Page 80 of Return to the Waratah Inn

“That’s right.”

“And her name was Edie?”

“Edie and Paul Summer. They were my best friends.”

Together they watched Reeda’s three foster children set up a game of hide-and-seek. Kate held Noah in a cloth carrier against her chest. She bounced gently on her toes as she talked to her sisters in the shade of the Waratah bushes.

Suddenly he spoke up in a quiet voice. “One thing I don’t understand about this whole situation — why they took me away from you? It doesn’t make sense. Why not let you raise your own child?”

Mima sighed. She’d pondered this question herself countless times since the TV show. “I’m sure they didn’t think I could do it.”

“So, instead of waiting to see if you could manage, or if you’d find someone to help you through the hard times, they took me away?” He shook his head. “It’s so unfair.”

Mima felt empty inside. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

He reached out a hand and took hers, squeezing it. “It’s not your fault.”

“I already told you this, but I’ll say it again—I wanted you so desperately. I loved you more than you can ever imagine. And I wish with all my heart I’d gotten to be there for you as you grew into this incredible man in front of me. I’m really proud of you, love.”

He blinked. “Thanks, Mum. I wanted you in my life, too.” His voice broke, and he released her hand to cover his eyes. Then he shook it off and inhaled a deep breath before meeting her gaze. “I had a good childhood. So, don’t feel too bad for me. I did okay.”

“You did more than okay.”

He hesitated, looking out over the garden at the children chasing each other around with squeals of delight. “I thought I might buy a place down this way, spend some time here, get to know you better, and everyone else as well. Would that be okay with you?”

“That would be a dream come true. I would love it.”

“Great. I’ll look into that, then. It’ll be good to be closer so we can spend some time together. I’m planning on doing some travel next year, but for now, I’d like to be down this way and see you as often as I can.”

“We have a lot of catching up to do,” Mima agreed.

Chapter Forty-Four

February 1998

Cabarita Beach

As Kate walked along the shoreline, she smiled at the sight of baby Noah nestled against Alex’s chest in the baby carrier. Alex looked happy and healthy, with a deep tan after a long summer of surfing, swimming and taking guests horse riding at the inn. The school term was well underway, and yet he’d become more of an attentive and active father over the past couple of weeks.

“Is he sleeping?” she asked.

Alex looked down at the baby, then nodded. “His eyes are shut, so I think so.”

“He likes the sound of the waves.”

“And he seems to really enjoy going for walks. I’ve been taking him out around the neighbourhood while you’re sleeping.”

Tenderness surged through her heart. “I think he looks like you,” she said.

“Yeah, he’s definitely got my nose. But he’s going to have your hair. It’s already dark.”

“Maybe. I guess we’ll see.”

“Will you go back to work at the inn?” Alex asked. “No pressure. I’m only wondering.”

“Not for a while yet. I’ve taken six months of leave, although I always end up there for paperwork at some point during the week. Even when I do go back, it won’t be full-time.”

“I think that’s a good approach,” Alex replied. “This whole newborn phase is harder than I’d imagined it would be, especially on you. But also, I miss the time we used to have together.”