Tears were glistening in Beth’s eyes and she took a shaky breath. ‘I know. You’re right. Thank you. And thanks for coming to check on me. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry that I won’t make tonight.’
Just then, huge snowdrops started to fall from the sky. ‘Edie was right. She thought it would snow,’ said Beth.
She looked so vulnerable that Callum couldn’t help but reach for her and gather her in his arms. He felt her soften against him for a moment or two. Then he could hear people starting to turn on their engines. ‘I think you’ve got a good excuse,’ he said softly. ‘Looks like they’re starting to load you on.’ He reluctantly let her go.
Beth forced a weak smile. ‘Thank you. I suppose I should get going.’ She looked at him for a moment, her hair now sprinkled with snow.
In that moment, Callum decided to take a chance. He reached down and kissed her gently on the lips. He was relieved when she didn’t move away. ‘Keep in touch. Let me know when you’re there safely. And drive carefully . . . I’m here for you Beth. I’ll be waiting.’
Her cheeks were pink — she nodded. ‘I’d better go.’ She turned and opened the car door.
He watched as she drove onto the ferry. It wasn’t until her car had disappeared from sight that he turned and walked away. He was glad he’d managed to catch her. It felt like the natural thing to do. And he’d meant what he’d said. He would be there waiting for her. No matter how long it took.
Chapter Fifty-One
Beth somehow managed to make the journey to the hospital on autopilot, barely remembering much about the ferry crossing or the drive to Glasgow. Seeing Callum had given her a lift that had kept her going. The memory of him coming to see her at the terminal was like a precious little glimmer of joy — she’d tucked it away and would savour it later, once she knew her dad was okay.
When she arrived at the hospital, she texted Margaret to let her know she was on the way to the coronary care unit. Running to the lifts, she barely noticed the Christmas decorations in the huge entrance. She waited impatiently — typically, only one was working, and there was a huge queue of people waiting. So she took the stairs, panting after several flights. As she opened the door from the stairwell, she spotted Margaret lingering by the lift.
‘Margaret,’ she called.
‘Oh Beth, I’m glad you’re here.’
Beth ran towards her, hugging her tightly. ‘How is he?’
‘Resting just now, but you can go in and say hello.’
Beth stepped back and noticed the dark rings under Margaret’s eyes. ‘You look shattered.’
She stifled a yawn. ‘Aye, it’s been a long day. But I couldn’t have let him go in the ambulance on his own. He was apologising to the paramedics and insisting there was nothing wrong with him, of course.’
Beth sighed and shook her head. ‘That sounds like my dad. Thank you for looking after him and staying with him. But I’m here now. I think you should go and get some rest.’
‘Yes, I will. Isobel is going to come and collect me.’
‘Your car is downstairs in the carpark if you want to take it.’
Margaret shook her head and yawned again. ‘Thanks love, but I’m knackered and not roadworthy especially with that snow out there. I would be a danger to others. Isobel can pick me up at the entrance and will have me home soon. Keep in touch, let me know how he gets on.’
‘Of course, I will.’ She reached over and hugged her again. ‘And thank you.’ Beth watched Margaret walk wearily down the corridor. Then she turned towards the door of her dad’s room. A tear rolled down her face and she wiped it away, taking a few deep breaths. Walking into the room, she saw her dad asleep on the bed, looking small and vulnerable, wearing a hospital gown and attached to various monitors.
‘Hi Dad,’ she whispered, clutching his hand. ‘It’s just me. Beth.’ He flickered his eyes open, and she saw the trace of a smile on his lips. She was sure she could feel him squeeze her hand back.
It was a long night. Beth dozed in the chair as the nurses came in and out, checking her dad’s statistics. They offered her a cup of tea and a blanket, which she was grateful for, as the room had cooled since she’d arrived. She had messaged Jim and Callum to let them both know she was there okay.
Callum was the first to reply.
Thanks for letting me know Beth. Glad you made it. How is your dad?
Her fingers felt like thumbs as she tried to compose a response.
Thank you. I will get a better idea when I talk to the doctor. But I am with him just now. I will keep you posted. Thanks again Callum. I really appreciate your message.
Honestly, she said to herself. There was no need for her to type such a formal response. She deleted it and started again.
Thanks Callum. At hospital with him now. Will keep you posted. X
She always added an X to the end of her messages, and it felt natural to send one to him. When she let herself think about him, she felt quietly excited. She knew it was weird when she was sat next to her dad in hospital. But the thought of their brief encounter earlier was keeping her going.
