‘Oh.’ Daisy’s face flushed.
Beth glanced over and caught the girl’s eye. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Um . . . Uncle Callum . . .’ Daisy began.
‘Yes?’ Callum furrowed his brow as he started spooning rice into bowls.
‘This is lovely. Thank you. But the thing is . . . are we having turkey at Christmas?’
He looked up at her. ‘Well Gran and I will be, but I have a special nut roast thing for you.’
‘Oh . . . Do you think that . . .’
Beth understood what was going on in Daisy’s mind. She just hoped Callum did too.
He winked at Beth. ‘Yes, of course I think you can have turkey, Daisy. I’m just amazed that it’s taken you this long to ask.’
Daisy smiled in relief and picked up her glass of water, clinking it against Beth’s. ‘Phew. Just as well. This vegan business is tough.’
Callum sat down and smiled across the table at Daisy, then Beth. In that moment, it felt like a moment to treasure. She felt as though she belonged. They felt like a family.
‘I’d like to make a toast.’ Callum picked up his glass. ‘I want to wish you both a very happy Christmas. I feel very lucky right now. Like all my Christmases have come at once.’
Beth’s cheeks flushed and she could hear Daisy giggling. ‘Cheers.’ Beth lifted her glass.
‘Here’s to a Christmas to remember and happy times ahead,’ said Callum.
Ruby barked, seemingly in agreement, and wagged her tail.
Beth could feel tears gathering in her eyes as she thought about how much life had changed for her in the past two months. It was okay for her to move forward with her life, to be happy and to look ahead with hope. She felt as though all her wishes had finally come true. ‘It’s certainly not a Christmas I’ll everforget,’ said Beth happily. ‘Here’s to a Christmas to remember on Arran and I hope all your wishes come true. Happy Christmas everyone.’
Epilogue
Four months later
It was a mild spring evening and a small group had gathered in the Wee Trove. Beth took a deep breath as she clapped her hands together, looking at the smiling faces in front of her. Everybody there was connected in some way, and they were all here tonight for the same reason. Jim and Freya were here, with Murray and Rory. Daisy was standing beside her gran and Maisie, their neighbour. And Cano from Cèic, as well as Grant and Fergus from the outdoor centre had come along to offer their support, along with their partners, Thea and Amelia. Kirsty and Steve had also come along for the night, as well as Edie. The door opened, and there was a gentle ring from the bell above, and she saw Laura, the postwoman, slip in with an apologetic smile on her face. In fact, almost everyone that Beth knew on the island had come along here tonight, which was a lovely feeling. She glanced at her dad, who was sat in a chair in the corner, smiling at her. Margaret stood behind him, a protective hand resting on his shoulder.
She cleared her throat. ‘Hi everyone. I just want to thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate the launch of Callum’s new venture, Isla & Co. As you all know, he is a very talented man for more reasons than one.’ There was a smattering of laughter as she raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Callum, who stood against the wall watching her. ‘You will all be thrilled to know that he has taken up his woodwork again, and thank you Thea for being one of his official suppliers. And letting us hold this party here.’
Thea beamed at her, and Beth suppressed a chuckle as she saw Daisy give her a knowing smile. Callum was so unassuming about his talent that it had taken a huge effort to persuade him tohave this celebratory launch event. He didn’t see it as a big deal. However, unbeknown to him, Beth had an ulterior motive. She had a special announcement to make and wanted to gather their friends close, so she could share the good news with them all. Daisy had been instrumental in making sure tonight happened.
‘Callum, would you like to say a few words?’ she asked.
Callum pulled a face and came to stand beside her. ‘Not really, but I will.’ He laughed. ‘I would just like to thank you all for coming along tonight. I appreciate all you’ve done for me and Daisy over the years and . . . I just wanted to say how lucky I feel to be doing what I love.’
‘Hear, hear!’ called Edie.
Beth watched as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Callum had been wondering for some time about holding some basic woodwork and joinery workshops at the community centre. With Beth’s encouragement he decided to take the plunge, and had been amazed by the response. The school had approached him about holding some basic DIY sessions for the pupils, and he had told Beth in delight how much he loved teaching. The joinery was still ticking over, but diversifying had stimulated his mind and made him love his job again. Especially when he could lose himself in his combined love of creativity and wood.
‘I think that’s all I have to say.’ He looked over at Beth.
‘Well, we’re not quite finished yet . . . I have one last thing to add.’
She could see Callum looking at her questioningly.
‘I am so pleased to tell you that your work,’ she pointed to the display of wooden bowls and cheeseboards, ‘has been shortlisted in the National Creative Wood Awards.’
He looked completely astonished.
