Leaning in the back of his van with him, she nudged his elbow, making him laugh.
‘What’s up with you?’
Beth squealed quietly. ‘Jax just went into the sweet shop with me. He didn’t speak to Lizzie, but he did wave to her on our way out. Is that a step? I wasn’t sure.’
Spencer almost banged his head as he straightened quickly. ‘Yes, that’s a step. Normally he doesn’t even make eye contact.’
Beth quietly clapped her hands before flinging her arms around him. It reached a point where their celebratory embrace was going on a bit longer than necessary, so she reluctantlypulled back. ‘It was good to see, Spence. You’re doing wonders with those boys. Getting them out and about has really built their confidence.’
‘Hmm, a little, but Ryan’s mum is still on my back about his progress.’ He shook his head as he closed in on her face. ‘I honestly don’t know how to get him to race again. I don’t think it’s his nerves. I just don’t think he wants to be a swimmer.’
‘Have you asked him?’
‘No. When he’s with me and the boys, he’s happy getting stuck in to whatever task we’ve got going. I don’t want to bring up their problems. This is their respite from all that.’
Beth gently swiped a piece of dirt from his neck. ‘Perhaps the boys will talk if they feel the need. I know they trust you.’
His blue eyes were smiling right at her. ‘Thanks for joining in today.’
‘Truth be told, it helps me too.’ She glanced over at the lads eating their crisps. ‘It’s quite therapeutic.’
Spencer glanced at the clear sky. ‘That’s what I think about springtime.’
Beth giggled. ‘Probably because you’re a florist.’
Samuel approached, pushing Archie in his pram. ‘He’s asleep, so I’ll just pop him out back with Lottie.’
‘Thanks, Sam.’ Beth jogged over to Berry Blooms to open the door for him. She waved to Lottie inside, then headed back to help Spencer.
‘Are you coming camping with us, Miss Horton?’ asked Leo.
‘Oh no. I’ll be home with Archie.’
‘He can come,’ said Ryan.
Leo agreed. ‘He’s a Sunshine Superhero as well.’
It did seem they were part of the team now, but camping was Spencer’s time to bond more with the boys, so she declined.
‘Anyway, you’ll have Will with you, and from what I hear, he’s going to take you rock climbing while you’re there. How exciting is that?’
The children seemed pleased with their upcoming adventure. Spencer even more so. Beth felt she already missed him, which was silly. How on earth would she be when she finally went home if she was lost without him for a couple of nights?
Getting too dependent on him needed to stop. She’d always been the independent type, so this wasn’t good enough at all.
‘Well, good luck to you all, because Spencer snores,’ she added.
The boys started laughing while Spencer playfully frowned.
‘I do not,’ he told them.
Leo pulled his red cape up to his face. ‘We can hide under my shield if it gets too bad. It blocks out noise.’
‘Good to know,’ said Ryan, putting his empty crisp packet into a nearby mesh bin.
Beth went back to the flower tub she was working on, smiling at Spencer and the children talking anti-snoring remedies. It was obvious he was a caring person. He’d certainly stepped up for her.
I need to start pulling my weight around the house. I’m sleeping better, I have more strength, and I feel relaxed. Come on, Horton. Time to pull your sleeves up.
