Page 43 of A Summer House on Arran (Scottish Romances #3)

Kitty’s gaze was fixated on a print of Brodick Castle, hanging in a black frame on the opposite wall of the kitchen.

She realised she hadn’t ever properly noticed it before.

Instead she had taken it for granted, failing to notice the detail of the brush strokes and the different shades of brickwork.

‘Ms Galbraith, it’s Jenny, one of the camp team. I can tell you that your son is okay. Cameron is okay. Can you hold for me a moment, please?’

‘Oh, thank God,’ was all she could muster.

Her gaze turned to Logan, who was watching her, his face etched with concern and his eyes filled with anguish.

She gave him a tentative thumbs-up, though she frowned — him being ‘okay’ wasn’t definitive that everything was fine.

But he was alive . That was all that mattered. Her son was alive.

‘There’s someone that wants to speak to you,’ she said.

‘Hey, Mum.’

‘Cameron,’ she gasped. ‘What happened? How are you?’

‘I’m fine. Don’t worry. Honestly, it’s been a drama out of nothing . . .’

‘Tell me, tell me,’ she said, her words tumbling from her mouth. ‘Where are you now?’

‘We’re at the hospital. Just a precaution. The bus had a bit of an accident and some of the kids got a bang to their heads. And, well, they wanted to make sure we were all okay.’

‘And are you?’ she asked with bated breath, not daring to contemplate that there could be any casualties.

‘Everyone is fine, Mum. We’ve all been checked over. And the bus driver is fine too.’

‘But what happened?’

‘He had to swerve to avoid an oncoming car. He’s a bit of a hero.’

‘Oh Cameron. Are you sure you’re in one piece? No cuts and bruises? Do you want me to come over? Do you want to come home?’

Cameron chuckled. ‘Mum, I’m not like five years old. I’m fine and I’ll look like a right snowflake if you get on the first plane over.’

She smiled and shook her head. ‘I’m your mum . I’m allowed to worry.’

‘I know, and honestly if I needed you, I would tell you. I promise. But we’re all okay, and we’re heading back for a campfire party tonight. I’d look like a right tool if you turn up tomorrow when I’m supposed to be on kayak duty.’

‘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 a teenager .’

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.