‘I can do that. Okay, it would be nice to do something.’
‘Yeah, I got the feeling you’ve been cooped up most days.’
‘Feels like forever.’
Spencer wondered if he should tell her his other idea.
‘You look like you’ve something to add,’ said Beth. ‘After tonight, I think we can clearly say honesty works for us.’
He nodded. ‘You’re right. It certainly came easy. So, I was thinking, and please don’t feel obligated, I’m just throwing it out there, but how would you feel about moving in here for a few days?’ He gestured to the bedroom closest to the bathroom. ‘I have a spare room. No funny business or anything, just you getting to be around Archie all the time but resting as much as you like. I’ll help until you feel stronger, and you can come out and about with me whenever you like to the Hub or the flower shop. It’s just an idea.’
‘I can’t expect you to give up your life.’
‘I’m not. I’m just adding you two into the mix.’
Beth scoffed. ‘You make it sound as though looking after a baby is easy.’
He shook his head, remembering how he cared for Jordy and Lottie when he was so young himself. ‘I know it’s not, but it has to be easier if there are two of us doing it. You’re not alone anymore, Beth.’
Beth looked to be mulling over the idea.
‘Just a few days,’ he added quietly.
The wait was more nerve-wracking than expected, leaving him questioning his idea more than once. Was he being a fool? No, he was sure he wasn’t. She needed help, and he was there, stepping up. He rolled his shoulders back, clicking his stiff neck. Even if she declined, he would still find a way to reschedule his diary so he’d have time for Archie. With more staff at the flower shop, he could take time off in the week, as there was no way he could push back the Sunshine Superheroes at the weekend. They needed him too.
Beth shifted, capturing his attention. ‘Okay,’ she replied softly. ‘Let’s give it a try.’
Chapter 12
Beth
The Happy to Help Hub held a warmth about it that Beth had found in Spencer’s flat. She gazed around at the framed affirmations on the wall, reading each one slowly to let the helpful words sink in, appreciating the boost. A waft of sea air blew in as the door opened quickly.
‘Sorry, can’t stop,’ said a young man. ‘Just wanted to pop this up.’
She watched him head to a noticeboard and pin a small card in place before darting off.
The door didn’t close properly behind him, so Beth went over to shut out the draught. She took a moment to stare over the road at the harbour. It certainly was a pretty sight even in the cold light of February.
Spencer was suddenly by her side. ‘Archie’s settled in the back room. He does like his sleep.’
The memory of waking that morning in Spencer’s spare room, covered in more blankets than the baby’s one, caused a slight temperature rise, or perhaps that was the heat in the room making itself known since she had closed the door.
‘What would you like me to do?’ she asked, eyes fixed on the boats.
Spencer went over to a light-wood table and gestured towards a small stack of cardboard boxes. ‘You can put some of these together, then fill them with some food.’ He handed her a printed shopping list. ‘Just bits that you see here. We don’t always have everything, and sometimes people ask for certain things, so be prepared to be flexible.’
Beth glanced at the noticeboard on her way to a green high-back chair. ‘There are a lot of different ads on here.’
Spencer looked up from the table. ‘Yeah, we encourage the locals to advertise here.’
‘Someone’s looking for a home swap. I remember when I was doing mine. Not as complicated as I’d first thought.’ She prodded a finger into a small flyer. ‘There’s a parent and baby group held at the church hall once a week.’
‘You want to check it out?’
Beth moved away from the board. ‘Not sure.’
‘I can come with you if you don’t fancy going on your own. A load of parents and kids can be a bit daunting when you don’t know anyone, I guess.’
