgh in that guy’s helicopter so he can wish I wasn’t there while he takes my wife out to dinner.’
