Unburied by Heather Critchlow

Author:Heather Critchlow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

BRYONY, 2007, WESTER ROSS, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Angus is early. Bryony, up to her elbows in the sink in a bid to clear up a bit before he comes home, hears the car and thinks she must be mistaken. Her insides are still twisting with pain over her argument with Duncan on the beach. It will be lost tourists turning in the driveway again, or stopping to pose for pictures against the view. But the engine comes closer. She pulls the rubber gloves free and flops them onto the counter. When she walks through to the lounge at the front, she sees the familiar car, and her husband emerging from it. Her heart skips a little with anxiety. Why is he home this early?

Then he leans into the back of the car and lifts out a bouquet of flowers and a carrier bag. He looks light, happy. She watches as he scans the horizon, drinking in their surroundings, then scuttles back to the kitchen, checking out the back to make sure the boys aren’t getting into too much trouble. They are chasing each other, locked in a private game.

A few moments later Angus opens the front door and strides down the hallway, so she wipes her hands on a tea towel, bracing herself, pushing down the guilt. He is all smiles.

‘These are for you.’ He hands the flowers over and scoops her into a hug, planting a kiss on her cheek. For a second they are who they used to be. She pulls back, mystified.

‘What have I done to deserve these?’

Does he know?

‘It’s not something you’ve done,’ he says, scotching the notion. ‘We’re celebrating.’

‘We are?’

‘Guess who’s just been made partner?!’

‘What? Really? But…’

Angus looks the happiest she’s ever seen him. She feels an unexpected rush of pleasure.

‘Wow,’ she manages. ‘Congratulations!’

‘I know. Youngest partner they’ve ever had.’ He kisses her on the head emphatically. ‘Where are the boys? I’ve got them a present.’

He crosses the kitchen to the back door, beaming with success, giving Bryony a moment to try and work out what this means. Late nights, partner dinners, client drinks and important meetings. This explains why he’s been so late so often. He’s been working towards partnership. Part of her feels left out of a secret, not consulted on what really is a family decision, or should have been. The hours, the daily strain, the squeeze on quality of life. He’s effectively ambushed them.

But the money will be better. A lot better. Maybe that means there are options for her. Maybe this will free her to restart her own career somehow.

Outside, the boys have run to Angus, and he is pulling a toy dumper truck and digger from the bag. She can hear their shouts of delight. Sean bounces up and down, pulling on Angus’ sleeve. She watches them, emotions racing through her.

‘Have you started cooking?’ Angus appears at the back door, face glowing.

‘Oh, no, not yet. I was just…’

‘Great. I’ve promised the boys fish and chips.’ He turns his head without waiting for her reply.

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