Jules straightened up and glanced over. ‘For the most part?’
‘Hmm… There was a conversation that led me to believe he wasn’t keen on the choice I made to have Grace by a donor.’
‘Well, it’s none of his beeswax,’ Morag interjected.
‘I think we sorted that part out though, so it’s okay,’ Caitlin assured her friends.
‘That part? You make it sound like there are other parts,’ Ruby said with a frown. ‘Is it the flowers? Because that was… well…’ Ruby cringed as if unwilling to say anything negative.
Caitlin paused for a moment. ‘Too much? Yes, I agree. But no, that’s not it. I think… I think he has a jealous streak.’
Jules paused and tilted her head. ‘What? Already? You’ve not been seeing each other that long. What can there to be jealous about?’ There was a note of incredulity to her voice.
Caitlin pursed her lips. ‘Archie. Well… my friendship with Archie anyway. It’s just a couple of comments and facial expressions. I’m probably reading too much into it.’
Morag tied up one of the bags as she said, ‘Hmm… Archie is a very attractive man though. I can see why he’d be concerned. And Archie obviously thinks a lot of you and Grace. I mean you’ve only to look at what he did yesterday,’ she said. ‘He was completely in charge of the decorations. Bought most of them himself.’
Caitlin nodded. ‘Yes, I must offer to give him something for that. He must have spent a fortune.’
Morag shook her head. ‘If you ask me, he was happy to do it. Wanted it to be perfect for wee Gracie.’
Caitlin smiled wistfully. ‘And it was. He did an amazing job.’
Jules huffed. ‘I think it’s such a shame that he’s single. He’s so lovely. Can’t do enough for others.’
‘Oh, he met someone at one of the singles events. He was out with her last weekend. Heck, I forgot to ask how it went. He always asks after me and Lyle,’ Caitlin said, mostly to herself.
‘Maybe he asks because he’s hoping you’ll go off Lyle, so he has a chance,’ Ruby said with a grin.
‘I doubt it. Don’t you remember he thought I was into women until recently?’
‘Doesn’t mean he doesn’t think you’re gorgeous though,’ Jules said.
Caitlin rolled her eyes. ‘Good grief. Not this again?’
‘I’m just saying, Mrs Huffy Britches,’ Jules replied with a nudge.
‘Okay, I admit, Archie is an attractive, kind man who happens to think a lot of my daughter. There, I said it. Doesn’t mean I want to jump into bed with him,’ Caitlin insisted, but unexpectedly that damned image of him changing her tyre sprang to mind and an involuntary rush of blood travelled to her cheeks, warming them significantly.
‘Do you want to jump into bed with Mr Hollywood though?’ Morag asked with a cheeky wink.
‘I’m not going to answer that, Morag. And his name is Lyle Budge.’
Morag giggled. ‘Mrbudge over and make way for Archiemore like.’
The other women laughed along with her.
‘For heaven’s sake, I’m not in the slightest bit interested in dating Archie!’ Caitlin shouted.
‘That’s good to know,’ came a voice from the doorway. ‘Although I wasn’t going to ask, so you’re fine.’ Archie turned to leave, and Caitlin ran after him.
As she exited the village hall, her stomach roiled and her heart pounded. ‘Archie! Come back!’ Thankfully outside they were alone.
He stopped in his tracks and turned. ‘It’s fine, Caitlin. You don’t have to apologise.’
‘Yes, I do! I didn’t mean that to sound so awful. The others have been ribbing me, that’s all. I know they’re just having a bit of fun, but I got in a strop. And anyway, you’re with Rosabeth and I’m with Lyle.’ She shrugged. ‘I just didn’t want you to think—’
‘Didn’t want me to think what?’ She thought she saw hurt in his eyes.
