‘Don’t worry about him,’ said Lottie. ‘He’s got all the love in the world around him, and my aunt used to say that’s all kids need.’ She manoeuvred her electric wheelchair over to Archie. ‘Maybe we should put him in the living room, out of the way while we decorate,’ she whispered. ‘He’s asleep.’
‘I’ll do it,’ said Alice, looking at Beth for approval.
Beth nodded, and Alice wheeled the pram off to the cosy living room, leaving the door ajar.
Everyone made a start on their tasks, but Ginny took Beth’s arm and guided her to the back door. ‘Here, let me show you the chicken coop first. I’m going to get more rescue animals once the baby’s here. It was always the plan.’
Beth inhaled the fresh day as she headed over to the pen. ‘It’s beautiful here.’ The green fields stretched far and wide, drawing her in even more. Oh, how she would love to flick off her shoes and run through the grass, spin in circles, and jump for joy. ‘It makes me feel free.’ She frowned at herself, then glanced at Ginny. ‘Does that even make sense?’
Ginny smiled, gazing out at the view. ‘Yep. Gets me every time, and I used to have a sea view. Wouldn’t get me moving from here. Not now. I’m looking forward to it being more of a rescue farm.’ She pointed to one side. ‘Got a large outhouse over there, and a smaller one just behind. We’ve not figured out what to do with those yet, but whatever comes of this place, it will be farm vibes only.’
‘It’s relaxing just standing here.’
‘Will says that. He loves our home just as much as me.’
Beth turned to smile. ‘I’m glad you’re happy.’
Ginny nudged her elbow. ‘Wasn’t always that way, so don’t feel too bad if you find yourself treading water for a while. We’ve all been there at some point.’
Apart from the pregnancy problem, Beth realized she hadn’t had much in the way of treading water during her life. Perhaps Ginny was right, and everyone had to have a turn of doom and gloom. She gazed once more at the acres before her. Jan did tell her to simply look at the bad times as chapters, rather than the whole story.
‘It’s not always easy turning the page, is it?’ she found herself saying out loud.
Ginny smiled warmly. ‘No, but look what can happen if you do.’ Her arms splayed to the scene before them. ‘I never thought I’d find such peace in my life, Beth, but I did. You have to look at people who go from doom and gloom to their own happy farm and know it’s doable. The ones that walk before you, show you the way.’
Beth raised her chin. It was time she started building a life she wanted. Happy Farm had inspired her no end. ‘Thanks, Gin.’
‘That’s what friends are for, chick.’
A wave of warmth filled Beth. She hadn’t just found Spencer, she’d discovered a whole village of friendship, and for that she was grateful.
Chapter 23
Spencer
The six-metre rock face only seemed to intimidate Jax, as Ryan and Leo were raring to go.
‘This is the beginners’ route,’ said Will, standing at the bottom, holding his rope with the guide, Graham.
‘How do I know where to climb?’ Jax asked Will, gazing up.
Graham guided him to a large boulder and pointed at a crevasse. ‘You have to figure it out as you go. Give it a try, and don’t worry about falling. You’re secure.’
Spencer motioned towards a wide crack. ‘Step in that, Jax. Looks like a good start.’
Jax did as he was instructed, and everyone watched as the boy quietly navigated his journey, with the odd tip called out from Graham.
Spencer turned to Leo and Ryan. ‘Hear that? Push up with your legs.’
Leo was concentrating on Jax. ‘I’m just going to follow him.’
Will chuckled. ‘And are you going to abseil back down if Jax doesn’t?’
Leo shrugged, trying to place a piece of his cape in his mouth, which was proving a task, seeing how his clothing had been secured so nothing would obstruct him during his climb. ‘I’m going to do it.’
‘Don’t worry if you change your mind once up top,’ said Will. ‘It looks different from that angle.’
Spencer double-checked Leo’s cape was tucked in. There was no way the kid was removing his emotional support item of clothing, so stopping it from flapping was the next best thing.
