Page 118 of In at the Deep End

Owen hesitated. “I haven’t ridden her in years.”

“Exactly.”

Matt gazed at him hopefully. “I’d like that.”

Owen met his eyes. “So would I.”

Cyn looked from Owen to Matt, the faintest smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Will one of you pour the tea, or do I have to expire from caffeine deprivation?” she asked in a dry tone.

Callum inclined his head towards her. “Ignore her. She hasn’t had a cup since we left home.”

Owen snickered and reached for the teapot.

“Let me just finish digging up that shrub and I’ll be ready for some tea.” Matt headed up the steps to the lawn.

“I’ll give you a hand.” Callum followed.

“I’m glad they get on well,” Owen murmured.

“Take him to the island,” Cyn said, her voice quiet.

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

She shook her head. “Take him because you want to show him somewhere you love.” She paused. “That’s a very different thing.”

Owen looked down at his cup. “I haven’t been back since Ben.”

“I know.” Then Cyn cocked her head, her gaze suddenly more searching. “Promise me something?”

“What?”

She hesitated for a second or two. “Don’t stop making new memories just because the old ones were wonderful.” She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Ben wouldn’t want that.”

Owen’s throat tightened, but he didn’t say a word.

He knew she was right.

Cyn stared at the garden. “This place is good for you.” She smiled. “I haven’t seen you this happy in a very long time.”

Owen had the uncomfortable feeling she understood far more than she was letting on.

Cyn waved from the pillion seat as Callum rode the bike out of the driveway, and Owen waved back. Then he went inside, heading for the garden.

Matt wandered in through the patio doors, wiping his hands on the back of his shorts.

“They’ve gone?”

“Yep.”

He looked Owen up and down. “Does this mean I get your attention again?”

Owen laughed. “You’ve had it all afternoon.”

“Not all of it. Although you did appear distracted at times.”

He grinned. “I lay the blame for that entirely on your shorts.”