‘Are you sure, sweetheart? I can really easily—’
‘Absolutely, Mum. I’m having such a great time, drama aside. I’d be gutted if it ended early.’ He coughed to clear his throat. ‘Look, I’m actually more worried about you. Are you on your own just now? Is your housemate there?’
‘No, she’s out but Logan is here,’ she said, looking directly at him.
‘Good. I’m glad you’re making new friends and enjoying your summer. You deserve to have fun as well.’
‘When did you get so grown up?’
He laughed.
‘And why didn’t you answer your phone? It’s switched off.’
‘Ah, I forgot to charge it. That’s why.’
‘Okay, I take it back about you being so grown up. You’re not. You’re such ateenager.’
His voice became muffled, and she could hear him talking to someone.
‘That’s my friend, Donna, just telling me that we’re getting ready to head back.’
‘Donna?’ she asked, her voice teasing.
‘Just one of the other camp counsellors,’ he said, and Kitty could imagine his eyes rolling. ‘Look, I’d better give Jenny her phone back. But I love you and I’ll call you tomorrow.’
‘Love you too,’ she managed to croak. ‘Have a great night.’
‘Bye, Mum,’ he said and ended the call.
‘All okay?’ asked Logan, smiling cautiously.
Her shoulders sank in relief, and she felt tears of joy pooling in her eyes as she fell into his arms. ‘He’s fine. Cameron is fine,’ she said, her words muffled as she spoke into his chest. ‘Thank you, Logan, for being here for me.’
‘Hey.’ He kissed the top of her head. ‘You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad he’s okay. I know your son is your world.’
‘And I went to pieces. I immediately thought the worst.’ She sniffed.
‘Anyone would. You know, you’re a lot stronger and more resilient than you think. I happen to think you’re amazing.’
Looking up at him, she realised how much of a support he had been, and just how special he had become to her over these past few weeks. She had vowed to herself that she didn’t want to fall in love again, because if something went wrong it would destroy her. But now, as she smiled at him, she realised that she couldn’t imagine this gorgeous and kind man, who had come into her life so unexpectedly, not being around.
Chapter Forty
It was a few days later and Alex was sitting in his usual spot at the watercolour class. Kitty made a beeline for him. ‘Good morning, Alex,’ she said. ‘How are you today?’
He looked up at her, smiled, then placed his paintbrush down. ‘I’m fine, thanks. And very much looking forward to this session today. Apparently, we’re going to be shown how to paint a Highland cow.’
Kitty nodded enthusiastically and settled herself on the chair next to him. ‘This should be interesting,’ she said.
These classes had been a real highlight of her summer. She particularly enjoyed the chats she had with Alex, who seemed to thrive in the creative space.
‘How’s that boy of yours getting on?’ asked Alex. ‘I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten his name.
‘Cameron is great, thank you.’ She smiled as she thought about his WhatsApp messages and pictures. ‘When he finishes working at the camp, he’s going to go travelling for a couple of weeks with some of his friends.’ He was happy, and that’s all she wanted for her son.
‘Oh, to be young,’ said Alex with a sigh. ‘Mind you, I suppose we’re all young at heart. I keep thinking that I’m thirty-five.’
Kitty smiled fondly at him. ‘Same here.’ She nodded, realising that she actually did feel younger andlighterthan she had for years, which was surely down to her summer on Arran and meeting Logan.
