Caitlin made her way across to Bram. ‘Sorry I got collared by my friends. I hope you’re okay. It’s not typical first-date stuff this, is it?’
Bram smiled. ‘Don’t worry. I’m having a great time. Although that huge beardy bloke tried to arm me with a water pistol, and I had to decline. Not my scene really.’
‘Ah. Dex is all about fun and he’s pretty much a big kid himself.’
‘So I see. I hope you don’t think I’m boring. I just… I’m an only child and I grew up on a farm, so I’m more at home with cows than kids.’
His comment niggled at her, but she tried to push it aside. ‘It’s fine. Although don’t mention that to Dex, he’s likely to go and hunt down a cow for you to befriend.’
‘Your friends seem nice. Archie’s a great guy. Very warm. How long have him and Rosa been a couple?’
Rosa, eh? Caitlin glanced over to see Rosabeth crouched down talking to Sophie. Sophie was wide-eyed with her hands scrunched under her chin, Bowie was glued to Sophie’s side with his head tilted as if he was listening to whatever was being said, and something about the scene made Caitlin uncomfortable. ‘Oh, not long. They met at a speed dating thing he and I attended.’
‘Oh aye, the speed dating. I couldn’t make that one. Shame really. I could have met you sooner.’
* * *
As the evening wore on, things calmed down and Archie put some music on in the background. The food was all but gone and the tray bake had been a huge success. Sophie seemed a little more subdued as night began to fall, but Caitlin put that down to the party being overwhelming and perhaps she was tired too. It was understandable, she was only five and it was getting late. But wherever she went, Bowie the pug was there, like her little protector.
The garden looked magical in the light of the moon. The fairy lights hung across the pergola illuminated automatically as it got darker, and everyone sat around chatting. Even the dogs were exhausted; Chewie and Cleo curled up on the grass, relaxing in the warm evening air, while Bowie nestled into Sophie’s side, where she sat on the grass, propped up against one of the pergola posts.
Bram was chatting to Mitch across the garden. Evin and Grace were playing a card game as Sophie watched. Rosabeth unravelled herself from Archie and went into the house. Ruby and Jules were deep in conversation and Reid and Dex were having a beer together, no doubt plotting some crazy scheme.
Caitlin sat staring into the firepit as the flames danced and one of her favourite songs came on, causing her to smile. ‘Rule The World’ by Take That always gave her goosebumps and tonight was no different.
As she raised her chin, she made direct eye contact with Archie. His features were highlighted by the firelight, an angular jaw, high cheekbones and dark yet friendly eyes. He tilted his head and smiled serenely at her, making her stomach flip. In the background, Gary Barlow sang about the stars in the night sky, and it seemed so incredibly apt.
As if reading her mind, Archie glanced heavenwards and then back down to her again, his smile a little sad this time. She couldn’t seem to remove her gaze from his and she suddenly felt a little overcome with emotion.Why does this keep happening?she wondered.
Bram appeared by her side and pulled her from her reverie. ‘Hey, Caitlin, I think I’m going to make a move. But can I give you a call and maybe we could go out somewhere just the two of us?’
She stood. ‘That would be lovely. I’ll grab my bag and walk down with you.’
He held up a hand. ‘No, don’t do that. You stay with your friends. I’ll give you a call in the week, eh?’
‘Yes, please do. I’ll walk you out at least.’ They headed into the house, which was quiet apart from the end of Take That’s song playing on the Bluetooth speakers that Archie had linked throughout the house. When they reached the front door, Caitlin opened it. ‘Look, I’m sorry about tonight. I feel like we’ve hardly had a chance to speak.’
He smiled warmly. ‘Honestly, I’ve had a great night. Your friends are lovely, and I was made to feel very welcome.’
‘I’m really glad. They are a smashing bunch, but maybe next time a night out just the two of us like you suggested.’
‘Aye, and I can’t believe you’re friends with Ruby Locke! I didn’t expect to see her here tonight. I’ve seen all her films.’
‘She’s very sweet, not at all what you’d expect from a former Hollywood star.’
‘Nah, she seems great. They all do.’ He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. He smelled of fresh laundry and pinecones mixed with a bit of firepit smoke. ‘Goodnight, Caitlin.’
‘Goodnight, Bram.’
‘Oh, are you leaving too? Maybe you could drop me off at home?’ Rosabeth appeared, as if out of nowhere.
Cheeky wee mare.
Bram looked a little taken back. ‘Oh… erm, sure. Where do you live?’
‘Just at Balmacara.’
‘Aye, okay.’ He looked uncomfortable but clearly felt he couldn’t turn her down. ‘Right, goodnight again.’
