‘Jan mentioned exercise too. But I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet.’
‘Don’t blame you.’
‘But the more I think about the baby bank, the more I know I’d like to help arrange that.’
Spencer handed her the baby. ‘You’re a good person, Beth.’ He pulled the blanket around them, then lightly brushed back a strand of Beth’s hair as it fell towards Archie.
Beth warmed at his gentle touch.
‘Sorry,’ he said quickly, pulling away. ‘Your hands were full. I . . . Erm, I’ll make him a bottle.’
She bit her bottom lip, trying hard not to allow the feeling of his soft touch to melt her heart. He was the last man to touch her, and now his hand had found her hair once more.
Chapter 13
Spencer
‘Been a bit busy today, have you, Spence?’ asked Lottie as he entered Berry Blooms.
He parked Archie’s pram to one side in the back room. ‘Still had time to bring you lunch. Here.’ He passed her a foil-wrapped plate. ‘Compliments of Ginny.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Ooh, lovely.’
Spencer sat at the large table with her and unwrapped his own plate, but just as he was about to take a bite, Archie whined.
‘Has he had his lunch yet?’ asked Lottie, stretching her neck to take a peek at the baby.
‘Yes. He just wants a cuddle, don’t you, mate?’ Spencer carefully lifted him and sat back down, juggling baby and a slice of onion quiche.
‘Let me eat some of my lunch, then I’ll hold him and you can eat yours.’
‘No, I’m good. You tuck in.’
‘Are you sure about all this, Spence?’
‘Of course. I think I can manage with one hand.’
‘Not that. You inviting Beth and Archie to live with you.’
Spencer gave up trying to stab a piece of cucumber and picked it up with his fingers. ‘It’s just a few days, perhaps a couple of weeks. Beth needs some rest, but she struggled not being around little man here, so it made sense to me. She gets to be around Archie and have some help.’
Lottie lowered her fork. ‘As long as you’re sure. It’s exciting having Archie, but I don’t want you ending up stressed by trying to do everything.’
Archie’s big eyes peered straight at Spencer, making him smile. ‘I’m not stressed.’
‘Just call me or Sam if you need help.’
‘He doesn’t do much yet.’
‘What about on Saturday? You’re supposed to be taking the boys out to earn another badge.’
Spencer glanced at the shopfront. ‘It’s litter picking, Lott. Archie can come with us. He likes going out in his pram.’
‘And what about when you take them camping, fossil hunting, or setting up the festival with them? Archie can’t go along then.’
‘Beth will be okay on her own during those moments. It’s just too much for her doing everything alone while she’s unwell.’
Lottie reached over and tapped his arm. ‘Let her know she can call me though.’
