He did as he was told.
‘Now, stiffen your legs and release. Think about the difference.’ She waited a beat, then tried not to giggle as she told him to clench his bum. ‘Now tighten your stomach . . . And relax. Note the way your body feels when relaxed.’
Spencer’s chest lifted and fell steadily as he continued to tighten parts of his body and then relax them.
‘Clench your fists,’ she said quietly, trying to make her voice sound soothing. ‘Now, your shoulders.’
He rolled his neck from side to side before stretching his mouth and scrunching his eyes, as instructed.
Beth continued to say the same thing over and over, reminding him to take note of the difference in tension and relaxation. There was something else she wanted to try while he was settled. It was something Lola had taught her at the parent and baby club. ‘Spencer, is it okay if I touch your face now?’ she asked quietly.
A slow smile appeared along with a consenting groan.
Beth crawled over to his head so she was looking down at him from behind. She placed her fingertips on his eyebrows and lightly massaged around the area before moving to his temples.
Spencer grumbled his approval.
Part of her wanted to lean over and kiss his head, but she told herself off for the thought and carried on massaging his cheekbones.
‘Beth,’ he mumbled. ‘I feel better, thank you.’
She removed her fingers and stared at his face for a moment.
‘I’m just going to rest here for a bit,’ he added. ‘Please, eat your dinner.’
‘Okay. I’ll put yours in the fridge.’ She got up to do that, then went to check on Archie before turning back to Spencer. They were both sleeping, so she covered Spencer with the blanket, took Archie to his cot, then sat and had her dinner alone. Only, she didn’t feel alone. She felt part of something wonderful. A family.
Chapter 25
Spencer
Ginny’s Tearoom was officially open and half of Port Berry were in and out all day for the grand opening. Alice stood on the pavement outside with Will handing out mini cupcake samples to anyone passing by, Matt was cleaning tables with Sophie, and Robson had joined in with Ginny’s staff serving hot beverages.
Spencer sat by one of the windows, Beth and Archie to his side. He smoothed over the boat print tablecloth, scooping some blueberry muffin crumbs into his palm. He hadn’t had much appetite all morning, but the sweet treat was hard to resist, plus Beth seemed keen for him to eat something.
Beth bobbed a pale-blue balloon attached to the table, pulling it down so Archie could see. She was laughing at his little mouth opening every time it came close. ‘I’m sure he thinks everything is food.’
Spencer rested back against the exposed brick wall and gazed out at the sea across the road from the tea shop. The pier looked empty, and the waves calm enough. All the seagulls had got wind of the cakes on offer, one of them diving in on Alice and the tray in her hands. He had to laugh as she squealed while Will waved the bird away. He gazed back at the tablecloth.
‘Why don’t we get your face painted?’ suggested Beth, and when Spencer looked up, he realized she was talking to him.
‘That’s for the kids.’
‘Nonsense. Matt has sparkles across his nose, and I saw a star on Will’s forehead. I’m not sure about Ginny’s rosy cheeks, as they look real.’ She laughed, gazing around the light and airy tearoom. ‘But look, Sophie’s having her face painted now.’
He wasn’t quite sure why Sophie wanted a zebra face, but he knew he didn’t want one. ‘Get yourself a rainbow or something.’ He gestured at a boy who had one on each cheek.
‘Ooh, no. What if I get a rash?’
Spencer frowned. ‘What ifIget a rash?’
Beth giggled. ‘We’ll cover it up with more face paint.’ She stood, taking Archie with her. ‘I’m just going to show him the seagulls.’
‘Mind they don’t take off with him. They’re on form today.’ He followed her to the opened door.
Bonnie approached with Leo. ‘Oh, this place looks so quaint,’ she said, staring up at the pretty cursive sign.
Leo was busy perusing what was on offer on Will’s tray. ‘How many am I allowed?’
