Bridge of Hope by Lisa J. Hobman Read Free Book Online Page B

stay.”
    “That’s good that she’s got someone coming,” Ron said. “It must be terrible being in a new place. Not knowing anyone and being alone.”
    I made my excuses to leave. I felt terrible. Out of everyone here I was probably the one who understood her pain the most—but I could be no use to her. After all, we hadn’t exactly had the best start. The last thing she needed was some tactless Scotsman making things worse.
    ~~~
    In the days following the news about the English girl’s fiancé, I noticed comings and goings over at the cottage. I was grateful to the complete strangers for being there for the woman. That was something she would need; friends and family. I saw the funeral cortege leave on the day of the service, and I stood with Ron with my head bowed down as the black cars left the village. In a ridiculous way I was envious. At least she was getting to say goodbye properly. I was glad of that for her. I wouldn’t wish what I’d been through on anyone.
    As the vehicle passed us, I caught sight of the dark-haired woman. She looked so… lost . Her face a stoic mask. Emotionless. But lost all the same. My lower lip quivered as I saw the vehicles retreating up the road. My heart ached for the poor young woman.
    The pain she must be feeling.
    Ron grasped my shoulder. “Are you alright, Gregory? You’ve gone pale, son.”
    I nodded and pursed my lips for a moment; desperate not to cry in front of the old guy. Eventually I answered, “Aye. I’m good, thanks.”
    I wasn’t due at the pub and so I decided to take Little Blue out for a wee while. I grabbed my iPod from home and the boat keys along with my big fleece blanket. Angus and I climbed into the Landy and drove the short distance to the village. After dropping Angus off with Stella at the pub, I made my way down to the small marina where the boat was docked.
    I pulled on my woolly hat and set out. I sailed for around half an hour, dropped anchor, and then stuck in my earbuds and listened to music for a while. I enjoyed being out in the open water with just my music and my thoughts. It afforded me time to think. Admittedly, I’d been doing rather too much of that in the months after Mairi’s death, but I still needed the alone time.
    ~~~
    Eventually the temperature began to drop and I pulled my coat up around my neck and my hat down around my ears. “You Found Me” by the Fray bounced around my head as I watched the sun disappear behind the horizon. The vast expanse of water before me had turned black. I switched on the lights, hoisted up the anchor, turned, and made my way back to shore. Once I was docked, I climbed down from the boat.
    A bloodcurdling scream rent the still night air and I swivelled around to the direction of the noise. I could just make out a figure on the beach. Realising that the person was in distress, I took off running across the shingle. The cold wind whipped at my cheeks as I stumbled a little on the stony ground.
    The closer I got, the more clearly I could hear the most heartbreaking noise. It was her . The Yorkshire lass—and she was sobbing her heart out. She must’ve been fucking freezing, kneeling there on the pebbles in her flimsy black top. Her feet were bare. Luckily I had the blanket in my arms and so I scooped her up and wrapped her in the fleece simultaneously. I lifted her and her head flopped onto my chest. She’d passed out. Heart galloping, I carried her over to my car as quickly as I could and fumbled with the lock to open the passenger door. Once I placed her on the seat, she came around a little, much to my relief. I made my way around to the driver’s side and stuck the key in the ignition. Switching on the map light, I whacked the heater on full, opened all the vents, and aimed them directly at the Yokshire lass.
    I reached under the seat where I’d put a flask of coffee. It had a dash of whiskey in it to fend off the chills. I wasn’t planning on drinking the whole flask. Don’t get me