She nodded. ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can Margaret. Which hospital is he in?’
‘The Queen Elizabeth. I know you’ll be in a tizz love so don’t worry, you just focus on getting yourself over when you can, and I will text you the number of the ward he’s in. I’ll be here waiting until you get here.’
‘Thank you.’ Her voice was about to break. ‘I really appreciate this.’
‘Take care my love, I’ll see you when you’re here. And take your time. Your dad will want you here in one piece.’
‘Thanks.’
She ended the call. Then she promptly burst into tears.
‘Oh, Beth, my dear,’ said Edie. She pulled out a tissue from her pocket and handed it to her.
‘Sorry.’ Beth dabbed her eyes. ‘I’ve just had a bit of a shock.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘It’s my dad. He’s had a heart attack. He’s in hospital.’
Edie placed her hand on Beth’s shoulder. ‘I am so sorry.’
Beth took another shuddering sob and pointed in the direction of her car. ‘I need to go and get the ferry.’
Edie glanced at her watch. ‘Take a few breaths dear. There’s no rush. You still have plenty of time to get the one just after four.’
Reassured, Beth pulled out her phone. ‘Okay. Please let this work.’ She quickly opened the ferry app, praying that technology wouldn’t let her down, that there would be space for her car.
Edie watched her anxiously, clearly thinking the same thing. ‘All sorted?’ she asked hopefully when Beth looked up at her.
‘Amazingly yes. Thanks Edie. Knowing the time of the next one really helped. I completely panicked there and didn’t know where to start.’
‘Okay,’ said Edie firmly. ‘You are booked on the ferry. What do you need to do now?’
Beth nodded, thankful that Edie was there and asking her about the practical details. Her head was spinning, she was too wound up to think about what she needed to do next.Think, Beth.‘Er, I need to go back and grab some things from the flat. And let Jim know.’
‘Now make sure you take it easy dear, and don’t be speeding back to Brodick. You have plenty of time. The priority is to get to the terminal. Once you’re parked and waiting, then you can call Jim. I know he’ll want you to put your dad first. Okay?’
‘Thank you, Edie. I’m so glad I bumped into you. I would probably be wailing on that bench,’ she pointed to the seating area on the grass, ‘not sure what to do or where to start.’
‘That’s okay dear. I just hope your dad is okay. First things first though, get your overnight bag, then take it from there.’
Beth nodded. Edie leaned in and gave her a quick hug.
Then she steeled herself and walked quickly to her car. As she drove back round to the flat, she tried to keep her mind distracted with the things she needed: her laptop, chargers, toothbrush, pyjamas and a few changes of clothes, in case she needed to stay for a few days. She bit her lip as she thought of her dad, vulnerable and lying in a hospital ward. He had always hated anything to do with hospitals, and she knew he’d be scared. The sooner she got to him, the better.
Chapter Fifty
Callum was at Edie’s house working on the shelves while Molly sat patiently, watching him.
‘If Ruby could see you now,’ he said, ‘she wouldnotbe very happy.’ He walked over to her and patted her silky ears. He’d really enjoyed this job, especially as Edie had told him to be as creative as he wanted with the design.
Edie appeared with a cup of tea. ‘I must say, you’re doing a wonderful job. Sorry for the delay. I can’t believe I ran out of milk. I hope the wait was worth it.’ She placed the mug next to him on the floor.
Callum noticed that Edie had already started to unpack some books onto the shelves he had completed. ‘Aw, thanks Edie. I’m glad you like them. And thank you for the tea. Good timing.’
‘I even got you some chocolate biscuits.’ She offered him one from her vintage tea caddy, which now doubled as a biscuit tin.
‘Thanks.’ He reached for one, then pointed at the window. ‘It looks a bit ominous out there, as though it might snow.’
