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“Those are the self-catering cottages?” Steph looked at the plans for the cottages. “They look wonderful.”
“There are two of each type, which are bachelor, one, and two bedrooms,” Tom showed her. “Then this one will go on the side of the hotel and is the family unit with three bedrooms. But it won’t be a single story so that it won’t cause privacy problems with your house next door.”
“My house is quite a distance from the hotel.” Steph looked to where the cottage was going to be built. “So even if it did go up another story, how our house is built means it won’t encroach on our privacy.”
“Your mother insists they are all single stories.” Tom eyed the grounds with a critical eye. “The renovations of your house are finally moving ahead.”
“Yes, barring any more freak storms.” Steph shook her head and glanced toward her house.
Her heart longed to move back. She loved being with her family, but having her own space was nice. Her kids also missed their home, and she knew Max was starting to get restless. Steph bit her lip in contemplation of her and Max’s future. If they even had a future. A twinge zinged through her heart as she thought of the baby growing inside her. She didn’t want Max to feel obligated to stay with her now that she was pregnant.
Steph gave herself a mental shake as panic started creeping up on her, and her heart started to pound while breathing became difficult.
“Steph!” Tom’s words sliced through her thoughts. He shoved the plans beneath his arm and reached toward her. “Breathe.” His strong hands clasped around her upper arms, and he looked at her. “You’re having a panic attack.” His voice was gentle. “Take a breath in.” He sucked in a deep breath, and Steph followed his lead. “Now, slowly let it out.”
They did that a few times before the dizziness from her hyperventilating passed, and she could breathe again.
“Here, sit.” Tom gently pulled her into a sitting position alongside him on the grass. “Take a few minutes.”
Steph crossed her legs, closed her eyes, and cleared her mind of all thoughts. After a few minutes, the world righted itself again, and she felt more relaxed. Steph slowly opened her eyes, meeting Tom’s concerned ones.
“How are you feeling?” Tom’s voice was soft.
“Much better,” Steph admitted. “Again, I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I seem to be dumping all my woes on you today.”
“Hey, it’s fine,” Tom assured her. “I’m just glad I could help.”
“I’ve just realized that I haven’t ever sat on this lawn in all my years.” Steph looked around.
“Then you’ve missed out,” Tom teased. “This exact spot has the best view.”
“I see that.” Steph’s smile broadened as she looked toward the ocean. “I know you’re joking, but this spot does have a great view of the beach and ocean.”
“It does,” Tom agreed. “This time of the morning, it’s also quite peaceful.”
“I think this is the perfect spot for the family unit.” Steph looked at Tom. “I think the cottage should have a nice deck so the family renting it can have family meals on it.”
“That’s a good idea.” Tom looked at her, impressed. “I should’ve thought of that.”
“I can imagine it.” Steph used her hands to envision it. “A wooden deck that is partly covered.” She turned her head. “It could maybe wrap around too so the occupants could have sun loungers on the side to sunbathe.”
“I can picture that.” Tom nodded. “It would be awesome with a jacuzzi.”
“Ooh, we could also rent it as a luxury cottage.” Steph grinned as the ideas started to flow. “I’ll speak to my mother about it.”
“Really?” Tom asked. “That would be great.”
“Even if it’s just a small splash pool if we can’t get a jacuzzi.” Steph rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “The only thing about having anything like a jacuzzi or splash pool is we’d need to childproof it.”
“Agreed.” Tom nodded and was jotting points down on a small notepad he’d pulled out of the pocket of his jeans. “If you’re serious about it, I’ll start putting some costs together so you can put them forward to your mother.”
“Yes, I am.” Steph nodded. “We’ve been asked for self-catering units with a jacuzzi or splash pool.” She looked at the ocean stretching out in front of them. “Not everyone likes to swim in the sea.”
“They don’t know what they’re missing.” Tom gazed in the same direction as Steph. “I love the sea.”
“Do you surf?” Steph asked him.
“Yes.” Tom nodded. “I often surf with your sons.”
