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Eating out on the patio as the sun went down felt magical, and Beth tried her best not to dwell on the fact that it was the last time she’d be with these wonderful people for a while. Ellie was in her element amid the bustle of the family meal, especially when Kit and Noah ran around the garden with her after dinner. It was hard to say who enjoyed the water fight the most.
When Kit and Noah ran out of energy and moved back to the table, Beth took Ellie upstairs to get her pyjamas on, promising her she could stay up a little longer once she was ready for bed.
As it was, she curled up on Beth’s lap when they re-joined the others and her eyelids drooped to the hum of easy conversation.
“I think you need to go to bed,” Beth said eventually.
Ellie opened her mouth wide to yawn. “I’m not tired.”
“Iam,” Kit said, stretching his arms above his head, then giving Seren a gentle nudge. “We should get off.”
“We’ll go too,” Keira said, smiling at Beth. “Let you get her settled.”
Emotions bubbled in Beth’s chest and she was amazed she made it through all the hugs without crying, especially when she got to Kit and quietly thanked him for all he’d done to make their summer so special. As she watched the four of them file off across the garden, she hoped it wouldn’t be long before she’d see them again.
“Now, it’s really time for bed.” Beth took Ellie’s hand but she didn’t budge.
“Can Trystan read my bedtime story?”
He was out of his chair in an instant. “I’d love to.”
“Can you carry me?” She raised her arms, then settled her head on his shoulder once he’d lifted her up.
Beth smiled as she watched them go inside, then took a seat again.
“You two are going to be missed around here,” Mirren said.
“Don’t make me cry.” Beth put a hand over her heart and fought off tears. “I can’t believe how fast the summer has gone. We’ve loved every minute of it thanks to you and your wonderful family.”
“I’ve loved having you.” Mirren looked a little choked up too. “You know you’re welcome back anytime, don’t you?”
“Thank you.” She gazed out at the view, which had become so familiar. With the sun low on the horizon, everything was bathed in a warm orange glow. “I should settle the bill so I don’t have to think about that in the morning. I’ll grab my credit card now.”
Mirren gave a discreet shake of the head. “Don’t bother.”
“Would you rather do it tomorrow?”
“No. I’d rather we forget all about it. I’ve enjoyed having you here far too much to take your money.”
“Don’t be silly,” Beth said, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. “Of course I have to pay you.”
“You and Ellie feel like family. How can I take your money?”
“You’re running a business,” Beth said. “We’ve been here for the entire summer.Andyou’ve done so much for us.”
“The two of you have brightened up my days. I’d keep you for longer if I could. And I’ve loved seeing Trystan so relaxed. That’s all your doing.”
“I imagine Trystan’s always pretty relaxed.”
Mirren bobbed her head. “Yes and no. Since his dad died he’s been coasting a bit. The issue with Lowen has been difficult for him – I’m sure he’s talked to you about that – and his break up with Jenny wasn’t easy. I’d expected him to spend the summer putting on a brave face, but he’s been happier than I’ve seen him in a long time.”
“He makes me happy too.” Beth glanced up at the window, imagining him settling Ellie down for the night. “I just don’t know where we’ll go from here.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
“I’m terrified of how much I’m going to miss him,” she said, while Mirren filled up their wine glasses to polish off the bottle.
“I’m certain he’ll be keen to keep in touch. London isn’t so far from Devon.”
