Baby It's Cold Outside. Kerry Barrett

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СКАЧАТЬ Edinburgh,’ I’d called when we crossed the rail bridge. ‘Next time I see you, I’ll be Mrs Brodie!’

      Thinking about that now, I let out a sob. Jamie looked over and squeezed my hand.

      ‘It’ll be okay,’ he said. ‘We’ll sort it out.’

      I gave him a quick smile, but there was no warmth in it. The weather, the avalanche, the road, the ex-fiancée, the newly discovered son – it was all too much for me.

      We got home before Mum and Harry. I was shivering violently and Jamie hugged me close as we peeled off our outer clothes.

      ‘I’m going to make everyone a cup of tea,’ he said quietly. ‘Then I guess I’ll go and tell Dad that he’s got a grandson.’

      For the first time, I realised Parker wasn’t there. Shows what kind of rubbish step-mum I’ll be, I thought in misery.

      ‘Where is he?’ I asked, wiping away my tears. I didn’t want Tansy to see I’d been crying.

      ‘With Eva,’ Jamie said. I followed him into the kitchen while Tansy and Dr Brodie went into the lounge, still chatting about Tansy’s hospital in Boston.

      ‘I bet Eva’s loving that,’ I said. Eva and Allan’s only son had been killed in an accident when he was a teenager. After he’d died, they’d left their native Yorkshire and come to live in Claddach. Eva – who was a witch too – joined Mum and Suky in the café, while Allan’s art career boomed. But their hearts always ached for the son they’d lost and their home became a sanctuary for a series of foster children, runaways and troubled teenagers. Eva would enjoy caring for little Parker, with his love of science and his funny way of talking.

      Jamie poured water into the kettle.

      ‘She was thrilled when I asked her,’ he said. ‘Parker was drawing pictures of his house back in Boston when we left him.’

      I caught a hint of pride in his voice.

      ‘He’s great isn’t he?’ I said, my voice wavering a bit.

      Jamie smiled.

      ‘He’s something else,’ he said. ‘He’s so clever and funny, and it’s so sweet how he looks out for Tansy.’

      The kettle boiled and he poured the hot water into the teapot.

      ‘This whole thing has knocked me sideways,’ he said. ‘I’m not sure what to make of it all.’

      He wrapped his arms round me and I rested my head against his chest.

      ‘All I know,’ he carried on, ‘is that I love you and I want to marry you. Parker being in my life doesn’t change anything for me.’

      He pulled back and looked at me.

      ‘Does it change anything for you?’

      ‘Nothing,’ I said, feeling happier than I had for hours. An image of the huge pile of ice and snow blocking the road flashed into my head and I shoved it away. It would be fine, I thought, as long as Jamie and I stuck together.

      I picked up a mug of tea and gave Jamie a kiss.

      ‘Right then,’ I said. ‘Let’s go and introduce Parker to his grandpa.’

       Chapter 9

      I followed Jamie into the living room where Tansy was still entertaining David.

      ‘…and of course it was arthritis,’ she said, as David laughed uproariously.

      ‘Tansy,’ Jamie said. ‘Would you mind giving us a minute?’

      Tansy realised at once what Jamie was about to do.

      ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘I’ll just go over to Eva’s. Give me a yell when you’re ready.’

      She slipped out of the door. Jamie sat down next to his dad and I sat on the other sofa.

      ‘Dad,’ Jamie said.

      ‘What’s going on, Jamie?’ his dad said. ‘Has something happened?’

      ‘It has,’ Jamie said. ‘Don’t worry – it’s a good thing. It just might be a bit of a surprise, that’s all.’

      ‘That’s an understatement,’ I said under my breath.

      ‘So, you remember Tansy?’ Jamie began. ‘Remember we were engaged once?’

      ‘Yes,’ David said, his brow furrowed. He looked at me. ‘Must have been a shock for you, Ez, having the ex-girlfriend turn up on the doorstep.’

      You don’t know the half of it, I thought. Jamie was taking a long time to get to the point. I scowled at him and he got the message.

      ‘Thing is, Dad, when Tansy arrived she didn’t come alone – she had her son with her.’

      David may have been close to retirement but he was as sharp as ever.

      ‘Her son?’ he repeated. ‘And is he your son?’

      Jamie slumped in relief that his dad finally knew.

      ‘He is,’ he said. ‘He’s mine. I didn’t have a clue until Tansy arrived.’

      David sat in silence for a moment. I held my breath, not knowing how he’d react.

      ‘Bloody Nora,’ he said. ‘So you’re a dad?’

      Jamie nodded.

      ‘And I’m a granddad.’

      Jamie nodded again.

      ‘Are you okay, Dad?’ he said. ‘You’re not angry?’

      ‘Angry?’ David said. ‘Not angry. Just confused. Why didn’t she tell you she was pregnant? And why turn up now?’

      ‘Long story,’ Jamie said.

      ‘So he’s what – four years old?’ David said.

      ‘He’s five,’ Jamie said, unable to suppress a smile. ‘His name is Parker and he’s amazing.’

      ‘And how do you feel about this, Esme,’ David said. ‘Can’t be easy?’

      ‘It’s not,’ I admitted. ‘But he’s a lovely little boy.’

      David turned his attention to Jamie again.

      ‘You need to tell your mother,’ he said.

      ‘I was hoping you might,’ Jamie said with a grimace.

      ‘Oh no, that’s your job,’ David said. ‘Tell her now – ring her. She’ll be spitting feathers that I knew first.’

      ‘You СКАЧАТЬ