‘No, he’s fine.’
Spencer needed to calm down. He didn’t even know why he was so wound up. Was it because Beth had left the baby on his doorstep? Was it what happened to her during pregnancy, maybe? He was agitated about something but couldn’t quite put his finger on what was annoying him the most.
‘I’m glad you’re helping her, Jan,’ said Samuel, breaking into the silence.
Jan smiled. ‘I’m going to make sure she gets all the help she needs.’
‘And meanwhile?’ asked Lottie, glancing at the bedroom.
Jan turned to Spencer. ‘She’s asked if you would look after Archie for a couple more days.’ She looked at Lottie. ‘She just needs some rest.’
Lottie sighed. ‘We’ve only had him one night and I know how she feels.’
Jan nodded. ‘It’s tiring looking after a baby, isn’t it? And Beth’s not long moved homes. Can you imagine doing all thatwhile feeling so incredibly ill?’ It looked as though Jan was going to say more, but she stood instead, gathering her handbag.
‘Jan?’ asked Lottie. ‘Do social services need to be involved?’
Spencer went to snap, but Jan interrupted him. ‘No. This is a private arrangement between Archie’s parents. He’s not in any danger, but if you would like them to step in, I—’
‘No thanks,’ said Spencer sharply.
Jan headed for the door. ‘How do you feel about meeting Beth in my office in a couple of days to talk, Spence?’
He nodded. ‘Sounds like a plan.’
‘Yes,’ agreed Lottie. ‘It’ll give Beth some breathing room, and Spencer some time to bond with his son.’
Jan smiled her warm smile. ‘I have to say, after seeing him while waiting for you to get back, Spencer, I think he looks a lot like Lottie.’
Spencer had the same thought.
‘He has her hair and eyes,’ said Samuel, resting a hand on Lottie’s shoulder.
Spencer watched them beam at each other.
‘We’ll take good care of him,’ said Lottie quickly, facing Jan.
‘We?’ questioned Spencer.
She blew up at her fringe as though it suddenly offended her, but Spencer could clearly see it was he who had insulted her. ‘Of course,we. I’m not going to leave you to it, am I?’
He admired the love she always threw his way. No one but Lottie, Rebecca, and George cared for him in such a way. Sure, he had a great circle of friends, who he knew would soon be the next ones on his doorstep to help with baby duties, but the love his sister and aunt gave him was the purest of all. And George was the only father figure he’d had. It was a shame he and Rebecca were gone, because they would have made wonderful substitute grandparents for Archie.
Jan eyed the pile of baby goods on the table. ‘Seems like you’re sorted for a while. I’ll leave you to it. Call me if you need me. Meanwhile, try not to stress over this too much. I know it’s a bit sudden, but I believe things will work out well in the end.’
‘Can we have her phone number?’ asked Lottie. ‘We can text her updates about Archie. It might be helpful.’
Jan shook her head. ‘Best leave that idea for now. I’ll let her know how much love he’s surrounded by. That’ll help.’
‘Yes,’ said Lottie. ‘Tell her we’ll do our very best by him.’
Jan said her goodbyes and left.
Spencer followed her down the stairs and waved her off. His friend Sophie was just entering the Hub to do her shift, so he waved to her as well, knowing it wouldn’t be long before the whole of Port Berry knew he had a kid, because he wasn’t about to hide the fact.
Chapter 10
Beth
