“What wedding?” Beth said from behind her.
Caroline was about to tell her to mind her own business and take care of the library, but James spoke first. “Caroline and Josh. It’s the wedding of the year. And we’re helping.”
The men grinned. Caroline groaned. Josh sauntered into the room and sat beside the domino boys.
“You are marrying him?” Beth pointed at Josh. No one answered. “No!” Beth wailed. “You can’t marry her. She doesn’t even like your music.”
His lips quirked, but he didn’t say anything.
“That’s enough, Beth. Go and sort the library,” Caroline told her.
“This is wrong. You can’t marry Josh. You’re too uptight and mean for him. You don’t even know how to dress properly.”
“Beth.” Josh’s tone was a warning rumble. Caroline’s eyes darted to him. His displeasure was soundly focused on Beth. “Watch what you say about my fiancée.”
Caroline felt something surge under her ribcage. She thought it might be her heart.
“I’ve had enough.” Beth stamped her foot like a two-year-old. “I can’t work here anymore.”
She spun on her heels and stormed out of the centre. Josh frowned after her. The domino boys, for once, were too shocked to speak. Caroline sat down in the free chair beside Archie.
“You stood up for me,” she said to Josh. “People don’t do that.”
He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal.
“It’s true,” Archie said. “She’s so damn scary, most folk assume she can take care of herself.”
“And I can.” She scowled at Archie, and he patted her hand patronisingly.
“Up for a game of dominoes?” Brian asked Josh.
“Sure.” Josh pulled his chair over beside Caroline and stretched his arm across the back of her chair. Caroline found herself leaning in to him. Archie watched every move with rapt fascination. Josh bent towards Caroline. She held her breath. “Just for the record.” His words were soft against her ear. “There’s nothing mean about you, baby, and I don’t have a problem with anything you wear.”
Her breath hitched as her heart beat faster.
“We playing or what?” Archie demanded.
“We’re playing.” Josh used his thumb to trace little circles on Caroline’s shoulder. “We betting on the game?”
Brian thumped his elbows onto the table. “Pies and cakes. Winner visits Morag’s bakery.”
“Done.” Josh’s hand slid to the back of Caroline’s neck and gently held her.
She felt his touch shoot through her body like a ball in a pinball machine. She didn’t dare glance at him. She wasn’t sure what her face would betray.
“While I remember.” Josh turned to her with his dominoes in hand. “My parents are in town. We’re having dinner with them Sunday night.”
Caroline felt her eye begin to twitch. She put a finger up to stop it. Josh gave her a questioning look.
“Your parents are in town? From America?” Caroline tried to keep her tone calm. She wasn’t sure it was working. “And you didn’t tell me?”
“I was about to tell you, then you bolted from your office.”
It was all a bit much. “I need a cup of tea.” Caroline jerked up from the table.
As though she didn’t have enough to deal with, now she had to spend an evening explaining their wedding to Josh’s parents.
Helen had borrowed a car from Mitch and driven to Fort William to go shopping. She needed new clothes. Something brighter and more modern. She also needed someone to fix the mess she’d made of her hair. She’d managed to stay away from Andrew for the whole day, and almost felt calm when she sneaked into the castle a little after ten o’clock that night. The place was dark. Josh had sent her a text saying he was at the pub with Mitch. And experience told her that Andrew was probably already asleep. Helen tiptoed past the living room, so as not to wake him, and headed for the stairs.