‘I’ll do it.’ He stood on the chair to her side and fixed the garland back in place. ‘I just sorted a picture that had been knocked.’ He sat down and sipped his drink.
‘It is so busy, which is great for Ginny. I’m so pleased for her. She’s beyond happy.’
Spencer was pleased to see Beth so happy. ‘Here, let me hold him for a bit. Your arms must be aching by now.’
Beth chuckled. ‘He doesn’t want to be in the pram.’
‘Maybe he needs one where he can sit up and see the world. He loves looking around.’
‘His pram came with one of those seats. I’m not sure what age babies are when they move into that type.’
Spencer whipped out his phone as he placed Archie to his chest so the baby could see over his shoulder. ‘Let’s have a look.’
Beth drank some juice. ‘It would be nice for him to have a view when we go on walks.’
‘Here we go. Says here babies should stay in the carrycot prams until they’re around five to six months or can sit up unaided.’ He put the phone on the table and patted Archie’s padded bum. ‘That counts you out, matey.’
‘It won’t be long. And those pushchair seat units are quite padded, so we’ll see how he goes next month.’
Spencer glanced out the window. ‘It’ll be nice for him come summer.’
‘The parent and baby group go on daytrips in the summer.’
‘Do you think you’ll join them?’
‘Definitely, I’m looking forward to it. You can come too. We only have one dad who attends. He might be along later. I did invite them all, but I haven’t spotted anyone from the group yet.’
‘So, who is this dad?’
‘Edward. He’s really nice. A single parent. Not too sure of his story, but I think he’s rich. He’s always splashing out on his son. Can’t say I’ve ever seen little Lester in the same outfit twice.’ Beth glanced at the door as a man entered. ‘I’ll introduce you if he shows up. He’s so friendly. He’s asked us to come to his for a playdate.’
Spencer quirked an eyebrow.
I bet he did.
‘That’s nice of him.’
Beth nodded. ‘I told him I haven’t got time at the moment, what with the festival coming up and me trying to get the baby bank sorted. Ooh, that reminds me. Will you come to club with me next time? Everyone has agreed to donate something, and Edward has loads of new bits and pieces. I could do with a hand.’
Spencer unclenched his jaw before agreeing. ‘It’ll be nice to finally meet them.’
‘It’s been really good for me going there. Makes me feel normal.’
‘You are normal.’
Beth shrugged. ‘I used to think all the other parents had their lives sorted, and I was the only one doing a lousy job, but since talking with the group, I can see that’s not the case. We’re all in the same boat, tired and trying the best we can.’
He settled Archie across his chest and smiled down at the wide eyes peering his way. ‘You’re doing just fine, Beth.’
She reached over to stroke Archie’s fine hair. ‘Well, at least I haven’t had backache in a while.’
Spencer laughed. ‘That’s because I’m the one who carries the pram up and down the stairs.’
Beth grinned. ‘True.’ She settled back, sipping her drink. ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little house. Perhaps a garden. I would say it’s something I could work towards, but I haven’t even made a start on decorating my flat yet.’
‘Let me know when you want to, and I can help.’ He met her eyes and quickly added, ‘Not that there’s any rush. You know you’re welcome to stay at mine for as long as you want.’
‘I think Archie will spend a lot of time at yours when I go back to work. Mostly after his time at day care, as my hours are long.’
