Chapter 18

It was starting to get cold, but despite that, Faith decided to enjoy her day off outdoors. She started with her usual morning run and routine, and then set herself outside with a blanket and a book. The gardens and the orchard were right in front of her and even the sun was out. It was an idyllic autumn landscape. Soon the trees would be completely out of leaves, so it was the perfect time to enjoy the red and orange landscape that covered the mountains while it lasted, before the snow started to fall. As Faith started to flip the pages on the romance she was reading, she found herself sighing as the image of Callum's charming smile appeared in her mind. Damn you. She cursed and closed her book. Why did he apologize? What was that about?

They hadn't seen each other much after the kiss. In fact, they hadn't seen each other at all. And it was driving her nuts, not knowing what happened. It certainly wasn't the romantic kiss she would've imagined, but regardless, it happened. I don't regret it one bit. But clearly he does... Mira hadn't been of much help either. When Faith told her about everything that was going on, she got worried about Ronnie's behaviour, but regarding Callum... Mira simply smiled and told her that she had a good feeling about him. Mira and her gut and weird intuition nonsense... Faith grunted while holding her book.

"You're not enjoying the story, love?" Lydia sat beside her with two cups of fuming hot chocolate.

"No. No, I'm not." She angrily glared at the horizon and took a sip of her drink.

"Well, that's good then." Lydia smiled as Faith furrowed her brows. "Cause Kade needs you."

"Did he say for what?" Faith could certainly use a distraction that didn't make her think about Callum. And her hobbies included watching romcoms or reading romcoms, and neither of those seemed to be quite fitting at the moment.

"No. Just asked if you could meet with him at the orchard."

"I'll go once I finish this amazing chocolaty dream. What did you put in it?"

"Cinnamon, vanilla, and my homemade whipped cream."

"You pamper me too much." She placed an arm around Lydia, sharing the warmth of the blanket with her.

"Don't I know that." Lydia smiled, and the two sat there, sipping their warm drinks.

After finishing her chocolate, Faith started walking towards the orchard, wondering what Mr Grant could possibly need from her. Things at the Peterson estate had been extremely calm as of late, and she hoped that there wasn't any bad news about the next crops or the soil. The last thing she needed was for her work life to become as messy as her personal life.

"Hi Mr Grant," Faith said with her usual enthusiasm while approaching Kade.

"Faith."

"Why do you need me? Something wrong?"

"No. It's not about work."

"What is it then?" Now Faith was starting to worry that something was indeed terribly wrong. Kade was trying to talk about something other than work. This can't be a good sign. She thought.

"It's about Callum."

"Is he okay? Did something happen to him?" I hoped something happened to him. Something bad that justifies his silence... She thought angrily. No... I actually don't... She sighed.

"He's fine."

"Then what is it, Mr Grant? You're killing me."

"His birthday is tomorrow. He's turning thirty-three."

"Oh, really? I didn't know. So, what's the problem?"

"I didn't plan anything for him, nor do I have a present. I was thinking we could plan a lunch at my house."

"Oh... So, you want my help, is that it?" Just my luck...So, he's avoiding me and now I have to plan his birthday party? Damn you Dr Callum Grant.

"Would that be okay, Faith?"

"Of course, Mr Grant. Happy to help." She gave Kade a quick hug. "I'll start planning right away. We don't have long, after all. Next time, give a few more days, okay?"

"I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, Mr Grant." Even though she had to plan Callum's birthday party, Faith was happy that for the first time ever, she was the one helping Kade and doing something nice for him, instead of always being the other way around. "Do you think we can get your family to come?"

"What?"

"Can I have their numbers, Mr Grant?"

"I... Yes. Do you really think you can get everyone here in one day?"

"Don't underestimate me, Mr Grant."

"I would never, Faith. No one believes in you more than I do. But I don't think it's doable."

"Leave it up to me. Just text me all the numbers. Now."

