She nodded and nuzzled back into him. In a matter of moments, she had fallen asleep.
He picked her up and whispered to Caitlin, ‘Would you make sure the door is locked and the key is out of the lock, please? I’m going to take her up and clean up these scratches and put her to bed.’ Poor Archie was terrified of her trying to run away again.
‘Of course. Shall I make some tea?’
‘I need something stronger. But actually… tea will be fine. Better keep my wits about me, eh?’ He headed up the stairs and Caitlin went to the kitchen to flick the kettle on.
Ten minutes later, Archie returned, so Caitlin poured the water into the cups and they sat at the kitchen table.
‘I can’t believe what Rosabeth said to Bram. Why the hell would she make assumptions like that when I’ve said no such thing? Why would she call Sophie an orphan? She’s not a bloody orphan, for goodness’ sake.’
Caitlin knew it was a rhetorical question, but she had her own opinions. ‘I’m sorry, Archie, but if you ask me, I think she maybe isn’t as happy about Sophie as you’d hoped.’
‘Aye, I think that much is clear. Well, I’ll be calling her tomorrow and telling her it’s over.’
Caitlin immediately felt guilty for expressing her opinion. She didn’t want to influence him in any way. ‘Aren’t you going to give her a chance to explain?’
Archie shook his head with vehemence. ‘Absolutely not. Sophie has no reason to lie. She’s five and was clearly distressed by what she had heard.’ He sighed deeply. ‘The poor wee lass. I’m going to have to talk to her about her mum’s death again. She obviously doesn’t really understand.’
Caitlin knew instinctively that Archie was making the right decision. In his place, she would do exactly the same. And in any case, she had disliked the woman immensely. ‘No. Bless her, I think you’re right. It’ll be a difficult conversation to have.’
‘Aye, I think it will. Poor wee lamb.’
23
After an eventful and exhausting weekend, Caitlin was glad to be back to some semblance of normality, safe in the knowledge that everything was all right with the world… for now. It was Wednesday and Grace had gone with Evin to take Chewie and Cleo to play on the field. The bakery was bustling with tourists and Isla was in to help with the influx of the holiday crowd. The takeaway sandwiches, drinks and rocky road tray bake were going down a treat.
Caitlin was in the back room taking a five-minute break at around three o’clock when Isla appeared in the doorway. Her blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun and she wore her apron over shorts and a T-shirt, the perfect attire for the scorching day.
‘There’s a guy here to see you, Caitlin. Shall I send him through?’
‘Oh? I’m not expecting anyone. But yes, that’s fine, thanks.’
A few moments later, Bram appeared. ‘Hi Caitlin. I was just chatting to Morag, and she was telling me about your friend’s wee lassie. Is she okay?’
She hadn’t heard from him since the barbecue and figured her assumption on the night about not seeing him again had been correct, so his visit was a surprise. ‘Aww, thanks for checking in. She’s fine thankfully. Upset at what she overheard, but fine.’
Bram tilted his head. ‘What she overheard?’
Caitlin nodded and sighed. ‘Yes, the poor lamb overheard Rosabeth telling you that she wasn’t wanted. It hit her pretty hard after what she’s been through.’
Bram rubbed his hands roughly over his face. ‘Shit. I’m so sorry. I hope you know I wasn’t commenting. Although I did tell her she was being a bit unfair because he seemed really happy. He didn’t look like he was put out at all that she’s living with him.’
‘That’s because he’s not. What she said was quite bitter. But don’t worry, Sophie was very adamant about who’d said what, so I knew you weren’t involved. I’m just glad we found her safe and well.’
Bram’s face had paled. ‘God, I feel terrible. She’s a right one that Rosabeth. Very flirty. That’s my other reason for coming to see you. She had me walk her to her door and then tried to kiss me. I told her to back off. Said I wasn’t interested but she got really pissy after that. I reckon she’s a few tanks short of an army that one.’
Caitlin couldn’t help laughing at the thought she’d be a good match for Lyle. ‘You might be right. But it’s fine. Don’t worry.’
He cleared his throat. ‘Can I… erm… sit down a minute? There’s something I want to talk to you about.’
‘Sure.’ Caitlin gestured to the opposite chair. ‘What’s up?’
He sat and paused for a moment as if considering his words carefully. ‘I hope you don’t think me a bit… I don’t know… nosey… but…’
Caitlin huffed, expecting him to have heard on the grapevine about Grace’s father situation. ‘Come on, out with it.’ She crossed her arms over her chest, ready to defend her position even though she didn’t have to.
‘You and Archie… Has there ever been… you know… anything between yous?’
