The next two weeks seemed to fly by, and now they were heading towards the end of August, Caitlin wondered if Archie had changed his mind about their conversation at the beach. No proposal had materialised, but she couldn’t really be disappointed, considering their relationship was still in the very early stages. It just felt like they had always been together. Perhaps he had been joking? Perhaps it had been a question he had hinted at to see how the land lay for future reference? Whatever it was, she had put things to the back shelves of her mind… well, she had tried to, at least.
Grace was back to school and Sophie had started her new school too. Archie confided in Caitlin that he was worried about her settling in, but after the first day, she’d asked if she could go back again. They took that as a good sign. Their time had been split between their two houses and they had settled into an easy routine. Not that it was boring, not in any way. Archie was such good fun and when it came to night-time… let’s just say Caitlin was enjoying being a more nocturnal creature these days.
Friday night had been fun, and it started early with them watching the first Captain America movie, with some parts skipped in case they terrified Sophie. But the little girl had been mesmerised when a short and skinny Steve Rogers had become Captain America and had asked if it was just the big machine that had caused it.
‘No, no, Soph, he ate his veggies too. It was the veggies that made him big and strong!’ It was a ploy, seeing as they had been struggling to get the child to eat anything green. It worked though.
On Saturday morning as Caitlin prepared a picnic to take on their trip, Sophie asked, ‘Cakelin, could we have some cumber and letters on our samiches?’ Of course, she meant cucumber and lettuce, but with a shared triumphant gaze, Archie and Caitlin agreed wholeheartedly.
Isla was working in the bakery, so they had made plans to take the girls and the dogs to the Fairy Pools. After Captain America, they had watched Tinkerbell and Archie had told Sophie a story about the vibrant blue waters of the little pools at Glen Brittle at the foot of the Black Cuillins, and how it would be the perfect location for Tink to live. He had promised he would take them someday soon, but of course Sophie and Grace had convinced him that Saturday would be a good day to go, although it hadn’t taken much convincing. Once the picnic was ready – their favourite way to dine – they had set off nice and early to beat the rush of tourists, considering it was such a glorious day.
The view from the path that led down and away from the car park was truly spectacular. It was a bright day and visibility was incredibly clear. The sky was a vivid cornflower-blue and the mountains that provided the stunning backdrop to Glen Brittle were haloed by the golden glow of the sun. The light of which picked out each indentation and striation of the rock face, like lines on an elderly person, telling their life story. It was clear why so many cinematographers chose Skye for their movies, as the rugged peaks of Bruach na Frìthe and Am Basteir really were otherworldly. The path that wound its way from the car park went on for what felt like miles, but the views at the end were worth it.
The waters were a vibrant turquoise and, of course, the girls were mesmerised by the magical location. They took off their shoes and socks and dangled their feet in the freezing-cold pools and explored the many waterfalls, not really caring about getting soaked in the scorching temperatures of the day. Even Bowie and Cleo paddled to cool off. People of many nationalities were visiting, and each wore a smile inspired by the enchanting place.
It was well before lunch when they sat and ate sandwiches just off the path and admired the view of the Black Cuillins. But the girls were apparently starving after their early start and the one-hundred-mile walk – Sophie, it was decided, liked to exaggerate.
‘This is one of my favourite places in the world,’ Archie told Caitlin as the girls chatted happily, allowing their bare feet to dry in the sunshine. The two dogs were panting and lay on the soft, green mossy ground beside their humans. ‘It’s one of those places that takes your breath away regardless of the weather.’
He looked so ridiculously handsome when he was in his element. His face lit up, his cheeks flushed and the smile that stretched his lips did funny things to Caitlin’s insides.
‘Yes, I’m enjoying the view too,’ she replied with a grin.
He turned his face towards her. ‘But you’re not looking at… Oh, I get it. Well played Fraser, well played.’ He laughed. ‘So, dinner and sleepover at mine tonight, eh?’ he asked with a knowing glint in his eyes.
‘Sounds like a great plan,’ she said as she snuggled into his side, rested her head on his shoulder and gazed out towards the waterfall just before them.
‘I think I’ll live on Skye when I grow up,’ Sophie announced as she squeezed herself in between them, sitting on Archie’s lap but resting her head on Caitlin. ‘I don’t want to live in another place because it’s pretty here and I can work on the campsite saying “hello” to people when they come to stay, or in the welly shop where I can tell them which wellies are the best colour.’ She shrugged as if it was an obvious decision to make.
Caitlin loved the way Sophie had latched on to those particular elements of her dad’s businesses.
‘Sounds like a good idea to me, sweetheart,’ Archie said with a kiss to her shoulder. ‘Then you can visit your old dad all the time.’
‘And Cakelin,’ Sophie added.
‘Well, that goes without saying,’ he agreed.
Sophie pondered things for a moment, then said, ‘But we could all stay in one house instead of more than one house because that would be easier.’
Archie glanced over at Caitlin and smiled. ‘Aye, right again, Soph.’