At the top of Faith's to do list for the party was getting Callum's family to come. So, the first step was calling Callum's brother and their parents. After going back and forth between calls, Faith managed to take care of all the details. Thankfully, it was a weekend, so it was easier for everyone to switch some appointments around and to take the day off, although it still took some convincing from Faith's part since it still was a long ride back and forth from the city. Next, she needed to take care of food, desserts, drinks, decorations, and a birthday cake. She also needed to get some entertainment for Callum's nieces, because there was no way that two seven-year-olds would stay put for an entire day around grownups.

"Lydia," Faith screamed while running towards the kitchen. "We have an emergency."

"Calm down, love. What emergency? Did you have too much sugar again?"

"No. I didn't. I'm fine. Did you know that Callum's birthday is tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you knew."

"Well... Anyway. Mr Grant asked me to plan a surprise party. So, I need two things from you."

"Anything, love."

"First, can you come to the party? Second, can you make desserts? Mr Grant is in charge of the food. I'm going to go buy some drinks, and I'm calling in some favours for the cake."

"I'm on the guest list?"

"Of course, Lydia. How could I not include you?" Faith placed her arms around Lydia's shoulders and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. "So, is that a yes? To both my questions?"

"Yes, love. What desserts do you want and how many people?"

"Callum's immediate family. And whatever desserts you can make in such a short amount of time," Faith said while running out of the kitchen.

Faith spent the rest of the day running around between Kade's house, her house, and a bunch of different stores, trying to make sure she would have everything she needed in time and that the surprise party would be amazing. She also wanted to get Callum a gift... But not only was she was running low on time and energy, she was also running out of ideas.

Fay: Wanna meet for dinner?

Fay: Doctor/ Gardener's birthday is tomorrow. Need help finding him a gift.

M: Of course. I wanted to see you, anyway.

M: I have some big news to tell you!

Fay: Tell me now!

M: No.

M: I'll see you soon.

***

Dammit. I'm an asshole... Callum sighed while rubbing his temples and blankly staring at the screen. I need to see her. The kiss hadn't left his mind for even one second. One hand he couldn't help but to think about the feelings of Faith's lips pressed against his, her body close to his... But on the other hand, the guilt was eating him up. It wasn't the right moment. Faith was having a vulnerable conversation with him. She chose to trust him and instead of simply being there for her as a friend, all the pent-up feelings and rage he felt towards Ronnie took over. The feeling of wanting to be the one who protects her, the one who stands beside her, took over. I have the worst timing. He sighed again and leaned back in his chair, looking at the ceiling. His eyes were getting heavier, and he still had one last appointment for the day. There were still fifteen minutes before the last patient arrived, so Callum left his office praying that there was still some coffee left in his thermos.

"Callum," a familiar voice called out, making him stop and almost spill the little that was left of his coffee. "Or should I say Doctor Grant."

"Mira. Great to see you."

"Hope I'm not bothering you. You seemed to be a bit lost in your thoughts."

"No, not at all. I wasn't thinking about anything in particular." Just thinking about Faith for the millionth time. It's driving me insane. As a matter of a fact, she's always in my thoughts. Never leaves. Can you give me some advice? I think I'm losing my mind. He thought about saying but instead he chose to keep his despair to himself. "What brings you here? Nothing serious, I hope."

"I feel like I'm betraying Faith if I tell you the reason why I'm here before telling her. But if all goes well, I might be going to you in a few months, anyway. And you won't break patient doctor confidentially, right?"

"I would never. Congratulations, Mira. Give my compliments to Richard, too."

"Thank you, Callum. I will."

"When do you plan on telling Faith that she's going to be an aunt?"

"Tonight, actually. I'm meeting her right after my appointment. I would invite you to join us, but it's a girl's night out. But do you want me to tell her you said hi?" Mira asked with a grin.

"I... Yes. Tell her I said hi."

"I will." She smirked.

"Did she tell you about..."

"That bastard whose name doesn't even deserve to be pronounced?"

"Yes. Precisely that one." Callum could help but to smiled at how fiercely Mira cared for Faith, and at how they seemed to feel exactly the same about Ronnie.

"Don't worry, Callum. She's perfectly fine but," Mira got up as the nurse called her name, "she could be better." She winked at Callum as she waved him goodbye. Leaving him wondering what she meant by that.