‘What?’
He lowered his voice. ‘I’ve been going round and round in circles, wondering whether to tell her or not . . . but my dad’s new partner is expecting a baby.’
Bella gasped. ‘Oh.’
‘I know. That was my reaction when he told me. But I knew he wouldn’t have the balls to tell Mum. So, I did. I spoke to her yesterday.’
‘Oh, Ben,’ she whispered. ‘I’m sorry. That can’t have been easy.’
‘It was actually easier than I thought. She took it fairly well.’
‘She’s one of the strongest women I know. You should be proud of her.’
Ben looked down at his feet for a moment and she saw him wiping away a tear. His voice was choked with emotion. ‘I am. She’s my superhero.’
‘Oh, Ben . . .’ she said, moving closer to him and clasping his hand in hers. They sat together in silence for a few moments. ‘Your mum deserves to be happy.’
‘I agree. I wonder if she will meet someone.’
Bella froze, not knowing how to reply.
‘I hope she does,’ he said. ‘She is one in a million.’
And just like that, Bella let out a breath of relief. She had a feeling that Ben might be more accepting of Luke than Rosie was anticipating. ‘How about you, Ben? Is it weird to think you will have a sibling?’
‘Yup, it is. After wanting a brother or sister the whole time I was growing up, to then accepting that I would always be an only child . . . let’s just say it will be weird to have a sibling who is twenty-four years younger than me. But it’s not the baby’s fault. I just need to try and be kind and accepting. At least there are a few months for me to get my head around it all.’ There was a small crease of worry on his forehead but then he shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Bella.
She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. What an amazing thing to say. Was Ben too good to be true? She flicked her glance away from him for a moment then realised she could see a ferry in the distance. That was strange. She knew the last ferry from Ardrossan left at six o’clock. Surely it was well after that time. She looked back at Ben who was leaning towards her as though he was about to say something when she suddenly glanced at her watch. It was after nine. The ferry must beverylate.
Ben then looked at his watch too. ‘Shit,’ he said, quickly finishing his beer. ‘I didn’t realise that was the time.’ He jumped up off the bench. ‘I’d better go if I’m going to catch the bus.’
Bella giggled as she pulled her shoes back on, which she had automatically kicked off when they’d walked on to the sand and picked up her bag. She grabbed his hand again. ‘The bus stop isn’t far. Come on. Let’s go.’ Ben clutched her hand tightly as they ran towards the road, panting for breath and laughing. They made it with seconds to spare and Ben kissed her tenderly on the cheek. ‘Thank you for a lovely day,’ he murmured and looked at her with longing. Bella had an urge to grab him and ask him to stay.
‘Are you on or are you off mate?’ said the cheery bus driver who was smiling in amusement.
Ben looked at Bella questioningly.
‘He’s staying here,’ she said boldly.
The bus driver grinned, closed the doors and gave them a wee wave as he drove off.
Ben chewed his bottom lip as he looked at her. Then he cupped Bella’s face in his hands and gently kissed her on the lips. She didn’t hesitate to kiss him back.
Chapter Forty-Six
‘Hi, love, how was your day?’ asked Rosie, as Ben came clattering through the front door. He had texted her last night to apologise that he had lost track of time and that he was staying in Brodick and would be back at Creel Cottage later the following day to pick up some things.
‘Everything about it was great,’ he called from the hallway.
Rosie poked her head out the kitchen door and saw him kicking off his shoes and patting Coisty who was pawing him in excitement.
Rosie stood with her hands on her hips and smiled, waiting for him to elaborate.
‘The company, the beach, the bar, everything,’ said Ben, walking through and kissing Rosie on the cheek. ‘Sorry I didn’t make it last night. We lost track of time,’ he said, blushing and sitting down at the kitchen table. Coisty immediately sat down on his feet. ‘Bella is brilliant, isn’t she?’
Rosie could tell Ben thought of her as more than amateby the way his eyes were shining. ‘Well, I suppose you have known her forever. But, yes, she is lovely and it’s been great to spend a bit more time with her this summer. I’m very fond of her.’ She ruffled his hair.
‘How’s your day been, Mum?’
