‘Okay,’ he managed. Taking a deep breath, he looked her way. ‘She was cremated and scattered in the memorial area of a cemetery. If you did want to lay flowers, they have a communal spot there.’
‘Thank you, but I don’t. You see, even though I went through stages growing up where I was curious about them, I never wanted to cross the line that led me back into their lives. Rebecca told me years ago that our dad would never get out after he was convicted of that other murder he’d committed in prison. So, if he’s also dead, you might as well spit that out.’
‘I’ve not heard anything, so I assume he’s still alive, rotting hopefully.’
Lottie sighed. ‘You can’t control everything. So stop trying to get your ducks in a row. Life is messy, and we just have to figure it out as we go. There is no straight path. I honestly believed you’d changed last year. That you’d finally had a breakthrough and stood up to your demons.’
‘I have changed. That’s why I wanted to get that off my chest. I’m not the person I was, and I don’t carry baggage around with me anymore. Well, not as much. I see you happy with Sam, and I know he loves you, and that settles me. I watched you take back control of your life after you were told you’d never walk again, and your strength gave me courage. I am different now, Lott, and I’m liking this man I see in the mirror.’
Lottie huffed quietly. ‘Well, it’s about time.’
He watched Archie’s eyes fluttering to a close. ‘I know I’ll probably struggle not to be one of those helicopter parents, but I won’t raise him the way I did you, because I’m not afraid for him. He’s safe.’
‘And he’s loved.’
He smiled her way.
‘And you’re loved, Spence,’ she added. ‘And worthy of love. Don’t forget that when you’re getting to know Beth.’
‘Oh, there won’t be anything like that between us. This is just about being helpful and giving support.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Just in case. It’s worth knowing that you can have a long-lasting, loving relationship with a partner.’
‘I’m not looking for love.’
Lottie picked up her fork to finish her lunch. ‘Perhaps it’s time you let your heart take over from that busy mind of yours. It’ll be interesting to see what happens then.’
‘No thanks. I’ve seen the way you and Sam go all dreamy-eyed every time you look at each other. I mean, seriously, Lott, anyone would think you’re living in a fairy tale.’
Lottie beamed as the bell above the shop door jingled and Sam announced his arrival. ‘I am. And one day, you will know exactly what that feels like.’
Yeah, right!
Chapter 14
Beth
Being invited out for a walk in Anchorage Park while Spencer was litter picking with three boys from the centre where he worked part-time felt more of a big deal than it should have. It was nice he wanted to introduce her and Archie to the lads, but she also wondered if he was simply keeping an eye on her.
She sat on a bench, watching some ducks huddled beneath a weeping willow hanging low to the pond. The weather had turned mild, but she still snuggled her chin into her green scarf.
Archie was content and warm, staring at his pram mobile bobbing before his eyes.
Two of the boys and Spencer were having a chat with a man who had stopped by to ask about the badges attached to their lanyards. They were quite animated in their discussion.
Beth glanced to her side as the boy who wore a red cape sat down. The lads had taken to her quite quickly as soon as they found out she was a teacher. She remembered his name at once. ‘Hello, Leo. How’s it going?’
Leo raised his litter grabber and clicked it a couple of times. ‘Boring.’
‘But you’re doing a splendid job being a Sunshine Superhero.’
‘I bet superheroes don’t pick up rubbish.’
‘I bet they would if they saw someone could slip on something. A superhero would swoop in and save the member of public from harm.’ She saw his eyes widen at the thought. ‘Take that man Spencer is talking to.’ She gestured that way. ‘He looks elderly, right?’
Leo nodded as he plopped one arm over the top of the wooden bench.
‘Well,’ added Beth, ‘you wouldn’t want him to topple over on a crisp packet, would you?’
