‘Jan says I’m healing now. That’s what I have to focus on. If I keep going over it, I’ll just stress and make myself worse.’
Spencer turned, facing her full on. ‘It’s not easy healing when you have a lot going on.’
‘You mean Archie?’
He nodded. ‘Newborns are hard work. Plus, I heard you moved home recently. It’s a lot.’
Tell me about it!
Beth twiddled with the blanket. ‘I’m just glad I know what I’m dealing with now, and that I have help.’
‘You’ve got me too.’ His expression was serious, only his eyes showing a gentleness about them.
‘I thought you would hate me.’
Spencer reached for a piece of the blanket, and she wasn’t sure if he was going to hold her hand but had decided against it at the last second. ‘I don’t hate you, Beth.’
Chapter 11
Spencer
It was shocking to hear what had happened to Beth during the last stage of her pregnancy. The frustration of not being there to help was sitting heavy on Spencer. He was sure with the right frame of mind she would have been able to navigate the situation better. Had he known, he would have asked a ton of questions, and got her the best care.
Beth seemed a little more comfortable in his presence now. She was still clutching one of Archie’s blankets to her lap, and he wondered if she would up and leave any moment, taking his son with her.
The time spent with Archie was short, but it had been enjoyable, and even the baby had settled. Spencer wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He liked having his son around all the time.
‘Let me get you that tea,’ he suggested, removing himself from her big chocolate eyes. He pottered around in the kitchen as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb Archie, glad of a moment without needing to fill the space between him and Beth, then handed her the tea and sat back down.
‘Thanks,’ she said softly.
‘So what now?’ he asked, needing to get it off his chest. ‘How do you want to play this?’ He flapped one hand between them. ‘You and me?’
She was hiding her face in the cream mug. ‘I, erm, I’m not sure.’
‘Do you want me to look after Archie for a bit longer?’ He hoped she’d say yes, as he wanted time to bond.
Those dark eyes were on him again. He could see the sadness sitting there. ‘I’m not sure. It was nice having a break, but at the same time, it felt strange not having him around.’ She breathedout a small laugh. ‘I’m not sure if I can get much rest. When he was here, I was still worried about him.’
‘That’s understandable. But I want you to know he’s in good hands. Even my sister came to help with her partner.’
Beth smiled. It was weak, but a smile all the same. ‘You could be Mary Poppins, and I’d still worry. I can’t help it. I overthink and imagine all sorts of things going wrong. Jan said I won’t always feel this way.’
Spencer took a mouthful of tea, not really wanting it, but it gave him time to think. The last thing he wanted was to say something that had the potential to make matters worse. She’d been through enough, and Jan was right, Beth needed respite.
‘I’m surprised you haven’t asked the big question,’ she said, pulling his attention back.
‘What’s that?’
‘If he’s really yours.’
Spencer glanced at the pram. ‘He looks like my little sister. Besides, I’d still help you and Archie if you needed it.’
‘You’re one of life’s helpers, aren’t you?’ Her soft smile widened. ‘I looked you up. Saw you and your sister on your shop’s website.’
‘We all need help from time to time.’ It wasn’t something he wanted to focus on. He liked helping people. It wasn’t a big deal.
Beth leaned towards him. ‘I want you to know Archie’s definitely your son. The last person I slept with before you was over two years before, and there was no one after. Now I’ve had more time to study your face, I can see he favours your side of the family.’
