Page 14 of Sailing Free at Loch Tunnagan (Loch Tunnagan #1)

June tittered nervously as she stood, “I feel like I’m being summoned by the headmaster.”

“Nothing like that,” smiled Cal reassuringly.

Once they were all sat in the office Cal sighed, “There’s no easy way to say this. I’m afraid Derek McLaughlin passed away eight months ago.”

June went pale, bringing a trembling hand up to her mouth, “I had no idea.”

Jess placed a hand on the lady's arm in an attempt to comfort her, and stretched for a tissue as she noticed tears welling in her eyes.

“I’ve made such a terrible mess of things,” muttered June quietly to herself through stifled sobs.

“Is there anything we can get you? Some more tea perhaps?” asked Cal gently.

“No, thank you for letting me know about Derek," June managed a watery smile. "I’d best be on my way.”

She rose slightly out of her chair but Jess raised her hand, “Wait, we have more to tell you.”

Looking confused, June sunk back down into the chair.

“I bought Derek’s boat from Edith, his wife, after he died. We were doing a clear out and we found the letter you had sent him, along with this picture. Jess removed the photo from her purse.”

“Goodness, that was taken a long time ago. I’d forgotten all about the boat race.”

June looked up at them both, “Perhaps I should explain,” she carried on. “I’m Edith’s sister. We were really close when we were younger but when I hit my teens, I started dating a man who Edith didn’t approve of.”

Dawn brought in a tray of fresh tea and June took a grateful sip, despite her earlier refusal.

She sighed, “Looking back on it now, I can completely understand why; as my older sister, Edith would have wanted to protect me from him. He was very controlling and would make snide comments if I wore something he didn’t approve of or if I went places without him.

Edith and I had a huge argument. We were both young and said things we didn’t mean.

It ended with Edith telling me that she couldn’t be a part of my life if I was determined to ruin it by staying with him.

I was stubborn and refused to see that what she was telling me was true.

I married him despite her warnings and we emigrated to Canada.

I ended up in an abusive marriage and was miserable but I was too pig headed to admit that I had been wrong.

I missed Edith dreadfully but couldn’t bring myself to contact her.

When I received a letter from Derek last year asking if I would consider coming to visit, I jumped at the chance.

He said he saw his wife going through old photos of us both.

She refused to speak to him about me but he knew she wished things hadn’t ended the way they did.

He asked me to come over to Scotland in the hope of a reconciliation. ”

“You poor thing,” consoled Jess.

“Would you like me to give Edith a call and ask if she would come up to the hotel?” asked Cal tentatively.

“I’m not sure she’ll want to see me,” sighed June. “Derek was so diplomatic, I know that if he was here, he would have eased Edith into the idea. I’m not sure how she’ll feel having it thrust upon her all at once.”

Cal replied, “I knew Derek well. He wouldn't have broached the idea of you coming over if he didn’t think Edith would be happy with it.”

“I suppose you’re right,” agreed June apprehensively.

“I’ll give her a call and you can talk things through,” said Cal gently.

Twenty minutes later Cal’s red truck pulled into the car park. Cal climbed out and went around the truck to open the passenger door for Edith. June fidgeted nervously with her handkerchief as she saw Edith approach the hotel.

Jess wondered if Cal had divulged to Edith why she was being invited up to the hotel but it was patently clear as soon as she stepped through the foyer door.

There was no shock or anger on Edith’s face as she ran at June with open arms; only love for her younger sibling.

The sisters embraced warmly, tears rolling down their cheeks.

Edith took a step back and clasped her hands on June’s face.

“Look at us,” she laughed, “we are two old dears now. The last time I saw you, you were wearing a tie dye mini dress!”

“I should never have walked away from you Edith,” sobbed June, “I’ve regretted it every day since and I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you when you lost Derek.”

“It’s not your fault,” soothed Edith. “I should have gotten in touch.”

She turned to Cal and Jess, “Thank you for bringing my little sister back to me.”

Cal shook his head and smiled, “This was Derek’s doing Edith.” He knew how much you missed June and put plans into place to reunite you both before he passed away.”

More tears flowed from Edith.

Speaking to the sisters Cal suggested, “Why don’t you both head up to June’s room, you’ll be more comfortable there and you’ll get a good chance to catch up.

Pick what you want from the menu and we’ll bring your food to you.

Edith, would you like to stay the night?

I can get another bed made up in the room. ”

“That would be wonderful, thank you love,” Edith replied.

“I’ll run you back down to your house and you can pack a bag.”

Jess fell asleep that night with a warmth in her heart. It had been a joyful experience to watch the two sisters finally come together again after so many years apart. She hoped that Derek had been looking down on Edith with the knowledge that he had made her happy one last time.