Jules’ eyes widened. ‘Really? Oh, heck, and that’s all on a first date? What will you do about Saturday?’
Caitlin shrugged. ‘I’ll still go. We were both nervous and neither of us have dated in a very long time, so I’ve decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. I really liked him before, and I want to still feel that way. But… I think my feelings may have cooled a little. Probably not a bad thing though really. I was maybe setting myself up for heartache with the way I was gushing over him before.’
‘I’m gutted for you. I had visions of you turning up here all floaty and in love.’
Caitlin smiled. ‘There’s time yet. I’m just overly cautious when it comes to Grace, and his reaction wasn’t what I’d hoped. In fact, I had hoped that subject wouldn’t even come up for a while. I’m not ashamed of my decision, nor do I regret it, but it’s not really first-date conversation.’ In truth, however, Caitlin was glad she knew where he stood on the matter.
Jules’ expression told of her confusion. ‘Whydidyou talk about it?’
‘We hadn’t been sitting down long and he asked me if I still had any contact with Grace’s dad. And I didn’t want to start things off by laying a foundation of untruths.’
Jules reached out and put her arm around Caitlin. ‘No, that’s fair enough. Crikey. No wonder things were intense, lovely.’
Caitlin was conscious of painting too negative a picture. She didn’t want her friends to think badly of him in case things did work out. ‘But things settled down after that. We did have a laugh. And he’s such a good dad.’
Jules narrowed her eyes. ‘I’m saying this as your best friend, so please don’t hate me… but maybe you should stop looking for a father figure for Grace and start looking for someone you want for you.’
Caitlin was shocked at her words. ‘Does that seem to be what I’m doing? Looking for a dad for Grace?’
Jules pursed her lips for a moment. ‘You do seem to focus on his attributes as a father. But Grace doesn’t need one. She has you and you’ve always been enough. Now is the time to find someone who you like. Of course, it’s important that whoever the lucky man is adores Grace, treats her well, and they get on… but you need a man to make your heart flutter. Someone who you can’t wait to see and who makes you laugh. Grace will grow up and leave home eventually, so it’s important you think of your needs and desires too.’
Now that she thought about it, she realised Jules was right. She did tend to focus more on someone who would be a good influence for Grace. But she couldn’t deny that she found Lyle incredibly attractive, at least physically. But was that enough when small cracks were already appearing in his handsome façade?
‘I know. You’re right. It’s just been me and Grace for so long that I’m terrified of spoiling that. And I know she adores Lyle and Cora. It would be so easy to have a relationship based on those facts alone.’
Jules nodded. ‘It would. But don’t let your inner radar be overridden. Not even if it would break Grace’s heart. You have to think about your heart, too, and if things don’t go smoothly on Saturday maybe your gut feeling is right.’
Caitlin laughed, ‘You’ve changed your tune. I thought you were ready to buy a wedding outfit.’
‘Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was!’ Jules giggled. ‘But you’re my best friend and I want you to be happy with the right man. So, what do you want in your future?’
Caitlin paused for a moment. ‘Someone who makes me laugh, has the same silly sense of humour as me. Someone who accepts me and all my foibles, my fierce independence especially. Someone who looks out for me and is there for me when I need him, even though I may not ask for help. Someone who can love Grace too. And someone who looks at me like I’m the best thing since sliced bread.’ She giggled. ‘Gosh, I’m a giant cliché, aren’t I?’
‘Not at all. They all sound like the best qualities. And I know there is someone out there who fits the bill. It’s just a matter of finding him. Even though, admittedly, he might well be under your nose and not making the best impression right now.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ Caitlin replied with a smile. The two women hugged again, and Caitlin shouted across to Grace, ‘Come on, missy! Time to go home.’
Grace jogged over. ‘Were you just talking about wedding dresses?’
‘Not exactly. And not in the way you think, now what do you say to Jules, Reid and Evin?’
Reid arrived beside Jules and put his arm around her.
Grace beamed. ‘Thank you for having me. I’ve had a great time.’
Jules cupped her cheek. ‘You’re always welcome, sweetheart.’
‘You sure are. And we’ll see you for camping on Saturday,’ Reid added.
‘It’s going to be so cool! Archie has brought us a new tent and it’s awesome!’ Evin told them.
‘I can’t wait!’ Grace replied with a wide smile.
‘Goodnight, folks. Thanks again,’ Caitlin said as she took Grace’s hand and they headed for home.
11
The journey north to Portree from Glentorrin was always spectacular. The A87 followed the coastal route by the clear waters of Loch na Cairidh and Loch Ainort, then eventually through the pretty village of Sconser, and skirted around the edge of Loch Sligachan. Caitlin was on her way to drop off a birthday cake for an elderly customer, someone she knew through her mum who lived on the outskirts of Portree, and the sun was shining overhead, bringing a smile to her face. The Proclaimers were on the radio singing about being on the way to happiness and she had put the conversation with Lyle to the back of her mind.