Later that night, the girls were tucked up in bed and Archie lit the firepit in the back garden of his house. It was almost midnight, and they should probably have been tired considering their long day, but the sky was so mesmerising that they sat, drinking hot chocolate and gazing up at the stars, listening to a Spotify track list that Archie had made especially for them. Biffy Clyro’s ‘Space’ played in the background and Caitlin smiled at the lyrics.
‘Ooh, I have a wee gift for you,’ Archie announced, jumping from his seat. ‘I almost forgot!’ He went dashing into the house and returned moments later with a box that was too large to be an engagement ring. Caitlin tried to push her disappointment down as she knew whatever gift he had bought her would be special no matter what it was.
He grinned. ‘Now, there’s a bit of a story attached to this, but I’ll let you open it first.’
The box, which was the size appropriate for a tea mug, was wrapped in sparkly paper and had a tag that read:
To my love, from Archie.
‘You don’t have to buy me gifts,’ Caitlin told him, although excitement bubbled in her stomach, because who was she kidding? She loved surprises.
Inside the wrapping was another box that simply said:
Your Custom Perfume from Scents.
‘I made it,’ he announced from where he knelt on the ground before her. ‘Well… I helped make it. I went to this place near Portree that I’d heard about, where you can design your own fragrance and it was amazing. But do you want to know the funny part?’
Caitlin grinned at his enthusiasm. ‘Of course.’
‘The guy who helped me was called Frank.’ He chuckled. ‘The shop was called Scents. So, I was helped by Frank-in-Scents.’ He snickered and she couldn’t help but join in.
‘I think Sophie was right. Her daddy is a bit bonkers.’
‘Aye. I had to really force myself to not laugh when he introduced himself. It’s almost as funny as the mate of mine called Frank that used to be a bartender at the Stein Inn up in the northwest of Skye… Frank in Stein…’ He chuckled to himself again, then waved his hand. ‘Anyway, I digress, so… I put all these fragrances together that made me think of you.’ He gazed lovingly at her; his laughter gone but his smile still in place. ‘This was the result. I hope you like it.’
Her heart squeezed. He never ceased to amaze her with how thoughtful he was. ‘Archie, that’s so wonderful. And so unique. How lovely.’ She eagerly took out the next box, which was navy-blue and clearly handmade, with silver stars embossed on the outside.
Archie cringed. ‘Erm… excuse the crappy craftsmanship. I made the box as I wanted it to be special. I might have failed a wee bit there.’
‘Not at all. It’s beautiful,’ she insisted.
He had named the perfume ‘Starlight’ and she took the round, iridescent glass bottle out of the box to open it. She dabbed a little on her wrist, closed her eyes and inhaled with a tiny bit of trepidation. But she needn’t have worried. The fragrance was incredible. Fresh, flowery and clean. Possibly how starlight would smell if you could bottle it.
‘Now, I know it’s completely mushy, and I’m a bit of an old romantic but…’ He sidled closer on the ground before her. ‘You’re my starlight, Caitlin. That’s what you’ve brought to my life. A glint of brightness in what was becoming a dark, lonely time. You and Sophie, and Grace too. I’m so grateful to have you all in my life. Things feel so… complete.’
Her eyes welled with tears, and she bent forward to kiss him. ‘You really are the sweetest man.’
‘Actually, there’s something you missed.’
She frowned. ‘Really? What?’
‘There’s something around the neck of the perfume bottle. Look again.’
She glanced down and gasped. Unsure of how she hadn’t spotted it, she reached out. There, resting on the glass, was a silver-coloured band with the most stunning arrangement of stones she had ever seen. A larger clear stone was surrounded by eight smaller stones of the same clarity that were set into tiny, pointed arms forming a star shape. She removed the ring from bottle and lifted her chin to find Archie now repositioned, and on one knee.
‘It’s white gold, but they’re not diamonds, I hope that’s okay. I wanted something more unique, a little different. The stones are moissanite, which was originally discovered in a meteor crater. Can you believe that? It seemed perfect. Do you mind that they’re not diamonds?’ His loving gaze flickered uneasily, telling her he was nervous about her response and her heart melted further.
She shook her head, a little in shock as her eyes blurred with tears.
‘So… Caitlin Fraser… my starlight… I know this is probably crazy seeing as we’ve only been together for what feels like a matter of weeks. But we’ve known each other for so much longer. And this just feels right. I think… no, I know I’ve found my soulmate in you. And I don’t want to lose that… ever. Now, if this is too soon and you’re not ready, this ring can be a symbol of where I hope we’re going, but… if you decide you’re as crazy as me – which I really hope you are – then… Will you marry me?’
She lurched into his arms and kissed him as tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. ‘Yes! Of course, it’s yes. Absolutely 200 per cent yes!’
A loud squeak came from the doorway and Archie and Caitlin both turned to see their girls running towards them. They were quickly enveloped in a group embrace.
‘Am I to take it you’re happy, Grace? Sophie?’ Archie asked with hope in his eyes.
‘Yes!’ They both shouted simultaneously.
‘One hundred, billion, squillion, badillion, flabillion, yeses!’ Sophie added, just to be clear.
Archie pulled away and took the ring from Caitlin. She held out her left hand and beamed as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Then the group hug commenced once again.
