It didn’t take long to get to Beth’s flat, and Spencer had championed himself all the way, going over his lines, making sure he wouldn’t forget anything important. It was quite the blow to find she wasn’t there.
With still so much sitting on his chest, he made his way home to see if he could spot her. Perhaps she was sitting outside the Jolly Pirate, having something to eat. It certainly was a nice day for it.
He parked and checked his flat first, just in case she was there, after all, she still had a key. No sign of her, so he went for a walk, popping his head in the Hub.
‘You looking for Lottie, chick?’ asked Ginny.
‘No. Beth.’
Ginny thumbed down the road. ‘Last I saw, she was heading to my tearoom.’
‘Thanks.’ And with that, he was off, turning his long strides into a slight jog.
Lottie was outside with Samuel, eating chocolate fudge cake with one fork between them.
Spencer ignored his sister feeding her partner. ‘Have either of you seen Beth?’ The way they were gazing into each other’s eyes, he’d be surprised if they’d noticed anyone.
‘She left a little while ago,’ said Lottie. ‘I think she was going to the park on her way home.’
Spencer left them to their shared cake, setting off back to his flat. Just in case he saw her on his way to the park, he wantedto have Archie’s car seat in the van, as there was somewhere he wanted to take them, if she was willing. At least he wanted to be prepared.
There was hardly anyone about on his drive to Anchorage Park, which did make looking out easier, but still no sign of Beth. He pulled up to ring her, hoping she’d answer and let him know where to meet her, but his call went straight to answerphone.
Just as he started to walk across Old Market Square, he saw her leaving the park. ‘Beth,’ he called, raising an arm.
She stopped pushing the pram and looked up.
Spencer sprinted her way. ‘Hey,’ was all he managed, wondering where his big speech had disappeared to.
‘Where you off to?’ Her smile was soft, warm, reaching into his heart.
‘I was looking for you.’
‘Oh?’
‘I want to, well, the thing is . . .’ He gestured over to his van. ‘I’d like to show you something.’
Beth nodded. ‘Okay.’
He walked by her side, then sorted the pram while she strapped Archie into his seat. There was so much he wanted to say, it was getting muddled in his head and not reaching his mouth. He couldn’t blurt it all at once, but something had to be said.
Beth smiled as she put on her seatbelt. ‘Where are we going?’
‘Not far,’ he replied, pulling away. ‘There’s this old cottage, used to belong to a woman called Kathleen. She passed away last year.’ He was rambling, he knew. ‘Anyway, when I saw it was for sale, something made me want to take a look. Here it is.’
Beth was staring out the side window as he pulled up close to the picket fence. ‘Oh, it looks in need of a lick of paint.’
Archie had fallen asleep already, so Spencer left him in the van, as they were only standing by the bumper.
‘I saw us here, Beth. You, me, Archie.’
She glanced his way, her expression unreadable.
Spencer met her eyes. So many feelings hit him at once, he felt quite lost.
‘I’m sorry you’re hurting,’ she said quietly, taking his hand. ‘I wish I could make your pain go away. Please believe me when I tell you I didn’t lie. Archie’s your son. I promise you.’
Spencer took a steady breath, raising their linked hands to his chest. ‘I don’t care about those tests anymore, Beth. I know you didn’t lie to me. I can feel it in my heart and soul. I was the one in the wrong putting us through all that. My insecurities got the better of me, then my brain scrambled, and I stopped listening to my instincts. I love you both so much.’
