AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Approaching the farmhouse, Sam talked about his parents, and how the cottage had been in his family for centuries. Their conversation broke as they entered the garden. It was very quiet, with most of the table cleared. No children were playing.
“Where are the kids?” Maya asked, frowning.
“Daisy wouldn’t go to bed, so they all agreed to go up as well, so she wouldn’t be missing out,” Heather said. She was sitting beside Tom and holding his hand.
“Even Chloe?” Sam asked.
“Even Amber?” Maya added.
Heather shrugged. “What can I say? They’re good kids. They’ve only just headed up. I told them to brush their teeth and not to wake Scarlett. To be honest, I think Joe whacked them out with the surfing.”
They looked at Joe, who was snoozing in a chair near the smouldering firepit, embers glowing.
“Looks like they’ve whacked him out too.” Sam chuckled.
“I’ve phoned to tell Rhianna he’s still here. She apologises for finishing late at her bistro and not being able to join us,” Rose said. “I’d best wake him.”
“I think I might go check on the kids, and go to bed myself,” Maya said. She placed her hand on Sam’s arm tenderly, but quickly withdrew it, worried it looked more affectionate than it was supposed to.
Sam nodded. “I might go check on Chloe too.”
Maya said goodnight to everyone and headed up to her room, Sam following behind.
“Thanks for a lovely evening,” she said, hovering outside her door, keeping her voice low.
“It was great to share it with you. What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Her heartrate spiked; she was suddenly aware she was standing in a softly lit hallway with a handsome man. The scent of smoke mixed with that beachy smell lingered on them both.
“Shall we see what the weather brings? Being by the coast, you never know what to expect,” Sam said, his voice soft. “That’s if you want to do something with us? You’re more than welcome. Chloe is enjoying Lewis and Amber’s company.”
“If you’re sure? I don’t want to encroach on your family time.”
“You’re not.” Sam stood close to her, so they could talk quietly.
Maya felt strangely drawn to him, like a moth to a light. “Okay, we’ll discuss it at breakfast.”
“See you tomorrow, Maya. Goodnight.” He smiled, hesitated, then ducked into Chloe’s room.
Closing her own bedroom door behind her, Maya breathed deeply, trying to clear her mind of thoughts of Sam and how first impressions could be so wrong. A bedside lamp lit up the room dimly. Both children were asleep. Not wanting to wake them, she crept softly around, getting ready for bed. She propped up the pillows and reached for her phone, typing a reply to Pierce. She updated him about her day but omitted the sunset stroll with Sam. Innocent as it may be, Pierce might not see it that way.
Maya opened her book but found it hard to concentrate. Her mind was too busy reflecting on the day. She’d enjoyed Sam’s company — and his family’s, of course. He was a good man. And attractive. But was he looking for a partner?
It would be a ridiculous idea to get involved with a dad from school. What if it went wrong? How would that affect Amber and Chloe? And would Maya be constantly comparing herself to Jade, his amazing wife?
And besides, she was going out with Pierce.
Sam checked on Chloe, who was sleeping soundly, her soft, regular breathing reassuring him she was having untroubled sleep. His mum had given Chloe one of her twin rooms. Her clothes were dumped in a heap on the other bed. Even asleep, she was the image of her mother. Chloe would always be a constant reminder of the love he held for Jade. It wasn’t wrong to feel something for someone else, was it? That is what Jade would have wanted for him, for him to move on. Not live life alone. Not at his age. But was it too soon?
Today had been wonderful, sharing time with Maya, getting to know her. He hoped he was forgiven for his abominable behaviour last year. He knew Maya was using online dating. But he had to be careful what knowledge about her he revealed, or else he’d have to disclose his anonymous profile on Find My HEA. He was too afraid to jeopardise their growing friendship. Maybe if he gave it time, it would turn to more than friendship naturally. Maybe he needed to be patient. He didn’t want to jump into something if he wasn’t ready either. He could ruin everything.
He kissed his daughter’s forehead, then left the room, shutting it softly behind him. Even though he longed for his bed, his bones feeling heavy and it was an effort to put one foot in front of the other, he still decided to spend another half an hour with his family before retiring for the evening. Before he knew it, the weekend would be over, and he’d be having to head back home.