The following morning, Caitlin snuggled up to Archie in his bed. She lifted her hand to watch the stones glint in the sliver of sunlight that crept in through a gap in the curtains.
Archie shuffled and took her hand in his. ‘So, what do you think? Long engagement? Short engagement? Huge wedding, small wedding? It’s entirely up to you,’ he told her as he pulled her even closer.
She manoeuvred herself to look down at him. ‘Are you one for big fancy weddings?’ She sincerely hoped not.
He pursed his lips. ‘Honestly? Not really, but if that’s what you want, then I’ll happily do that. I’d do anything to make you happy.’
Relief flooded her. ‘I’m really not into that idea either. I think it’s an awful lot of money and hassle to go through when you just want to start a new life with someone, you know? I’d rather just run away and get married, like the people who ran away in the eighteen hundreds and married in secret. I think that would be exciting. We could just take the girls and the dogs. It could be our special day.’
Archie sat upright and excitement glinted in his chocolate-brown eyes. ‘Gretna Green. Let’s do it! Just us. And as soon as possible, what do you think?’
‘I think absolutely!’ Since Archie’s proposal Caitlin hadn’t stopped smiling. She never imagined she could be so happy nor that the man she would fall for had been under her nose for years.
Archie leaned forward and kissed her passionately, her insides jellified as they always did and for a moment, she lost herself.
He pulled away. ‘I’ll phone them tomorrow and see what the procedure is.’
‘Perfect. We can stay in a dog-friendly hotel.’ Her internal butterflies loved the idea too as they set to performing a ceilidh.
Archie frowned. ‘Where should we live? Both our houses are big enough but… yours is attached to the bakery. My shop is just up the road, and the campsite isn’t attached to that, so…’
The butterfly ceilidh inside her kicked up a notch. Regardless of the speed at which this was all happening, the thought of moving in together and making a real family home excited her beyond words. ‘You could definitely move into my house. I’d be happy with that.’
‘Are you sure you wouldn’t rather find something we could start over in?’
Caitlin pursed her lips. ‘Perhaps a little further down the line maybe? If you’d rather we moved into your place…’
He slipped his hand into her hair. ‘I just want to be where you are. And to be honest, waking up to the smell of fresh baking every day is something I could definitely get used to.’
She leaned forwards and nibbled on his bottom lip. ‘My place it is.’
‘Hey, you know what would be absolutely perfect?’
Caitlin tilted her head. ‘Can it be more perfect?’
He nodded. ‘Why don’t we double-barrel our surname?’
Caitlin pondered for a moment. ‘Double-barrel?’
Archie grinned. ‘Think about it. It would mean the world to Sophie if she could keep her name to remind her of her mum. And the fact that your surname is Fraser, like Sophie’s, means that both girls get to keep their own identities. But we still get to share our names and be a family. We can all become the Fraser-Sutherlands.’
A lump of emotion tightened her throat and she reached out to hug him. ‘You’re right. It’s perfect. Thank you.’
‘Right, let’s go get the girls up, make a family cooked breakfast, and have a chat to them about it all, eh?’ Caitlin couldn’t help her contented sigh at his use of the word family and loved how easily it had tripped off his tongue.
‘Can we have pretty dresses?’ Sophie asked after Archie and Caitlin had explained the plan for the secret wedding.
Grace giggled with enthusiasm. ‘And can Bowie and Cleo have outfits too? You can get tuxedos for dogs! And tutus!’
‘Yes! Please can we, Daddy?’ Sophie asked before leaning close to Grace and whispering, ‘What’s a tadeedo?’
Grace grinned. ‘It’s like a little suit and tie for a dog.’
Sophie’s eyes widened. ‘Oh yes! One of those!’ she said with excitement.
Caitlin giggled, loving the way the girls had already become such firm friends and how they were excited to be involved in wedding plans, even if their ideas were a little unorthodox. ‘I’m sure we can arrange all of that. Now, you girls must promise to keep this a secret, okay? Just for us. You can’t tell anyone, not until afterwards.’
Grace scrunched her brow. ‘But why not? Why is it a secret?’
Caitlin and Archie shared a glance. ‘Well… Reid and Jules are getting married at Christmas and we’re kind of jumping in first, so we don’t want to spoil it for them… you know, steal their thunder. We don’t want lots of fuss either. Plus, we just want it to be a special time for us as a family.’
Grace nodded. ‘Oh, okay.’
‘Erm… Daddy…’
‘Yes, Sophie, what’s up, darlin’?’
Sophie tucked her hands under her chin as she so often did when she was shy or nervous. She climbed down from her chair and walked around to where Archie sat. He lifted her onto his lap, and she whispered into his ear.
Archie smiled and nodded at her, and the child hugged him hard. Caitlin glanced at him questioningly and he said, ‘She was just asking…’ He cleared his throat, clearly emotional. ‘If this means Grace can be her big sister forever, and for real, and… if you can be like a new mummy, but so she doesn’t forget her real one could she call you Mummy Cakelin?’
Caitlin had no words. Just emotions that trickled down her face as she beamed at them.